LOCAL & GENERAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3033, 1 May 1912, Page 31

LOCAL & GENERAL.

“ The establishment of a motor car service for six or seven months in the year between the railway terminus at Clyde and Pembroke, until a railway service takes its place, would be a great ixxm to these who widh to enjoy the scenic grandeur of Lake Wanaka.” So writes our correspondent at Pembroke, who expresses the opinion, further, that wonders might be worked by the booming of the attractions of the district by a “live” tourist agency in Dunedin. “It is,” he continues, “ not New Zealand people only, whose patronage might thus be secured. Our great unoxploited tourist field is the Australian Continent. A strenuous, and, in many cases, successful efforts of its people to amass wealth, coupled with the exhausting nature of its climato, especially in the direction of Queensland, will compel the man of 50 or 60 years to go south for recuperative purposes, and New Zealand is the only State which is convenient and can furnish the varied natural elements necessary to that end. Pour or five days’ sailing at present bridges the strip of ocean that separates us, and it may be anticipated that in the near future the time at sea will be reduced to three days. That and a one day’s service from Dunedin to Wanaka and Queenstown, and one is in the midst of a glorious panorama comparable with that of Southern Switzerland.”

A timber boom, which was moored in Mechanic’s Bay, Auckland', broke looso early on April 23, during some heavy rain squalls, and drifting logs, carried by a heavy swell, soon began to play havoc amongst the small craft anchored in the bay. As a- result a number of yachts and fishing smacks were sunk. The piles supporting the Waitemafca Rowing Club’s shed were carried away, causing the structure to collapse. The shed contained 14 boats. Six of these were smashed to splinters, and some others, it is feared, were damaged beyond all hope of repair. In addition to the lors of the boats practically the whole stock of racing sculls has been lost, while the contents of the members’ private lockers are practically ruined. The loss to the club is estimated at about £SOO, and private members will suffer considerably.

Very few of the large number of immigrants who arrived by the Corinthic on April 23 have so far called upon the Labour Department for assistance in obtaining employment (says the New Zealand Times), and no difficulty has been experienced in finding work for the bulk of those who have done so. An illustration of the speedy manner in which the newcomers were provided for was mentioned by an official of the department to a Times representative. It concerned a family of four —a man, his wife, and their two daughters. They called at the head office on the morning after arrival. The father was provided with tvork at once, the elder daughter accepted a telegraphic offer of a situation which arrived while they were waiting in the room, the younger daughter was engaged 10 minutes after, and the following morning the mother also found congenial employment.

In a letter received by a resident of Auckland from a relative in Now York, it is stated that the province of Saskatchewan, in Canada, is threatened with an invasion of wolves, for the capture of whicli the Government has offered rewards of £2O each and over. Wolf hunts are always an exciting and often a remunerative winter sport. It is stated by the trappers that in a terribly severe winter some years ago droves of Siberian wolves —the most blood-thirsty of the species—crossed into Northern Canada., and thence they have spread until their ravages are 'heard of as far east as the Saskatchewan Valley.

A case of an extraordinary nature came before Mr A. D. Thomson, S.M., at Feilding last month, when Mr W. J. Culver (inspector of factories) proceeded against Mrs Amy Sherwill for having failed to pay two Wanganui girls, formerly in her employ, £4 17s 8d each for overtime, according to the decision of the court on February last, when defendant was fined. Mr Ongley, (or Mrs Sherwill, raised an objection that the action had not been taken within one month of the offence being committed, but Mr Culver argued that tho offence was continuous during non-performance of the act. Mr Culver then made a rather serious allegation against Mr Ongley, in that, as Mrs Sherwill’s solicitor, he had asked the girls to sign a certain document promising that, if the money was paid to them, they would hand it back to Mrs Sherwill, and that all they wanted was a receipt to satisfy the Labour Department; then, when tho girls failed' to comply with this request, intimidation was used, and all kinds of pains and penalties were suggested. Mr Ongley warmly repudiated this, and, in support of hia conduct, ho quoted from a letter he had received from Mr Culver, suggesting that the money should be paid the girls in hard cash by Sergeant Bowden. What the girls did with it after they once got it was not, wrote Mr Culver, for tho department to 6ay, but there was less likelihood of their handing the money back to the employer than if a cheque was paid or the matter was allowed to be fixed up between the employer and employees themselves. He contended that Mr Culver was entirely wrong In tho statement ho 'had made. The girls had asked Sergeant Bowden if they could legally give money back to Mrs Sherwill, and, there being no objection, tho girls had followed that course. The bench said that if it was true that the money had been re-

funded under such conditions it was a matter for further inquiry, but he would dismiss the case on the ground that the action bad not been taken in time.

The fund for the relief of the distr: | caused among women and children in industrial centres in the V nited Kingdom through the occurrence of the coal miners strike has been closed. The amount subscribed by the public totalled £I3BB 11s. Included in the final instalment was a contribution of 3s from ‘ No. 90, the receipt of which has not previously been acknowledged. The Otago Daily Times Fund is now absolutely closed.

