LOCAL & GENERAL

Otago Witness, Issue 3212, 6 October 1915, Page 6

LOCAL & GENERAL

The steamer Flora, which reached Auckland from the Eastern Pacific on Friday, Sept. 24 (says the Star), brought news of the theft of no less than 30,000 francs (£1200) in coin and notes from the cafe of a financial agent on the French island of Raiatca. The safe was apparently opened with a duplicate or skeleton key, as it was found open and quite uninjured. When the steamer left Raiatea the police wore hunting diligently for the thief, and it was considered that he would find it difficult to get away from the island with the money.

“ lie was a brilliant, efficient, and painstaking officer, always ready for duty,” said L'olonci T. W. Porter, in conversation with Wellington Post reporter, referring to tho late Major R. W. Wilkinson (Wellington Battalion), who died in London last week as the result of wounds received at tho Dardanelles. Major Wilkinson was staff officer to Colonel Porter when the latter was in command of tho Seventh New Zealand Contingent in South Africa, and the colonel relates an interesting incident showing his pluck and tenacity. It was in the Orange Free State, and in a successful attempt to capture some of De Wet’s guns fierce hand-to-hand fighting took place. Major Wilkinson tackled fearlessly a big, powerful Boer gunner, and, locked together, they rolled down a hillside. The Boor attempted to uso his revolver, but Major Wilkinson, who had only a sjambok (raw hide whip), mastered the enemy and effected his capture. “It was indeed a meritorious action,” said Colonel Porter, “and, as such, I characterised it in my report of the encounter.”

Two brothers had an unexpected, and, to one of them, painful, meeting in Balclutha on Sept. 25. Mr Wm, S. Falconer was driving an Import Stores delivery van, and Mr Charles Falconer was at the same time travelling from Dunedin to Owaka on a motor cycle. The delivery van and the motor cycle met at Mr J. Craig’s corner. On striking the horses the motorist was hurled from his machine to the ground, and a wheel of the van passed over him. The horses, being frightened, galloped off, but wore soon pulled up. When the van-driver returned to assist the cyclist ho found, on picking him up, that it was his own brother who had collided with him. Dr Brugh was summoned, and the sufferer was taken into a neighbour’s house. It was found that ho had been painfully bruised about the body, but, fortunately, no bones were broken. Next day he was removed to Mr Wm. Falconer’s residence, and he is npw progressing satisfactorily. The motor cycle was badly damaged.

Planting waste lands, especially such as are infested with noxious weeds, was a measure urged upon the Government by the Dominion Conference of the Now Zealand Farmers’ Union recently (says the Wellington Post). The conference further urged that encouragement should bo given to forestry by the appointment of qualified persons to lecture and give instruction in the schools. Replying to those resolutions, the Minister of Lands (the Right Hon. W. F. Massey) states that already largo areas of poor land have been sot apart for afforestation La the centre of the North Island, and in the Kaipara district, and in the iSouth Island at Bonmoro and Omarama, and it is proposed to add largely to these areas. ’ “With regard to the utilisation of trees for the suppression of noxious woods, I may say that in one largo area whore blackberry was had. this plan of treatment has already been adopted, and it is proposed to make further experiments in this direction where the expense is not prohibitive.” Owing to the present very urgent necessity for economy in expenditure, the increase of the staff of the forestry branch cf the Lands Department has to be postponed. Ae soon, however, as financial pressure is relieved, the proposal to appoint qualified persons to lecture and give instruction in schools will bo given effect to.

Quite a number of proportv spice have taken place in Lawrence recently (writes our correspondent). The most important of those is the sale of Mr James Robertson’s farms, adjoining the town boundary of

Messrs Schivers Bros., of South Canterbury, i The retirement of Messrs P. MTnerncy and * John M'Kay, of Tuapeka West, from tarmI ing operations, and their decision to take ; up their ■ residence in Lawrence, resulted in i the changing of the ownership cf several

smaller properties. Mr MTncrnoy purchased the residence of Mr James Airey, in Liemore street, and Mr John M'Kay acquired Mr Daniel Roman's property, comprising several acres, near the hospital. Mr

Keenan, in turn, purchased Mr R. M'Cut

■ cheon’s property, near the school, and Mr j M'Cutchc-on has now purchased Mr \V. I Warr’s shop and residence in Roes place. It is also reported that Mr T. Marks’s i property, of 25 acres, on Waitahuna road, has been sold, but the sale is not confirmed. It is worthy of note that at the present moment there is not a vacant habitable bouse in Lawrence, while there are said to he quite a number of people on the look out for houses. Generally speaking, property values may be said to have an upward tendency.

