THE ANGLO-PERSIAN OIL COMPANY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16120, 8 July 1914, Page 6

THE ANGLO-PERSIAN OIL COMPANY.

The important step recently taken by the Admiralty, on the initiative of Mr Churchill, renders a very.full description of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company and its sphere of operations, which recently appeared in/the "Near East," of more than usual interest. As far back as 1901, it appears, Mr W. K. D'Arcy, an Australian millionaire, obtained from the Persian Government the sole right of exploiting petroliferous areas, -and selling petroleum throughout the entire empire, with the exception of the five northern provinces. In 1909 the present company was formed under the late Lord Strathcona as chairman. Directors and managers are alike British, and nearly all the ordinary shares are held by the Burmah Oil Company, another British organisation. Sixteen per cent, of the net profits go to the. Persian Government, and hitherto the company has been successful in. keeping up a good understanding with local tribes in the neighbourhood of its working*. The concession covers the enormous area of some 500,000 square miles, and was confirmed in 1907, when the Anglo-Russian Convention was framed. ]t includes upwards of thirty known oil fields, stretching from Kasr-i-Shirim, in Kurdistan, right across Southern Persia to the Baluchistan frontier. Of those the most important, and the one from which the bulk of the oil is at present procured, is tbe Maidani-iSTaph-tun area, which lies a little to the east of Shuetar, about 150 miles north-east of the refinery on the island of Abadan, with which it is connected by a line of 6in pipes. Between thirty and forty wells have been drilled on this field, and some have now been flowing for upwards of six years. Quite recently a big well has been opened with the enormous output, when partially shut down, of 1500 tons a day. The proved area in this and the neighbouring field is .about six square miles, which should yield from four to five hundred wells. Large storage tanke have been constructed on the field, from which the oil is pumped into the- transport pipes. At Abadan there is a lr*rge and up-to-date refinery equipped for manufacturing petrol, benzine, kerosene, the highest quality fuel oil, and provision for making tins, cans, and drums for carriage. The whole plant is worked by electricity, and facilities have been provided for loading large tank steamers. The present limit of production is 1000 tons of crude oil daily.' The company's etaff, including chemists, engineers, and other important officials, is British, wnile, of the workmen, the skilled men are- British Indians, and the unskilled

nutivo Persians. The figures published'in the company's last report in October, 1913, are .striking. For the \ue.t quarter of 1912 the monthly output of the refinery wa-s 1,344,000 gallons; for the third quarter of VJI3 it had riwn to 2.890,000 gallons; while for tho month of September nlmio it stood at 3,610.000 gallons. When it is remembered that the demand for oil fuel is daily increasing in the British Navy, and that foreign navies may at any time become consumers and coni[ietitors for supplies, there hardly seems exaggeration in the suggestion that since Disrarli purchased the Suez Canal shares, no British Ministry lias taken a more important commercial stop than the securing <i a- bold on tho output of this great oil company.

Tho English mail which was despatched from Dunedin, via Brindisi, on May 28, arrived in London on tho 4th inrt —one day early.

On her last trip from Bluff and Dunedin the Maitiii carried 102 crates of cheese, which were transhipped to tho lonie in Wellington, and sent to London. Of tho total 74 were taken on board at Bluff, and 23 at Dunedin. This was the. last shipment for the present season. It is expected that the first shipment of the now season's produce will be made ahout tho end of October.

Tho police have been very diligent of late in keeping a look out for persons who ore in the habit of evading tho arm of the law, and whenever they are breaking the city by-laws, in the. direction of riding homo after sunset without havinjr lights affixed to their bicycles. The result of this careful and most necessary watch on the part of tho police h«s been that between July 10 arid 13 no fewer than some 42 or 43 persons will make their appearance in the City Police Court to answer charges of riding bicycles after dark without carrying liim.os properly lighted.

Mr 11. Y. Widdowson, S.M., presided at the City Police Court yesterday when a first offending inebriate was lined ss, in default 24- hours' imprisonment. Edward Collins was convicted of being an idle and disorderly person, and for begging, and wai> ordered to come up for sentence when called upon, conditionally upon his undertaking to keep out of town for 6tx months.