The residents of Waikouaiti are taking up the proposal to start a* summer show in their town very keenly. The canvassers have been extremely gratified by the support that has been accorded the movement, and at the last meeting they were able to report to the committee that the society would start with a membership of over 100. It is pleasing to note that some citizens of Dunedin have also promised assistance. The next step is the election of officers and the drawing up of a programme, which will be undertaken in the course of a few days. Mr E. H. Gibson, of the Otago Museum, is at’ present taking a cast of a very fine specimen of tunny fish, caught a few days ago off the Otago Heads by a party of yachtsmen and presented to the Museum by Mr William Taylor, of Kensington. The fish measures between 4ft and sft in length, and weighs close on 2cwt. The model, which is being reproduced in plaster-of-paris, will be placed on view at the Museum in the course of a week or two. Quite recently, too, the institution has benefited by the presentation of several specimens from private persons. Interest in the Maori relic department has been increased by the addition of a handsome Maori dross in kiwi feathers and a hoi tiki (or talisman), the gifts of Mrs Hookcn. An ancient Maori weapon or tapu haa also been presented by Mr James Baird, on whose farm at Eokonga, Central Otago, it was unearthed during the process of ploughing. The probable age of the weapon is between 300 and 400 years, and its weight is slightly over 101 b. The colour resembles slate, and the surface is very much indented. The specimen is in a splendid state of preservation. A very fine sample of Goodletite, or rubies in the matrix, discovered on the West Coast by Mr William Goodlet, has also been presented to the Museum by the finder —a former specimen having been removed. Other recent acquisitions are a sample of garnet sand found on the beach at Stewart Island and presented by Mr Edwin Wiggins, and a fossil (Venus sulcata) discovered on the West Coast by Miss Ada Michaelis. A walk round the Museum, besides revealing much of interest, shows that the specimens receive careful attention, the whole being remarkably clean and free from dust. A rearrangement in the disposition of several of the cases has recently been effected, with the result that a number of the specimens are shown to better advantage Ilian formerly. The new glass case in which the moa relies are displayed is a decided adornment to the interior of the building, while the re-dressing of several of the larger cases also presents the exhibits in a more attractive manner.

A Press Association telegram from Auckland states that when the question of the working of the anti-gambling legislation was referred to the Hon. G. W. Russell, under whose jurisdiction comes the issue of totalisator permits, the Minister said the administration of the gaming law. was one that did not com© within his province. It was a matter for the Minister of Justice. Mr Russell pointed out that the findings of the Racing Commission were to have effect for only one year, and that period would expire on July 31. Then the whole question of totalisator permits would come up for review by the Cabinet. Already a large number of applications for permits for the ensuing racing year had been received by the department, but nothing could be said just now as to what would be done until the whole matter had been fully reviewed. The Oamaru Harbour Board (says our Oamaru correspondent) has decided to hold a special meeting to consider the proposed Local Government Bill, and will probably bo represented at the contemplated conference of local bodies, to lie held in Wellington next month, to discuss the measure. The Prime Minister, interviewed at Auckland on Tuesday, April 23, is reported by the correspondent of the Lyttelton Times to have said: “ I have just been through Taranaki, and the tone is distinctly good everywhere I have been. I am assured by numbers who are attached to different sides of politics that they wish to see what the new Ministry can do, and to give them an opportunity of doing it. The cordiality is widespread. I have told the people that wo are going to devote ourselves to things that signify and believe in the proof of the thing done rather than of the thing said. The country has been too much disturbed by party wrangling, personal equations on the one side, and unmeasured political abuse on the other, and it desires a rest from such conditions, In tho desire fer victory truth has frequently been sacrificed. The country is sick of a policy of anathema and false prophecy, and wants to hear less of party and more of practice. I have no political fireworks to offer them. We want to get away from ‘ trifles and tipsy cake,’ and get down to solid ‘ broad and butter.’ ” Speaking of tho personnel of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister said that its members had set themselves to work to show tho

grit that was in. them. “ I think,” he remarked, “ that the public will find that they have in the Cabinet a band of men as devoted to their interests as any that have ever occupied the Government Benches. Of course we are told that no good can be expected from us, but we are going to wait our triumph with patience.” A Press Association telegram from Westport states that a referendum was taken on April 21 on the question of allowing concerts to be held on Sundays. The voting was as follows;—For, 971; against, 590; — majority for, 381. Dr T. O. Guthrie and Messrs R. Hay and E. Hay returned to Christchurch on April 22 from their decr-stalking trip to the Hunter Valley, Lake Hawea. They shot over the Hopwood Block, and found it very high and steep country. They report that the majority of the heads were small, and, as on the adjoining country, they were mostly 10-pointors. Dr Guthrie shot three royals, one of them being a wellgrown head over 40in in length, Mr R. Hay two royals, and Mr E. Hay a royal, an eleven, and two 10-pointers, one of the latter being a big head. On their way down Lake Hawea in Messrs Taylor Bros.’ oil launch, they saw a young six-point stag attempting to swim across the lake. He was about a mile from shore, and when the launch came near him he turned back again, swimming strongly. The Prime Minister, on being questioned os to the High Commissionerahip (says a Press Association telegram from Auckland), said he had decided upon a course for consideration by the Cabinet, but had not yet submitted the matter to hia colleagues. The new regulations under the State Guaranteed Advances Act (says a Press Association telegram from Wellington) provided that loans to local bodies may be for a term of 20 years at 3§ per cent, interest.

