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Otago Daily Times, Issue 15701, 1 March 1913, Page 9

The Hon. W. Fraser, Minister of Publio Works, and his' private secretary (Mr M'Alister), will leave Duncdin by the second express this morning for Wellington.

Tho Harbour Board has decided to widen Lower Rattray street from tho Wharf Hotel 4o Tewsley street, a distance of 360 yawls, and at the meeting last night it was resolved to purchase a portion of one of the properties on the street line.

Tho members of tho Dominions Royal Commission arrived in Christchurch last night (says a Press Association message), and will hold their first sitting there today. At Timaru the commissioners were met on the train by representatives of tho Chamber of Commerce and the Harbour Board, and given information concerning production, exports, harbour, etc., and presented with views of the town, and a largo trout from tho Opihi.

Tho Rev. Dr Waddell will conduct communion services to-morrow morning in St, Andrew's Church. This will be tho last service in which Dr Waddell will participate prior to his departure for America.

During the past month 72 marriages wero registered by the local registrar, as against 64 in February of last year. The number of deaths rose from 50 in February, 1912, to 81 lost month, and tho births showed a somewhat extraordinary decline from W to 109. This latter figure is the lowest monthly number that has been : recorded ihero for sis or seven years.

The first of tho brigade camps in the Otago district is at present being held at Matarae. B and C Batteries, comprising the Otago Field Artillery Brigade, and No. 2 Company New Zealand Field Engineers, went to the camp yesteitlay by tho train leaving Dunedin [ at 2.10 p.m., C Battery (Invcroargill) joining the train at Wingatui. Advance parties 'had been sent out on Thursday morning to pitch tho camp. About 70 horses wero entrained, in addition to a number taken out by the advanco parties. On arrival at Sutton tho guns, stores, etc, had to be transported a distance of two and a-half miles to the camp site. The numbers in camp are: B Battery, 110; Engineers, 110; C Battery, 100, and ammunition column 20. With the staff there aro in all about 400 men in tho camp. Three chaplains are attached to the forces, and tho Y.M.C.A. is also represented. A tender for a dry canteen has been let. The camp will be visited by Major-general Godley on Friday, and the men will remain in camp until the end of next week.

A Press Association telegram states that a meeting of tho Canterbury Women's Social and Political League was held last night, when the Defence Act was discussed, and the following motion adopted unanimously:—"That, while strongly deprecating war and looking forward to the time when all international disputes shall be settled by peaceful means, the Canterbury Women's Sooial and Political Leaguo recognises that under present conditions, and in view of possible contingencies, it is necessary that every young man should be trained to defend himself, his home, and fai3 country, and is of opinion that tho Defence Act is an honest endeavour on tho part of the Legislature to meet the requirements, of the dominion in ease of an invasion."

At a meeting of tho Historical Sub-eom-mitteo of the Early Settlors and Historical Association of Wellington, it was resolved] that, with a view to placing facts on permanent record for future generations, the following subjects should bo written on by various members of tho association:—" Tho early history of the New Zealand Land Co." "Tho Early Church History of Wellington," " Military, Municipal, and Educational History of Wellington," " The History of Wellington Shipping, Music, and Sport;" also tho early settlements round Wellington, such as Miramax, Hutt, and Manawatu. Taese records are to bo published in serial form in tlho journal of tho association, tho first number of which ap peared at Chrutmas. It was also resolved that several of tho oldesti pioneers should bo interviewed and their interesting reminiscences taken down in shorthand, as by this means many glimpses of tho spirit of tho early days and the sooial conditions then prevailing would bo obtained.

A letter from the Assistant General Inspector of Sohools (says our Wellington correspondent) conveying an instruction from tbo • Education Department that tho conduct of free pupils at secondary sohools should not be adjudged satisfactory if the requirements of tho Defence regulations were not observed, met with a very different reception whon it was read at a meeting of tho College Board of Governors yesterday morning from that accorded it tho other day by some members of tho Wellington Education Board. Mr R. Lee said that he thought the College Board should express approval of the proposal. The Chairman (Mr A. De B. Brandon): "No doubt about it." Miss Richmond: "We are quite unanimous on that." Mr Lee: "Let it go forth that wo entirely approve of it." Tho Chairman: "Yes."