Tho recommendations of tho Inspectorgonoral of Oversea Forces are now receiving tho consideration of the Minister of Defence, and some changes (says the New Zealand Times) are to be carried out at once. The quartermaster-generale are to have charge of tho administrative branch and the Army .Service Corps, and it is proposed to strengthen that section of the service. Tha general policy recommended of putting tho administrative side on a war basis is to be kept steadily in view. Improvements in the military will, it is promised, be gradually brought into operalion.

The Union Steam Ship Company, at the request of tho British Association Reception Committee, has decided to allow a concession of 10 per cent, on the passage money of scientists taking part in the meetings of tho British "Association in Australia and in the Science Congress in New Zealand in September. Residents of New Zealand wishing to obtain a concession for the Australian meetings of the British Association, should apply to Professor T. H. Laby, honorary secretary of the British Association Reception Committee, Victoria College. Wellington, upon whose certificate iho tt»iion Company will give the concession. The concession to scientists coming from Australia to Now Zealand will be given on tho certificate from tho secretary of the Australian Association for the Advancement of Science. Tho concession will apply to tho Huddart Parker boats as well as those of the Union Company.

A story of endurance, pluck, and of bush comradeship is to hand (says a Wellington Press Association message) from, the KingCountry. It concerns a man named Herbert Worsley, aged 33 yeare. Ho was engaged tree-felling in a bush. 20 miles from Raurimu on Monday, when a tree fell on him, breaking and mutilating his thigh. Eight comrades set out at 5 o'clock that afternoon to carry him. on a long, journey over steep mountainous country to Raurimu. When they had proceeded five miles they secured a trap, but this broke down, owing to the rough and broken nature of the country being traversed, and the party had to abandon the vehicle. They continued their march sometimes through dense bush, at other times over rough clearings of piled-up logs, and were frequently 'wading up to their knees in mud. The night was bitterly cold, and the darkness in the bush was a great handicap, the whole party frequently stumbling over logs, missing their footings and falling down slopc6. Worn out and fatigued, they reached Raurimu at 8 o'clock yesterday, where Worsloy was placed in the train and conveyed to Hamilton Hospital.

A Press Association telegram from Wellington states that on tho application of the AVellington District Law .Society, tho Appeal Court yesterday mrido an order absolute striking Oliver Noe\ Gillespie off the rolls of the barristers and solicitors of the Supremo Court. Costs were allowed to the district law 6ocioty.

A horse attached to a two-horse van belonging to the Empire Express Company, and driven by a man named John Arthur, of Kaikorai, was struck by an engine at the Rattray street crossing yesterday afternoon. The animal, which received a deep gaeh in the shoulder and had its foreleg broken in two places, was destroyed by the police. It appears that Arthur was <Sriving from Vogel street to get coal. Ho was in a hurry, and probably owing to the noise, failed to hear either the danger bells ringing, the approaching engine. <ji- .-..0 the warning flag. It- is etated that the crossing-keeper called out, but failed to attract the attention of tho van driver, the hood of the vehicle probably obstructing Arthur from henr'ng. The engine at the time of the impact was travelling from the shed to tho yard to take the. 4.4? p.m. train to Clinton.

The monthly meeting of the High Street School Committee was held on Monday uighfc; present—Mr D. Wishart (chairman), Mrs D- C Cameron, Aleesrs W. Floming, J. W. Blackwood, J. T. Cooper, S. Peden, T. Sanders, and 11. H. Wise. The head master's report showed an average attend anne of 527, out of an average on the roll of 567. He also reported the receipt ~f a picture entitled "Past and present." which was presented to tho school by the Navy League. He ako acknowledged an oxceilcnfcly got-up brochure from the same league, containing the names of all pupils belonging to tho School Leagues, which had boon distributed to the scholars.' The inspector's annual report was received, which showed that the school still remained at tho very high standard that it has obtained in the past, and a cause of very great satisfaction u> the committee. It was resolved to congratulate the head master and his staff on the splondii) result they havo attained. It was resolved to allow tho »St. Andrew's tlymmistic C'iiits the use of the gymnasium on Friday evenings from 6.45 to 8 o'clock. The Visiting Committee reported that everything was found in a very satisfactory condition, with the exception of a bad leak in otic of tin; class rooms. It was resolved to allow the matron to have the use of a fire in the infnnt room on very cold ckys, as nr. adjunct to tho hot-water system. The Visiting Committee for tho month :s ilestrs Fleming and Kandors.

