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Otago Daily Times, Issue 14776, 8 March 1910, Page 4

At the meeting of the Otago University Council yesterday Dr Hocken was appointed vice-chancellor, in succession to Mr James Allen, M.P., the present chancellor.

Tho weekly meeting of the Benevolent Trustees, held yesterday afternoon, was attended by Messrs W. T. Talboys (in tho chair), H. A. LeCren, H. £. Moller, and J. M. Gallaway. The monthly report of outdoor relief showed that during Februswy HI cases had been relieved, com-

prising 36 men, 120 women, and 205 childion, at a total cost of £49 2s, or 2s B|<l pcr N head. Twonty-thrco applications for relief wore dealt with. Attention was called to tho pracfcicG of friends of inmates handing them presents of fruit, etc., and it was resolved that all gifts must pass through the hands of the nurse in charge.

By being paid at tho rate of 9d per yard, temporary labourers in the employ of tho Taieri Drainage Board were able to mako 9s per day. But the engineer reported at yesterday's meeting that the men had refused this after , three days' . experience, and preferred to be paid Is per hour for eight hours' work. The reason, ho said, -was that they had to work too hard to make up the 9s, and tho men said they were not going to " knock themselves out" for this price. Tim engineer had therefore been obliged to cease the piecework system and revert to day labour,. Ho added that in the constitution of the moving population at present there appeared to be an absonco of tho navvy olamont, tho chief supply being in- the shape of painters and others who were temporarily out of work. He was, however, able to get plenty of ■nop at the day wage rate—not on the piecework system.

Harvest operations in tho Tapanui district are rapidly drawing to a close, and the mills are now busy, with every prospect of a short run. Generally 6peal;ing, the crops may he described as light, but, although short in the straw, they aro well headed, and thfcsh above expectations. The sample all round should be good, as a great quantity of the grain from the time of cutting to stacking did not got a shower. Early harvests are fully appreciated by the farmers, and this must be ono of the earliest on record for the district. With tho roads in capital summer order graincarting will be accomplished under favourable conditions; but it would 'appear that most of the oats will go into store if the market does not open a little stronger than at present. Just now thevo is practically nothing doing in grain, and agents do not appear keen on business.

Our Greymouth correspondent states that Mr P. Hally, the' Conciliation Commissioner, arrived yesterday for the purpose of dealing with the dispute between the coal company and the Miners' Union at Brunner, they having failed to come to a. satisfactory understanding in reference to the now agreement for the ensuing year.

It may bo remembered that a few years ago wliat now seems to be an irksome restriction was put on the sawmill trade of the South-west, Coa6t Sounds. Thereason assigned was the, necessity for preserving the scenic attractions of the national park reservation. .One thriving establishment at Southport, Chalky Inlet, was, to the loss of its proprietary, wiped out altogether, and no- furthor application for sawmill sites on ' this well-timbered country was entortnined. Time after time the Government was remonstrated with on the subject, but to no purpose. Now, however (says our Bluff correspondent), a better feeling lias supervened, due probably to Mr Thomas Mackenzie's accession to. office. It is understood that a site has been granted to Messrs Bates and Hudson, in the immediate neighbourhood of Revolver Bay, wharfage accommodation has been provided, and on the last trip of tho Invercargill a mill ptant and machinery were forwarded to tho inlet, and have been, landed at the company's jetty in good order. Although it is not the equipment of an extensive establishment, it is a compact "oncorn, which may not improbably be the forerunner of more extended operations.

The Hon. T. Mackonzie (says the Grey River Argus) is a gentleman thai would soon win his way into the hearts of West Coasters, as he has that kindly disposi. tion that enables him to make all classes' feel at home with him. At the No Town Station on Saturday evening five old No Town minors got into the Minister's carriage by mistake. The guard quickly asked them to move into anothoi- carriage, but tho Minister would not hear of it, and told the guard that thoy were to remain as his guests. Tho Minister then was introduced to them, and a very interesting conversation took place on the early mining daysiof tho Coast, until the train pulled up at Dobson, their distination-. The five old miners stood with their hats off on tho platform, and gave three hearty cheers for the Minister as the train moved off. The Minister remarked, "They are worthy representatives of that good old band of pioneers who did so much ior New Zealand."

