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Otago Daily Times, Issue 16239, 24 November 1914, Page 4

The Right Hon. W. F. Massey will reach Dunedin this morning by the south express, and will proceed direct to Christchurch, where he will deliver a political address this evening.

Though the Hon. W. Fraser has not definitely decided upon his itinerary for the next few days, ho will probably return from Dunedin to his own electorate on Wednesday.

The Pacific cable route is now working through and accepting ordinary deferred and week-end cable messages under the restrictions now in force for such messages.

The English mail which was despatched from Dunedin via Wellington and San Francisco on October 14, arrived in London on the 20th inst.—five days late.

The Mokoia will leave Dunedin at noon to-day, instead of at 1 o'clock as usual, for Auckland, via the usual East Coast ports.

Arrangements have been made for taking up the usual Hospital collection in Port Chalmers on Saturday. The ladies who assisted last year are again willing to take the matter in hand, and, given favourable weather, it is hoped that a satisfactory collection will result. Carey's Bay, Deborah Bay, Sawyers Bay, and Purakanui will also be circularised, and despite the numerous calls for patriotic purposes, the ladies are very hopetul that a good amount will be realised.

An accident that contained all the elements of danger and much promise of fatality, and yet revealed a distinctly humorous side, is reported to have occurred between Port Chaimers and Dunedin on Saturday evening. It appears that some time alter the 10.15 p.m. train from Port left Burkes and had attained a speed of perhaps 25 miles an hour, a man was observed to fall from one of the carriages. The guard was informed of the occurrence, and alter the train had been stopped several of the passengers went back lull of forebodings and apprehensions as to the man's fate. Their surprise was only exceeded by their amusement when familiar, but scarcely conventional language was heard issuing from the darkness, and it was soon learned that the individual was merely bewailing the fact that lie would have to - walk to town instead of being conveyed in the train. His fall and subsequent narrow escape had not disconcerted him at 'all, and his profane volubility was not directed against these things in any degree. This man seems to bear a charmed life, as some time ago he fell from the top to the bottom of the big dock at Port Chalmers and suffered no serious injury.

A deputation representing the stonemason trade waited on the Hon. W. Eraser (Minister of Public Works) yesterday afternoon. Mr VV. Baker, who acted us principal spokesman, said the deputation was desirous of having some of the culvert work in connection with the extension of the Otago Central Railway done in stone so as to permit of the employment of stonemasons. There were at present a good number of masons out of work, as building operations were practically suspended. The Minister, after hearing the views of the other members of the deputation, said that seeing the question of cheapness had been raised he might point out that it was not entirely a question of economy. Ho would, however, submit that phase of the subject to the engineer, and if ho could find employment for stonemasons he would do so. He was not going on with any work unless the engineers advised him that it was right, but he was willing to assist them to the full extent of his power.

The monthly meeting of the Country Development Committee of the Otago Expansion League, was held in the league's office last evening; present—Messrs Crosby Morris (in the chair), A. Moritzson, P. G. Duncan, Isaao Green, E. Tamblyn, G. M. Marshall, and E. E. Clowe3. A report was received from Mr F. G. Duncan on the question of country telephones, suggesting that the Post and Telegraph Department bo urged to make a fixed charge for connections with country offices. Mr Duncan was thanked for his report, and it was resolved that the executive be urged to approach the Postmaster-general in regard to the matter. Correspondence in connection with several matters which the committee has in hand was read, and the secretary was instructed further to prosecute inquiries in regard to a number of

questions.