A Press Associatioi message from Wellington states that the shooting season will open on May 1, and will extend till July 51. In Otago imported and Native game except black teak may be shot. In Southland sportsmen may shoot imported and native game, and in South Canterbury native game. In all these districts the season for paradise ducks will extend only from May 1 till May 14. Imported and native game shall not be killed on lands set apart as sanctuaries or reserves for their preservation The number of native game that may be killed by any one person in any one day is restricted to 25 head in all. The following birds indigenous to New Zealand are not now deemed to bo protected:—Pukeko, teal, grey duck, spoonbill duck, black swan, wild geese, paradise duck. The Gazette last night (says a Press Association telegram from Wellington) contains a notice tliat the holder of a shooting license may, from July 1 to July 31, take or kill by hunting or shooting only not more than 30 opossums within the acclimatisation district to which his license relates. No sale of opossum skins or bodies will be permitted. A proposal to assist the campaign against tubercular disease in New Zealand has been made by the Hon. G. W. Russell (Minister for Public Health). His idea (said our Auckland correspondent), is to disseminate all possible useful information regarding ihe disease throughout the whole Dominion. With this view he has suggested to the Inspector-General of Hospitals (Dr Valintine) tliat a library of works dealing with tuberculosis should be established at the Department’s head office in Wellington, and a duplicate at the Cambridge Sanatorium. This would be supplemented and brought up-to-date from quarter to quarter with all information obtainable from the study of consumption in other countries, especially America. England, and Germany.

On behalf of the Navy League (Otago branch) Mr G. R. Ritchie recently gave an address to the boys of th© Waitaki High School Mr Ritchie spoke for an hour, and held his audience throughout. His main theme was “ Secondary School Life and its Responsibilities.” As an old Lovettoman Mr Ritchie gave an interesting account of the history and distinctive life of the famous Scotch foundation of Lovetts, to which Waitaki owes its national school costume. Ho then discussed the outstanding features of New Zealand secondary school life, and emphasised the duties and responsibilities that went hand in hand with its privileges and advantages. L’a,pacity of self subordination to the collective good should be inseparable from proper secondary school training. The Territorials and the Navy League should confidently be able to count on generous and consistent sujiport from our colleges and high schools Speaking from his wide experience as an officer in the New Zealand Defence Forces, Mr Ritchie explained and emphasised tho value of the Territorial defence scheme. Tho address was much appreciated. Captain Moore of tho Dublin Fusiliers, who was present, spoke on tho value of school athletics and the army as a profession. The proceedings were enlivened by tho school orchestra, who played two selections.

Preparations for the establishment of a whaling station in the Bay of Islands are well advanced. Mr L. S. Hasle, head of tho Norwegian Company, which has undertaken the venture, informed a New Zealand Herald reporter tliat tho company’s steamer would arrive in the beginning of June, and operations would bo commenced immediately. The prospects were extremely

favourable, but it waa bard to tell before the practical work was started Another station is being erected at Stewart Island, and the company will work in two different seasons—in the north in the winter, and in the south in the summer, commencing about November next. Expensive steam plant is being installed, and every portion of the whales caught will bo used up.

Captain Amundsen was afforded an opportunity of raising a hearty laugh at a reception accorded him by his fellow-coun-trymen in Auckland. A Danish resident (Mr K. C. Jorgensen) was proceeding to propose the toast of “ Mrs Amundsen,” when the hardy explorer convulsed the audience with the naively expressed announcement that such a person as Mrs Roald Amundsen had never existed. The joke had all the more point, as the proposer of the toast had been enlarging upon the influence of self-denying wives in spurring on to victory such adventurous spirits as Captain Amundsen. The flood of embarrassment waa adroitly stemmed, however, by a conversion of the toast into “ The Womanhood of Norway.” Mr J G. Wilson, president of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, in delivering a lecture on “Plant Brooding,” in Masterton, said although plant breeding had a most important bearing on the agricultural pro gross of New Zealand, farmers generally seemed to have very little knowledge of this subject as compared with aheep-hroed-ing. America was at present leading the world in the matter of agricultural axperiments, and some remarkable results had been attained. The speaker thought if farmers gave the matter serious attention it was possible, by some now process, to improve New Zealand grain and grasses. A seed association had been formed in Canada, with excellent results, and a. similar association was urgently required in the Dominion. It seemed, said Mr Wilson, that New Zealand farmers were too prosperous to devote time to the scientific side of plant culture.