We have to acknowledge receipt of £1 Is froni "Sympathy" towards the Turvey Fund. A meeting of the Fund Committee was held at Mr E. S. Wilson's office on Thursday afternoon, when it was reported that £177 was in hand. It was decided to place £59 at tho disposal of tho trustees of the Turvey Fund, and to deposit the balanco (£118) in the hands of throe trustees to bo appointed. A meeting of delegates representing the Royal Life-saving Club, the Paoific Surf Bathing Club, and the St. Clair Life-saving Club will shortly bo convened to consider tho disposal of this monoj.

That there' will be an alteration in the electoral system at no very distant date is highly probable, and the Prime Minister (Hon. W. F. Massey) told a New Zealand Times reporter that, although the matter had not yet engaged the attention of tho Cabinet, an amending Bill' would ; in all probability be submitted to tho House next session. Opinion in political circles inclines to tho view that some form of preferential voting will bo proposed. Under this system the voter indicates his preference by placing numbers alongside the names of candidates on tho ballot-paper, and the preference is indicated by the aggregate of numbers secured by each individual candidate. Meanwhile, however, an important inquiry into tho proportional system of representation as it has worked in Tasmania has been conducted by Mr F, W. Mansfield, Registrar of Electors, and his report should bo evailahlo at an early date. That the second ballot is doomed is an opinion held by many members of both branches of the Legislature and by .authorities who 'havo watched tho trend of political thought in the dominion. It is generally considered probable that somo attempt—even a partial one—will be made next session to remove the anomalies and defects of the present electoral system, and tho proposed legislation, together with the affirmation of the House last session with regard to tho constitution lof the Legislative Council, may givo rise to some farreaching changes.

A bulldog parade will be. held at the Queen's Gardens (Triangle) this afternoon, under the auspices of the South Island British Bulldog Club. It is the aim of the olub to popularise the breed as much as possible, and to this end it has decided to make no charge for admission, and to make no entry fee for dogs competing, A large number of dogs havo been entered, and there should be keen competition. He trophies, handsome memento ribbons, will bo presented by the, patron' of the olub, Mr Statham, M.P. MrAdair has consented to act as judge.

The opening meeting of the N.E. Valley Branch of the Women's Christian Temperance Union was held on Thursday afternoon, in Dho Young ilea's Institute.' Thero was a good attendance, and Mrs H. B. Gray presided. Mrs Gray spoke briefly in favour of tho Bible-in-echools. A resolution by Mrs Hislop viewing with satisfaction the introduction of the lash for indecont assaults on women and children, was carried unanimously. Mob Reekie contributed a vocal solo, and Mrs Means presided at the piano.

At tho Port Chalmers Magistrate's Court yesterday James Telfor pleaded '' Not guilty" to a charge of being, drunk on February 20, bnfc he pleaded "Guilty" to a further charge of having procured liquor during tho currency of a prohibition order. He was convicted and discharged for being drunk, but, referring to tho remaining charge against him, Mr Widdowson, S.M., said fte evidence showed that Telfer had been prohibited on three occasions, and had been once convicted for procuring liquor whilst an order was in force against him. The Magistrate remarked that prohibition orders were meant to be obeyed, and if accused came before him again he would bo severely dealt with. He would be fined £1 and costs (9s), in 'default seven days' imprisonment A somewhat unusual case came to light at the sitting of the Assessment Court at Port Ohalmer3 yesterday. Captain R. Strang, marine superintendent for the Union Company, applied on behalf of that company for a reduction in the assessed value of a Harbour Board leasehold at Boiler Point, held by tho Union Company during tho past three years. In explanation of tho request, Captain Strang said about two-thirds of tho area was still under water, despite* the fact that when the leasehold was put up to auction it was stated that tho area would be reclaimed by the Harbour Board at an early date. Portion of the area had been reclaimed with material excavated from the big dock site, but nothing could be dono with the section until the remaining portion of a steep rocky mound was removed from its frontage. The companyhad been unable to make use of tho section, and had paid £104 7s per annum for it as rent. On that basis the borough valuer had assessed its rateable value at £60 per annum, to which; the Union Company objected because the land could not be used. Mr Widdowson admitted that there appeared 'to be a hardship in the case, but the Act specifically stipulated that tho annual rental was the assessable value. The only course open wias that if the objector succeeded in getting the reduction of reht ho said ho was endeavouring to arrange, then application could be mado to the Borough Council for reduction of rates. As matters stood his Worship could do nothing. The only other business before tho court was tho transfer by consent of sections 113 and 114 from Mr John Mill to the Otago Harbour Board.