In the course of conversation with n representative of tlio Otago Daily Times yrfiterday f.lio Rev. G. 11. Balfoitr, of First Church, expressed a desire (u cvplain position in regard lo tile Biblc-iii-sehuols movement: —"I believe in t.h-e platform of the Bible-in-State-Sehools League, the whole of it," said Mr Balfoiir. ''And this after 25 years of thought an,! consideration. I believe it \i> the fairest, system yet devised. Ami I believe it would be the right system for England, where (he Presbyterian Church is <r t such u. minority. 1 believe in the. second part of the platform, not because /mother Church wishes it, but because I think it is right, and good, and fair. I am thankful that the Referendum Bill is before Parliament, and sincerely hope it will pa.ss. I pray to God that He will so direct the hearts of our legislators that His will may bo done. I sincerely trust that what is best for tho children and for the nation and for tho glory of God may bo achieved. We all want this and nothing more. Our prayer is: 'Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.' "

The president of the Otago Central Railway League. (Mr W. Burnett) has received telegraphic advices from the Hon. Vv , . IVuser, Minister of Public Works, with assurances that active steps are being- taken in the matter of relieving the congested pressure of unemployment existing at proKent. Mr A. Moritzson. concerning the progress of the line in question, learns that the Public Works Department has been instructed to complete plans and specifications for tho'first ono and α-liulf miles of railway from Clyde on ae soon as possible, in order that tenders may be called for this section. The Minister has also given instructions to have plans and specifications for the next section completed at onco, ako in order that tenders may be ca-lled. Tho advance survey party have got tho trial survey carried up about six mijes and a-half above, Clyde, and, judging by appearances, it seems that a. legitimate effort is being- made to push this work on without, delay. The secretary of the Dunedin Expansion League ie now in receipt of the following communication, fron? Mr C. E. Statham, M.P.:—"You have no doubt duly received tho joint wire from the Dunedin members in reply to your telegrams re the unemployed. The Hob. Mr Fraser told me last evening that ho is sending a responsible officer down specially to deal with, the matter, and hopes to be able to give employment to those willing to go into tho country to work. Ho eays, however, that he does not see any way so far as the public works are concerned, of finding employment for those who do not seo their way to go out of the city. Ho will give instructions that everything possible will bo done in the way of making things comfortable for those who go." Wo understand that Mr Furkert arrived from Wellington last night.

A mooting of the committee of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday afternoon, Mr G. W. Gibson (vicepresident) presiding. There were also present: Messrs H. W. Airey, F. O. Bridgeman, W. F. Edmond, R. Ewing, G. W. M'lntosh, K. S. Ramsay, W. E. Reynolds, G. R. Ritchie, J. A. Roberts, and W. F. Sligo. A letter was received from the registrar of tho Otago University, submitting regulations for the approval of the chamber providing for the allocation of £10 10s donated by the chamber as prizes for the students attending the lectures in the faculty of commerce at the University. The regulations were approved. The Canterbury Chamber wrote agreeing to support a resolution urging on the Government the necessity for advertising weekly in the local prese in each ceatre the names of new subscribers to the telephone system, and also any alterations made in the liet of subscribers during each week. A lengthy letter was received from the New Zealand Society of Accountants, setting out the aims and objects of the society. It also mentioned that the society distributed annually £400 between the four universities in the dominion for the purpose of assisting in the training of students in subjects covered by its (the society's) examination. The letter was received.

A Daily Times reporter learns that a wellrknown. farmer of the Kaitangata district expects at no distant date to be carting milk to the dairy factory daily, per motor van.

