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Otago Daily Times, Issue 13518, 15 February 1906, Page 7

In order that our-readers may lie in <i position to understand ths dispute which at present, exists in iho local clothing trade with respect to under-rato wages -under the new award, wo publish on page 2 statements obtained by our reporters from representatives of the Tziloresses' Union, slid also the manufacturers' side of the v case. Tiio inspectors of Iho Labour Department, sr« now inquiring into the whole matter, cost will submit a report to the Minister for Labour. A Wellington telegram states that a Quzetlo Extraordinary wa.s issued last night further proroguing the General Assembly until April 12. Tli» inclement weather experienced yes-•ter-dfty damped the ardour of several picnic parties. Amongst those postponed were ijle Union Street School excursion to Warrington, the wachmakers and jewellers' picnic at Outram Glen, the hairdressers at Quarantine Island, and the Lawrence Ercsbytcrian Sunday Scliool picnic at 3lpunt- Stuart, Amongst thoso who braved the elements were the Kaitangafa School children, who went to Matuura. Less than halt tile usual numbsr ventured forth, however. The drapers' picnio was fixed for yesteruay also, and it was anticipated that 600 would be present, Some 200 turned up, and it was decided not to postpone the event, and t-hoy accordingly went out to Qutram as arranged. A largo hall was engaged, and those present had a right merry time with improvised games and sports of various kinds, In the afternoon Ut© weather, cloatcd, and tho party reaohed tQaui under much more favourable weather oMiditions than when they- set out. Hisj Kscollency. Rear-admiral Sir Wilmot Pa,-,vies, in command of the Australian siatiou, will visit Diuwdiu shortly in H.M.S. pHallenger. Steps arc fiein» taken by the Eavy League to, give liis Bxcellenoy a ' sutaalo welcome. Admiral Fawkes is to officially visit the opal measures at Westport anil Greymouth, 'ind report on fhem to the Lords of the Admiralty. Ho and his principal officers villi be. taken there in the s.s. Tutanekai, Arbitration Gourt yesterday delivered $5 award in tho teaman's dispute, which iroently engaged i(js attention ja this oily far a lengthy-period In the plain the Award repeats the T;rovjcio;:s of the last award made between its parties. The M && f». to w**

wcro an incrcaso of 10s a month in wages, an. increase of 6d per hour in tho overtime rate, and tho granting of preference to members of the union. Tile majority of tho court did not think that any substantially different circumstances wore shown to have arisen since the last award justifying an increase of wages. As to preference, the majority of the court thought that the matler stood on tho same footing a 6 on the former occasions when it was asked for and refused, and did not see grounds for departing from those decisions. Mr Slater dissented from the decision of tho majority in these and other questions. Tho court has been unable so far ta complete the awards which are to bo filed in the Wellington and Auckland districts. Their awards dealing with local conditions will lw filed at the earliest possible date next month. The Governor, Lord Plunket, is evidently, if we may say so without im. pertinence (remarks tho Ilawera Star), a sensible man. Referring to a proposal to banquet him at Stratford, ho has written through his secretary to say that "whilst the (governor would have much pleasure in accepting this hospitality, he wonders whether an informsfl convsrsaziouo would not he easier for your committee to arrange, and which would suit his Excellency equally well. The only object the Governor has in asking the Mayor to consider this is I hat it would give his Excellency tho opportunity of making the personal acquaintance of considerably more of your citizens and neighbours than could be done at. a banquet. A rough idea of what lias been done with success at oilier towns is as follows:—A notice put in the local paper that, a conversazione would be held to meet the. Governor; evening dress not compulsory, admission tickets to be as moderate as possible, and the food very pimple, say tea and cakes. All that is required is the largest hall available, and as many people in it as will leave room for the Governor Mo pass about making acquaintances during the evening. A little music from local amateurs, and during the evening: a short speech of welcome, replied to by his Excellency. Hours, say, 8 fo 10. The Governor wishes me to emphasise that he only mentions this alternative to the banquet bceauFO he has found it successful elsewhere, and popular amongst numbers of people, such as ladies, old settlers, country people, etc., ydio could not have been present at a banquet. If the latter is preferred by the Maypr and coiumittoo his Excellency will,, ho delighted to fall in with their wishes, and has not the least desire to press tho point." Owing to