Two farmers —Messrs Jno. Christie and R. Campbell—entered a decided protest at the meeting of the Clutha branch of the New

Zealand Farmers’ Union on Saturday afternoon against tho selfish policy of some farmers and station owners, who, in advertising for married couples, use the objectionable words “no encumbrances.” The branch, however, lost a golden opportunity to win esteem, for none,,of the other members at the meeting supported Messrs Christie and Campbell, and the matter " was allowed to drop.

A meeting of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College (says a Press Association telegram from Christchurch) adopted a number of proposals for free tuition and help to those children whose fathers or brothers have been killed or totally disabled in the present war. In a number of cases the children will bo granted financial aid yearly for the purchase of books, etc.

A Frees Association telegram from Wellington states that, since so many New Zealand soldiers have been reported missing, a number of people have attempted to communicate with residents of Turkey in order to obtain ' information regarding individual soldiers. As all postal communication with Turkey has ceased, the. letters have to be returned to the senders through the dead letter office. The Postmaster-general states that persons having friends or relatives reported to bo missing may write a post-card to the missing soldier and send it to the deputy-chief postal censor at Wellington, who will forward it to the proper quarter for delivery. The post-card . should be addicssed to the soldier by his rank, number, name, and regiment, the words “ Believed to bo a prisoner of war in Turkey” beingadded. The card should be fully signed by the sender. No postage stamps are required to bo affixed. The written matter should be strictly confined to social and domestic affairs, and any reference to the war or to politics or the state of'the country will result in the destruction of the card.

The Balclutha Free Press learns that Messrs W. Gregg and Co., coffee manufacturers, of Dunedin, intend to revive the chicory-growing industry at their farm on Inohclutha, "where largo quantities of chicory were grown some 14 years ago. The substantially built kiln situated just across the river from Balclutha, opposite the railway station, is to have several additions made to it in the shape of storing sheds, and a manager’s cottage is to be erected, while chicory growing on an ' extensive scale is to bo resumed on the farm, for long lease terms for general agricultural purposes. It is said that the war, which has curtailed outside supplies of chicory, is the reason for the step about to be taken.

“The proposal made by the Agricultural Conference for the formation of local committees of agriculture is meeting with considerable support at the hands of the county councils, though, to judge by the replies being received by the secretary of the Council of Agriculture, there is no very clear idea of the duties of such committees (says the Fanners’ Union Advocate). The circular letter sent out from the conference indicated some of the things that these committees should undertake. Amongst the questions.

the supply of labour for harvest was placed first, possibly because it was a matter of urgency; but there is practically no limit to the econo of activity that such committees could undertake. There is no doubt that a good deal of the work is already 'being done by the Farmers’ Union, and there may be a feeling that the councils do not want to overlap, and desire to seek work which the union docs not do. There is, however, plenty of room for these committees, and co-operation between the various bodies is most desirable.” The Advocate (suggests that each council should have its Agricultural Committee, whoso functions would bo generally to advance the industry in the county.

A meeting of the Certifying Committee of tho Dunedin Horticultural Society was held at the spring show on Saturday, Sept. 25, and was attended by Messrs B. S. Irwin (president), Uarton, Hamel, Youngson, Johnson, Miller, and Trevena. Mr Andrew Miller, of Mornington, submitted a Barrii variety named ‘‘Dominion,” a bicolour Trumpet variety named “Huia,” and a bi-colour Trumpet variety named “Peti,” all of which received an award of merit. A white Trumpet variety named Mrs Nelson, also submitted by Mr Miller, received a first-class certificate. Mr H. Hart, of Lawrence, submitted a yellow Trumpet variety named Ben Hart and a bi-colour Trumpet variety named Mary Woods, both of which were awarded a first-class certificate. Two Trumpet varieties named Dorothy Hart and Mrs B. S. Irwin, were referred back to the raiser with a recommendation that the blooms be submitted to the Certifying Committee next year.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands, accompanied by Messrs Inder, Smith, and Livingstone, members of tbo board, were in the Cromwell district on Sept. 24 and 25. On Friday they visited the rcgrassing and experimental block at Ardgour, returning to Cromwell in the evening. Saturday was spent at Mount Pisa, where an inspection was being made in connection with certain proposals recently placed before the board by the lessee. What these proposals are cannot be ascertained. Fortunately (says the Argus), the local branch of the Expansion League realises that prospective settlers are looking forward to the subdivision of the run when the present lease expires, and are on the* alert to see that future subdivision will not be jeopardised by present negotiations. In regard to the Ardgour block, the opinion was formed that the board would no longer countenance the heavy expenditure hitherto entailed for the results achieved. One member was heard to remark that it was a pity the £2OOO expended had not been made use of in providing an irrigation scheme for the settlement. In reply to a question, the Commissioner said that a definite decision would bo arrived at when the board mot.

