NEWS IN BRIEF.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19981, 24 December 1926, Page 28

NEWS IN BRIEF.

The Minister of Public Works has notified the Murchison County Council that £I6OO has been authorised for restoration of the damage clone by the recent hoods. The first apples to be exported this season will be by the Corinthic, which will load at Wellington, from February 3to 8. She is expected to reach England in time for the truit to be available for the Easter market. The epidemic of mumps is still taking its, toll in Auckland. About a dozen cadets on the training ship Philomel have had the malady, and all the boys are now on holiday, except six who are onfined to the ship recovering from mumps. Many adults have contracted mumps, and in, their case* Ihe sickness is partic-larly painful. Christmas jewellery! Gifts that last! Peter Dick, Moray place, Dunedin, has a specially-selected stock "of high-class diamond engagement rings and reliable watches, and has been satisfying the public during the last 40 years in these lines... Some amusement was created in the Blenheim Magistrate’s Court the other morning when a judgment debtor revealed the peculiar coincidence that a client named Ham paid him half a pig in consideration of services rendered. “What happened to the half pig?” asked counsel. “We used part of it and the rest went bad,” replied the witness . - ! Waters’ Vi-oatta keeps the skin smooth and youthful. 2s 6d, Waters’ Pharmacy, 20 Princes street... Operations at the Imlay freezing works have been in every way satisfactory sines the settlement of the dispute which marred the opening stages of the killing season (says ' the® VVanganui Chronicle). At present between 'SO and 60 butchers are operating and the daily output runs from 5000 to 6000 carcases. The go-slow tactics adopted by the butchers at Whakatu. Hawke’s Bay, have not been in evidence at Imlay. ■ Christmas hams, tinned ox tongues, sheep tongues, fish and fruit of the best brands are stocked at James Gray and Sons’, Milton... An instance of the happy relations now existing between the Railways Department and its patrons is afforded by the action of a number of the settlers at Spye, on the Cheviot branch line, who co-operated with the department in the construction of a new siding and loading bank (states the Lyttelton Times). The settlers, provided the filling and ballasting for the new work, thus saving the department a good deal of expense and trouble, and now that they have secured the siding the” are supporting the railways in regard to the transport of their wool and grain. Johnston mowers, rakes, and threshing machines at the best prices. Inquire from The Mosgiel Motor and Engineering Co., Mosgiel. Agents for T. and S. Morrin-and Fenwick (Ltd) Stocks on hand... “The i high winds which 'have been experienced during the past few days are no good to the farming community.” remarked a Hastings farmer to a Napier Daily Telegraph reporter. “The wind is worse than the sunshine,” he continued “and jt is chewing up all the feed much (pricker than the stock can eat it. With industrial troubles, bad markets, and the prospect of losing valuable feed, not many farmers can look forward to a happy Christmas.” What can be done in the hotel trade can be done by the Oban. Remember, our lines are all highest grade. Goods supplied at reasonable prices, together with prompt service. Post your order to the Oban Hotel' and be satisfied.—Box 159. Dunedin... “The Christchurch Hospital will have a full complement of young doctors for next year.” said the resident medical superintendent (Dr W B. Fox). There is no shortage of young men for hospital work, but the applicants have been fewer than Tor the last five or six years. Perhaps the extension of the curriculum from five to six years has had something to do with this, out in any case the supplv always exceeded the demand some years ago.” The highest quality Linoleums are pro duced in Kirkcaldy. We have just larded a fine range direct from the works. First quality, 9s 3d per yard; second quality. 8s 6d per yard. Patterns on application.— Otago Crawford street... During a Christmas gathering at Ratana, it is proposed td discuss the future of the Moriknu Farm, near Pipiriki (says the Wanganui Herald). This experiment has proved a great disappointment to the Maori people in every way, and as thev can see no likelihood of improvement in the immediate future they consider that the farm should be wound up and the property leased. There is a general complaint that no_ rents are beina received, and, added to this, while it is providing a living for a number of pakehas, Maoris have difficulty in getting a job there. Those interested in space and umm saving devices should call and see the Disappearing Wall Beds at the Wall Bed "0.. 95 Smart street. Dunedin. A man who is not influenced by trifles appeared as defendant in a civil action heard at the Gisborne Magistrate’s Court the other day. JHe had managed a property for the plaintiff and had once reported regarding an accident as follows:—“The accident was not much. I\got a couple of ribs broken and the skin off mv leg, but it was not enough to keep me awav from work!” _ That there is real danger in leaving ststionafy cars with the brakes off was graphically jllustrated to a ‘ Whangarei motorist travelling on the Waipu road the other day (says the Northern Advocate). Having occasion to cal! at a house by the wayside, he left the car, brakes free, at the top of a hill. On his return a few minutes later he found that the momentum of the high wind had started the car off in an uncontrolled dash down the slope, at the foot of which its forward progress had been stayed by a barbed wire fence. Frew Bros,, the Mosgiel oakers and pastrycooks, specialise in country orders. All their goods, are packed under the personal supervision of the management. For satisfaction trv them.. “Next year there is likely to be less Latin