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Otago Daily Times, Issue 14785, 18 March 1910, Page 4

The poll on the question of amalgamation with the city of Dunedin will take plac© in North-East Valley to-day. Tho polling hours are 9 a.m. till 7 p.m.

The miniature storm raised in connection with the leasing of the reclaimed land at Ravensbourno to Messrs Barclay and K«3s 1)V tlio Otago Harbour Board was allayed last evening by the satisfactory finding of I lie Committee of Inquiry appointed to deal with the matter. The meeting commenced at 7.45 p.m.; tho inquiry Started at 9.10 p.m. The interim

was chiefly occupied by Mr W. Belcher, who, speaking in his customary manner, made extensive demands on tho English language in his endeavour to impress his views upon tho committee. At 9.10 p.m., after practically an hour and a-lialf had been \vasled, and with tho cominitteo no further forward than at the commencement of the meeting, savo that it had adopted a brief order of reference proposed b,v Mr Halts in preference to one of 30 clauses proposed by Sir Belcher, that genticii'.an intimated that he deemed his presenco 110 longer necessary or desirable, and left tile room. The inquiry was then proceeded with, and resulted, within an hour and 10 minutes, in the adoption of the following finding, proposed by Mr LJow, and seconded by Sir Watson—''That this committeo is of opinion, after considering tho documents submitted ami having the evidence brought before them in regard to the lease of tho Tiavensbourne endowments to Messrs Barclay and Ross, that, these gentlemen havo complied on all points with, the terms of the lease; moreover, in dealing with the land they have complied with tho conditions set forth in their application of Slay 21, 1899; and their claim to havo beon first concerned to sccurc a convenient recreation ground for the liavenshourne residents is borno out by the manner in which they havo dealt with tho laud during their occupancy." /l'ho Olago Provincial Council of the New Zealand I 1 armors' Union recently communicated through its secretary (Mr H. Slitciiell) with the Hon. J. A. Millar, Minister of ltaihvays, on. the matter of fines for overweight grain sacks, requesting that tho position might be reconsidered by tho Minister. Yesterday Sir Slitchell received tho following reply: "in reply to your letter of tho 4th inst., forwarding copies of resolutions passed at a meeting of tho Kxccutivo of tho Otago Branch of tho Now Zealand Farmers' Union re overweight sacks of grain carried on tho railways, I havo to inform you that the matter has received consideration, and it has been docided that a uniform penalty of £3 por truck on over, weight consignments of grain shall be charged, irrespective of distance carried."

The matter long in dispute between tho Otago Education Board arid tho Education Department over the Hillend teacher's allowance has at last been settled by the department paying tho allowance to tho teacher. The department had a final word, howevef, with the beard in alleging that there were only 17 scholars in attcndanco at tho school. Tho Rev. Mr Eraser pointed out that whilo this' was totally irrelevant to the question, seeing that the building was old and unsuitable as a residence and publio money had been saved by converting it into a habitable room for teaching, tho fact remained that there were 24 scholars now attending tho school, which number could not have been accommodated in tho old building. The department, said Mr Eraser, might have. given way with .a measure of grace, considering all the school committee had done, instead of cavilling about what was really a small point.

A conference was held at Mcsgiel on Wednesday of the Taieri and Bruco County Councils on the subject of the proposed bridge at Taieri Mouth. C'r Blackie (Taieri) presided. The Taieri engineer submitted four designs, as follows:—Design No. 1, length of bridge 720 ft, span 30ft, width 12ft, same type as Otokia bridge, estimated cc6t £4000; design No. 2, length of bridge 720 ft, span 50ft, width 14th, samo ty.pe as Silverstream bridge, estimate cost £5000; design No. 3, length of bridge 720 ft, span " 40ft, width 14ft, samo typo as Henley bridge, estimated ccst £5200; design No. 4, lengtlt of bridge 700 ft, 6pan 50ft, width 14ft, earn# typo as Allanton bridge, estimated cost £5800. These designs were for a bridge 10ft above high-water mark, tho Marino Department having stipulated for a height of 10ft 6in. Tho Bmco engineer's estimate was then read as follows:—Estimate for one span: Timber, £245; iron, £21 6s 8d; labour, £60 (total, £526); 18 spans at £326 each, £5858; approaches, £265 10s; plant and contingencies, etc., £300:—grand total, £6433 10s. A motion that tho bridge be a 12ft one was carried, and it was further decided to accept tho plan of tho Bruce engineer, and to commit to tho Bruce Council the remainder of the steps for initiating the work of erection.