Some stories of the South African war were told in Sydney last week by Lord Denman, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth, at a banquet given by the South African Soldiers’ Association. One recalled the foraging capabilities of the colonial troops under General French. The soldiers were all lined up one day by the officer commanding, who appeared to be in high dudgeon over the reputation that his command had gained. His wrath was awe-inspiring. They were supposed to sweep the country bare like a plague of locusts that wont through the land of Pharaoh; and there was ringing anguish in the voice of General French as ho recounted what terrible things were said about his regiments. These reports had even reached the ears of Lord Roberts, who had complained to him as officer commanding, and now this commandeering, pilfering, or whatever harsher terra might bo used, must cease, the General angrily declared. The soldiers all stood aghast at the stormy lecture the General was reading them. Sheep wandering about must not bo commandeered, and, speaking with dire earnestness, the general said that any man found killing sheep would be ehot. The troops winced at the order, the stern tones of General French impressing h ; s hearers. But the order had a saving clause. “ Of course,” the general added, but still with the same blaze of indignation in his eyes at the pass things had come to, “if a sheep attacks a soldier— ’* A roar of laughter like a salvo of artillery drowned the conclusion of the interesting tirade. “ The soldiers,” naively remarked Lord Denman, after he had referred to this story, often had to defend themselves.” A Wairarapa colonist who emigrated from the land of the heather many years ago, returned recently from a trip to Scotland, a saddened man. “ You hear cut hero occasionally about the great immigration to Canada and the States,” ho said. “ Travelling in the country parts of Scotland you can see two effects of it everywhere. Land that has been cultivated for scores of years is falling into disuse, ajid many of the farms held on lease from the lairds are falling back into the main estate for the lack of tenants. What is the most pathetic thing of all, to my mind, is to note the absence of young folks in the country. In the cities you see them, but there are few left in the country on the farms. Old people seem to bo doing the work everywhere. If you ask them where their sons are they will invariably tell you tliat ‘ they’re doing woel in Canada.’ It’s very disheartening to go back to the old place.” Our Ixmdon correspondent writes on March 15: —“I have Sir William HallJones’s authority for reiterating emphatically the statement ho made to mo last August to the effect that he has no intention of re-entering political life in New Zealand. Sir William’s health has so much improved during his stay in London tliat his friends strongly approve of his determination not to run the risk which would be entailed by a re-entry into the hurly-burly of politics. Sir William’s extended term as High Commissioner expires on March 31, but so far there is no word of a successor being appointed.” A cablegram published last week noted the apprehension of a New Zealand girl in Sydney who had proposed eloping to San Francisco with her lover. Our Sydney oorrespondent writes The girl, who is the daughter of a well-known New Zealand merchant, arrived by the boat with the intention of meeting hce lover, who had coma over by a previous boat, and

going with him to San Francisco, wher® they wero to be married. But instead of meeting him, she was met by two detectives, who took charge of her with the intention of sending her back to her home. Her father apparently heard of the young 1 couples intention, for ho had communicated with the police authorities here, forwarding a description of the girl, and' instructing that she be sent back to New Zealand. The girl is only 17 years of ago. Sho stated that her father objected to the man of her choice, and she had, therefore, determined to run away and get married. However, she will shortly bo back homo again, unmarried.”

The Minister of Railways, the Hon. A. M. Myers, was asked by an Auckland Herald representative what the department was doing with regard to the increase of rolling stock. “ I will be prepared shortly,’* said Mr Myers, “to make a statement in that connection, but in the meantime arrangements have been made for the conversion of a largo number of “L ” waggons, now having a carrying capacity of from six to eight tone, so that they will have an increased carrying capacity of 30cwt per .truck for lignite coal and of two tons for bituminous coal. A largo number of the waggons have already been thus converted. This has been accomplished by raising the sides and ends of the waggons, thus bringing thorn up to the standard dimensions adopted in New Zealand, and to which all new trucks in future will be built. Although there i:- still a large number of waggons to be converted, every expedition is being used to carry out the work.” Dr G. J. Blackmoro, medical superintendent of the Consumption Sanatorium, Cashmere Hills, Christchurch, reported last week to the Christchurch Hospital Board giving the members the' details of the year’s work in attempting to check the adVance of consumption. Ho said in his report that of the 51 patients who were discharged or died during the year, three wero not tuberculous. The remaining 48 wore classified as follows on admission as regards the state of their disease With early disease, 18, or 37.5 per cent.; with a moderate amount of disease, 11, or 22.9 por cent., with advanced disease 19, or 39.6 per cent Of the 18 cases with early disease 14 were discharged with the disease arrested. The other four had every prospect of having the disease permanently arrested, but elected to go out before their treatment was completed. They were all continuing to do well outside. Of the 11 cases with moderate disease, nine had tho disease arrested and two were improved. Of the 19 oases with advanced disease, six had the disease arrested, three were improved, six were not improved, and four died. Two of tho unimproved oases had since died outside, but four were still living.

Tho person who thoughtlessly pours benzine or petrol down tho sink, bo it but tho drainings of a tin or the dregs from a motor car, little imagines how ho is endangering tho Uvea of some of his fellowcitizens. The smallest quantity of these volatile spirits in conjunction with tho natural gases existent in tho sowers forma the elements for a. dangerous explosion. Quite recently at Lewisham, Londbn, 12 sewermen were seriously burned, and only escaped with their lives, through an explosion caused by these spirits. At Clinton on April 23, before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., George Geddes, farmer, of Mosgie-1, was charged with illtreating 53 head of cattle and ,ono horse by not giving them sufficient food. Tho facts of the case wore that on March 9 Geddos was driving a mob of cattle south, and, arriving near Clinton at dusk, he did not wish to take tho mob through the township that evening, so he camped in a quarter-acre section on the northern boundary of the town. Constable Hearse, Clinton, who conducted the prosecution, gave evidence, which was corroborated by two others, that on Sunday evening, at 6.30 (24 hours after tho mob had been put into tho section) there was practically no food, and that tho section was in a puddled state. He spoke to defendant, who then removed the cattle to another section. Geddes (who was defended by Mr Indor) submitted evidence that there was sufficient food, and that the cattle were not hungry. Tho magistrate dismissed the case, holding that there had been no negligence or wilful cruelty on defendant’s part up to Sunday evening, but at the same time, if the mob had been allowed to remain in the section over Sunday night the position would have been different, and the constable was quite justified in bringing the charge forward.