The price of the 41b loaf of broad in Dunedin has been reduced to &gd for cash.

A further very welcome fall of rain took place cn Wednesday evening. Starting before 5 o’clock, a fairly heavy downpour occurred, lasting for some time, so that miniature streams were rushing down tho street channels. Splendid rains fell on tho Taieri (writes our Mosgiel correspondent), which will bo very welcome for young crops and grass.

What nationality is Adjutant Flohr, j who has been instructing our men at Trentham and Tauherinikau? asked Dr Thacker in tho House of Representatives last night. The Prime Minister replying, in tho temporary absence of the Minister of Defence, said that he did not know any- : thing about tho officer mentioned, but tho fact of his being an officer of tho Imperial army, as ho must bo, proved that ho was a British subject. Dr Thacker gave notice to ask what were tho national!- i tics and tho previous military career of Adjutant Flohr. Mr W. Veitch also gave notice to ask what was the nationality of tho censor at Samoa, whose name, he said, "was Wallcrmann. ,

Brigadier-general Robin, Surgeon-general Henderson (Director of Medical Services), Colonel M'Donald, and tho local medical officers connected with tho Defence Department visited all tho medical institutions in

the city on Wednesday forenoon, and in thi afternoon they visited the Wakari Hospital. Hie home for returned soldiers was also inspected, and the visitors were greatly impressed by what they saw at the different institutions. The object of the tour was for the purpose of enabling Surgeon-general Henderson to familiarise himself with local conditions, in so far as they related to the medical service

Ihe cable message stating that. Sir Rider Haggard had been appointed chairman of a commission to visit the dominion to inquire into a scheme for land for soldiers, was .referred to in Parliament on Sept. 29 by Mr Okoy. Mr Massey said lie knew nothing about the matter until his attention was drawn to the cable. As far as Sir Rider Haggard was concerned, he had visited this country on a previous occasion, and he (Mr Massey) knew that he was an exceedingly practical man. Whether he came to- teach us or to learn from us, wo would be very glad to see him. Mr Massey said he had no doubt Sir Rider Haggard would bo pleased with what we were doing hero, though he was probably coming from an Imperial point of view rather than a dominion one, and was coming probably to ascertain whether any blocks of land were available in the dominion for settling Imperial soldiers. We would bo very glad to see him, and to give him any information possible.

Mr It. Scott, M.P., said on Sopt. 29 that the authorisation of the extension of the Lawronce-Eoxburgh line was a matter on which the Government should be congratulated. It had been long waited for. The route to be followed on the east side of the river would have few engineering .difficulties. Although the Minister said ho would not just now put a sum on the Estimates for the work, he hoped no time would be lost before a survey and an estimate of the cost would bo made.

In common with other sports bodies, local rowing clubs have suffered a heavy drain on their membership through men enlisting for active service. Rolls of honour examined at the annual meeting of the Otago Rowing Association on Sept. 29 showed that no fewer than 139 members have gone from five clubs. This was stated to bo more than half the total membership, and the number is always being added to. Necessarily, the coming rowing season will be a very quiet one, and the president (Mr S. G. Styche) expressed the opinion last night that no regattas at all will be held.

Special war stamps have now been issued by the Postal Department. They are id stamps of the latest issue, bearing King George’s head with a black overprint “warstamp.” The department has posted a reminder to the public that all postal packages, except newspapers, are now subject to an additional charge of id.

Mr H. C. Campbell on Wednesday morning telegraphed as follows to the Controller of Customs, Wellington: —“ls section 143 Customs Act, 1913, repealed regarding primage, as it affects Rimutaka, discharging this morning?” The question was whether the 1 per cent, primage duty was jjayablo on the cargo on this vessel. In the afternoon Mr Montgomery (Secretary of Customs) sent the following reply:—“Rimutaka’a cargo not affected by resolution. All her cargo considered to bo imported first port of arrival.” This moans that this cargo is exempt, the Rimutaka having arrived in New Zealand prior to tho imposition of the primage duty. Similarly tho cargoes on the Arawa, which arrived at Wellington on Saturday; tho ZEon, from New York, at Lyttelton, and the Mokoia, which arrived at Bluff on Tuesday, from Melbourne, are also presumably exempt from tho duty, since they had nil arrived in New Zealand or elsewhere within the “three-mile limit” before tho resolution passed tho House.

