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Otago Daily Times, Issue 16354, 10 April 1915, Page 7

Mr E. F. Duthie, the representative of the employers on the Arbitration Court, will leave Dunedin this morning for Christchurch by tho second express to attend a sitting of the court. It is expected that it will take about a fortnight to get through the business 'on hand, and tho court will then go on to Wellington. Our Queenstown correspondent reports that Annie Kealis, Alice Faeey, and John Clegg, of Diinedin, left Queenstown at 2.30 p.m. on Thursday for Moke Lake.- Unfortunately they lost their way, and had to sleep under trees without food, etc. They returned at 10 a.m„ yesterday in an exhausted condition. The police sent 'a party out to search for them*.

At St. Matthew's Church, Stafford street, to-morrow evening tho Rev. W. J. Durrad, who lias just arrived in tho dominion, aftor

a year s visit to En-gland, will preach upon tho war. Mr Durrad has met Belgian refugees and others, and can speak at first band about the war as it affects England and tho dominion. Ho will preach in the morning on Melanesia.

At the country teachers' camp at Tahuna Park for tho purpose of physical culture everything is working smoothly. The teachers, who are for the time being tho pupils, are apparently quite contented with the novel position in which they find themselves, and . everyone has settled down to the work with evident interest. The ladies, at their classes in halls in tho city, are in the same happy position. Tho fear that the exorcises would provo too much for some of the teachers has proved groundless. A number o£ elderly teachers, on tho presentation of medical certificates, havo been excused from sleeping in camp, and those who are medically unfit are not required to undertake tho exercises, J but all attend to watch tho practical work. A number of the teachers left for their homes afternoon to spend tho week-end, but will return to camp on Monday. The Drainage Board has decided to pro./eed with, the work of No. 4 reticulation area, Kaikorai Valley, comprising the con- . struction of the necessary sewers west of the Kaikorai Styeam, from tho Main West Taieri road ■ down -to the Bradford subdivision on the south side of the woollen , mills. The engineer (Mr Slinger) has {>oen instructed to snbmit to the board a suitable contract, and the remainder of the undertaking will be carried out 'by the board's day-labour gangs.. It is expected that the work will be commenced in about three weeks' time, on the completion of No. 3 area. A short time ago the secretary of the Otago Labour Council wrote to the Minister of Defence asking him if it was not a fact that men in the first division of the railway service joining tho Expeditionary Forces were granted leave of absence, but that men in the second division volunteering for- service had to resign their positions, and if such was the case would he have the matter rectified? To this letter the Minister replied as follows"I referred your letter to the General Manager of the Railway Department, and am now informed by him that owing to the depletion of staff caused by the granting of leave to members to accompany the Ex- - peditionary Forces, it 'became necessary,' in order to provide for the efficient working of the department to decline to grant any further leave to members desiring to enlist. Members of both divisions who havo ' obtained commissions, have been made an exception to this general rule, as have also non-commissioned officers of the second division with special qualifications for the military duties required of them. The department / does not differentiate between members of the different divisions of the service." 1 A special meeting of the executive of the Schools' Committees' Association was held yesterday afternoon; present—Messrs R. Bentham (president), Wm. Mowat, A. Millen, G. Moir, H. R. Brugh, J. H. Wilkinson, and M. Fraer (hon. secretary). A deputation from tho Head Teachers' Association consisting of Messrs W. Davidson, J. W. Smith, and W. Eudey, waited on' the executive in reference to the observance of the winter holidays this year. Tho deputation explained why it was deemed necessary that the winter term should not be interfered with, and after some discussion on various [ points, the following resolution nvas unanimously carried—"That the executive of the Schools' Committees' Association recommend to the Education Board that no alteration bo made in tho winter holidays this year in consequence of the two weeks closing of the schools to allow the teachers to go into a physical instruction camp, • and that the holidays be held from May 31 to June 4." Cr Marlow addressed the electors in the Wakari Hall last night. -The Chairman (Cr Menzies) spoke of the able and energetic manner in which the candidate had carried • out his duties as councillor, and .said he had no doubt that he would carry out tho duties of Mayor to the satisfaction of the council, and with, credit to himself and tho fitizens. At the conclusion of an interesting address a number, of questions were -dealt with to the apparent satisfaction of the meeting. Mr A. Ellis moved that this meeting expresses-it confidence in Cr Marlow, and will use its best endeavours to secure his return as Mayor. - The motion was seconded by Mr D. Masterton, and unanimously adopted. The demolition of St. Paul's Church in ' £>tuart street, to make way -for the erection of the new cathedral, may now be said to be complete. The site is at present covered with the materials of which the original edifice was constructed 53 years ago, and the state of preservation of these materials supplies an evidence of the fidelity and conscientiousness with -which people builded in those days. A certain portion of the stone that was used in tho erection of the old churoh has been reserved for probable use in the construction of ' a temporary chancel on tho site, but, with this exception, the whole of the materials are to bo sold by auction for removal.