A Press Association message from Greymouth reports that the oil launch Nita, manned by H. Scrivener and J. Hutohings, left Woodpecker Bay at 8 o'clock on Thursday morning for Groymouth. As she did not turn up, tho Harbour Board's tug left early yestorday afternoon to look for, her, and found Iter north of Point Elizabeth. She had broken down, but fortunately the sea had remained calm. She was towed into port. The occupants were very much exhausted by want of food and sleep.

The Government will probably invite tenders for the erection of the new Parliamentary Buildings at a vory early date.. Tho foundations have now been practically completed by the Public Works Department, and the work of finishing off the grounds in their new formation is well advanced. It is unlikely, however, that a start will bo mado upon tho erection of the building for about six months from the present date. A reasonable time will havo to be given to intending tenderers to go over the plans and make out tlheir tenders, and if a contract has been let three months hence good progress will have been made. After these preliminaries have been settled the successful contractor will have extensive preparations to make. Material for the steel reinforced work which will be required at tho commencement of the building operations will havo to be obtained from England. The estimate that a start cannot well bo mado upon the building for 6ix months is (says our Wellington correspondent) based upon tho faots of the case.

At the Magistrate's Court, Milton, on Thursday, beforo Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., a number of charges were heard against Territorials and Senior Cadets for failing to attend the requisite number of parades. Four youths pleaded "Guilty," and were admonished and discharged. Tho informations against three others were withdrawn ; two Territorials wore fined 10s, with court costs 7s, and two others who pleaded "Guilty," and made excuses for their nonattendanco at parades, wero fined 7s and court costs. Fresh informations wero ordered to bo laid against two others wiho did not appear. Captain J. R. Henderson appeared for tho Defence Department, and stated that he did not ask for penities, except in certain cases. Tho officers wore pleased to consider demands for reasonable leave. Tho Magistrate advised the defendants to attend more strictly to their duties.

Mr R. W. Holmes, Englneer-in-Chief to tho Publio Works Department, returned to Wellington on Thursday from Otira, whero he has been engaged upon a detail survey of the work dono to dato upon the tunnel. Tho Minister of Public Works (tho Hon. W. Frascr) stated some timo ago that when tenders were called for tho completion of the tunnel a contract would bo let on the basis of oarrying on the work from a given stage. Any work dono by the Publio Works Deportment in advance of this point tho successful contractor would bo required to pay for.

The fortnightly meeting of the St. John Ambulance Brigade was held in the brigado rooms on Thursday evening. Tho superintendent (Mr. W. M. Wilkinson) presided. Tho secretary reported that members had been told off for special duty at the late raoe meeting and at the Garden Fete. A number of first-aid eases were reported. The First 'Officer (Mr J. H. Hanson) then read an able and interesting paper on

" Digestion." Mr Hanson also gave a. demonstration of triangular and roller bandaging, in whioh the superiority of tho roller was amply proved. The members were then told off in squads for practical exercise in the work demonstrated.