An unexpected arrival on Sept. 29 at Wellington (says a Press Association telegram) was tho steamer Turn well, bound from New York to Melbourne. She came in for bunkers. Her voyage from Now York, via tho Panama Canal, was uneventful, moderate weather generally prevailing. Tho Turn well was tho participant in an exciting incident of tho war some months ago, while engaged in the Atlantic trade. She was sighted by a German submarine south

of Fastnet, and a shell across her bows intimated that the steamer was desired to stop. Another shell burst just aft and above the bridge. The captain ordered the engines to be manipulated at full speed astern, and the vessel stopped. The Germans then ordered the captain and crew to leave the Turnwell in boats, and the pirates proceeded to board the ship with the intention of sinking her. In tho meantime a couple of British destroyers, attracted by the sound of firing, hove in sight, and the Huns left the Turnwell hurriedly, and the submarine dived to avoid tho avenging v. arc raft. The Turnwcll’s crew returned to the ship, which was leaking badly through damage done by tho Germans. Hie vessel was taken to Milford Haven, and there temporary repairs wore effected, the work being completed later at Swansea. Tho vessel and her cargo were insured for £9O‘OGO. Just prior to the attack on the Turnwell, the same submarine sank a small steamer within sight of tho tramp, which was formerly named the Queen Alexandra.

During tho debate in the House of Representatives on (be 30th pit. on the amendments made by tho Legislative Council in the Expeditionary Forces Bill, exception was taken to a clause proposing to admit hearsay evidence under certain circumstances at military trials. The Hon. Mr Allen said he proposed to ask the House to let the clause go through. Tho Government would note the objections that had been raised in the House by bringing down an amending' clause later by Governor’s Message, which would provide that the ordinary rules of evidence should apply in the case of a court martial hold in New Zealand. When trouble arose outside New Zealand and evidence in the ordinary way was not available, the court would be entitled to take into consideration evidence that would not be admissible in other proceedings, but the sentence of the court in such proceeding would bo subject to confirmation by tho Governor-in-Council. The amendments wore agreed to.

In explanation of the Friendly Societies’ Act Amendment Bill on the 30th ult. the Hon. J. A. Ilanan stated that it did not authorise the consolidation of the funds of societies and branches. It merely removed the obstacle which had been held by the courts to be in the way of societies carrying out consolidation, and gave them the same powers as the society had in Great Britain. The clause was merely permissive, clearing the way for the societies’ independence of action. The portion of the Bill validating rules made in good faith and already registered related only to past transactions, which could not now be undone.

The vital statistics for the Dunedin district during the past month show that the births numbered 113, as compared with 101 registered in September, 1914, the deaths 97, as compared with 73, and the marriages 60 as against 48. For the three quarters of the present year the births were 1252, somewhat less than the total of 1298 recorded for the first three quarters of last year. The deaths this year have numbered 712 as against 665 for the corresponding period of last year, and the marriages 477 as against 517. The Dunedin district extends from Brighton to Sawyers’ Bay, and takes in all the Harbour waters and the Peninsula. The statistics for the City of Wellington (according to a Press Association message) show that in September the births were 155, as compared with 194 for the same month last year. The deaths were 92,. as compared with 95 in 1914, and the marriages 99 as against 73 in September of last year. Thirty-one marriages took place in the registrar’s office this month, as compared with 18 in September of last year. The figures for the past nine months are as followßirths, 1915, 1550; 1914, 1625. Deaths, 703 and 703. Marriages, 868 and 727.

As an illustration of the value of riflo club training it is worthy of note that Rifleman Hunt, a member of the Dunedin Defence Riflo Club, left here with the Eighth Reinforcements, and after a few weeks at Trontham was transferred to the Seventh Reinforcements on account of his ability to shoot straight. He went easily to the top in his musketry coui'se.

There are a, number of Germans and Austrians working in the Taranaki district, the latter being principally engaged at the oil wells. A German resident a few miles from Eltham has been reported to the Patriotic Committee, which has resolved to take acform was riding on his horse to rejoin his regiment when he was jeered at by the Gorman and his wife. The incident has caused a good deal of comment and irritation in the Eltham district.

It will bo recollected (says the Waitara Mail) that the hope was expressed some time ago that Mr H. Cossar, of Waitara, would benefit under the will of his uncle (the late Mr Eno, who died leaving a fortune of nearly two millions, derived from the sale of fruit salts of world wide repute). This hope lias been realised, and, although the amount falling to Mr Cossar is not so large as to bo an encumbrance, it is nevertheless sufficiently large to enable him to live in comfortable circumstances for the rest of his days. “Wc seem to bo fated to remain in the hottest part of the earth,” writes Captain Hall-Thompson, of Philomel, in a letter just received by the Defence Minister. Captain Hall-Thompson reports that the officers and men of the Philomel have had a most trying time, but that under the circumstances the health of the men has been remarkably good. Ho acknowledges the receipt of certain gifts from Now Zealand, and expresses the extreme gratitude of the whole ship’s company to the thoughtful people in Now Zealand who have sent them. A supply of butter was especially

appreciated, for it arrived in good condition, but a supply of apples did not arrive fn such a good state after their long journey. A number were spoiled, but the sound ones were very good, and wore much appreciated. The men on the little lighting ship have been doing - very valuable work in a nart of the world where the conditions of life are most tiying, and it would appear that any generosity to the men on the part of the New Zealand people is generally very well placed.

