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Otago Daily Times, Issue 20592, 15 December 1928, Page 12

The Minister of Rail-ways and Customs (Mr W. B. Taverner) has advised the Deputy Mayor (Mr J, S. Douglas) that in order ‘ to,, assist in tiding the unemployed over the Christmas . holidays the Government will from Monday pay a subsidy of £ for £ up to £2OOO upon approved works. The works must be approved by the engineer of the Public Works Department.

“We must put this’ ragging business down. It is not at all fair—four big young chaps on to one boy,” was what Mr F. K. Hunt told a trio of youths in fining them £1 for assault, at the Auckland Police Court yesterday (says a Prbss Association telegram). Another boy who did not appear was fined .a similar sum. Sub-in-spector. M'Carthy said that the four youths got hold of the boy who was working in, a garage with them and rubbed grease on his bod} - . They did it as al joke, and never intended it to be an assault.

.Although the roll at the Labour Department’s offices contains the names of 124 unemployed men. the number is decreasing.' The majoriy of the men who have registered are married, and only three are unfit for heavy work. No relief works are to be undertaken in the immedite future, - The local Public Works office’’ has received nd( definite word\ regarding ■ the date when the construction of the foundation of the new post office building will be commenced. Tenders closed yesterday for the work of levelling and excavating on the site. This is the final work to be done before building operations begin. His Honor Mr Justice MacGregor has granted probate in the estates of the following deceased persons:—Sarah M‘Donald, of Georgetown (Mr J. H. Main); Thomas' M‘Allan, of Abbotsford (Mr.E. Aslih); -Robert Murdoch, of Dunedin (Mr G. E. Lohsley) ; Martin Prjjde, of St Leonards (Mr J. S. inclair); Margaret Anne; Cotton M’Glashan, of Dunedin (Mr A. C. Stephens); William Thomas Hall, of Herbert ' (Mr :W. G. Grave); Robert Francis Brovm, of Dunedin (Mr W. L. Moore); Edward James Pringle, of Dunedin (Mr R. R. Aspinall) ; Martha Pass-, more, of Dunedin (Mr A. C. Stephens); George Smith, of Dunedin (Mr A. H. Tonkinson); John Muir, of Kaitangata (Mr R. R. Grigor); Thomas Lionel Brad shaw, of Oamaru (Mr A. Hamilton); Jessie Lindsay, of Otekaike (Mr I. L. Hjorring); Thomas Dpugal Rennie Robertson, of Port Chalmers (Mr J. N. Thompson)'; and Thomas Alfred Maitland, of Dunedin (Mr F. B. Adams). His Honor has also granted letters of administration in the following cases:—William Wright, of Abbotsford (Mr F. B. Adams); Charlotte Crosbie, of Dunedin (Mr E. J Smith), and Herbert Hatton Clarke, of Balclutha (Mr R. R. Grigor).'

The Ist Battalion of the Canterbury Regiment, the Ist Battalion of the Otago Regiment, and the 16th Battery (3rd Howitzers) will be in camp together at Waianakarua, about 25 miles south of Oamavu, next March. This will be the first occasion since the war that units of any size have been brigaded in camp, and the scheme is proving popular. An almost ideal location has been selected as the camp site, being a piece of flat country between. the railway and/ the sea, on the banks of the Waianakarua Stream. The 16th Battery is armed with Howitzers which are used for _ close support work with infantry, and it is expected that at Waianakarua the battery, will be working in conjunction with the two infantry battalions on tactical exercises, thus giving all ranks an opportunity of learning the value of co-operation, especially on hilly country. The country will also be fresh to the Otago Battalion, for previously it has had its camps at Matarno. The camp will commence on March' C, and will_ continue until March 12. Advance parties from alb units will go into camp a few days ahead of the main bodies to prepare for their reception. On the score that it does not conform with members’ ideas of entertaining farmers the Auckland branch of the Farmers’ Vnion is protesting to the Dominion Executive against the itinerary drawn up for the proposed tour of New Zealand next October of a party of 150 British farmers. No reference to dairy factories, State farms, or similar institutions was made in the programme mapped out for Auckland. “That’s a beautiful itinerary. It is just about as rough as one could make it,” declared one member, while Mr F. Colbeck remarked: “Of all the silly things I’ve read in my life that takes the bun, ’There’s no mention of farming in the whole thing.” The president (Mr A. A. Ross) stated that an alternative programme had been submitted by the executive, providing for visits to the New Zealand Cooperative Dairy Factory, the Ruakura Experimcntal Farm, and the Winterless North. Mr J. W- Jones said he thought that the official itinerary was the weakest he had ever seen for farmers. They were going to trot the visitors round to geysers and mudholes, and not even give them the opportunity to land a trout. Mr Colbeck: “How about frosting the train windows in case they see a cow by accident? ”