. With the purpose of prosecuting further i inquiries into the point whether there should be any substantial reason -why a certain portion of the men in the dominion should make a distinction in favour of Britishmade cloths as against the New Zealand ■article when ordering- their suits, a member of our staff yesterday paid a visit to the firm of Messrs Ross and Glendining, the proprietors of the Roslyn Woollen Mills. Here the reporter had a further opportunity of viewing numberless rolls of the highest class tweeds and worsteds, ot wonderfully varied range of patterns, and the opinion was again impressed on him that there is absolutely no reason -vijhy the most fastidious should see fit ,to ignore these goods in favour of British manufactured cloths. It was pointed out to the reporter, too, that the Roslyn Mills could turn out what are termed specialised articles, such as indigo and vicuna serges—that, in fact, tho mills had been manufacturing this class of cloth for years. It was not denied that tho British firms had an advantage . in the matter of the sale of "suit lengths." in that they had practically tho world in which to distribute a roll of cloth, and consequently thero was not much possibility of any gentleman meeting another one wearing ' a similar pattern of cloth, but it was pointed out—and with perfect reason, it appeared to tho reporter—that there was not such a valid objection to this duplication as some people sought to indicate.

As Mr T. , Glendining aptly remarked to ' the reporter, it rests with the people themselves to encourage local industry, and. he summed ,up the position, so far as the Roslyn mills are concerned, by stating that, given tho demand, his firm was fully prepared to manufacture any type of cloth.

At a meeting of the Hopo of Dunedin Lodgo last night, tho following resolutions wore carried unanimously:—"That according to an advertisement calling for tenders for a licensed 'booth at tho Forbury Trotting Club meeting it is apparently tho intention of tho Dunedin South Licensing Commitee to grant conditional licenses. We hereby express our indignation at such a proposal at tho present time, -when from tho King downwards everyone is doing his best to reduce tho ovils caused by tho salo of intoxicating drink." "That as Good Templars we believo tliat the only remedy for tho evils caused by intoxicating drink is prohibition, and wliilo sympathising with the Right Hon. Lloyd George in tho difficulties lie has with tho fruits of tho traffic, wo rejoice that our noblo King has set such a good example in prohibiting the use of intoxicants in his household; and, further that the New Zealand Government would bo justified in prohibiting a traffic tyhich is ever calling upon our homes to furnish recruits for the ever increasing number of drunkards."

Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., held a short sitting of tho Magistrate's Court at Port Chalmers- ye-stcrday, when a first offender was lined 10s, and costs (7s), for being drunk in a railway carriage. In a civil case—John Turner v. Chae. Strang—judgment was given by default on a claim for £1 8s sd, for goods supplied, with costs (5 f Tho Kaitangata Borough Council has held a special meeting to consider matters in connection with tho Cottage Hospital, and there was much discussion (says tho correspondent of tho Balclutha Free Press). Correspondence dealing with the original plans, cfco., of the institution was considered, and it was eventually decided to invito the Otago Hospital Board to Kaitangata. to discuss the situation with tho local Hospital Advisory Board, Borough Council, and delegates from the Miners' Union. It was further decided to invito Messrs M. Stervenson, C. E. Yates (lato Mayor of Kaitangata), and R- Lee to bo present. It is hoped that some definite arrangements will bo como to at this conference.

Tho regular meeting of tho • Port Chalmers School Committee was held on Thursday evening; present—Messrs J. M'Lachlan (chairman), J. Mill, A. R. Sutherland, R. D. Jack, A. M'Donald, and J. Emerson. Tho resignation of Mr Fleming as third assistant in the school was received with regret, and it was resolved that a letter be forwarded to him expressing- the committee's regret at his leaving, but expressing pleasuro at his promotion in his profession. It was resolved that the sum of £3 12s 3d, donations to tho School Band, be handed over to the Library Fund. The Waterside Workers' Union forwarded a cheque for £2 2s -in aid of the school picnic prize fnnd It was resolved that the chairman lie asked to write thanking the union for the donation. Mr T. M'Nie .forwarded his resignation as a member of the committee. It was resolved that a letter be sent to him expressing regret at. his resignation. It was resolved that tho school >be closed from April 26 to May 7 for tho physical training .-of ■ the teachers. ■ The rector reported that tho average roll for tho past four weeks was 479, and the average attendance 456. The attendance shield was won twice by Standard iy, with 91 per cent, and 93 per cent. Once by Standard H, with 97 per cent., and onoe by Standard Y, with 97 per cent. The following donations were received in aid of the band fundslos 6d from the Horticultural Society, 10s 6d from tho Railway Maintenance Department Picnic Committee, and £2 0s 9d collected by friends of the band on Anniversary Day at the regatta, when tho band was playing for the Otago Rowing Association. The rector also expressed his v high appreciation of Mr Fleming as a teacher. Messrs M'Lachlan and Sutherland were appointed a Visiting Committee for tho month.