At a meeting of the Otago Harbour Board yesterday the Deputy Chairman (Mr J. Dickson) made appropriate reference to the death of Earl Roberts, and moved the following motion, which was seconded by Mr J. Loudon: —" That this board places on record its deep sense of sorrow at the demise of Earl Roberts, particularly at the present juncture of the war operations in Europe. The board prizes the privilege of having a part in acknowledging the Empire's indebtedness to the late noble Earl for his past magnificent achievements, and rejoices in the fact that, on the Empire's scroll of honour there will, for all time, be indelibly inscribed the name of one whose career has been so illustrious and honourable." Ihe motion was carried, all members standing. A resolution was carried by the Port Chalmers Borough Council last night, expressing the council's tribute of nrspect to the momorv of the late Earl Roberts, who for so manv years had devoted his military genius to the service of the nation.

Mr T. Scollav presided in the Police Court at Port Chalmers yesterday morning, when a first offender for drunkenness was fined 10s, in default 24 hours' imprisonment.

In a letter to a friend in Auckland the head of Messrs J, 11. Smith, Ltd., the well known ftamp-dealing firm of Sydney, writes (says the Star) regarding the Samoan provisional stamps: "These are causing some worry, for there has apparently been a good deal of speculating in them in Apia, and the holders want such tall prices that business is out of the question atogether. I am afraid that some of them will ' burn their fingers' very badly, and never get their money back. None of the collectors here will touch them at the prices asked. In fact, we got small supplies of some of the denominations from a private source, which we are able to sell at half these prices and make a handsome profit."

The bicycle thief pales into comparative insignificance as compared with the motorcycle robber (says the Christchurch Press). It is reported that at present there are 12 rightful owners of motor-cycles who are anxiously awaiting information a* to th» whereabouts of their property. In one caso a man has been relieved of a comparatively new machine, which cost close on £90. Recently the Christchurch police authorities received information from tha Dunedin police that a Christchurch motorcycle which was "lost, stolen, or strayed" five months ago had been recovered.

The total births in the four chief cities and their suburban boroughs during the month cf October, amounted (says the New Zealand Times) to 678, as against 572 in September—an increase of 106. The deaths in October wore 268-—a decrease of one as compared with the previous month. Of the total deaths males contributed 149, and females 119. Forty-one of tho deaths were of children under five years of age, being 15.30 per cent, of the whole number; 29 of these were under one year of age.

A Press Association telegram from Christchurch states that a deputation of unemployed waited on Sir Joseph Ward and asked his advice. The spokesman said the gathering was not a political one in any way. Sir Joseph Ward said he was of opinion that it was tho clear duty of the Government to enable work to be put in hand for the unemployed. Parliament had give - tho Government finance to enable them to meet the difficulties. The money had been guaranteed by the Imperial Government, and ought to be available. He would do his best to impress on the Government the importance of the matter. The present was a time when money should be spent, not withheld.

A most successful rally of the Methodist Bible Classes in Dunedin and suburbs was held at Trinity Schoolroom last evening. The Rev. F. T. Read (president of the Young Men's Union) presided, and earnest addresses were given by Mrs Pinfold (the president of the Young Women's Union), and the Rev. W. Greenslade. Miss Walton, who is retiring from the position of president of the Young Women's Union, gave a parting message. Solos were contributed by Misses Densen, Gresby, Maxwell, and by Mr J. Stephens. Miss Rosevear contributed a recitation, and the Misses Pinfold and Aslin gave a pianoforte duet. The spirit of the meeting was excellent, and great Lopes are entertained for a successful convention and camp, to be held in Dunedin at Easter,

The members of the Dunedin Drainage Board paid a visit of inspection yesterday morning to two important works now under construction The big channel being built round the southern foreshore— to pick up the water from the several storm water channels and convey it in one body to an outlet into the harbour near St. Kilda —was first inspected. The cost of this work is being equally borne by the Drainage Board and the Harbour Board. The construction, however, is being carried out by the Drainage Board, and s6me 35 men are now on the work. Good progress is being made. The members then went on to the Kaikorai Valley. Three gangs of men are engaged here in putting down the main line sewer, two of them working on day wages, while tha third section is being done by contract. In all, about 120 men are employed in the valley, and it is anticipated that the main line should be finished in about two or three months. The reticulation contracts have been commenced from the Eoslyn tramway power house, and will be carried on towards Balmacewen.