The Dunedin School of Art is being oomowhat hard hit by the war. The fact that fully GO per cent, of its students are of military ago is a sufficient indication of the extent to which it suffers. Last week, the popular instructor in Art Crafts, MiNelson Isaac, departed for the front. Through the kindness of Mr Herdman Smith, the director of the Christchurch School of Art, Miss Rose Zeller will relieve Mr Isaac. Miss Zeller, who is a native of New Zealand, is reputed to be an excellent modeller, designer, and craftswoman, {ind has a particular capacity for teaching. The students of the Dunedin School of Art have been making such sound progress in modelling, that it is satisfactory to learn that this subject is not likely to be neglected by the new instructress, who should bo a welcome addition to art circles in Dunedin.

At the Rifle Brigade sports held at Minster, Isle of Sheppey (Kent), on July 18, Acting-corporal G. D. Harlo (Milburn, Otago), of tho E Company, sth Battalion, Rifle Brigade, was the winner of the high jump (sft), also winning the half-mile and one mile races Tory easily. Thera is another New Zealander at Minster —Rifleman J. Wymer, .from Matawhero, near Gisborne. Both he and Acting Corporal Harlo expect to be at the front in France in lees than a month. When in New Zealand Acting Corporal Harlo was in the railway service at Dunedin, Hyde, Scaciiff, and otherplaces.

Mr Wm. MTntyrc, well-known throughout the Clutha district as a stock agent, has returned to his home m Balclutha after being an inmate of the Dunedin Hospital for over six months. Last March he mot with a very serious accident, being crushed between a moving railway truck and a cattle pen, and sustaining a compound fracture of the pelvis. Tho nature of his injuries was so serious that most people thought he had a very poor chance. of recovery, and his most sanguine friends did not consider that he would regain tho use of his limbs. Happily, their predictions have proved wrong, for Mr MTntyrc, though compelled to rest for a while longer from work, has regained the use of all his limbs, and can move about with freedom. During tho time ho was in the hospital he had to undergo four surgical operations, all of them very serious, and though ho suffered much pain, lie considers that his stay in the hospital was “the most cheerful time of his life,” for, ho remarked, ho coidd not have received greater kindness anywhere than that meted out to him by the doctors, nurses, and staff. In the hospital ho became known among staff and patients as the “ living wonder,” for it seemed incredible that anj 7 man would go through the severe ordeal which he did and yet live.

Four soldiers on leave caused a diversion on the Wellington to Auckland express the other morning. The Taumariuuii Press says; “ They boarded the train at Palmerston North, and shortly after leaving had a difference of opinion as to how long a man could stay on the top of a railway carriage without falling off. Two of the soldiers volunteered to climb to the top of the moving train and sec it out, which they did, They travelled for some distance in the dark in and out of tunnels and never once lost their nerve. At Feilding they got a little dry and descended from their porch for refreshment, but went back to it immediately after. When they reappeared in the carnage they rubbed their sooty hands on the face of one of their sleeping companions, and had a high time. On getting back to their perch one soldier started walking along the top of the carriages, saying ho was walking to Auckland. Eventually the train had to be stopped while the guard and inspector pulled the men down. As three of the men had lost their railway passes they wore put off the train at Taumarunui, and spent the rest of the day there. They were greatly disgusted to find that this was a dry district, and left by the midnight express for Auckland. One soldier lost his hat and belt and had to buy a golf cap in Taumarunui. Two of the soldiers wore black with soot from head to foot.”

Report was made to the Wellington Technical Education Board on the 24th ult. (says the New Zealand Times) that a large number of favourable replies had been received from schools and colleges all over the dominion anent the proposal that special consideration should be given to disabled soldiers in the direction of helping them to obtain suitable occupations and to earn good livelihoods. The Seddon Memorial Technical College considered that the Government should set aside suitable areas of land for returned soldiers to engage in such pursuits as fruit-farming, etc., and providing training under Government experts, whereby the men could get the best possible results out of the land. Whilst it is believed that something should be dons in the way of training, or otherwise assisting, disabled and other returned soldiers and their families in technical schools for-various occupations, it waa felt that, seeing the prosperity of this country depended chiefly on the product? ~ e tP- i-md, it would be better from an and every other standpoint, to encourage those* men to take up land ocenspasions. paiti-'ularly as there were largo areas of suitable Gown and Native land still

undeveloped in the dominion. The board hoped that the arrangements would continue to bo carried on.