An announcement of considerable in- | teresfc to theatrical activities in Australia | and New Zealand is that Mr Beaumont Smith, the young Australian author and .manager, has entered into partnership -with Mr-- Leslie R. Hoskms, .one of the wellknown engineering firli of G. and C. Hoskins (Ltd.), of Sydney, Lithgow, and Rhodes. Mr Smith has already accomplished much important work in theatrical matters in Australia, and it is anticipated that the partnership just arranged will lead to an expansion in his activities which may have a considerable effect on the theatrical business in this part of the -world. The dismissal by tho Privy Council of the appeal by the Union Steam Ship Company against the judgment of the New Zealand Courts in the action brought against it by t|xe Wellington Harbour Board was referred to at a meeting of tho Auckland Harbour Board this week by the chairman (Mr J. H. Gunson). Tho case is one in which the Auckland Board is interested equally with ! the Wellington Board. For some time.past tho 'Union Company has had a dispute with two harbour boards in regard to the payment of dues oil its mail steamers, the company claiming that under its contract with tho Government it was exempt from payment of dues. Both the Wellington and Auckland Boards held otherwise, and in an action brought by tho former board against the company judgment was given in the board s favour. Mr Gunson pointed out that as this judgment had been upheld by the Privy Council the Auckland Board would now be entitled to payment of arrears of dues amounting, for the period ending December 31 last, to £3800. Particulars of the death of a man named Rockel from exhaustion while on a climbing trip on Mount Ruapehu, show (says the Auckland correspondent of the Lyttelton Times) that he was a member of a party which left Ohakune on Thursday week. The party went to Waimarino, going on to the foot of Mount - Tongariro on the following day. Here Rockel showed signs of distress, but insisted on going on. When .the party reached the Ketetahi Hot Springs on Saturday,- he seemed to 'bo stronger, but on Monday ho decided to remain at the Waihohonu hut in order to take a rest and regain strength. When the others returned from their trip to Ngauruhoe volcano he felt so much better that he insisted on taking part in the homo journey over the top of Ruapehu and down the Ohakune side. When the mountaineers commenced the descent they were confronted with rather difficult ground. One of the party went ahead to test the icefield and see whether it was practicable to descend, safely, but the ice proved too hard, and he was precipitated down the face a distance of 1000 feet, until ho was brought up against tho rocks at the bottom. Rockel, despite the warnings of his fellow mountaineers, also endeavoured to cross the icefield, but slipped and fell down tho slope. When tho others arrived at the foot of then mountain, having made the dcscent by cutting steps in. the ice on the main, spur, they found tho first man suffering from bruises and abrasions. Rockel was suffering slightly from shock. On Wednesday upon awakening, he complained'of having lost tho use of his legs, but this was attributed to tho cramped position in which ho had been lying. The others determined to assist him to where horses could be brought in, but they had proceeded only a few yards when Rockel suddenly collapsed and died.

In tho course of some remlrks at the Poultry Association's conference in Wellington, Mr F. S. Pope, of the Department of Agriculture, expressed a hope for the success of the Allies in capturing Constantinople. "If they do this," he said, "it will mean the release of those vast quantities of wheat at Odessa and other Russian ports. When we get through the Straits and open up tho Black Sea, I fell quite certain that the price of wheat will take a jump in the right, direction." Dr C. J. Reakes, touching on the same subject a little later, said (reports tho Post) that the opening of the Dardanelles would very soon mean the lowering of the price of wheat, not only in tliis *cfouu try, but in other countries.

Forty-six of the children of tho St. Yincent de Paul Orphanage, South Dunedin ; visited the Grand Picturo Palace yesterday by invitation of the directors. Each child Has presented with a bag of confections.

Soudan grass, a nativo of North Africa, has mado great headway in America, especially in lexas, and it is being seriously taken up in Australia. Mr B. Harrison, F.R.H.S., of Burrinbar, New South Wales, in a letter to tho Wellington Evening Post, desoribes Soudan grass as "a tall, annual grass, growing from sft to 10ft high, with leafy, crect stems, which frequently number 100 to tho stool. It produces about three tons, or more, per acre of nutritious fodder, twice in a season, and can bo pastured in winter. Tho grass curcs easily, and makes hay of excellent quality, which is readily oaten by all classes of stock. It is very drought resisting and will succeed wherever sorghum can bo grown, and also in many places whevo othor grasses arc difficult to establish."