Yesterday the secretary of the New Zca land Shipwreck Relief Society (Mr E. S. Wilson) received word from Captain Fleming, marine superintendent at Auckland, that two men, of the three saved from the scow Patiki, which sank as the result of a collision on June 23, in the port of Auckland, required assistance, as they had lost their clothes. The message suggested a donation of j33 to each man. Mr* Wilson later, on behalf of the society, telegraphed as follows, in reply:—"Draw on ue for £6

as suggested." A special sitting of the City Police Court was held yesterday afternoon, before Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., for the purpose of dealing with Michael John Sheehan, who was charged with being an idle and disorderly person having insufficient lawful means of support, and also with being found on licensed premises during the currency ol a prohibition order. Detective Hamincrly said that ho had known accused for the last 12 months. He was a convicted thief, and had done no constant work eir.ee he was before the court last February. Constable Howard stated that accused had been wandering about, the streets of South Duncdin for the last three months. Constable Bandy gave evidence to the effect that the man had not done sufficient work to earn an honest living. He wae a casual labourer. His Worship: "Casual labourers are often out of work." Witness: "But you never see them hanging round corners like this man." Accused eaid that he had been working as a casual labourer for the last five months. He was remanded ur.ti! this morning to give him an opportunity of calling evidence.

A considerable amount of discussion took place at the meeting of the Otago Motor Club last evening with reference to the manner in which a request from the club that some broom be removed from some sharp curves on the Saddle Hill road had been treated by the Taieri County Council. Mr Wright, speaking with some indignation, stated that the Taieri Council had treated them very badly in the matter. The club ted voted them a largo eum of money in connection with the opening of the Brighton road, and he thought councillors had shown very bad taste. Mr J. A, Roberts expressed eimilar views, and moved

—''That a letter be written to the Taieri Council asking it to remove broom from tlio sharp bends on the Saddle Hill road, and also expressing regret at the manner in which the letter had been received." Mr Lough and Mr MacDougaU expressed the opinion that the club's request in this particular instance had boon somewhat Unreasonable. The work would be a coetly one, and to all intents and purposes tho curves referred to were practically safe. Mr Meek said ho thought the council had shown a great kck of courtesy, whether iho club's request had been unreasonable or not. After eome further discussion Mr Roberta's motion was carried.

Tho act of shaking hands with a friend' (says the Goiden Bay Argus) is net usually considered a dangerous practice, but on Saturday week a man named Thomas CroTieher, while greeting in this manner o footballer just returned from Takaka was unfortunate enough to break a bone in his right forearm. The sufferer was driven to l'akaka by motor car, and attended to by Or Woodward, who set the broken limb. Mr Croucher will be incapacitated from vvoi'k for several weeks as a result of the

The members of tho Otago Harbour Board deputation, /who were in Wellington on Monday, had an interview with Mr Campbell, the head of the State Advances Department, regarding a State guarantee for their £50,000 loan. It ia understood (telegraphs our Wellington correspondent) that ihe department cannot guarantee tho loan unless the board has a harbour rating area, mrid p :wer to levy ratee.

Yesterday, while members of the Opposition Mid Labour members were declaiming in th/o House that the Uoveraaent sti.nds for monopoly and oppression (says ~nr Wellington correspondent) the Minister of Public Works was considering ways and means for the relief of distress owing to unemployment. Right through the winter the Minister ha 3 done a great deal to provide for those- in need of work by finding employment for them on various Government works. Mr Fraeer has authorieed the expenditure of between £300 and £400 on tluo painting of Government property in Wellington to relievo the unemployment in. the painting trade. He has also authorised a considerable expenditure on the painting of public buildings in Auckland. Jn Dunedin he has found employment for some 80 labourers; 30 of them married men.

"The Post and Telegraph Department," fays tho Public Service Commissioner in his annual report, "is peculiar es compared with others, as under the Public ServiceAct transfers to the department from other department* are practically impossible, although there is nothing to prevent postal officers from being transferred to other departments. This was at the request of the officers of the department, but I am afraid the provision is ono which is a dieadvantago rather than an advantage to the officew themselves, as the rest of the public ser-

vice is now claiming, through it» association, that the same treatment should be applied to them. The full effect desired by all officers would be met if the restrictions were modified. The Post Office has unusual facilities for training officers in certain classes of clerical work for which it :a at times difficult to find officers properly trained in other departments, while, on the other hand, tho Post Office is often in need of general division officers, who couid be supplied frbm other departments instead of being engaged from outside' the public service."