Audiences at political meetings, whether Government or Opposition in their sympathies, laugh spontaneously with pure joy whenever Sir Joseph Ward's advance to babiee scheme is mentioned. A man at Wyndham on Saturday night caused a lot of fun by asking Mr W. G. Mehaffey, the Opposition candidate for Mataura, what steps ho would adopt in the event of a youthful heir of the State dying before it came into its property. Would the Government or the parents secure tha booty? Mr Mehaffey was unwilling arbitrarily to dispose of the £5, with its increment, on his own responsibility, and expressed the opinion that Sir Joseph Ward was best able to decide this weighty matter. However, he would hazard the opinion that the mother of the child should receive the money. A round of treble applause from relieved mothers greeted this announcement.

Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., with Captain Beaumont as assessor, sat in the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning to hear a claim by Antonio Ja/ooloni, fisherman, of Port Chalmers, against Francis Joseph Sullivan for £125 salvage. The facts of the claim shortly were that the defendant's fishing launch, when outside the Heads, was seen flying signals of distress, and that the complainant's launch, which was also fishing at the time, succeeded in towing the disabled boat into Port Chalmers after the towing rope had broken twice. At 5 o'clock the taking of the evidence not having been completed, the case was adjourned until thia morning.

At <1 meeting of the Huntly Relief Committee yesterday morning, at which Mr M. Cohen presided, the hon. treasurer (Mr J. S. Sinclair) submitted a statement showing an amount of £158 Qs 9d in hand. This, added to the £400 already forwarded, made a total, after deducting all expenses to date, of £558 0s 9d. The committee decidcd to remit £150 to the Huntly Committee, and Messrs Loudon, Sinclair, and the chairman were appointed to deal with any further subscriptions that may come in, and to call a future meeting should it be deemed necessary. It was also resolved to publish the treasurer's statement for the information of the publio. Votes of thanks were accorded the hon. treasurer (Mr Sinclair) and the local branch of the Bank of New Zealand, which remitted all moneys free of charge.

An employer in giving evidence before the Arbitration Court (says our Wanganui correspondent) complained that the war had greatly affected the manufacturing sash and door business. The turnover of tie Wanganui factories had decreased by onethird or half of what they had been before the war. They were endeavouring to keep their hands employed, but at the present time they were doing no moro business than enabled them to keep afloat' and pay

expenses

A sale of work in aid of the bnildingf fund of the Koslyn Church of Christ will be held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Stuart street, to-morrow and on Thursday.

Signal Hill, Saturday. Class 3, M'Domgall (Triumph and side-car) Ist. Novices' event, Strain " (Douglas) Ist. Class 1 (Douglases), 2nd, 3rd, 4th.—Wilson, Dunedin.—Advt.

Mollisons are offering this week 600 ladies' and girls' holiday and .seaside hats at on® shilling—worth 3s 6d.—Advt.

Signal Hill. —Hill climbing competition last Saturday Cooke-Howlison almost scoop the pool. Motor cycle, 3i h.p. Norton, Ist on time, Ist on formula, and special novice prize, boating 20 h.p. machines. Motor cycle and side-cars, King Dick Ist fastest time, Ist on formula. Light cars, Oalthorpe Minor Ist on time, Ist on formula, fastest time of day against all car competitors. Big car class, Buick Ist and 2nd on time, Ist on formula, giving enormous handicaps. Calthorpe Minor light car holds the record for hill for all standard cars.—Cooke, Howlison, agents.—Advt.

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

Off colour? Take a nip of Watson's No. 10. It is a splendid pick-me-up.—Advt.

Who is Peter Diok?—The most reliable Watchmaker. Jeweller, and Certificated Consulting Optician, 490 Moray place (off Prinoea street), Dunedin. Charges moderate.—Advt.