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Otago Daily Times, Issue 18801, 2 March 1923, Page 4

The contractor who has in hand the drainage work at Anderson’s Bay is now preparing to put in the tunnel from Tainui to the Bay. It is expected that the driving of the tunnel will be commenced early next week. In the course of his report on the operations of the Dunedin Central Mission for the year, the missiioner (Rev. Clarence Eaton) mentioned to the Methodist Conference last night that there seemed to be an improvement in the class of moving picture being produced in America. Recent revelations in that country had evidently influenced the producers along the right lines. A Wellington Press Association message states that the Law Society has passed motions directing the attention of the Government to the fact that an increase in the number of Supremo Court judges was urgently needed, and to the fact that the salaries of judges and magistrates should be placed on an adequate footing as soon as possible. It is understood that the old arrangement with regard to nominations for the election of members of the Dunedin City Licensing Committee will stand this year. This means that the prohibitionists will nominate three members—Messrs W. King, F. Hilliker, and A. J. Nichol—while the trade and the moderates will nominate two members —Messrs G. Ritchie and J. Carroll. An election will therefore bo unnecessary. In the case of the South Dunedin Committee, however, an election will probably be necessary, as it is understood that the prohibitionists, who are at present represented by only two members out of five, are not satisfied with their representation, and, as tho trade and tho moderates will not agree to let tho fonner secure a majority of one. the issue, as on all former t/ccasions, will have to bo contested. The outgoing committee consists of Messrs ~A. A. Campbell, P. Johnston, H. L. Tapley, J. J. Marlow, and W. Wright. The South Dunedin Committee has to decide whether the booths at Forbury Park and Wingatui are .to bo “wot” or “dry” on race days. Nominations for both committees will close at noon to-morrow.

The intervention by a member of the public to prevent the making absolute of a decree nisi in divorce, probably the first such case in New Zealand, occupied the attention of Mr Justice Adams and a jury of 12 at the Supreme Court yesterday afternoon (says a Press Association wire from Christchurch). On the grounds that marital relations had been resumed since the granting of a decree nisi on September 1, 1922, Mabel Carter, of Sydenham, moved for the cancellation of tlie decree nisi granted to John Smith, railway foreman, against his wife Clara Maria Smith, on the grounds of her adultery with Frederick Williams. Evidence as to parties having cohabited since the date of the decree was tendered by Mrs Smith and other witnesses, and the further healing adjourned till to-morxcw.

The South Otago Sub-provincial branch of the Farmers’ Union has passed a resolution expressing support of Ibo Stare Banking Bill promoted and framed by the president of the union, “provided always that the provisions of such Bill are sane, reasonable, and practicable.” At a recent meeting of the Plant Acclimatisation Society (Auckland) a oommitlea ■was sot up to meet representatives of the Association of Nurserymen and others interested with a view of arranging foe the breeding of disease-resistant fruit end economic plants. Considerable spade work has already been done by the society along these lines, and it is hoped in time to secure some very practical results. A special meeting of the Otago Harbour Board, presided over by Mr H. C. Campbell, was held yesterday, when Mr K. F. Watson was appointed pier master and Mr D. D. Mathoson (of Mastcrton) was appointed second engineer of the tug Dunedin. Mr Watson was at one time employed by the Union Steam Ship Company, and is at present serving cn H.M.S. Chatham.

Tho Hon. C. J. Pan - stated yesterday that ho had asked directors and educat'onal authorities to consider whether it would be possible to classify District High School teachers to bring them into more intimate connection with secondary school teachers, as they were doing practically the same work (says a. Press Association wire from Auckland). Another anomaly was that immediately a secondary department was added to a primary school, the whole school wont up a grade, all teachers and assistants receiving increased salaries. “I think,” said tho Minister, “the headmaster, and perhaps one or two others who take some additional responsibility, should receive some extra remuneration, but it is difficult to find arguments for Iho others.” Brigadier-General Richardson, who has left Wellington on hia way to Western Samoa, whoro he will, as Administrator, occupy tho house built j by Robert Louis Stevenson, is not only known in the army as an a-blo administrator but as a man of tact as well (wiies oar Wellington correspondent). At a dinner given him Lieutenant-colonel Moorbouse told a good story of the General’s methods of getting men to work for him. The Colonel was recalling the old days when he, himself, was in the battery, and when the present brigadier was only a master gunner. Richardson had asked him if the men could pull the targets in at tho end of gunnery practice. It was a pull of four miles up and down the hill. Moorhouso protested, it was too much to ask the men, but gave' Richardson pel-mission to see what he could do. About an hour afterwards he hoard singing, cheering, and shouting from the top of the hill, and saw the master gunner and his men coming down the hill dragging tho targets after them. “But,” concluded Colonel Moorhouse, ‘‘that is where our guest's tact oame in, for there was a girl seated on each target to encourage the tired volunteers to mighty efforts.”