the very heavy sea running at jhe Heads yesterday morning the Government steamer Ellen Ball-ince could not cross the bar, thus necessitating a further postponement of the big gun shooting at the Central Battery. This was particularly disappointing to the Navals- Company, especially as all the mcnV cmploj-ers had freely given tho half-holiday asked for, in some cases paying the wages of their men. The shooting will now probably tako place either in the early morning or in the evening of this week. The company proceed to (he Heads on Saturday to fire the scries from tho guns at that station. Mr J. C. Blackmore, Government pomologist, who has returned to Christchurcli from a 15 days' visit to West-land, informs the Press that extensive damage has been caused to potatoes on the Coast through the Irish or late blight. For some time the Coast had been experiencing a spell of wot weather, and this has been most favourable to the " late " blight. The result is that where spraying was not commenccd in advaree of the disease crops have been practically ruined, and this applies to the whole of the country south of Grcymouth. A somewhat similar state of things, with .1 few exceptions, obtains in the various districts situated between Grcymouth and Itcefton, Indeed, such wcll-kno.wn varieties as "Up fo dale" and "Northern Star," which are considered almost "blight-proof, have fiillen a prey to the milder disease known as "early" blight. Mr Blackmore was 'oiable lo find anyone who had saved his crop by spraying after the fate blight had made its appearance. On the other nand. several growers informed liitn thai they had obtained successful results through spraying in advance of the disease. A strange adventure was experienced b.v a Carterton lady a day or two ago, relates the Wairarapa. Observer. She and a nephew drove up the Maungalarcre Valley, and tho lady remained in the gig by the roadside, while the young man made a. few ciists of his lino for (rout in the stream. While wailing and contemplating the scenery (Im lady's attention was presently drawn lo a strange-looking animal crossing tho road. It had a very long body, cars lliat, touched the ground, and a shiny, close-haired, dark skin. It was unlike anything she had et'er seen, and she watchcd it curiously and with tome littlo trepidation. It got through the fence 011 the side of the road, mounted some split battens which lay there, and proceeded to rctiiirn the lady's gaze. To do this more effectually i( reared itself up 011 its hind legs, and in this position fixed ils eyes steadily on the stranger. Tho lady presently began flicking at it with her whip, when it suddenly dropped 011 all fours, crawled back through tho fence, and leaped at the gig. It missed its jump, and the lady screamed for help. Again it tried to leap info (lie trap, and its silent determination and gleaming eyes made the now fully alarmed occupant of . the vehicle scream louder than ever. The animal Ibis time 1 jumped upon the slop of the gig and was struggling to make good ils footing, when Hie young man, attracted by his aunt's cries, came running up lo her assistance. This disturbed her assailant, which dropped to tint road pnd shuffled inlo a drain near by. The nephew pursued it, but it disappeared in some timber, and was seen no more. The occurrence was reported to some settlers in (he neighbourhood, and Mr Hooker has promised to keep a sharp look-out and secure the sti'apge quadruped, if possible. The City Council held ft special meeting prior to its ordinary meeting last night for the purpose of electing two representatives 011 the Board of Management of tho Technical School. The retiring members were Cr Scott and Mr T. Christie (exMayor) and both these gentlemen were nominated, as well as Cr Walker.- A ballot was taken, resulting in Cr Scott receiving 12 votes, and Cr Walker and Mr Christie six votes each. The Mayor gave his casting vote in favour of Cr Walker, and declared Crs Scott and Walker elected. There was considerable discussion at last night's meeting of the City Council on the question of the future . •nanagemcnt of the tramways. The Tramways Committee recommended that Noyes Bros, be engaged for a further term of six months at their present rato of remuneration of £500 a year. An amendment was moved that Noyes Bros, re-engagemcnt bo during the pleasure of the council. The pros and cons of the question were fully commented upon by councillors, and after the vote .'was taken the present managers—Messrs Noyes Bros.—were given a further half-year's tenure of office. The annual meeting of the Law Society for the district of Otago was hold at the Supreme Court Library 011 Friday last, when tho following office-bearers were duly elected:—President, Mr J. F, M, Eraser; vice-president, Mr J. O. Stephens; members of council—Messrs ,1. H. Hosking, A. C. H-anlon, P. J. Stilling, A. A. Finch, Spencer Brent, F. Calvert, and J. A. Cook; hon. treasurer, Mr F. J. Stilling; secretary, Mr W. ll'. M'Kcay. Several questions of interest to the profession were discussed, and a vote of thanks to the retiring president (Mr ,T. H. Hosking) for his valuable services during his term of office was unanimously accorded. The Conciliation Board meeting to hear the plumbers' dispute on the 21st inst, will b» adjourned till Monday, the 26th, at 11 o'ojoelv