The sum of £4O is reported to have been' stolon from the camp of a workman named Thomas Brown, at the Finegand Freezing Works, on Tuesday, the night of the 23rd. Detective Connolly is at Balolutha investigating the alleged robbery.

An Auckland telegram states that with reference to the figures quoted by tho Prime Minister on Thursday night it should bo mentioned that there was no deficiency in the national endowment revenue (which was not included in tho revenue totals fo« 1912). As a matter of fact, the national endowment revenue amounted last year ta £62,365, against £55;861 for tho previous financial year.

There wore seven oases of alleged assault sot down for hearing at tho Magistrate'* Court at Kaitangata on Thursday, before Mr J. R Bartholomew, S.M. (say* the Baldutlia Free Prose), tho parties concerned being Sarah Hackle, John Mackie, Sarah Rogers, Mary Owens, James Toting, William PvOgert, ond Sarah Bell As all tho cases arosa out of tho same occurrence they wore heard together. Mr Reid, in outlining

the case for his clients (the Mackies), said that the Mackies and; Owens were neighbours, and that trouble had amen between them over some fowls which Mrs Oi\ens had allowed to stray on to Mrs Mackie s property. Tilings came to a head when Mrs Owens started calling Mrs Mackie insulting names, and finally an open quarrel ensued, in which Mrs Owens assaulted Mis Mackie. After this the men relatives of Mrs Owens assaulted Mrs Mackie s husband. Mr R. R. Grigor, in conducting the counter charges made by Mrs Owens and Mrs Rogers against Mrs Mackie, called evidence tc prove that they were not the aggressors in the-quarrel. His Worship, in summing up, said that he could see from their demeanours in the witness-box and their evidence that there was a ring of truth in the tale of Mackie and his wife, whereas in the evidence given by Mrs Rogers and Mrs Owens there was inconsistency. The following would be the ■verdict :—Mrs Owens would be bound over to keep the peace, and ordered to pay 16s 6d costs; Mrs'Rogers would 1 be fined 10s, with 16s 6d costs; W. J. Rogers would he fined £l, with 16s 6d costs, and James Young would be fined £l, with 16s 6d costs. The three counter-charges wore dismissed, with £1 lls 6d costs against the complainants. A Press Association telegram from Auckland states that an exceedingly interesting relic of Sir George Grey’s adventurous career has been presented to the city, through the Mayor, by Mrs Seymour Thorne George, who is a niece of the great Pro-consul. The trophy consists of the head of one of Ihe spears with which Sir George (then plain Mr George Grey) was wounded in an encounter with the Natives on Glonelg River, in North-west Australia, on February 11, 1838. When talking the other day at Wyndham Mr Massey issued a challenge to the Prime Minister, which the latter has accepted with alacrity (says an Auckland telegram). The leader of the Opposition demanded that Mr Mackenzie should either give his authority for the wail of despair that a certain financial paper at Home had said Was to»t from New Zealand, and if he could not do so, he should withdraw and apologise. “ Before I have finished, said the Prime Minister, T think I will have satisfied Mr Massey that I am not in the habit of using expressions that require apologies.”

A Press Association telegram states that the Hon. G. Laurenson, fresh from a tour of some parte of the North Island, arrived in Christchurch on Saturday morning. In the course of an interview Mr Laurenson said that he had been struck with the etjrong feeling that existed .in favour of the idea that the present Administration should bo given an opportunity to show what was in it. The mass of the people did not want to see any changes of Government or any fireworks policy, but they did wish to see, progressive legislation and clean administration. They wanted to see that the men connected with the administration put all their energy into their work and -made the departments under them a success.

Mr George Witty, M.P. for Riccarton, was tendered a complimentary social atDarfield on Friday night (says a Press Association telegram from Christchurch). Mr P. Morrison presided over a good attendance, which was not confined to Mr Witty’s supporters alone. Amongst those present were th© Hon. J. Colvin, Minister of Mines, who paid a high tribute to Mr Witty’s abilities. Mr Colvin expressed his opinion that no matter who was at the head' of th© Liberal party it would remain in power, and the country would not allow the Opposition to take office and reap thp fruit© of the Liberal party. Referring to. current affairs, Mr expressed the -opinion that every man in. the Liberal parly would prove loyal. He would not say there would not be a ‘‘bit of a mix-up” in things, but let them go to the country and the Liberal party would come back to power. The traffic returns for the tramways for the fortnight ended Saturday, 20th April, 1912, as compared with the corresponding period for last year, are as follows:—Receipts: 1912, £2870 18a 7d; 1911, £2957 12s. Mileage: 1912, 48,340’miles 43 chains; 1911, 48,749 miles 42 chains. Writing on March 23, our London correspondent remarks that there is evidently some mystery about the design of the new stamps for New Zealand. It was announced last summer that the commission had been entrusted ho Mr Bertram MacKennal, A.R.A., the distinguished Australian sculptor, and Mr MacKennal actually proceeded with the work. Latterly, however, it has been stated over and over again that Mr H. Linley Richardson, the well-known Wellington artist, is doing the stamps; and Mr MacKennal has now made a statement which, gives further ground for believing that there lias been some hitch. He says: “ I have designed the stamp for New Zealand, though I have never seen one, and I fancy that in some of the other oases (British Crown colonies) they have used a head from a photograph of one of the heads from my coin. This was not approved by me, but of course the photographs have been published, and one cannot help it. The design was from special Studies of his Majesty.”