We have received a copy of the Diamond Jubilee Souvenir of the Tapanui District High School. The volume, which is neatly printed and bound, comprehensive survey of the activities ox the school, from its foundation ‘in ISG3 to. the present year. Each decade in the history of the school is reviewed, and the inclusion of an excellent series of photographs makes the souvenir a noteworthy contribution to the existing data of the early history of Otago. The book, although primarily intended for those interested in the school, is written in a simple and attractive style, which should make it appeal to all who are interested in Otago history, b

A Press Association telegram from Wellington states that members of the City Council are not satisfied with the explanation made of the poor flow of water at the recent City Markets fire, and have instructed the city engineer to bring down a full report. He is to make a test of io leads from tbe six mains.

The trouble that has openly existed be* tween the Mayor of Newmarket, -Mr S. Donaldson, and the majority of the comv cillors for some six months past, reached the‘Auckland Supreme Court on Wednesday. Plaintiffs in the case were George Ernest Smerdon, deputy mayor, and sis other councillors. The Mayor was the defendant. The plaintiffs alleged that the Mayor, without just cause, had re* fused to accept a resolution, {destined, so it was claimed by the applicants, to deal with libellous statements in the payers’ Gazette), moved in the council, and they sought a*\vrit of mandamus directing him to accept the resolution and put it to the council. After hearing coun* sel fully, Mr Justice Frazer gave an immediate oral decision. The Mayor’s ruling was perfectly correct, and a mandamus must be refused. • The question of costs was _ reserved. Mr Northcroft, fop the plaintiffs, said that, the action was an application for.., a writ of mandamus against Donaldson requiring that in performance of his statutory duty as Mayor he should submit himself to the decision of the. council instead of • assuming the position of dictator of the borough. The mail from Samoa brings- word (says the Lyttelton Times) that a sen* ous disturbance was attendant on the recent arrest of Tatnasese, and that several of the Samoan military police needed medical treatment for injuries inflicted bystones.' The Man Samoans threatened that 'if Tamasese were arrested they would wipa out the white population, and, although this was i-egax’ded as an empty threat, the police have been on the qui vive with rifles and machine guns. A special Christmas card, in wlii{p and gold, has been issued by the military police, bearing the words, “ Christmas, 1928, New Year, 1929. Sampan Military Police. Remembrance and greetings.” The police have received no word of their discharge earlier than April 11, the date for which they signed on.

Our Maori friends who have more recently lived near Nature than we pakehas, show a great knowledge of the habits of out native birds, and know well how to win their affections,” writes Mr E. V. Sanderson, hon. secretary of the New: Zealand Native Bird Protection Society* 1 in the society’s journal, “Birds." “Thus it would astonish many a shootist wh'b is prone to wait carefully screened in order even to get within shooting range of * duck, to see the wild ducks come sailing down to the ofll of the Maori on Kapiti Island, then pitch unconcernedly at' his feet and be fed out of his hand. Let a stranger, however, be. present, and the bird will likely pass at a goodly distance. In the season a duck will at times bring along her husband, who takes a lot of convincing that the ground is good and safe. Then again, at Mangamuka, in the Hokianga district, our, native birds have ■ a true friend and protector' in Mr Nopera Otene, an influential chief in that district. This enthusiast goes in for the thing on a more extensive s-a o, and preserves the birds by the esu.oiishmeiit of sanctuaries. It is to be hoped other Maoris will be induced to follow the example of Mr Nopera-Otene, and thus help to undo the evil which the pakeha has done our. wonderful and- unique bird hte.”