taught than this year; its place in a, measure being taken by drawing. .Then we hope to introduce a fourth course of a more practical nature, ospeciall” adapted for pupils who intend to take up a trade or other practical pursuit,” said Mr W. A. Armour, M.A., M.Sc., head master of the Napier Boys’ High School, in his annual report. A hearty laugh went round the room ai, a Rotary Club luncheon at Gisborne when the treasurer made an appeal for literature for the inmates of the gaol. He remarkeq that > magazines, for instance, should be greatly appreciated in that quarter. “But,” he added. “I vyill leave it to yourselves. You will know what would be ’most appreciated.” As it so happens, the majority ot those present saw the joke so’unconsciously launched'and the laughter prevented him from expanding the appeal. “Jones.” — The most efficient and reliable Domestic Sewing Machine ever offered to a discerning public. _ The British-made “Jones,” with beautifullyfinished drop-head stand in Real Oak. Price 14 guineas. N.Z. Agents; Glendermid (Limited), 18 Dowling street, Dunedin.. . A novel method of propelling a barrel along the road by pushing it in front of a’ motor car was revealed to people in- the Upper Avenue at Wanganui the other evening. People waiting in the tramshed near Glasgow street were astonished when the car, with the barrel rolling along under its front axle, appeared from the direction of the city (says the Chronicle). The wear and tear on the cask was heavy, and splinters flew in all directions. Near the foot of St. John’s Hill the. dj-iver stopped his car and inspected the wreckage, but at no stage did his behaviour disclose the reason for the eccentricity. Why be without an overcoat? Another shipment of, good-enough-to-loose-or-lend gent’s fawn waterproof coats, doublebreasted, with belt; sizes 36in to 44in chest; 25s each. —Kilroy and Sutherland (Ltd.), 192 Princes street, Dunedin. . A considerable improvement has taken place during the past few weeks in the unemployment situation (reports the Christchurch Press), and the problem is now practically solved as far as the city is concerned. During the past week 45 new registrations wore received at the Government Labour Bureau and 20 men were placed in employment, eight with the Government and 12 with private employers. The number of names on the register was 138, compared with 178 on the previous^Monday. Only three registrations were received, and live men called at the bureau and reported that they had secured employment elsewhere.

Country Shopkeepers.—We supply the finest Smallgoods obtainable, at special rates. Inquiries solicited. —Barton and Trenprove. Manse street, Dunedin... “Both the worker and the_ farmer are in for trouble if wages continue to rise irrespective of the market values of primary produce,” stated the Minister of Lands (t! p Hon. A. D. M‘Leod) during the course of an interview with a Gisborne Times representative. There was, he added, much land in the Dominion which required money spent on it, but the owners couid do nothing on present-day production costs. This could not go on indefinitely, however, and the land would soon bo valueless unless something were done.

“I am pleased to say that there seem to be a growing tendency among boys to come to a secondary school earlier in life than they used to. thus enabling them to spend more time on secondary education,” said Mr W. A. Armour, M.A. M.Sc., head master, speaking at the annual prize-giving at the Napier' Boys’ High School. The speaker went on to say that sometimes they had boys who passed their proficiency certificates at 11, and he hoped the time would come when boys would be at the secondary school at the age of 12. Photo developing service unequalled in New Zealand, at Waters’ Pharmacy, 20 Princes street... A typical Scotsman appeared in the witness box before Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., at the Gisborne Magistrate’s Court the other day. He was being questioned regarding the actions of a man %hom he alleged had mismanaged a station for him. Counsel drew from the witness the information that the manager had received the top price for wool in the 1924-25 season, yet he would hot give him any credit for it, and he explained himself thus: “Have you ever heard of a Scotsman giving anyone full credit?” Stay at the Prince of Wales Hotel. Good accommodation: best brands of liquors. ’Phone 721.—C. Hinchcliff. proprietor... “The council’s finances for the year are panning out very well,” said the Mayor at a recent meeting of the Wellington City Council. “After making allowance for all possible charges that can be made upon us. there should be a credit balance of £2551. The credit of the council in the eyes of the public seems to be holding up rather well. I have a report from the city treasurer which shows that since the lagt meeting there has been a continual flow of applications for the City Council’s debentures; this in spite of the fact that there has been no advertisement. The purchases over the counter to date amount to £44.000, mostly from small buyers.” 1 Wireless receiving sets are' now becoming very pojbular, and soon no home (especially country homes) will be without one. Why hot let us install one in your home. We have just landed a fine assortment of high-class sets, including the Greme and the King Neutrodyne, also King Neutrodyne Kits, with complete in structions for building into Neutrodyne Sets. Any of these sets we guarantee to receive Australian and New Zealand stations. We also carry full range .end speakers, valves, batteries, etc. Consult' us about your wireless. Our expert is at your service.