The camp of the Ambulance Crops at Wait-ati broke up on Sunday, the men marching into town and arriving at about quarter to 4 in the afternoon. Waitati was eft about midday, and the men came through boisterous weather, hailstorms and •caking rain. At one time they wore compeeled to seek shelter in the bush. A halt Ota made at the top of the hill for refresh-

ment, and there a number of heavy hailstorms were experienced. The men, however, were keen to make a good finish, and marched splendidly, arriving in good heart, notwithstanding the adverse conditions. Their general conduct throughout the camp was excellent, and the difference in the condition of the men on the day they marched out from town and on the day of then- return was most marked. The physical drill in the morning before breakfast was keenly enjoyed bv all, and squad drill was engaged in afterwards. The afternoons were devoted to special ambulance work and to route marching. The season is really too advanced for encampments, the last two days at Waitati being very bad. The camp was struck in blinding rain, and the business of getting the equipment on board the train was anything but pleasant. However, the men behaved splendidly, and everything was done speedily and satisfactorily. The chaplain. Rev. D. J. Murray, of die Cargill Road Wesleyan Church, was out with the men all the time, and speaks most highly of their general conduct, their attention to their work, and their behaviour during the services. He states that the effect of the camp is assuredly in support of the movement being calculated to do the youths good, not only physically but mentally and morally. Our Greymouth correspondent states that a petition is being largely signed by West Coast sportsmen to the Minister of Internal Affairs, asking that die mandate declaring the present a close season for native pigeons be cancelled, at least so far as the West Coast is concerned. It is contended that the birds are very plentiful all along die coast this year, and that the original edict declaring every third year to be a close season should be adhered to. On his return from Australia Sir Joseph Ward will visit the West Coast (eays our Greymouth correspondent). He will be entertained by the Liberals of Westland at a social at Hokitika, and probably he will be similarly honoured at Greymouth. At Westport ho will unveil the Seddon memorial.

Nominations for seats on the Peninsula Road Board closed on Saturday. Mr Robert Black was elected to represent the Andierson’s subdivision, and Mr Johr Aitken for the Sandymount subdivision. Messrs James Garr and James Fairbairn were nominated for the Highcliff subdivision, and a poll for the election of one of them will be taken on Saturday next.

It was rumoured on Saturday that a disagreement liad arisen among members of the expedition being fitted out in search of the General Grant’s treasure which would result in Captain Sorensen, the diver from America, failing to accompany the Wairoa. Mr E. 0. May, who is directing the expedition, was unwilling to say anything about the matter, beyond stating that it would not affect the enterprise in the least whether Captain Sorensen went with them or not.

A Ti-'r-Press Association telegram states that-in commemoration of his long and va’uable services as Mayor, the Timaru Borough Council on Saturday presented Sir James Craigie, M.P., and Mrs Oraigie with some ha * erne pieces of silver plate as farewell gifts.

The number of patients in the Hospital at the beginning of last week was 125. There were admitted during the week 52 and 19 were discharged, while there were four deaths (William Booten, Ambrose Welsford, James Smith, and Charles Low), the total number remaining in the institution at the end of the week being 154. The following householders of the Mount Cargill school district were elected a committee for the ensuing year:—Messrs W. Malcolmson, H. Green, W._ Morton, R. Simo, and j. Holland. Mr Malcolmson was elected chairman, and Mr Holland secretary and treasurer.

There passed through Wellington by the Tahiti, from San Francisco (says u Wellington telegram) some 40 American farmers who are on their way to Australia. Two of the Victorian Government delegates (Mosers Cattenach and Dowrick) are in th© States making known in both east and west, the prospects that Australia has to offer the agriculturist. If the report of the party by the Tahiti is favourable there is likely to be a considerable exodus from California, Oregon, and Washington. The men who have come out are bound to Victoria. Some of them have definitely decided to take up land in Australia, and others are not committing themselves until they have looked at both sides of the proposition and have found it practicable and profitable. They appear to be a fine stamp of men—alert, intelligent, and knowing their business. The liberality of the terms offered by the Victorian Government for the acquirement of land and improving it is what is meet attractive to the American farmers. It is incomprehensible to them that good irrigated land can bo purchased by the payment of 6 per cent, for 30 years, this payment including both interest and the return of the principal. There is nothing in the United States comparable to this. Referring to this matter the Wellington Post says:—“ Amongst the men who reserved berths on the Tahiti is a farmer who has had largo experience in the growth of oranges and lemons; another who has operated a dairy at Mayfield, close to San Francisco, and a third who has grown sugar canes, beets, and small f; rains. The last-mentioned has 6000 dolors. A fruitgrower owning real estate worth some £2OOO or £3OOO was in March on the point of deciding to undertake the