A statement as to the intentions of the Government with respect to the increase in the freight on butter shipped from New Zealand to Britain was asked for by Mr Jennings in the House of Representatives on Friday. The Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. Mr MacDonald) said the matter was under consideration, and would probably be dealt with when the Commercial Trust Bill -was brought down next week. The Wakari Emergency Hospital was finally closed down on the Ist, the sole remaining patient being transferred to the Dunedin Hospital, from which it Ja antici pated he will bo discharged to-day. The hospital was brought into use on July 28 for the isolation of men suspected of having come into contact with corebro-spinal meningitis. Since that date 27 men have been under observation and treatment there. At the Police Court at Queenstown, Jas. Smith was convicted on two charges of theft, and was ordered to come up for sentence at any time within 12 months on condition that he took out a prohibition order against himself, and that ho absolutely abstained from liquor during that period.

At the August meeting of the Waimatu County Council it was decided (says the Advertiser) that a certain tenderer’s country of birth bo deemed a ground of disqualification. At Wednesday’s meeting a letter from M. Scyb (a well-known contractor about South Canterbury) was read, in which ho stated that ho had been in New Zealand for 45 years, had been a naturalised British subject for 40 years; had brought up a largo family; had never been proved to have done or said anything disloyal; and, moreover, now had two sons in camp at Trenthain, training to fight for Britain. Ho claimed that under the letters patent issued to him 40 years ago ho was entitled to all the rights of a British subject. In a further letter Mr Scyb asked to bo relieved of the contract which had been let to him, as he had been forced to sell his teams and plant. The council, after an interesting discussion, resolved, on the chairman’s casting vote, to rescind the resolu tion, which decision means that Mr Seyb’s tenders in future will receive the same consideration as the other tenders.

In the past tho Department of Labour has received applications for workers’ dwellings from single men who are about to bo married. They have hitherto received equal consideration with those from men already married, but under the circumstances at present existing (says the Wellington Post) it is considered undesirable that single men should be granted State facilities in this direction, unless there is some sufficiently strong and valid reason to debar them from entering tho service of their country. While in Sydney, Mr IT. Beauchamp, of Wellington, heard a good deal of adverse criticism as to the action of the State Government in its attempt to regulate the prices of certain commodities, and the losses entailed by its unbusinesslike methods (says the Post). On the purchase and sale of butter, oaten hay, etc., it is expected that there will bo a loss to tho State of no less than £300,000. Butter imported from America was so inferior in quality that Australians would have none of it, and it was reshipped to London for safe on behalf of the State. The Petitions Committee of tho House of Representatives has recommended that the petition of Dr Harry A. De Lautour, of Wellington, be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Dr De Lautour asked for redress in connection with his services in the Now Zealand military forces, alleging that he had been superseded by officers junior to him and of less experience. On Sept 23 Miss Ponnycook, of Balclutha, received a cablegram from her father, Major Ponnycook, who stated that he could not come home to re-arrango family and business matters. The message (says the Clutha Loader) was sent from Cairo. By good fortunto there is an officer in the Otago Mounted Squadron of the Sixth Reinforcements who is a Supreme Court solicitor, and thus Major Ponnycook has been enabled to have necessary documents pertaining to business and family matters prepared expeditiously, and these arc already on the way to New Zealand. A special appeal was made in the House of Representatives on the Ist by Mr T. K. Sidey on behalf of tho Otago Medical School. He noted that in the Estimates there was a grant of £13,000 for university colleges, and desired to know if it included a vote of £2OOO for tho improvement of tho now medical school at the Otago University. He pointed out that the school was really a colonial instituion, whoso work was of value to the whole dominion. He reminded the Government that Dunedin did not hesitate to help itself, and, indeed, no city in the dominion had raised as much money voluntarily for educational institutions. The Government would not be doing too much even if it bad found all the money for tho new building. He therefore urged that if tho grant of £13,000 did not include a vote of £2OOO for the equipment of the school tho Minister would make the necessary provision in the Supplementary Estimates.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the Fcilding Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, 20th ult., Mr Cobbe, referring (says the Wanganui Chronicle) to the taxing of abnormal profits, said, taking wool, it was difficult to find out the profits. It was costing a good deal more to produce the wool—shearing, packs, grass seed, etc., were all costing more. Business people had not been in a position of making anything in the nature of abnormal profits. Mr Tolley

also said that the high prices of oats, chaff, oatmeal, flour, and other produce had not boon caused by the war. Farmers, owing to the high prices for frozen meat, etc., wore going out of grain growing and depending on Australia for grain. The high price of grain was caused by the drought in Australia. It was not true, as some times stated, that the flourmillers were making fortunes out of the high prices of flour. As a matter of fact, the millers were losing on every ton of flour they sold.