Apparently it is not generally known that trespassing on railway lines is, under the Government Railways Amendment Act, 1910 {No. 2), subject to a fine not exceeding £10: for during the recent band contest and the fire brigades’ demonstration last night the railway embankment overlooking the Caledonian Ground was occupied by a large number of people as a means of witnessing the performances. It lias been pointed out that, by doing this, the public not only fakes the risk of meeting with a serious’ accident, but also adds considerably to the anxiety .of drivers of trains passing by, and that if this piactioe is continued the department is likely to take some drastic action in tho matter. The danger would not be of such a serious nature if there were only adults on the embankment, but when there are cliildreu, as was the case last night, the risk is indeed great. Even if the offenders were confined to adults, however, tho danger is st'll existent, for when a crowd perceives a train approaching it is quite likely that confusion would follow, and in that manner subject many people to the risk of being knocked down. Though tho cases are not exactly analogous, attention might be drawn to the fact that trespassing on a railway bridge in the North Island recently resulted in the death of two men who met a train crossing a bridge. Mr G. A. Green, secretary and organiser of the New Zealand Association of Nurserymen, speaking to a Daily Times reporter with reference to die now hybrid blue Birrus recently presented to the Association of Nurserymen by Dr Tillyard, stated that these hybrids, which are a great advance on tho native hybrid varieties of America, have been improved by tho United States Department of Plan* Industry. The fruit produced are as large as cherries and are useful as a dessert fruit. So far these plants are not in commerce, those here having been given to the doctor as a special favour by the head of tie United States Bureau of Plant Industry. The fruit from the' United State® areas has been very highly spoken of by experts. Tire plant, which grows in bush form, will attain a height of Bft to 10ft. It will grow on any moderately dry peaty loam, and will stand considerable frost. Tho association has sent one plant to Southland, one to Christchurch, one to Uutt Valley, ;uid one to Palmerston North, with a view to testing cut the most suitable climate and soils.

It is in terms of eulogy that Sir Horace Bayer, a well-known English commercial man, alludes to Australia and New Zealand from the point of view of the British emigrant (wires our Auckland correspondent). Sir Horace lias made a comprehensive tour of tlio commonweal th and the dominion, and he will leave for Vancouver by the Niagara on March 6. “Both Australia and New Zealand,” said Sir Horace, ‘‘could teach the English people a good deal, and I fully realise that in the Old Country we generally fail to appreciate the possibilities which these countries offer to tbe energetic, resourceful Englishman. What has meet forcibly appealed to me is the huge comsumption in Australia and Now Zealand of British-made commodities. I shall not forget the things that have impressed me most during my tour, and most assuredly when I get back to England I shall preach the gospel of Australia’s and New Zealand’s possibilities whenever a chance arises. What is needed is to convince the good solid typo cf Englishman that a really bright future is offered him out here, as contrasted with the limited openings that are available in England.”

While in Otago Mr G, A. Green visited Roxburgh in connection with the bud selection work being canned on by the Teviot branch of the Institute of Horticulture. Mr Green reports that this year some 15,C(J0 buds of the leading varieties of stone fruits —apricots largely predominating—have boon cut and distributed to the loading fruit tree nurseries of both islands. This makes a total of 25,000 buds selected from the best typos of fruiting trees, and distributed from Roxburgh during the season 1922-3. the trees produced from the material selected in 1922 will bo available for planting out during the coming winter. While individuals have worked along these lines, at times over a period of years, this is the first co-operative effort of the kind to be carried out in New Zealand. These operations in this connection are causing considerable interest in Australia, wliorc tree and plant improvement is awakening considerable interest. There was a “clean sheet’’ in the City Police Court yesterday morning.

The design by Mr F. V. Ellis, mentioned by us yesterday, for a stained-glass memorial window in Victoria College, will be executed by Messrs Smith and Smith under the supervision of Mr J. W. Brock. Tho Taieri Amateur Athletic Club’s fixture. which will bo held at Mosgicl tomorrow, promises well. Excellent entries have been received. The programme is a varied one of 19 events, plus school children’s races and five dancing items, etc. Arrangements have been made in the event of wet weather to postpone the sports, and a notice to that effect will be posted at the Dunedin Sports Depot and the railway station.

Dr R. J. Tillyard, biologist to the Cawthron Institute, has just returned from Otago Central, where He has been assisting in the campaign against the earwig and ether insect pests. This evening, at the Medical School, King street, he will give an illustrated lecture on the “Control of Insects.”

Mr J. S. Golfings, organiser cf tho Queensland Labour Party, and Mr J. W. Munro, M.P., Dunedin North, will address a public meeting at the Coronation Hall, Mosgiel, to-night. The United Starr-Bowkett Society advertises £3OOO for disposal on March 5, and invites application for tho new No. 7 group.

Mr Jos. J. Franklyn will preach on “The Wondrous Cross—lts Message for To-day,” at the Church of Christ Tabernacle, King street, on Sunday evening. The pungent, refreshing aroma arising from “No-Rubbing” Laundry Help suds only further confirms its great scientific sanitary value.—Hunter and Etheridge, agents for “No-Rubbing.”—Advt. Arista crepe knitting silk, in two blended colours, also plain, is to be had at Mollisoos Ltd. in all the best shades. —Advt.

Try Watson’s No. 10 in hot milk for nightcap. Induces sound, refreshing sleep. Great whisky.—Advt.

A. E. J. Blakeley, dentist Bank cf Australasia. corner of Bond and Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office). Telephone 1853. Advt.

Choice Jewellery.—Just landed, large selection diamond rings, watches, brooches, pendants, and silver ware. Compare ■ values.— Petor Dick, Jewellers, 480 Moray place.— Advt.