Tho School Committees' Association appealed to the Education Board at its meeting yesterday to come to tho assistance of committees by increasing ita grant to the committees this'year in order tomako up for the sudden withdrawal of the 9d capitation hitherto granted by the Education Department. Mr Mitchell expressed the view that the board should lako tho matter into consideration as the next quarter was the beginning of the new financial year with tho committees and also the quarter in which, on account of the cost of firing, they had tho greater demands on theirfunds. Mr Frassr suggested that consideration of the request should be held over till next meeting and proper investigation made as to tho board's ability to meet this extra demand on its allowances. He believed that the board, if it had the means, would meet the committees, but if it bad not then, as the chairman had said, it could not be held responsible for the action of tho department. Mr Eraser's suggestion was agreed to.

On. Wednesday afternoon the secretary of tho Navy League (Otago Branch) visited St. Hilda's College, and, in response to tho wish of Sister Etholeen, gavo an address to tho pupils on " The Challenge to British Naval Supremacy." At its close a verse of the National Anthem was sung. A school branch of over 50 members has been formed, i On Thursday the secretary spoke for about 20 minutes to tho boys and girls in the Arthui Street School Gymnasium on " The British Empire: How It is Maintained and Why They Should Support It." At tho close, on the call of the head master (Mr Chapman) three cheers were given for the speaker.

The usual monthly meeting of the Society •for the Protection of Womon ujkl Children was held in the Town Hall on Thursday, the president (the Kev. Canon CurzonSiggers) being in tlio chair, while thero were also present the Kev. W. Slade, Mr Duncan Wright, Mesdanies W. H. Reynolds, Eiren, Gordon, J"ry, Dr E. Siedcberg, and Mrs Withers. A pleasing leaturo in the correspondence was a letter of heartfelt gratitude for a reconciliation between man and wifo which the secretary had effected. The report—a lengthy one-r----brought tlio eases for.' the year to 150. Amongst the cases dealt with during tlio past month were:—Three of illegitimacy, and the feeling of the society is that this state of things is growing worse; ill-usago of wives (tlitee cases require further watching); eovcral cases of difficulties in homo life (in most eases satisfactorily settled). Ihe society decided to recommend to the newly-elected Charitable Aid Beard tlio appointment of Dr E. Sicdebcrg and Mrs Gordon as lady members of the Advisory Committee to work on the Benevolent Board and render aid to needy eaees.

At the Education Board's meeting yester.day the Kev. Mr Fraser brought up the question of the recognition of the excellent appearance made by the Cadets at the re-, cent review, before Lord Kitchener, and moved a motion recording the board's appreciation of the display made by tlio Cadets and their officers on the occasion, alio congratulating Major Murray, the senior ofiicer of the Cadets, on his enthusiastic services to the movement for so many years, and on the complimentary recognition he had received from the Commandant of the Cudet Foroo of the Dominion. Mr Fraeer expressed tlio mind of tlio members when he said that they would be gratified to hear tiir.t Major long services had been recognised, by tlio proper authorities. In support of his motion, Mr Frascr read the following letter forwarded by the Commandant to