Mr May, Who is reputed to he an expert diver, arrived at tho Bluff yesterday by the Manuka from Sydnoy. Tho salvage company lias engaged him to survey and report on the wreck of the Waikare. Ho leaves at once for Dusky Sound by the cutter Anna, which will remain there until' he has finished his examination.

At last night's meeting of tho Port Chalmers Borough Council, during a discission on the yenr'fl estimates of receipts and oxpondituro, it was resolved, on tho motion of Cr Crawford, secqnded by Cr Cable—"That the item ' town clerk, £200,' bo reduced by £1 as an indication that the offices of town clerk and inspector should be combined." At a later stage in the meeting Cr Gibb gave notice to movo at next meeting of council—" That the offices of town clerk and inspector be combined, at a salary commencing at £325 per annum." Tho present town clerk (Mi-A. Leek) has filled that office for tho past 30 years. Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P., has brought under tho notice of tho Minister of Railways tho need of a handrail to tho steps Wing from tho new Railway Station at Kensington, and is in receipt of a memorandum from tho Minister stating that instructions, nave been given to have the work put in hand at once. The census of tho Chinese in Australia and Now Zealand is to bo tnkon, This is in pursuance of an edict issued by the Imperial Government »t Peking to tho Ohincso Consul-general for the Commonwealth and tho Consul for Now Zealand. The Progressivists in China have for years been clamouring for constitutional reform, and with the advent of a new regime the realisation of this national aspiration appears to be within on oncompassablo span. It ir generally undorstood among the " informed" at Peking (says the Sydney Daily Telograph) that tho year 1910 will see tho creation of a Central Parliament. In this Central Parliament the Chinese scattered over the globe are to be represented. Tho proposed system J6 novel, but it has a farreaching significance. The census returns, which arc now being collected, are expected to be complete in tho course of two months, and as soon as possible thereafter they will be despatched to Peking. Representation in tho Central Legislature is fixed upon a' population basis, and it : s competent for any reputable and capable Chinese citizen in Australasia to be chosen as a representative of his xmntrymen in the Peking Congress. This peculiar form of franchise is not to be restricted to the native-born Chinese, The Australian-born sons of Chinese fathers are to be included in the scope of this extended system of parliamentary representation.

A party of Samoans—eight men, ]5 wpmon, and three children-passed through Suva on the last trip of the Tofua, en route to Germany, to give ontertainmente such as the Maoris are now giving abroad (states the Suva correspondent of the New Zealand Horald). They havo material for making their housos, etc., also canoes, and will give the national songs and dances. In the winter they will show in the Continental theatres. Tamasose, grandsor of the late old warrior chief, is of tho number, and Mr Marquardt is in charge of (ho troupe.

TJio Forbury 'School Committee met last' overling; present—Messrs A. Harvey (in the chair), M'Kottrick, Smith, Offon, Johnson, Stewart, and Trovcna It was decided to recommend Miss Cowie for appointment to the position of junior teacher. The Head Master reported' that there we're 716 pupils on the roll, with an average attendance of 675. The ium of £109 12s 4d had been deposited in tho penny savings bank. It was also roported that.Miss Hore and Miss Nelson had concluded their pupiltoachcrship periods, and had gone to tho Training College, and that their places had been taken in the school by Misses M'Crono and Vickors. Pending the- appointment of a. junior assistant teacher Miss Neile had boon relieving. Lost night's meeting of tho Cavcrsham School Committee was presided over by Mr Austin. The Head Master reported that the roll number for February was 327 boys and 286 girls, and that tho average attendance had been 96 per cent. Tho attendance banner had been held by Standards 111, IV, and V with 99 per cent. It was intimated that tho total credit balance in tho school bank was £82 9a Id. It was decided to close the school on the 24th and 25th inst. Mr Ecnton assumed duty on tho Ist inst. ns fifth assistant. In order to suit the train time-table for the children at Cattle Yards, it was decided to recast tho school hours from April'l as follows :-Mornuig, 9 till 12; afternoon,' 1.15 till 3.15. It was resolved to consult with the staff as to tho promotion of three concerts in aid of the funds for improving the playground. It was also decided to again communicate with tho Reserves Committee of the City Council with the viow.of obtaining the use of part of Cavoreham Park as a miniature rifle range. Mr ,W. h. Logic (secretary of the Hospital Saturday Association) will be candidate at the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board election for tho city of Dunedin and West Harbour. The Ashburton Mail states that the labour conditions affecting threshing machines are still unsatisfactory as between, tho niillowners, farmers, and employees. Last week four of the workmen on one mill rofused to continue to work any further -under tho contract system, and as tho farmer declined- to pay tho millowner by the hour, tho latter could not afford to pay his employees by the hour while ho himself was working under the contract system, and he (the millowner) was obliged to pull out. In any case the men refused to work any further, and, it is understood, their earnings this up to date, after paying for food and lodg. ing, amount to a little more than 54s per week. . In most instances, however, the farmers, who recognise that the grain is threshing poorly according to the bulk, are paying tho millownere by the hour.