Some serious statements are made in the annual report of the Inspector-general of Mental Defectives, who states that in the causes of insanity, heredity is acknowdedgcd to contribute a fair proportion (about 19 per cent, of the known causes), though an absurdly low estimate; and the total incidence assigned to t'oxio effect of alcohol and venereal disease is 21.7 and 9,6 respectively among males, after deducting cases in which there was no known cause. With respect to heredity wo might try to practise self-deceit and lull the conscience by laying the blame on the past generation, but what is to be said of alcoholism and venereal disease? Now, as perhaps never before, these social questions, always deserving of serious consideration, become clamant for action. We were plunged m a dysgenic war; the gaps in our voluntary army wore being filled by the best of our sons, and it behoved us who wore left bo hind to do what wo could to make the nation of the future worthy of the sacrifice.

An abnormal increase in the supply of eggs has been reflected by a reduction of 2d per dozen in the wholesale price, which is now lOd (says the Now Zealand Herald). The season has been most favourable for egg production, and many poultry-keepers have unusually large quantities of eggs for disposal. The cost of food is easier than it was during the winter, but merchants state that when this factor is considered, the present wholesale price of eggs is no more than a fair return for the producers’ enterprise.

It will be of interest to stamp collectors to know that in connection with the general now issue of jiostal stamps in New Zealand recently, some of the half-penny King’s Hoad design have been over-printed with two black stars in the top corners, and the words “ war stamp ” at the bottom. The reason for the over-printing of a number of the half-penny issue is not known, except possibly that it was originally intended to overprint the new ksucs in this way. The current circulation of the distinct value is likely to have been distributed in limited numbers, so that they may bo soon sold out. They may bo used like the ordinary plain design. The point about the transfigured issue, however, is that it will in years to come prove an interesting record of Now Zealand’s participation in the war. A Press Association message from Wellington states that in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon, Mr Poole asked the Minister of Defence whether ho was aware that a type-written notice, signed by the captain, was posted in the forecastle of a certain vecsel intimating to the crew that they must be prepared to leave the ship within 24 hours of her arrival in port, and whether that had anything to do with the recent hold-up of the ship. The Minister said he had no knowledge of any type-written notice being posted in the vessel. Mr Poole remarked that it was a fact.

The Barnardo Homes Committee has asked us to serve as the medium for the express'on of its grateful thanks to ‘‘ Grannie ” (Stirling), who has sent a gift and a sum of money, and to “I. W. 0.,” who has presented £3 to help the sale of work which takes place this afternoon. The latecomers at public gatherings attract as a rule much attention, though not of an approving nature. Many churchgoers are chronic victims of dilatoriness, and at a Wellington East church on Sunday morning- the officiating clergyman was prompted to administer a rebuke (says the New Zealand Times). The service had commenced some time when several ladies formed a small procession up the aisle to their pews. A few moments afterwards some small boys shamefacedly stole through the doorway and furtively took their seats. But the clergyman espied them, and for the benefit of those concerned made a break in the service. “ Of course small boys cannot bo in time," ho said. “They have so much to do —wash themselves, clean and lace up their boots, and find their collars and tics. But as to the punctuality of grown-ups —I know they have nothing to do !” That was all, and after this quaint homily the service proceeded. Tho doings of a girl of 15, who was charged at tho Hamilton Juvenile Court on the 20th with not being under proper control, provided a rather unusual .story. It was explained by Senior Sergeant Cassells that the girl was found wandering penniless about the Hamilton streets. She belonged to a sect known as the “ Israelite House of David,” the male members of which are all known to each other and addressed as “ brother.” Last Thursday the girl came to Hamilton in company with a young man who," site said, was her brother, but who was merely a member of tho sect and not a relation. The man, she stated, had induced her to run away with him from her mother in Auckland. On arrival at Hamilton tho proprietor of a boardinghouse took compassion on her and boarded her till Saturday night, when she disappeared. After her arrest tho police telegraphed to her father at Coromandel, giving him details of her apprehension. The father replied that his daughter was capable of looking after herself, and that ho had left her in Auckland with her "brother” to teach her the Word of God. The Senior Sergeant described the man as

a “ nico sort of brother ” to take a young

girl away from her people in that fashion. It was a very peculiar way of teaching her the Word of God. Mr E. Rawson, S.M., in committing the girl to an industrial school, characterised the man who had led her astray as a scoundrel. Writing from Kumara on Sept. 26, Mr Wragge sent the Grey River Argus the following;—“I have just observed a tremendous storm in the sun with the special solar telescope that I carry with me. The main nucleus of this gigantio sunspot is about 40.000 miles in diameter, and the length of the entire disturbed area, which embraces a lot of smaller nuclei or satellites, is 150.000 miles. This mighty solar upheaval is sure to affect the earth by wireless waves. Look out for volcanic and seismic action, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, and an increasing rainfall, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. It particularly means more rain in Australia.”