Major Murray: " l'lcaso accept my sincere thanks for tho valuable assistance which you gavo mo during the mobilisation of tho Cadets at Duncdin for review by Lord Kitchener, also at I lie camp and during tho return of the Cadets. You wcro indeed most helpful to me, especially as I had no staff odicer on whom to lean in that district. Your services arc much appreciated. The Post states that Lord Kitchener has '■npressed upon tho Government the expediency of extending the ago up to which compulsory service may bo enforced to 25 ycara. It is understood (says a Wellington telegram) that tho Government lias not yet fully considered the matter with a viev. r to taking deliuito action. A Christchureh jnessagc says that tho friends of Mr P. E. Darcy, in labour circles, aro groaty exorcised over tho report that ho is missing. It is understood that tho description of tho clothes found on the bcach at Happy Valley tallies with the only suit.Mr Darcy bad with him. One or two friends went to Wellington by last night's boat to mako inquiries. A Press Association niessago from Auckland states that tho detcclives have arrested Harold Penncll on a charge of failing to account to his alleged partners (Harman and Bournan) for money claimed by them in respect of a successful ticket in Tattersali's fiweep. The three tickets wcro taken in Penncll's name, and tho amount involved in this case is £771 9s 3d. Penncll appeared at the Police Court yesterday morning, and was remanded to appear at Waihi (along with Kncebone, previously committed) on March 23, bail being allowed, himself in £250, and. another, surety of £250. Mr J. Mitchell brought beforo yesterday's meeting of the JMucation Board what amounted to an attack on tlio boards by tho Hon. G. Fowlds when ho was in Duncdin on his last visit, when tho lion, gentlemen stated that all tho boards had used uioro or less of the 9d capitation, which the Government had given to committees, to enable them to rcducc their own grants to committees, thus defeating the intentions of tho grant. Mr Mitchell, who was supported by all tho members of the board in his remarks, said it was an ungraceful thing for tho Minister to be so often disparaging tho boards, especially by making general accusations which might apply lo isolated instances, but were ho justification for his attack. As a matter of fact, this board had not reduced its allowanco to committees by a single sixpence, but had handed over tlio full amount received.

In connection with tho application for u. writ of prohibition restraining Mr 11. \V. Bishop, S.M., from adjudicating upon any or all of tho informations laid by William M. Tycr, inspecting accountant in tlio In. coino Tax Department, against Bowron Bros., of Chrislcliurch, it is understood (says a Chrislcliurch telegram) that, by consent of the parlies, the application will bo moved into the Court of Appeal, which opens its sittings .it Wellington on April 4.

A painfully sad, but unfortunately true,, story —a tragedy of back-blocks pioneer life —in rotated by the Uruli correspondent of the Daily News, Now Plymouth. A woman and Jicr husband, who had taken up a section way back in tlio Tarunaki hinterland years ago, 'reached their new home only after the greatest of dillicultics. Once there, tho woman declared that nothing would induce lier to mako tho journey again. l'"or nine years she never. stirred tint of the homo paddock. At. length she fell ill, and it was deemed advisable to take hei to the nearest hospital. For 30 miles sho was earned through tho pathless wilderness oil a strctchcr, relays of men relieving at intervals. A fow weeks in the liospital restored tho woman to health, and her return Jiome was mooted. Tho woman shuddered at the thought, declaring it would kill her. However, a day was fixed for lier departure, but beforo it dawned tlio Iranian was dead. The doctor in attendance, who knew all I lie circumstances, said ho could only ascribe her death to a broken heart. All Invercargill resident who recently had occasion to go to Christclmreh paid a visit to (lib Sunnyside Asylum, and (fays l tho Southland Times) happened to be at tho institution when l.liero wore exceptional opportunities for seeing things that tho visitor does aiot usually see. Ho did not 6co Lionel Terry, who is in the asylum, but ho saw that unfortunate man's latest work. Terry, ho was informed, is at tlio prawnl limo assiduously cultivating tho simple life, and indulging in tlio plain fare, tho open-air exercise, and the scanty raiment of the pagan days, lie has been fascinated by this pagan life, and deeply impressed with the bonds that have been fastened on mop by tho artificial living, dressing, and food of these times. As a result lie lias written a pocin, "The Prison Cage," in which tlio two styles of living arc contrasted, to the great advantage of tho simplo life. Tho visitor had tho privilege of seeing the poem, which, he states, possesses considerable literary excellenco, and is beautifully embellished with striking ink drawings and coloured sketches. Tho work throughout, and particularly tho sketching, is unusually clover. Ho did not see Terry, as the latter lias very naturally staled a strong objection to being on exhibition, and the authorities quito properly discourage as tuiicl' as possiblo any idly curious desire in this direction on tho part of visitors.

'I'lio (lore Standard is informed (hat tho congregation of Otania and Knapdalc are not yet unanimous in tho matter of <i call to a minister. The Selection Conimitteo agreed unanimously to recommend a certain clergyman ut present resident in tho suburbs of Duncdin. The congregation at Knapdalo on Sunday appoved of the recommendation of the committee, but tho Otaina congregation opposed it. Matters consequently remain as they were.