—Laidlay and Gray, Rattray street... With the object of facilitating shunting methods at Putaruru railway station, tne department' has placed a motor tractor, fitted with railway wheels, in the station yards (says the Rotorua Chronicle). For some years trains have been considerably delayed there on account of so much shunting to be done by the engines drawing them, and. although it '-was not considered necessary to have a shunting engine - stationed in the yard to do the work, some provision had to be made to assist in shunting trains, hence the advent of the motor trpctor. Already it has done much good work in saving the time of trains, and the result is that time-tables are now’ run strictly to time. A Fragrant Christmas Gift! A tin of “Blue Mountain Jamaica” Coffee, 3s 6d, or posted 4s. Only obtainable from A. Durie and Co., coffee specialists, 32 Octagon. Dunedin... That Marlborough farmers are not par ticularly interested in the Rural Credits scheme was the opinion expressed at the last meeting of the Blenheim branch of the Farmers’ Union (reports the Express). The Marlbrough Provincial Executive forwarded a copy of the following resolution carried at the recent Dominion Executive meeting: “That this executive should continue to agitate for legislation embodying the recommendations made by the Rural Credits Commission in its reports, and that Provincial Committees be set up to carry on the movement.” It was stated that there was no strong agitation in Marlborough for the establishment of the rural credits scheme, for the reason that most Marlborough far mer? were able to finance themselves ane were unlikely to take advantage of tha scheme. You can procure your new Furniture from us at special prices during this month, so brighter up for Christmas. —A. F. Cheyne and Co. Pedestrians seem to be as difficult to drill a» sheen (remarks the New Zealand Herald). For a long time the city traffic department has endeavoured by notices and by drawing white lines on the footpath to teach people to walk on the left. These measures have still to prove \ completely effective, although while the white lines survive the wear of thousands of hurrying feet, the streams going and comma are fairly distinct. Doubtless to assist the throngs of Christmas shoppers in observing the by-law, the white lines have been redrawn, and if they fulfil their mission will make- progress, in Queen street much more comfortable and speedy during the coming days of crowds. We are famous for saveloys.—Barton and Trengrove.... What is possibly a record for this district as far as shearing is concerned was earned out by a gang at Rototahi recently, when six men shore 1673 sheep in a ninebour day (says the Poverty Bay Herald). Four of these men did no fewer than 1223 sheep, these being Piki Smith 318, W Beecham 306, Syd. Apararna 303, and Hiwi Maynard 302 This tally easily beats what Hawke’s Bay recently claimed as a record when four men shore 1165 sheep for Mr ~D - .l ns,!S et Mount Erin. The highest ta.ly in that case also was 318, but there the men worked for 10 hours, thus having an extra hour above the Rototahi shearers. The sheep at Rototahi were in rorfect condition, as shown by the fact that the wool easily topped the market at the recent Napier sale. Presents for everyone at prices to suit all nurses.—A. Cheyne and C 0... The project to send the valuable base metal deposits remaining in the goldfield betweefl Tapu and Puru, on the Thames Coast to Germany is still being oro»o----cuted by a_ syndicate, one of the principals of- which visited Thames last week-end (r?ports the §tar). He stated that preliminary work would begin shortly. This would consist of unwatering the Colorado, Monowai and other mines, the rights for which were acquired a fortnight ago. Prospecting in order to gain a knowledge of exactly what would be required in the way of plant, of machinery would follow, with the view to the formation of a registered company •to prosecute the venture. At present the best values in Suits are showing at “Ascot.” corner Princes and Rattray street. Clerical Greys all sizes hand finished can be bought 'at £4 10s, posted anywhere... ! Although the recent wet weather has proved ideal for the dairymen so far as production is concerned, the returns for their butter fat have been at such a low level that they have not had nearly as great a pay-out as uSual (reports the Poverty Bay Herald). Up till recently they were getting only Is a lb for their butter fat, but since the rise in price in London Is 2d is being paid out. The total amount going to suppliers is in the vicinity of £II.OOO. Kut the sum is much less than the usual pay-out for this month. We have the finest range of silk stockings in the city from 2s lid, 3s lid, 4s lid, 6s s lld, up to ,17s 6d pair, in black white and 45 different new shades.—T. Ross, 130 Princes street, Dunedin... The long-standing question between the engineering firm of Collett’s (Ltd.) and the Dannevirke Borough Council whether the firm would conform to the borough by-laws and rebuild its premises in the heart of the town (destroyed by the fire in 1917, and since in corrugated iron) in brick, or whether it would remove its business elsewhere, has at last been satisfactorily settled (reports the Dannevirke Evening News) The firm has decided not to build in brick, which it declares would be too costly, but to remove the business to the outskirt of the borough and close to the Mangatera siding. The firm has purchased acres on which to build and expects to commence the new building very shortly. The provision of the Middleton shunt- <> ing yard, in open country on the main south line a few miles from Christchurch, will save a good deal of time in the handling of Canterbury produce and merchandise, and as it will be entirely controlled by the gravity humn shunting system, which has been much improved of recent years, will give smoother handling of goods, and considerably minimise the dangers incidental to shunting operations. Rapid progress has been made in the layout of the vard. which should be completed in Mav. Some of the lines are already in use. Christmas time is here once more. What shall we eat you say. Take Hitchon’s ham into your door— Twill mean a hanpy day...