The recently-imported motor lorry is making regular trips between the Upper Clutha and Clyde (says our Cromwell correspondent). The machine is hauling loads of fivo tons and over, and lias no troublo under ordinary conditions in doing the journey from Pembroke to Clyde in eight hours. Tho possibilities of tlhe machine, however, cannot •bo accurately estimated until it has been subjected to a more

prolonged run,

At the meeting of the Taieri County Council yesterday Or Blaekio moved:— "That tho adjoining local bodies'be requested to send delegates to a, meeting to discuss the question of motor traffic, with a view to arriving at some method by which tho traffic could bo better controlled, and also how somo revenue might bo derived from tho traffio in return for the use of the roads." Cr Blackie pointed out that no revenue was at present derived from motor cars and motor cycles, and that the blinding of the roads cost a considerable •sum. Cr Freeman moved as an amendment that no action be taken in tho matter, and said that if it was necessary a wheel tax could bo levied. He contended that moro damage was done to tho roads by droves of cattle and flocks of sheep in a day than was done by motor cars in* a year. The amendment was carried.

Tho < annual meeting of the Tokomairiro Domain Board was held on Tuesday, when the baJance sheet submitted Snowed a credit balance of £68 15s 9d. The income totalled £128 3s Id, including a credit balance of £39 19a Id from tho previous year, and tho assets showed.a surplus over liabilities of £99 lis 9d. The report showed that various improvements to the domain and gardens had been effected during tho year. Mr Ohas. King waa reappointed chairman. At the ordinary meeting,, 'neld afterwards, accounts totalling £17 13s 5d were passed for payment. It was intimated that tho Coronation Baths Committee would be prepared to' hand over tho baths to the Domain Board's control at the next monthly meeting. • . •

Tho Young Wdmen's and Girls' Bible Classes of the ' Mornington Presbyterian Church held a " Jam Evening," in aid of tho Presbyterian Children's Homo on Tuesday last. A largo audience filled the,hall. In his opening remarks the chairman (the Rev. W. Scorgie) urged the claims of the home on tho sympathy of the people, and eulogised the Ladies' Association for .its good work in sewing and darning for the children. Sister Mary gave a very interesting address describing the daily routine of tho home, from 6 a.m. till supper time, and caused not a littlo amusement, by her happy remarks on the light and shade of child life. A band of children from the homo rendered a number of songs and recitations very .creditably, and a few friends and somo members of the ohoir completed tho programme. Tho practical result of the gathering was that nearly 10001b of Jams and jellies wore donated to the homo.

The winning numbers in tho Oto.go Lawn Tennis Association's art union are published this morning in another column. The secretary informs us that the first prize has fallen to Mr A, Wood, of Cargill street, tho second to Mr D. M. Blyth, Mornington, . tho third to Dr Evans, the fourth to Mr J. W. Hoinemann, Willis street, Wellington, tho fifth to Miss Mary Meenan, King street, the sixth to Mr A. E. Harraway, tho seventh to Miss Emery, Anderson's Bay, and tho eighth to Mr H. Bower, St. Kilda:

A valuablo suggestion which may result in somothing being dono in tho near future was given by Miss Wrench, whoj with Mr Evelyn Wrench, left Auckland for the Islands on Wednesday evening, regarding the training of tho New Zealand girl. Mies Wrench said that the young men of New Zealand and Australia were cheerfully sacrificing some of their leisure time in learning to defend their country and their homes. Why should not the girls do something on parallel lines? She suggested that tho girls of New Zealand should be called upon to take courses in some sort of donicstio training, especially in kindergarten work and lessons in . motherhood. This would be a work in a good causo. It would bo an effort to make tho homes whioh tho young men wero learning to defend ideal ones for tho young men and women themselves, It would also give the girls a training in those subjects which were nearest, or should be nearest, to Ifacir hearts, and it might give those young women who nowadays considered domestic training as a secondary thing in their lives that liking for homo matters whioh ever}' one of them should have instinctively, but which in many of them was hampered and even obliterated altogether by tho present day systems.