Speaking to a press representative 011 Monday, Mi' A. W. Hogg, M.P., made sonio interesting remarks anenl the various train services as noticed by him during his travels. 1I« places those of Duncdin and Wellington in front, tiavelling on them being fairly swift, while the public convenience and comfort arc studied. "The cars," ho said, " are bright, and clean, and passengers luive a choice of open air or enclosed seats, but Wellington alone provides the double-decker. Duncdin hill trains worked by cables have brought tho suburbs into closc contact with the city, raising land values and rents enormously. The cost of travelling uphill is tlu-ec times as much as going down. The cars arc short- and bobbin-shaped, the passengers in tho centre sitting back lo back. Christclmrch cars aro large, wide, and commodious, but rather noisy, the air-brakes Dcneath producing the vibratory effects of a. steam launch. Auckland cars are of toothcomb design, short seats with a central passage for tho strap-hangers. On difficult grades they resemble stage coaches with refractory horses tinder bad control.' The brakes and drivers are often at variance, and when they aro overcrowded, which often happens, all hands, conductors included. seem io suffer from " nerves.' lhe Waneauui trams are a small but useful service. The cars arc clean and comfortable, and, judging from their politeness, the drivers and conductors must either be I'renchmcii or of French extraction. With regard to the inspection of tickets, this ie rallied out in Wellington occasionally, but in Duncdin with much regularity.

Owing to yesterday being St. Patrick's Day there was no sitting of tho Magistrate's Court. The banks also observed a holiday

'Tho Cabinet (says flic Dominion) lias appointed Professor Scott (of ChrietcliuTch) and Mr A. L. Beattic (chief mechanical engineer in the Railway Department) to act as a commission to report upon the system of brakes in uso on the Auckland tramways.

A representative meeting of ladies was held in the Borough Council Chambers, Port Chalmers, last evening to make arrangements for a convcrsaziono in t.ho Garrison Hull to his Excellency the Governor on Wednesday evening, 30th inst. After making preliminary arrangomonts the meeting adjourned until 8 p.m. of Saturday, 19th inst., to form committees. The Mqrnington Brass Band will play a programme of popular music in tho Botanical Gardens to-night, weather permitting. A lirst-cla.9; p.oginmmo has been arranged, and will include tho following: — "Memories o! Scotland," " Queen of Scots," "Gems of Irish melodies," "American melodies," " Punchinello," etc. Tho Morningtyn Band is making a. specialty of national music, nml those visiting tho Gardens to-night will have an opportunity of hearing it in this class of music, A collection will bo taken at the gales in aid of tho band's funds. Owing lo Anniversary Day, March 23, falling t.hw year in Easter week, Messrs Herbert, Hayncs, and Co., Brown, Kwiitg, and Co., and Ihe D.I.C. liavo dr ci<!ed to obscrvo it on Easier Saturday, keeping open on tho Wednesday. This will mako a continuous holiday of four days at Easter for their employees.—Advt. TJio anuual meeting of the Otago Society for the IVevention of Cruelty to Animals will be held this evening. Messrs Brown, Ewing, aire! Co.'s premises will l>o closed at noon to-morrow if the weather is fine, tho occasion being tho staff's picnic. Eyes when tired and sore or inflamed by tlio wind and dust should be bathed with White Huso Eye Lotion, prepared by Wilkinson and Son, prescription pharmacists. -Advt. See our fine assortment of ladies' millinery and ready-to-wear garments, specially arranged for tho Easter holidays, at priccs that aro in every instanco moderate.— Mollisona Limited.—Advt. Your attention is called lo the autumn and winter show of women's and men's up-to-date footwear shown at Simon's Continental Boot Depot, Princes street (opposite Post Office).—Advt, Removal Notice.—A. E. J. Blakcley, dentist, has romoved lo Bank of Australasia, corner of Bond and Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office).—Advt. An attractive assortment of greenstone articles, jewellery, tikis, silver-mounted souvenir articles, etc., is now displayed at the show rooms of Messrs G. and T. Young, SS Princes street. Tourists desirous oi obtaining the best quality of grocnstouc should make a point of inspecting tho collection, Advt. A clean skin and bright complexion depends upon your having puro blood. " Sulfarilla Tablets" aro phenomenally successful as a blood purifier, and will do all you wish. Is a box. Every chemist and storekeeper.—Advt.

Who is Peter, Dick?—Tho most rcliablo Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Optician, opposito Palace Hotel, Moray place, Dimcdin, Charges strictly moderate.—Advt. 1