The post-card of German origin is still prominently on the New Zealand market. The effect of the war on prices in the Old Country is shown by a letter received from a gentleman in Dorsetshire by a friend in North Canterbury (says the Lyttelton Times). Ho says: “] am expecting to receive a good price for my wool next week, not much under 2s per j lb. My owes (the ordinary draft) made 70s per head at Blandford this week, whilst the lambs mado 40s upwards. Joe sold his last rick of wheat at 65s per quarter. He was fortunate in not having sold but one rick before the rise. Now it has fallen 14s per quarter. Ho received 35s for his last 80 quarters of oats, umvinnowed, and for special white oats ho received 46s per quarter. Wo had glorious weather for hay-making Joe thinks he has 150 tons of splendid hay, and as the Government is commandeering a quantity at 90s per ton, uncut* and on the farms, I hope wo may have a taste of Government money. Eggs make Is 6d per dozen at the auction, whilst chickens of the size of pheasants change hands at 8s per couple.” ‘‘And I direct my executors to expend not less than £SOO on erecting a suitable and becoming headstone over my grave.” This was one of the provisions in the will of Edwin Purcell Thomas, a retired farmer, of Hampstead, which was before the Supreme Court at Christchurch last week. “What would he want a headstone costing £SOO for?” interjected his Honor Mr Justice Sim when Mr Acland was read ing t - will. “Has it been put up yet?” “I v...- about to remark that it was equivalent to four years’ maintenance allowed the widow under the will,” said Mr Acland. “What is the value of the estate?” asked his Honor. Mr Acland said that the estate was sworn at £15,591 6s 3d, and added that in the will £250 was sot down for the headstone, but that in a codicil the amount was increased to £SOO, and the term headstone was enlarged to include a tomb, or any suitable and becoming monument. “Has it been put up yet?” said his Honor. “Not yet,” was the response of Mr Purnell, on behalf of the executors. A Press Association telegram from Wellington states that delegates from various women’s societies interested in reform and rescue work vaitod on the Hon. Dr M‘Nab (Minister of Justice) on Saturday, to ask Him to present certain petitions to the House of Representatives. The deputation complained of the frequency of offences against children and the inadoquancy of the punishment meted out to offenders. They asked that the law bo amended so as to provide substantial minimum penalties, particularly in the case of second and third offences. Dr M'Nab expressed sympathy with the object of the deputation, but pointed out that it was impossible for Parliament to 1 deal with the petitions this session.

American commercial men are firmly convinced that they can capture the trade which Germany did in Australia and Now Zealand. In comment on Consul-general Winslow’s report from Auckland, tho commercial journal, Current of Affairs (Now York), observes that it is essential to send our qualified tradesmen to New Zealand with their samples, prepared to send in orders by cable for immediate delivery. Merchants in New Zealand are described as hard pressed for goods which have not come forward from England. ‘"Being out of touch with elsewhere, they do not know where to turn.” It is significantly added:

‘‘Salesmen sent to Now Zc;. and and Aus tralia should have Anglo-Saxon names.”

The Nelson Education Board is faced with something’ of a problem in arranging the school holidays to moot the needs of various districts under its control (says the Mail). The hop-picking, pea-picking, and fruit-picking seasons, fall at different periods, and apply to widely-separated portions of the education district, and to take the whole district on a face and apportion fixed holidays does not meet special requirements. On Thursday the Kororo Committee made an application to the board for curtailed holidays at Christmas, and a closed period at hop-picking time. The application led to a general discussion of the difficulties connected 'with the holiday question in view of the conditions stated, and the board decided further to discuss the matter at the next meeting. The view was advanced that the holidays must bo arranged to suit the district, it being emphasised, with regard to hop-picking, for instance, that it had always been customary to employ children in the hop fields at picking time. The same thing applied to peapicking and the fruit industry. The chairman of the board took up a strong attitude. Ho mentioned that the 'whitebait season was now in at Westport, and children could earn £1 a day by catching whitebait; but the school committee insisted on school at-

tendance, and notwithstanding the amount of money that could be earned, the attendance of scholars was 93 per cent.