"Ihe accommodation provided in the majority of cast* for Government offices is just about as unsuitable as it could be," says the annual report of the Publio Service Commissioner, which was presented to Parliament on Friday. "It usually consists of a series of small rooms, which it can easily be understood render* eupervision an impossibility; moreover, under euch conditions an undesirablo result is that the isolation of officere brings about lines of demarcation fatal to good management, and destroys the community of interest. For the purpose of dealing with all matters of accommodation, a board reporting to the Minister of Internal .Affairs—consisting of Messrs R. Triggs, Assistant Publio Service Commissioner; H. J. H. Blow, permanent head, Public Works Department; and J. Hislop, permanent head, Department of Internal Affairs—was set up in September, 1913, and it has made recommendations for the rearrangement of the now buildings at Chrietchurch, the Government Buildings at Auckland, and also at Nelson, besides providing for and rearranging tho accommodation in several of ihe smaller departments generally."

Full details of the disaster to the Empress of Ireland have been received at the national headquarters of the Salvation Army in Wellington (says the Zealand Times). Originally it was reported that 109 Salvationists perished, but the total number that were drowned was 150 out of 176. Tho Canadian War Cry points out that the commissioner's and chief secretary's departments at national headquarters, Toronto, both lost their chiefs, and in addition, the private secretary of each. The editorial department lost the editor and sub-editor, the finance department a brigadier, an adjutant, and a captain, and the property department two adjutants, a captain, and a staff bandsman. The "maker, up" of the War Cry and the artist also perished, while the immigration and special efforts departments, and the Toronto disisional office were also heavily hit.

The quality of stenography and typewriting among applicants for positions in the civil service and also in the service, does not some up to the standard required by the commissioners, who have a good deal to say about it in their report to Parliament, presected on Friday afternoon. Out of 18 candidates in public examinations in this subject, held iu Auckland, Wellington, and Nelson, there were only four passes/ The tiuality of the .work wae distinctly poor in all cssential.3. Of 11 girls who presented themeelves for examination in the Public Service Commissioner's office, not one succeeded in passing e> reasonable test, and most failed badly. Experience showed that common-sense andi intelligence, which would tide the candidate over some difficulties, are wanted to a large extent. The quality of the typewriting work was (says .the Herald), equally disappointing. "It is hard to understand," the commissioner states, "why candidates who have attended classes at the various recognised schools and presumably undergone a course of instruction, should make such a lamentable showing when subjected to a simple test. The public service now offers good scope and substantial monetary and other benefits to efficient shorthand writers and typists, which should be sufficient to induce competent, well-trained girle to offer when applications are injited for vacancies. The oniy comfort to bo derived from the present position is that it is not singular to New Zealand. ,, Similar criticism is directed to the stenographic side of the civil service, where "the work done, with few exceptions, is of only fair average quality, and lacking that excellence which should be the hall-mark of Government work."

It is probable that an information will be laid against the Napier Park Racing Club for a breach of the Gaming Act arising out of the recent meeting. It is stated that investments were accepted at the totalizator for several minute* after the time at which the race was notified , to start, and notwithstanding a warning from the police, the offence was repeated. The Gaming Act deals with this matter very stringently, and provides, on conviction, for a penalty up to £100. It is also stipulated that money so received shall not be taken into consideration when the dividend is being calculated. A case under the same section was heard at Nelson some time ago, and a conviction was recorded.

H.M.S. Torch left Nukualofa (Tonga) on June II for Suva (says the New Zealand Herald's correspondent). From there sheproceeds to the New Hebrides on a puajtivo expedition. The officers are already acquainted with the locality, and do not relish the work beforo them. On tho occasion of their last visit they had a rathe." exciting time, in consequence of pursuing u party of natives. into the interior at Malekula. Whilst in ihe midst o{ heavy undergrowth, the fugitives suddenly disappeared, and despite a prolonged 6earch, no further trace of them was seen. The ship's party reluctantly turned coastwards, and. on scaring the beach, were surprised to hear tho rattle of a broadside from the Torch It appeared that a large number of nativce were ambushed, awaiting the sailors' return from inland, and, but for the vigilar.ee of the look-out on the gunboat, who sighted the gathering of natives, tho expedition would certainly have been taken by surprise a.nd have suffered accordingly. A French gunboat ift to aaeisb in the present expedition.