k)r J. S. Elliott, of Wellington, who is the president-designate of the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Assowation, and . who returned from England on Wednesday, reports that Mr Sampson Handley; an,eminent surgeon from Middlesex Hospital, is coming to Wellington to attend the Medical Conference to be held here in February next Mr Handley is in chatge of the Cancer Charity of Middlesex Hospital; .and is a leading authority on the surgical treatment of cancer. He is coming to New Zealand as the representative of the British Empire Cancer Research Fund. Dr Elliott says the discussion of cancer will be the pi incipal topic at * the Medical Conference in Wellington, and Mr Handley will be able tp advise what ; part, if any. New Zealand can take in cancer research. His experience .and the experience 'of others in the use of radium in the treatment of cancel- has been of a favourable kind, and it nould appear tbat New Zealand is not sufficiently supplied with this invaluable (method-of treatment. , The international conference on' cancer, recently held in London, gave priority to radium over surgical operation for the treatment of soma forms of this dread disease.

A valuable specimen of kauri"gmn was found at Red Hill recently (states tlxo Dargaville correspondent of the .'New Zealand Herald), and' turns the scales at 1501 b, It is considered to be the largest individual piece found during. the last 20 years, and is second in weight and siza to the record piece found at Mangawhara about 25 years ago, which weighed 2cwt, The specimen found at Red Hill was taken from a log that was about sis feet underground, the log acting as a shell only to about 2201 bof gum. It is classed as . best quality/ 1 and will be preserved as a valuable addition to the' ■uniquo specimens of the Dominion’s famous pro* ducts. .

“ Smoke and noise are two things that we have not given attention to,” said Dr Thacker af a meeting .of the General Committtee of Health Week in Christchurch., (reports the Lyttelton Times), One .had only to go up on the Cashmere Hills to see the smoke ’ overhanging the city, especially in the vicinity of the railway station. Smoke, , said the doctor, was one of the greatest destroyers/ «f health. He had . noticed that in cities all over the world a movement was afoot to minimise noise. The City Council was trying to put the noise nuisance in the city, and he thought that the committee should write complimentary letters to the council and the Automobile Association. The suggestion was approved.

The Dunedin Starr-Bowkett Buildiujr Society will dispose of £2500 in the Oddfellows Hall, Stuart street, on Thursday next, £SOO m No. 3 group, £IOOO in No. 4 group, £SOO in No; 5 group, and £SOO in .No. .6 group, by sales and ballots, Annlication for shares in No. 7 group is also announced.

We have received from Sir John Sinclair £1 Is lor the Patients and Prisoners* Aid Society’s Christmas fund, and fl la for the Children’s Rest Home (Morning, ton) fund.

Attention is directed to, the railway advertisement appearing k this i E m» giving particulars nf the train arrang*ments during the Christmas and New lear holidays.

The programme of the. monthly concert of the Dunedin Burns Club on Wednesday next will he supphed by Mr J. LeecMl Lyric Club.

There will not be a change of Governtnent at Williamsons, the jewellers, where you get expert service always.—Advt.

A Merry Christmas to all. A wonder* ful variety of Christmas Boxes to suit everybody. Perfumes from 9d to £3. AH sorts of Novelties for ladies and gentle* H. L. Sprosen, Ltd., chemists, Octa* gon, Dunedin.—Advt. If you are an angler, wireless enthusiast, or keen on electric lighting, power, or dical apparatus, go to Barth Electrical Supplies, Ltd., 90 Princes street, Dun* edm.—Advt.

ihose desirous of having electricity installed in their houses should consult tho Stewart Electrical Company, 171 Rattray street. Time payments arranged, from Od a week.—Advt.

A good remedy for Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, etc., is a household necessity at this period of the year. Be prepared. Get a bottle of Pearson’s Cough Balsam to-day; Is Gd and 2s Cd.—Pearson’e Pharmacy, Prince Albert road. St. Hilda Advt.

Touring parties should be equipped with Field Glasses, a splendid range of which are stocked by W. V. Stumer. Optician Octagon, at half the" usual prices. No more suitable Christmas present.—Advt A. E J Blakeley and W S. Baglcy dentists, Bank of Australasia, corner of Bond and Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office) Telephone 12-359 Advt. Diamond Engagement Rings.—Before purchasing compare our values; largo selection mst landed; superior quality.— Peter Dick, the most reliable jeweller*, watchmakers, and opticians, 490 Moray mace, Dunedin.—Advt. .