trip, the only obstacle being his uncertainty ae to ■whether he could dispose of his land within a month. There is a proposal afoot for the formation of an “ Australian Club ’ in Lassen County, Northern California, comprising farmers who will emigrate to Victoria in a body. Captain Edward Corde Horo, F.R.G.S. (whose death at Hobart was announced last week), was a well-known African explorer and missionary. He came of an old Cornish family, and was born at Islington on July 23, 1848. He was educated privately at Cambridge. Apprenticed at the age of 16 to the owner of a London ship, he visited nearly every part of the world, serving in more than 21 different vessels, from the small coasting schooner to the first-class mail steamer. He passed through all the grades—apprentice, able seaman, boatswain, third, second, and chief officer, and master. Captain Hore was appointed, in March, 1877,' to the London Missionary Society’s pioneer expedition in Central Africa. He lived on the shores of Lake Tanganyika for about 10 first at Ujiji, then at Numikorlo, and subsequently on Kavala Island. He surveyed the 1000 miles coastline of Lake Tanganyika in a little log canoe, and discovered the Lukuga to be the true outlet of the lake. In 1884 Captain Hore returned to England to report upon his work. In 1882 he took the sections of a steel lifeboat from Saadani to Ujiji. He finished the building of the steam yacht, the Good News, on Lake Tanganyika in 1888. He received a gold chronometer from the Government of the French Republic for assistance to the late Abbe Debaize,- and in 1890 was awarded the Outhlrert Peek grant from the Royal Geographical Society. Captain Hore was the author of “ Tanganyika Eleven Years In Central Africa.” He also contributed to various journals articles descriptive and defensive, of the conditions and rights of the natives ot Central Africa, for whom he had deep sympathy. The captain accepted a call to further work in the mission field in 1894, and was appointed chief officer ot the steamship John Williams for the London Missionary’s work in Polynesia. He retired from the sea a few years ago. A Press Association telegram states that when ho was asked if he would support the Prime Minister’s proposal to increase the number of Ministers, Mr Massey replied in the negative. He thought there were enough Ministers to direct the policy of the different departments. The real work was done by the permanent heads.

In pursuance of his scheme .to reorganise the traffic branch of the railways, the Hon. A. M. Myers proposes to appoint two traffic superintendents—one for the North and one for the South Island. They will travel about and ascertain the local conditions and will then report to the general manager.

The Mayor of Nelson convened a meeting of citizens on the'2sth inst.,.a,nd resolutions were passed approving of the scheme for the enrolment of honorary members, in the Defence Forces. It augurs well for the success of the movement when four cities—Christchurch, Dunedin, Napier, and Nelson—have taken joint action. The local executive expects to have a reply from the Minister for Defence within the next few days, and if it is favourable the organisation will proceed at once. An unusual maintenance ease came before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., in the City Police Court on the 29th, when Rebecca Fish, wife of Hy. Dunedin Fish, proceeded against the interest of defendant in the estate of his father, the late Mr H. S. Fish, of this city. Mr A. S. Adams represented the applicant, and explained that the parties were married some 16 years ago and lived together for a short period. The husband was then drinking heavily and left his wife, instituting proceedings for divorce in 1898. A defence was filed consisting of a denial of the charges, made, and the petitioner asked leave to have the proceedings withdrawn. The j>etifion was dismissed in 1899. Afterwards a maintenance order was made against the husband, but he disappeared, and it was not until the publication of a copy of Mr Justice Williams’s judgment on the interpretation of Mr Fish’s will that the applicant became aware that her husband was in London and available. Counsel submitted legal evidence to prove that defendant was still subject to the jurisdiction of the court, and the Magistrate ruled affirmatively. Evidence was then given as to defendant’s means, Mr W. L. Simpson, manager of the Trustees, Executors and Agency Company attending and stating that defendant’/® legacy of £SOO and interest in the residue was subject to adjustment by the judge, and to the taking of accounts between defendant and the estate. He thought that there would be ample after such claims were settled to allow of the desired order being made. His Worship accordingly made on order for the full amount (£SO) legally recoverable in respect of arrears, and for the payment of 25s a week for future maintenance. Professional costs (£3 3s) and witness’e expenses (10s 6d) were also allowed, to be paid out of defendant’s interest in the estate

Mr F. G. Hotton, a missionary from South America, delivered a lantern lecture on missionary work in the Argentine in tho Choral Hall on April 29. There was a fairly large attendance, and Mr A. H. Hoycock occupied the chair. In introducing the lecturer the chairman stated that Mr Hotton had gone out to South America some sewn years ago, and was followed shortly after by his wife, then Mias Homier. Since that time Mr and Mm Hotton, . together with the speaker’s son, Mr Ernest