The average daily attendance at the Carnegie Public Library for the week ended Saturday Was 609 persons. There being no applications to deal with, thore was no sitting of the City Licensing Committee yesterday. Wo have received llho March number of Progress, and are- struck by tho high level of excellence maintained. It is not only,in paper, style of printing, and- artistio presentation of the ''llustrations that the number is so good, though all these things are remarkable and far above the average. It is tho letterpress whioh keeps up its tone and tho varied character of its information. There is a cogent article on tho harbours of the Dominion, and tho best way of dredging them to tho right point of excellence, and to that end there are some excellent illustrations of the " Simon " and other dredgers, the former with a capacity of removing spoil to the extent of 5000 cubio yards per hour. The article is very well illustrated. There is.an. excellent set of blocks of tho Marino Insitute's new building just erected and oponed in "Wellington, with vivid letterpress description of tho eamo. Tho motorist will bo interested, in. many things in the motor section, moro especially the exhaustive article on the troubles of carburetters, and the best way of dealing with thcm.i Halley's comet comes in for close detailed attention, with n map of tho heavens very clear. There are some fine illustrations and a masterly description of the methods of mining, conveying and storing tho iron ore from the neighbourhood of Lake Superior. A sories of pictures of the Grafton bridge at Auckland, with a description, introduces us to the biggest concrete bridge in the world. The architectural department- is especially good, comprising information- from all parts of the Dominion. There are illustrations of most attractive examples of cottage work, illustrating m article which is a strong plea for simplicity of style and elegance of plain design. Mr J. Watson, J,P., convicted and discharged two first offenders for drunkenness at the Port Chalmers Police Court yesterday. We have received . 10s from " Green Island" in aid of Pearson's Fresh Air Fund. ♦■ ,• Owing to Anniversary Day, March 23, ■wiling this year in Easter week, Messrs Horbert Haynes and Co., Brown, Ewing and Co., and tho D.I.C. have decided to observe it, on Easter Saturday, keening open on the Wednesday. This will make a continuous holiday of four days at Easter for their omployocs. "Dolly" Feeders aro tho most suitablo for humanised .milk; so. littlo trouble, so cleanly; only Is each from Wilkinson and Son. Nurses recommend them.—Advt. Everything that is now and beautiful for ladies' woar is represented in our choice collection of now autumn.and winter dross fabrics. The assortment embraces over] ' fashionable cll'eet, style, and colour brought out this, season. Mollisons (Ltd.).—Advt. An attractive assortment of greenstont articles, jewellery, tikis,. eilvor-mounteq souvenir articles, etc., is now displayed at the show rooms of Messrs G. and T. Young, 86 Princes streot. Tourists desirous, of obtaining the best quality of groenstone should make a point of inspecting tho collection.— Advt. Every woman who feels nervous, always lircd, and easily dispirited will find welcomo relief in "Wahoo." It regulates the system, and is simply invaluable. "Wahoo," 2s (xl per bottle. Obtainable all chemists and storekeepers.—Advt. Removal Notice—A. E. J. Blakeley, dentist, has removed to Bank of Australasia, corner of Bond and Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office).—Advt. Who is Peter Dick?—Tho moat reliable Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Optician opposito Palace Hotel, Moray place, Dunedin. Charges strictly moderate.—Advt.