Mr Robert Alexander Farquluirson, B.Sc., of Otago University; who was awarded the third Rhodes Scholarship for New Zealand on the Bth inst., has scored another success, intimation having been received, that he has won the 1851 Exhibition Science Scholarship allotted to the New Zealand University. The members of tho Arbitration Court leave this morning for Christchurcli, 011 their way to Grcymouth, where they will hear a coal miners' dispute* and a wharf labourers' dispute, as well as two or three breaches of awards. Subsequently - the court proceeds to Westport, Nelson, and Blenheim before reaching Wellington. The case of Wliyte v. tlie Borough of Mornington was called at the Supreme Court yesterday morning, when Mr Stephens stated that it had been settled. Mr Wocdhouse mentioned tho case of Shepherd v. Wilkie and Co., an action by plaintiff to recover damages or compensation for injury sustained while working in defendants' employ, and said that there was every prospect, of ils being settled: it was a jury case, and was fixed for hearing not beforo to-day. His Honor fixed the case for hearing at 10.30 on Friday morning, and jurors wore discharged until that time. Cases I hat come bolore his Honor Mr Justice Cooper to-day aro M'lntyre v. Drake and another (a dispute over a freehold purchase at North.East Valley), and Farrell v. Cumniings (a claim for £100 'damages for alleged false and malicious publication). The heavy rains in the Lawrence district caused a couple of washouts on the Lawrence line—one at the 'Forsyth and the other at the Johnston station,—causing the down train (0 he delayed about an hour. The damage done was comparatively slight, and repairs lo (lie line were quickly effected. At the annual meeting of the Wcstport Coal Company yesterday afternoon the general manager (Mr O. Joachim) mentioned four lots of expenditure which give some indication of tho magnitude of tho company's uudertaikiugs. During the past year £132,0£0 was paid away in wages, £99,473 to the Government for haulage, royalty, rates, and taxes, £96,951 for freights to local carriers and £18,000 for stores. Speaking at the City Council last evening with reference to the Free Public Library, tho Mayor pointed out that the additional cost of £775, which the Finance Committee recommended should he authorised in that connection, was lo meet the cost of raising the building some sft or 6ft. and a few other alterations thought desirable. In the original plan the floor of the main hall was sft or 6ft below the level of tho street, so that the alteration in question would put it 011 a level with the street. ( However, tenders would bo advertised for, and if it were found that the building would exceed too much tho amount originally specified, the committee would quite possibly ugain go into tho mailer, and have the internal arrangements modified. The council adopted the report with its recommendation. Questioned as 1.0 the origin and character of the disturbance in the weather, tho effect of which has been fell, from Capo Maria to the Bluff, Captain Edwin, according to the Now Zealand Times, states that tho disturbance, which is cyclonic, is of huge proportions, spreading out so as to encompass the whole colony. It appears to have swooped down on New Zealand (the centre moving along at a rato of about '240 miles in 24 hours) from the north-west, and passed over Norfolk Island. Tho vortex of tho disturbance was about 100 miles to tho northward of East Capo 011 Saturday morning, and was moving away from the colony in a south-easterly course. Caplain Edwin explains that, 'although tho weal her was fine 011 the West Coast, tho effect, of the disturbance was manifest, but tho highlands lo the eastward intercepted the rains which prevailed in the isobars of our cyclonic visitor. The notice fixing the closing hours of shops in the Borough of Port Chalmers under Iho Shops "and Ofiiccs Act has just, been gazetted. A requisition in writing, signed by a majority of th" occupiers of all the shops in the Borough of Port Chalmers, was forwarded lo the Minister of Labour desiring that all shops ill I lie district should be closed at 6 o'clock p.m. 011 •Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, at. 9.30 p.m. en Saturdays, and at 1 p.m. 011 Wednesdays. The Port Chalmers Borough Council certified that the signatures to the requisition represented a majority of the occupiers of all the shops within the borough. Tho Minister therefore has directed that from the 19th February, 1906, all mops ip. the Borough of Port Chalmers shall be closed