The totalisator investments at Ellerslie sinco tho outbreak of the war provide somo interesting comparisons (says the Auckland Herald). At tho spring meeting in November last year tho sum of £59,745 10s was handled at tho totalisator, compared with £50,522 for the corresponding fixture; an increase of £9223 10s. The investments at Christmas totalled £244,614, as. against £225,410, showing an increase of £19,204. However, during the Easter fixture, whicli concluded on Monday, tho totalisator receipts showed a decrease _of . £1512, the amount -invested being £95,370 compared with £96,882 for tho previous autumn meeting. Taking the total for tho tlireo meetings held since the war began the investments shoiv an increased £26,915 10s when compared with the previous season's gatherings.

Quito a sensation has been caused in Napier by the mysterious disappearance ot Constable Donald Shaw (says tho Hawke's Bay Herald). Constable Shaw completed his day's duty at 5 p.m. on Thursday week, and sinco then he has not been seen. Ho had been granted a holiday on Good Friday, and consequently no notice was taken of the fact that ho did not turn up on that day, but when he failed to report for duty on Saturday inquiries were at once instituted, and not the slightest trace of the missing man -could be found. All his property at the polico station, where ho slept, is quite in order, and no trace can be found there to throw any light on his disappearance. It is understood that for somo time past Shaw- has been suffering from insomnia, and had just returned from four weeks' sick leave. He visited Rotorua and Auckland, and on his return reported himself fit for duty. Constable Shaw is a heavily built man, about sft lOin in height, fair hair, light moustache, usually waxed at the ends. He is a single man of about 38 years of age, and speaks with a pronounced Scotch accent. He was dressed in mufti when last seen. It is feared that something serious has happened to him. or that he has merely lost his mental control resulting from many sleepless nights, and is wandering. Constable Shaw is of a very quiet and unassuming nature, and was certainly not in any financial difficulties, as his bank account ran into four figures. He has relatives living in ' Greytown.

It is five years since an industrial census was taken in New Zealand, -but the Labour Department is now preparing to • take another (says the Dominion). This year's census will be somewhat narrower in scope than its immediate predecessor, because it will be confined strictly to workors employed in factories. The Inspector of Factories is instituting a new method of taking the census. During the next few days he will send out to all factory proprietors books which ho will ask them to substitute for the wages and time-books they are now using. Tho idea is that the entries should be made in duplicate by the use of carbons, and that the carbon copies should bo collected by officers of the department. Any factory proprietor who finds it impracticable to use tho books for his own purposes, may obtain from the department a supply of time-sheets on which to fill in tho particulars desired by those responsible for the compilation of the census. The particulars required are age, sex, nature of work, total hours worked per week, and wages paid.

At the strangers' tea at the Y.M.C.A. rooms on Sunday afternoon a short address will be given by Mr T. E. Moreton. VL'he secretary of the Money Club reports that applications for loans to the amount of £2075 and for 81 shares were received by the trustees during March. Notices for the following Sunday servicea will bo found in our advertising columns: — Anglican—St. Paul's, All Saints'. St. Matthew's. Presbyterian—First. Russell Street, Knox, Stuart Hall, St. Andrew's, Kensington, Roslyn, North-East Valley, Opoho, Caversham, South Dunedin. Methodist—Trinity, Woodhaug-h, Central Mission, Cargill Road, Benevolent, Caversham, Fairfield, Abbotsfor'd,. Dundas Street, North-East Valley, Ravensbournc, St. Kilda, Anderson Bay, Highcliff, Broad Bay, North-East Harbour. Congregational— Moray Place, St. Clair. Baptist—Hanover Street. Church of Christ—'Tabernacle; Roslyn. Salvation Army. Theosophical the' racing to-morrow is promising. The coui-se has dried materially. Mr Cyril Williams, stationed at tho motor cycle repair depot, writes"B.S.A. motor cycles stand tho racket best of all."—Wilson and Co., Bond street, Dunedin.—Advt. Mollisons special tailoring offer this week only. Genuine tailor-made suit to measure 755; satisfaction guaranteed.—Advt. ' Fit for the gods—a tumblerful of soda water flavoured by Watson's No. 10 whisky. For Children's Hacking Cough at night, Woods' Great Peppermint Cure, Is 6d, 2s 6d! —Advt. A. E. J. Blakeley, dentist. Bank of Australasia, corner of Bona and Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office). Telephone 1859.— Advt. Mr Ernest Boot, surgeon and mechanical dentist, 63 Princes street, Dunedin.—Advt. Who is Peter Diok?—The most reliable Watchmaker,. Jeweller, and Certificated Consulting Optician, 490 Moray place (off Princea street), Dunedin. Charges moderate.—Advt.