Mr M'Nab, who has just roturned from a visit to the Nelson district,, stated in an interview with a representative of tho Palmerston North Times, that he had been struck with the probabilities of tho Collingwood district and the evidenco that there seemed to be that in the next year ( or two there would bo large developments. A company was exploiting the iron deposits, and a littlo to the south there were extensive marble deposits which were being worked by a'large syndicate. There were tho Puponga coal works, and others at Golden Bay, and with all this activity a prosperous time seemed ahead of the district.' Wharves were being constructed in tho Collingwood district to take vessels drawing up to 30 feet, to enable trade to.bo conducted direct with Wellington. At present only small craft could trado there. There were natural harbours around tho Collingwood which were well enclosed, and would requiro no expensivo protective works. • Mr M'Nab thought the townships which had sprung up at tho mouths of small rivers would be in time supplanted by larger centres at the localities where largo wharves would be constructed. " I don't think any part of New Zealand has such a variety of mineral wealth as there is around Nelson," observed Mr M'Nab, Ho thought that Nelson at present rather looked to tho fruit industry as her greatest source of prosperity in ' tho future. They hoped in the future to develop the contro into a second Hobait in tho export of apples.

A petition is in circulation amongst workers in Christchurch demanding proportional representation and the resignation of tho M'sesoy Government. The following (says the Lyttelton Times) is tho text:—" Whereas tho Maesey Government, at present in power in New Zealand and legislating and governing in tho interests of tho land monopolists and exploiters generally, represent barely one-third of tho electors, having polled, even with their four renegade Liberal supporters, little more than ono vote out of every throe cast at l-ho general election of 1911, we, the undersigned electors of New Zealand, hereby call upon tiie said Government to introduce and pass during this year's session of Parliament a measure for tho election of members of tho so-called Houso of Repreventatives by moans of the system known as proportional reprceontation, and tlen re sign the position of power and profit to which, whntevnr the law may fay, they Jjovn no moral right, so that tho electors of New Zealand may have for tho first time an opportunity of electing a true' Houso of Representatives, in which each school of political thought shall be represented in direct proportion to its votingstrength throughout fiie country."

TJio Pastoralists' Review, published in Melbourne, contains the following on the political situation in New Zealand:—" One has only to travel through New Zealand to become aware of the fact that a restful calm pervades the political arena, of the dominion. Tho conflicting winds which characterised the. latter years of the Ward Administration have (lied away, and a tranquil atmosphere of sincerity and common sense now exists. The old party has practically disappeared from the arena; there is no recognised leader of to Opposition; in fact, it is hard to find a party of that name in tho House. Mr Maesey and his able team are firmly entrenched, and aro likely io remain in office for many years to come."

The Boy Scout movement came under the notice of the Auckland Exhibition Executive at its meeting on 'Wednesday, when the district secretary of the Dominion Scouts asked if the executive' would consider tho question of holding a monster display of Scout craft, sports, etc, during tho time tho exhibition was open. Tho executive gladly agreed that such a display should be hold, and it is understood that largo contingents of Scouts will make the journey to Auckland from all pirts of the dominion. Mr" W. R. Holmes, secretary of the exhibition, said -that this would undoubtedly prove a big attraction. Tho Boy Scout movement was doing very good work, and since its inception juvenile crime had decreased very considerably. Tho annual Now Zealand Military Tournament will bo held in Auckland during the Exhibition time, and it -was 'decided at the same meeting to hold a " Volunteer ""day during the stay of the various Volunteers.

Thera are 248 solicitors practising in the Wellington, district, ono less than, last year. Twenty-ono of those practising in the district last year have ceased to practiso, left the district, or died, -while 20 others have commenced practice. This ehango reduces the number practising in the city by four (123), while tho oountry towns of tho district gain three in number (126). The number of practitioners in the dominion at tho end of 1912 was 963, an increase of 45 over last year's returns. Tho number shown to be practising in tho respective districts, and the increase or decrease shown

for tho year are as follows (tho figures in brackets are. tho numbers for 1911): Auckland 214 (226), Hamilton 42, Canterbury 127 (125), Gieborne 23 (20), Hawke's Bay 51 (52), Marlborough 12 • (11), Nelson 21 (18), Otago 104 (106), Southland 36 (33), Taninaki 62 (53), Wellington 248 (249), Westland 23 (22). North laland 640 (600), South Island 323 (318). Hamilton was included in the Auckland district last year.