in accordance wilh tho requisition. Iti- Truby King is continuing his selfimposed lassk of imparling iiiMrnrlion con(orning the proper feeding of infants. lie will lecture on this subject at 2.30 tomorrow afternoon in St. Mary's Schoolroom, Mornington. Dr King treats his subject in an interesting manner, and there should bo a largo attendance on tho occasion. The executive of tho Dunedin and Suburban School Committees' Association had a conference yesterday afternoon with l)r J. SI. Clair Gtinn, of Kaikoura, upon the subject of schoolroom furniture, in which lhat gentleman takes a deep interest. Dr Gunu strongly advocates the introduction in the schools of the colony of single adjustable desks, so that the height of the desk may he adjusted lo the size of the pupil sealed at it. lie says that where 10 or 12 children are seated at an ordinary school desk the eyes of a number of them will, owing (0 lite differences of the focus of children of the saino age, be entirely out of focus, with the prohsble result that myopia, or short-sightedness, inay be produced in thorn. There is. in his opinion, 110 more common way in which myopia i 6 caused. Moreover, in order to acquire a focus, a child ha.s to stoop, this involving a strain on the spine. Then, he strongly condemns Ihc absence of back-rests to <kekfl, and he regards it as a very suggestive circumstance that spinal curvature enormously increases after the school-going age. The objections to tho introduction of single desks with back-rcsts for pupils are, he recognises, the oxpense of reseating the schools, and the additional expense of providing, the extra accommodation that would be -necessary. He argues, however, that in a question affecting the health of the children, affecting their eyesight, and therefore affecting the future of the race, the public would not hesitate over the cost. Plenty of monoy, ho observes, is ainnuallv spent, on less worthy objects. The thanks of the executive of the association were heartily accorded to Dr Gunn for tho information afforded by him. Mr John Jaques, Government canning expert, passed through Dunsdin yesterday on his way to Roxburgh and Otago Central. Mr Jacques has recently returned from a tour in the far north of Auckland province, being very favourably impressed with the forward movement thero in favour of canning factories. Peaches were excellent, aleo pears, but both crops were said to he somewhat small and late also. Som» samples of peaches canned at Hokianga were stated to lio equal to the finest California!! brawls, and Mr Jaques predicts a great future for that locality as 1 peach-raising area. Orehardists in th# north complain equally as bitterly as those in the south of the ravages of th* small birds, the loss occasioned by those feathered pests being estimated at a very substantial figure. Only t«(o persons were charged before Mr C. C. Graham, S.M., at the City Police Court yesterday morning. One first offender, charged with drunkenness, who did not appear, was fined 10s, with 2s costs, in default 24 hours' imprisonment; and John Miller, who pleaded guilty, was fined 5s and 7s costs for permitting cattle to jva/Pijer at Burnside.

Tile Duncdin Licensing Committeo has granted temporary transfers of licenses in two oases—the Criterion Hotel from Mr J. J. Connor lo Mr Frank Tooiney, and tho European Hotel from Mr W. F. Bastings to Mr Jolm Morrison, lato of Ilanfurly. A third application of the sauio nature, asking for a temporary transfer of tho license of Tattcrsall's Hole), Stafford street, from Mr F. Carter to Mr John Gobbie, was declined. Tho usual weekly meeting of the Benevolent Trustees, he'd yesterday, was attended by Messrs W. Tnlhoya (chairman), A. Tapper, .T. Arkle, H. Gourley, Captain Easthcr, and D. Larnac'n. Four inmates of the institution were reported as having left during the week, and 30 outdoor relief cases were dealt with. Accounts amounting to £170 16s 4d ivoro passed for payment. A donation of books and periodicals from Mr Justico Williams was acknowledged with thanks. Next Wednesday being Cup Day, it wag decided to meet on Tuesday, 20tii inst. Owing to the wel and boisterous morning it was thought expedient lo postpono the anwual Caledonian sports to have been bold at Palmcrston yesterday. In . the afternoon the weather cleared, but the track was not in a fit state for running or cycling. The Oainaru Pipe Bawl was in attendance, and was so kind as to regale tho community at frequoi)t intervals during tho day with selections of martial music. It was decidcd to hold this popular gathering on March 1. when the services of the band will again be requisitioned. A correspondent (Mr Edmoud, Duke el reel) writes as follows concerning tho atmospherical phenomenon witnessed in Dtmedin on Tuesday night:—"At about 8 p.in. on February 13 I here appeared in the south-western and eastern sky a series of vivid red flashes, which could be especially well seen from the Main