The conservation of forests is a matter of vital importance! in any community. Much good work is being done in South Aus tralia in this direction. There has (says the South Australian Register) been much ruthless destruction of timber in the past % unci, unfortunately there appears to bo still need for public enlightment regarding the great and inevitable harm which follow* such vandalism. Vigorous addresses • were delivered at a meeting of the Forestry League in Adelaido recently. The doctrine of tree-planting constituted the basis of the remarks, and abundant evidence was provided regarding its utility. Mr Corbtn (Instructor in Forestry at the Adelaide University) spoke of the part played bj birds in checking insects which damage standing timber. Hβ remarked that one had only to look at a stack of firewood in the backyard for abundant evidence of tho tremendous damage caused by ineccts. Tho speaker added that were it not for destructivo insects much of that wood woulfl probably not be there. .5 A shipment , of Australian native birds and animals is being forwarded to Canada by the mail steamer Niagara, which ar rived at Auckland on Thursday from Sydney. The consignment is housed in cages <m the boat deck of the liner, and < has been presented to tho Vancouver Board of Park Commissioners by Mr E. S. Josephs, the explorer. Mr Josephs passed through Auckland some months ago by tile Niagara with a largo consignment ot' American birds and animiile for various Australian zoos. The shipment on thn Niagara includes several kangaroos, out: eagle, Tasmanian devils, two dingos, one emu, one ibis, several wallabies, four laughing jackasses, cuckoos, one hawk, four opossums, aud four mountain ducks.

Pohutu Geyser, at Whakarewarewa, has been more than usually active recently, several of its eruptions giving proof of the great force behind its waters. One day (says the local Chronicle) this geyser was in a state of activity no fewer than six time 6, the duration of these outbursts totalling two hours and 40 minutes. On June 22 and 24, there were eruptions of SO and 55 minutes respectively. On the 251h, Waikorohihi Geyser was in a state of activity from 11 p.m. witil 4 p.m. on the following day, the display being a very attractive one. On the 27th, Pohutu gave three exhibitions of its eruptive powers; two of 25 minutee' duration and one of 30 minutes, and on the following day the geyser was again in a state of eruption on three occasions, for 35, 25, and 25 minutes respectively. The Cauldron (To Horo) was on each occasion very active prior to the eruptions of Pohutu, hut was eepecially eo on Saturday last, when its tlisplay is described by the genial "Bob' , Ingle, caretaker, as "grand." The other geysers at Whakarewarewa havo also been very active, and have proved a great atraction to visitors.

A tragedy was averted on Thursday afternoon by the prompt action of a lady in rescuing a little boy from his perilous plight, and also through the action of two gentlemen, who applied artificial means of respiration to the dying boy (says the Auckland Star). Mrs M'Night was proceeding along Francis street, when eho was surprised to see two tiny feet protruding from a sewer grating. Coming closer, she saw that a boy, whose name is Willie Dunn, residing in Francie street, had fallen head first down the grating, his head and shoulders being submerged in about two feet of water. Hastily pulling him out, she was horrified to see that toe was apparently dead. Galling for assistance, she lajd the boy down, and two passers by worked on the lad's body, with the result that animation was eventually restored. He wae soon sufficiently recovered to be able to proceed to his home. It appears that he had beea playing near the spot where he fell, and by some moans managed to shift the iron barred grating, and had toppled in.

A report issued by the Lands Department shows that the rabbit pest ie diminishing in Queensland. Dry seasons have destroyed rabbits in a wonderful -way between Wompah and Cooper's Creek, a distance of 150 miles, -in that part of the State there ie not a single rabbit, and very few traces of them are to be seen. Increases, however, are reported in some districts where the rainfall has been copious and conditions favourable, but the largest portion of the State is now singularly free from the pest. There has been an incursion of rabbits into the Carnarvon district from New South Wales across dried-up watercourses, which are usually filled. Foxe6 are aiding tho dry weather in exterminating the pest in tlie south-west. The opinion generally held is that what with) the diminution of rabbits and tho high prices ruling for stock, and the good seasons being experienced in most districts, pastoralists in Queensland are enjoying an exceptionally prosperous lime.