A number of advertisements relating to sales by auction will be found on page 11 of this issue.

Harvest thanksgiving services will be held at St, Matthew's Church, Stafford street, to-morrow. Special hymns and anthem will be sung, tho words being provided to tho congregation. the All Saints' Church to-morrow ovening Dean Fitchott will continue a series of lectures on "The Bible in tho Twentieth Century." Subject; "The Four Gospels."

At the Y.M.C.A. Rooms to-morrow after noon Mr A. T. MTndoo mil deliver an address entitled "Running the Race." The Dunedin Starr-Bowkett Building Society will dispose of an appropriation of £500 by sale in No. 2 group, and two appropriations of £500 in No. 3 group by ballot and sale respectively on Wednesday. "Judaism, the Cradle of "Christianity" .will bo the subject; of tho Rev. W. F- Kennedy's lecturo in the Trades Hall to-morrow evening.

The Rev. Canon Garland, orgnnisimr secretary of tho Bible in State Schools' League of New Zealand, will address a public meeting in the Octagon Hall on Sunday afternoon, 9th irist., and a demonstration of friends in tho Burns Hal] on Tuesday evening 11th inst. The secretary of tho Money Club reports that applications for' loans co the amount of £320, and for 29 shares were received at this week's meeting of trustees.

A special lecturo, the last in tho scries delivered in Dunedin under tho auspices of the International Bible Students' Association, by Mr E. Nelson," will be given in Smith's Hall, Hanover street, at 6.30 tomorrow. The subject'is, "Why Does God Permit Evil?"

Notices of tho following Sunday services will bo found in our advertising columns:— Anglican—St. Paul's, AH Saints, St. Matthew's. Presbyterian—First, Knox, St. Antirow's, Kensington, Itoslyn, South Dunedin, North-East Valley, Onoho. Congregational -Moray Place, St. Clair. Methodist-Tri-nity, Woodhaiigh, North-East Valley, Central Mission, Cargill Road, St Kilda, Broad Bay, Kew, Fairfield, Abbotsford, Dundas Street, Ravonsbourne, Highcliff, Anderson's Bay. Salvation Army. Church of Christ. Thcosophical Society. Dr Commins. Unitarians. Order of the Star in the East.

The '" vibrationless" Douglas is a thoroxghbred in appearance; a Clydesdale in strength. Infinitely superior to all lightweight motor cycles.—Wilson, Dunedin.

H. Gunthorp, resident dentist, Balclutha, visits Milton, Kaitangata. and Owaka. Telephone 54.—Advt.

New preparations—MercoKzcd Wax, Parsidium Jelly, Bisurated Magnesia.—are now obtainable from Wilkinson and Son, chemists, Princes and George streets;—Advt.

At holiday time one is apt to over-eat oneself, with tho result that a fit of indigestion is brought on. This distressing malady may bo quickly cured by a few doses ot "Wahoo." 2s 6d per bottle.—Advt.

When the Multi-Rudgc motor cycle had a rival worth considering it usually left it far in tho rear.—Wimpcnny Bros. (Ltd.), Moray place—Advt

A. Reminder!— Our great clearance sale positively closes on Saturday, Ist March. All seasonable goods now remaining will be disposed of at tremendous reductions.— Mollisons Limited.—Advt,

Something New.—You are sure to find it in our stock. The designs are invariably different from what you see elsewhere, and tho quality and prices are right—G. and T. Young (Ltd.),jewellers,Bß Princes st — Advt

We recommend for watch, clock, and jewellery repairs A. J. Shaw, 13 Rattray street. Absolutely the best in Dunedin.— Advt.

A. E. J. Blakeley, dentist, Bank of Australasia, corner of Bond and Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office) Telephone 1859.Advt.

Who is Peter Dickf-Tha most reliable Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Certificated Consulting Optician, 490 .'vloray place (off Princes st-), Dunedin, Charges moderate.—Advt.