road, NorthEast Valley, and Cumberland si reel; North. At about 8.40 p.m. the clouds were very dark, and the (lashes could he seen lo great advantage, but towards 9.15 they were beginning fo get lighter, consequently the flashes did not show so vividly. • But. even then they were wondorfully clear. Sometimes, as well as coining in flashes as indicated above, the light would lie in a sort of ripple, extending, in one instance, over about 15dcg of tho horizon. However, neither flashes nor ripples ever lasted for more than a few scconda. First one would appear iiua certain part of (lie sky, and a few moments later another would be seen, perhaps lOdog, 20deg, or SOdeg away. Occasionally thev lighted up a good part of tbo sky with an elcctric-liko light. ' Various conjectures have boon made regarding tho phenomenon, one taking it to bo wildfire, or else the conjunction of tho electricity in the air with tho clouds, while another opinion expressed was that it was something of the nature of the Aurora Australis. Scientists, if they go into the matter carefully, may be able to give sbmo satisfactory explanation, although at present it seems to bo a rather wausual and uncxplainablo occurrence" A movment is on foot to erect a memorial brass tablet, at the Otago Hoys' High School to the memory of the late Mr Win. J. Dunbar, who was accidentally drowned near Portobello on January 19. Matters in connection therewith are well in hand, the whole of the funds required liavimg lieen subscribed by decoased's schoolmates. Tho Shipwreck Relief Society yesterday elected tho Hon. W. Hall-,Tones a vice-patron of the society, in place of Sir Roliert Stout. Mr C. W. Chamberlain said that the Chief Justice was in Wellington most of ihe time, and had never shown any, interest in tho work of the society, Mr Hall-Jones was an active and most helpful sympathiser. Tho Port Chalmers Borough Council iuvite3 tenders for the supply of metal, etc., on the Port Chalmers and Blueskin road, 'l'he valuation lists for tho borough are now open tor inspection, The committee of the Blueskin A. ami P. Society returns thanks to the donors of prizes at its recent show. Particulars regarding the lecture to be given tiy Ml' (J. It. Ilart (of Chriftchurch) on ''Bonnie Prince Charlie" on Friday, 23rd inst., will be found in this issue. iJiviflfTnl warrants are nov; obtainable liy shareholders in the New Zealand Insurance Company. Notice is given that the Dayton Moneyweight Srntc Coinpuny inteiuts to carry on business in Now Zealand. The valuation lift for the Borough of St. Kiklii is now open for inspection. The Auckland Education Board invites applications for the position of inspector of schools. Messrs Strowtch, Morris, and Co. will hold a saie of stock and implements at l'urakamii on Tuesday, March 20. Tho valuation lists for the Borough of I'oslyn are now open for inspection. Messrs A. Harris and Co.'will hold a sale of funriture, etc., at their rooms today. On Wednesday, 28th inst., thev wilt offer tho lease and plant of the Mosgicl Colliery for sale at their rooms. The employees al the Hillside Railway Workshops will hold their annual picnic al Mount t-'.tusrt on Saturday next. Tenders arc invited for the purchase bf a hotel property in Christeliurcli. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company wilt hold a sale of stock at Clinton on Thursday, 22nd inst. Mr A. C. Murriiy will sell a farm property, stook, implement- 1 , etc,., on the premises, near 'j'arras, on Wednesday. 2Sth inst. Messrs Wright, Stephenson, aiul Co. will hold a sale of horses at their saleyards on Saturday next. M>r Kymo's music-reading class will meet in the Y.W.C.A. Rooms at 7.30 this evening. An old-established general store business in Ifawko's Bay is for sale owing to tho owner leaving for England. The Bnv Town Board notifies its intention to apply to the Governor for an order authorising the extension of O'c tramways to Samuel's store, Anderson's Bay. Fresh, fashionable, and reliable summer pocds are now offered at lowest nrices at Mollison's great summer sale.—Advt. The bowling tournament bas not been put off on account of Dallas and Watt's great giving-away sale, as it will last for another fortnight yet.—Advt. Messrs llycrs, dentists, are back in their new buildings, comer Octagon and George street.—Advt. Tourists in search of mementoes are recommended to inspect the magnificent selection of better-class Greenstone Goods at. Mesarß R. and T. Young's showrooms, 88 Princes street.—Advt. All the latest designs in hair.frames, pads, side eombs, slides, hair nets. etc.. at Hendy's Itairdrcssing Rooms; inspection invited.— Advt. Delicious eggsl Keep your fowls in good condition with "Fosfogrit." You will find tile improvement in quantity and quality of the eggs. 14lb bags, Is each; al! grocers.— Advt. Who is Petkr Djce?~Tli« most reliable Watchmaker ana Jevreilor. oppos'le Coffee Palace, Moray place, Duncdin. Charges strictly moder»t«.-Advt