The Dutch linor Tasman presented a very weather-beaten appearance when she arrived in Sydney last Sunday week (says the Sydney Morning Herald). On the port side the bulwarks were almost entirely washed away, and boards were nailed over ma.ny broken windows and portholes. One wove which swept over the bridge, 36 feet high, washed' a seaman away from the wheel, and dashed him against the starboard light'. A stewardess fell and injured her back, while a Malay seaman broke his leg. For two days the Tasman was hove-to. The most sensational incident of the stormy passage occurred when the passengers were trying to get a meal in tho saloon. There was a sudden crash of glass and smashing of furniture. It was o great wave that had broken through the windows and porte, and it swamped every-

body out*

Mr A. Baker, Maltby avenue, Timaru, has been carrying on in a small way, n poultry export industry for the past nine years. He informed a Timaru Herald reporter that since Easter ho had killed, plucked, and shipped to Wellington, no fewer than 3000 birds.o He sent by the last week-end ferry steamer 100 turkeys, which is the largest consignment yet sent from South Canterbury. He has dealt with the same Wellington firm all the time, and states that South Canterbury birds are considered the sweetest on the market, and he is unable to supply the demand. He is convinced that the industry can be made a very profitable one, nil that is necessary being more capital than he has at command. He also believes, from information obtained from Australian poultry journals, that a large trade could be established with the Commonwealth. Another idea, which his experience has suggested to him (Mr Baker was for five years in the Government poultry depot at Christchurch) is that an association or i; circlo" for the disposal of poultry for local consumption would be a useful and profitable thing.

"Our missionaries in Papua, having to deal with naked savages in a climate in which clothing is trying even to the white man, have come to the conclusion that it was not their business to dress tho natives, who saw no indecency in being without clothing," said the Rev. R. W. Thompson, speaking in Sydney last week. "In due time, when civilisation spread, clothing became inevitable where there were communities of white people, as they would not allow tho natives to walk aboui the streets naked. But, the serious thing ie that the natives have a very limited wardrobe, and in a moist and hoi climate they get their clothing drenched with perspiration, and through having no change they get chills which lead to phthisis and other complaints. The native women wear a kilt, which is perfectly inoffensive, but the great problem is to get su.table garments for the men. As Dγ Lawce expressed it, 'A ball of twine would dress a whole village.' "

Tho agitation against iho planting of en avenue of trees in Thames street, Oamaru —work that is now about completed—took on new life last night (says our own correspondent,), when a mooting of opponents was held. About! 200 people were present, and both the Beautifying Society and the Borough Council came in for strong condemnation. There was some talk of asking the whole cwincil to resign, and threats indulged of remembering tho action ot the majority at the next election. There was an emphatic demand to have the trees removed, und it was decided to promote a monster petition to tho council to that end. Of course, tho other side is not likeiy to remain quiet, and a counter petition will probably bo set in circulation.

A system whereby fanners in the back country could secure wireless communication with the towns ie suggested by W. King-Witt, vice-president of tho Wireless Institute of Victoria. He thinks that tho farmers in tho various localities should organise theniselvce into a co-operative body, subscribing to a fund which would provide a wireless station for each member, and a central station at the nearest town, whero an operator would be on duty. For the sum of £20 each a body of 10 subscribers could purchase instruments, 'including a transmitter with a rango of 10 miles. The cost of the erection of tho mast' aerial and the assembling of tho instruments would depend upon tho ability of tho erector. The matter of the supply of power could be dealt with by Imvinp at the central station a small plant for charging accumulators.

Astounding value in second-hand motor cycles, from £20; all in splendid order end condition; terms arranged.—W. Stuart Wilson and Co., Bond street. —Advt.

For Influenza take Woods' Great Peppermint; Cure. Never fails. Is 6d 2s 6d.— Advt. '

"I do like this whisky. What is itT , ' "Wateon's No. 10. F.ir the beat."—Advt. Drop off at end of penny section end visit Mollisons reorganisation sale. There are bargains worth looking at. —Advt.

Coughe and Colds, trifling ailments, quickly cured bv a few doses of Benjamin Gum; but neglected, may result in pneumonia end consumption. " Benjamin Gum," Iβ 6d bottle.—Advt.

We recommend for watch, clock, and jewellery repairs A. J. Shaw, 13 Rattray street Absolutely the beet in Dnnedin.--Advt.

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

Who ie Peter Dick?— The most reliable Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Certificated Consulting Optician, 490 Moray place (off Princes street), Dunedin. Charges moderate.—AJvt.