Hoycock and his wife, had carried on their labours in the town of Zarate, in the Argentine Republic. Mr Hotton stated that prior to going to South America he had been somewhat ignorant as to what he was going to, but on arrival there he had gone to Buenos Aires, which he found to be a city of nearly a million and a-lialf inhabitants. It had the finest electric oar system in the world, and some beautiful public buildings—views of which were then thrown on the screen. Referring to the customs of the people the speaker stated that it was the habit of the men to carry weapons, which were liable to bo produced upon any provocation. One of the meet interesting views shown was a photograph of an enormou s quantity of wheat stored at a country railway station, and awaiting to be transported thence by rail or steamer. Though there was more than twice the length of railway line in. the Argentine than there is in Australia, yet such was the amount of grain to be transported that it was often kept waiting late into the year at these wayside railway stations. Argentine was a land of great industries, and meat-freezing was one of the greatest of those, giving employment to large numbers of men. In one factory, a view of which was projected on the screen, there were more than 1000 men employed, and some 700 or 800 bullocks, and 3000 or 4000 sheep were put through every day. Views of handsome churches were also screened, and of many of the beauty spots of the country, the speaker remarking that it was a place ‘‘where every prospect pleased and only man was vile.” Slides illustrating the progress of religious work in the Argentine were also shown, and the lecturer meanwhile related many interesting personal experiences. He also commented on the vast extent of the country and need for more workers in the interests of evangelisation, and concluded by appealing to those present to remember in their prayers the missionaries in these far-off lands, Mr W. Simpson manipulated the lantern satisfactorily. The secretary of the Acclimatisation Society has received the following telegram from the Under Secretary of Internal Affairs;—“As some doubt appears to exist as to whether native pigeons may be shot this season, I have to inform you that the Government has decided that a- close season is to be observed in all districts this year for vative pigeons.”

ills Honor Mr Justice Williams has granted probate in th-e estates of the following deceased persons: —Isabella, Gumming (Mr E. C. Smith), John Dow (Mr Tonkinspn), David Foster (Mr Adams), Janet Grant (Mr Wilkinson), Elizabeth Georgina Islip (Mr W. L. Moore), Annabella Murray (Mr Lee), and John Pottinger (Mr Mi'Neil). Letters of administration have been granted in the estate of Catherine Ann M'Lean (Mr Calvert). In the motion, Simpson v. Inglis and. another, for sanction to sell business and dissolve partnership (Mr W. G. MacGregor), an order was made as prayed. Mr J. E. MacManus, secretary of the General Labourers Union, reports that some 50 or 60 labourers are at present out of work in Dunedin. He states that a considerable number of men have left for the North Island, to secure employment on the NapierGisborne railway construction works, but that these are mostly single men, married men feeling disinclined to leave their homes. The labourers are now anxiously awaiting a start being made on the St. Clair esplanade wall, as it is anticipated that a fairly large number of men will be required on this work.

At a meeting of the United Temperance Reform Council on April 29 a letter was received from the Canterbury No-license Council asking that Mr G. B. Nicholls should be released from Dunedin in order that he might organise in 10 electorates in and nea.- Christchurch. After discussion, and after several of those present had expressed their high appreciation of the work Mr Nicholls had done in Dunedin, it was decided that if fch,e Canterbury Council successfully concluded the contemplated negotiations for united action, Mr Nicholls be empowered to proceed to Christchurch on June 1. It was generally felt that there would be a better chance for Mr Nicholls to inaugurate new lines of educational work in the larger sphere offered, and in a new place than by remaining in Dunedin.

Tho past winter has been one of unusual severity,” Pastor Ilastie, formerly of Dunedin, writes from Des Moines, lowa, to a friend in this city: “The Weather Bureau said it wae the most severe for more than 30 years The thermometer for days stood at 34 below' zero, and several times It went 36 below. This extreme is a serious thing for a city. Thousands were not prepared for it. The rush for coal was enormous. One ooal dealer told me that he never got away from the telephone for days. It was a perpetual ring from morning till night, of people ordering, begging, imploring for ocal. Coal waggons were going every day in the week, and every hour of the day. The railroads couldn’t haul in ooal fast enough. The situation became so serious that the State Railroad Commissioner ordered all roads to give the coal trains the right-of-way. Many had to close up their homes and go to boarding-houses and hotels. The University dispensed with all evening meetings to give the coal to others. The great down town churches. Central Church of Christ, Plymouth Congregational, and others threw their doors open day and night and invited tho poor to enter and keep warm. The street oar system was on the point of closing down for lack of coal. Some days it was lOdeg. below zero inside the cars. Then the drifting snow blocked

the railroads and for days all trains were hours late, and some missed out altogether. Every snowstorm cost the city thousands of dollars to clear the streets for traffic. Hundreds of men are employed, and many teams of horses operating great snow scoops, and the street car company send great electric revolving broom cars to clear its track. The sewers axe flooded and the snow is sent down to be carried to the river. Even now, this 16th day of spring (March), our footpaths are bordered by snow banks two feet high. They tell me that in the country the snow covers the fences, and many roads are simply impassable. A city in the grip of winter is no joke. Our house is only an ordinary one, and it will cost me £2O nearly for coal this winter. Then the freezing and bursting of waterpipes, etc., is an enormous expense. O, ye who dwell beneath the Southern Cross be content and stay there. The thaw and. freezing again make the streets and walks like glass, dangerous, alike to man and beast.”