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Otago Witness, Issue 3263, 27 September 1916, Page 3

The insurances on the stranded Antiope are as follow:—On the hull, £3750; freight, £2OOO ; cargo, £5550 The chief insurance is held by Lloyds, and the remaining amount is distributed amongst New Zealand and Australian offices. The vessel lies 480 yards off the wharf at the Bluff, and is leaning over at an angle of 37 degrees.

A Gazette announces that the exportation of sheepskins without wool, pigskins, and pelts, to any part of the British dominions is now permitted. The export of rennet is prohibited, and the importation of soap of foreign manufacture is also prohibited.

The progress statement of the Discharged Soldiers' Information Department for the week ended September 12 shows that tha total number of men on the register ia 5495 (says the New Zealand Times). Of these 4112 cases have been disposed of, 945 arc under action, and 438, comprising men convalescing, not ready for employment, and not yet discharged by the military authorities, are not ready for action. Of the cases disposed of, 1658 are those of men who have work to return to, and men who have reenlisted or returned to military duty; 986 men have been placed in employment; 995 have signed "assistance not required"; 204men have not responded to repeated communications, or have accepted work the department found for them but failed to start work; and 134 have drawn sections of land. The number of men on the employment wanted register is 310.

With reference to the remarks made by the Hon. Mr Russell at Christchurch, on the 16th, to a deputation from the coai Merchants and Dealers Association, Mr Wm. Handyside (managing director of tho Nightcaps Coal Company) sent the following telegram to the Minister on Monday:

" A Press Association telegram from Christchurch says that at your meeting with the coal merchants you said that the people the State had intended hitting were tha owners of the coal mines. Our company wishes to know what justification you hare for this sweeping statement, seeing that

Colonels have two stars and a crown tor their badge, lieutenant-colonels one star uid a crown, majors a crown, captains three jtfirs, lieutenants two stars, and second

Replying- to representations by the Farj mers Union, the Minister for Immifrration ' states that thcro in at present no intention of discontinuing Ihe system of assisting

during the last 35 years we have supplied the Southland public at fair market rates, fluctuating not more than 2s per ton, and that without any State competition.'/' Mr Handyside has received the following reply:—'My reference at Ghristchurch was not to individual coal companies like yours, which arc local in character, but to those companies whoso operations control prices throughout the dominion. I am pleased to know that your company has conducted its operations so fairly throughout its long existence. I wish you continued success. If other 'districts wcro served equally well the need for State coal mines to steady prices would not have existed." "What encouragement has there ever been given to scientific research, either in this country or at Home, even for those qualified to undertake it?" disked Mr George George at Auckland on Wednesday (says the New Zealand Herald). "What more striking example could we wish for than that of Professor Thomas, lato of the Auckland University College, whose research many yeans ago on the liver fluke in sheep was probably worth millions to sheepfarmers of New Zealand? I believe lam right in saying that the value placed upon this work by an enlightened Government was an honorarium of £IOO. Again, the careful research of Mr A. W. Green, late experimentalist at the Ruakura Government experimental farm, was the means of his obtaining an oat which appears to be practically rustproof. Apart altogether from the immense value that his oat will be to farmers of New Zealand, the money derived by the Government from the sale of the oat for seed purposes will, in a little while, even if it has not already done so, pay for Ruakura farm over and over again. Yet I do not remember ever having seen on the Estimates that Mr Green had been granted by the Government even a modest honorarium of £IOO. But why should he be? He was only a Government scr-vant, probably receiving a magnificent salary of £4 or £5 a week —and the work was carried out in the Government's time."

Nurso Isla Stewart, of Masterton, writing from London, on July 30, saj'.s: "Recently in the country we met a drag- load of New Zealand wounded who were picnicking under the trees and being entertained by the New Zealand War Committee. A boy I knew, who had just got his artificial leg, was getting along with two sticks. He hit his artificial leg with a stick, and said : 'Now, what do you think of mo. Miss Stewart?' He seemed so proud of himself. . . At Rockhamptc-n, where the limb hospital is situated, there are thousands of boys awaiting their turn to be fitted. A Maori boy, who had lost both his legs, and another Now Zealand lad, who had also lost a limb, were ' there learni! j the business for the .New Zealand Government. They are to go to Aew Zealand to repair and refit limbs for the lads in New Zealand. It is a very wise move of the Government." Doubtless there are many people in Otago who are preparing Christmas gifts for soldiers abroad. In order to ensure delivery to men in France and Great Britain before Christmas, parcels should b+> posted as early as possible, and not later than -.the middle of October. The local postal autho .rities anticipate that there will be a congestion of parcels and packets in the London office in December, especially towards the end of the month. Parcels arriving before that time will have a better opportunity of despatch, and though they may reach the soldiers' hands a week or two prior to Christmas they will bo dealt with in London in a period of comparative quiet. Freights between the eastern ports of Canada and Now Zealand, which some six months ago were fixed at extraordinarily high rates, have eased off considerably within the last few weeks (.says the New Zealand Herald). Five or six months ago the ruling rates ranged from about six guineas to 10 guineas per ton, according to the class of merchandise. Tho latest quotations show that tho minimum of last March has become tho maximum of September, so that tho most burdened classes of goods are now carried at £6 6s per ton, and some classes fall as low as £3 15s. One cause of the reduction is said to bo the falling off in trade between the Atlantic ports and Australia, due to the discouraging influences of high freight rates, and the recognition by the shipping companies of tho fact, that their heavy impositions wero hampering importation.

Another factor in the matter may be the entry into competition of the Luckenbach Steamship Line, which is stated to have practically synchronised with the iiret indication that a relaxing of the tariff was impending. On Wednesday afternoe.n Mr John Caugbley (assistant director of education) had an informal conference with the Otago Education Board. A variety of matters were discussed, the teachers' grading scheme claiming most attention. The chairman of the boar.] (Mr 1). T. Fleming) thanked Mr Caughlcy for accepting the board's invitation to discuse the matter with it, and gave him a hearty welcome on behalf of the board. Ho said that a personal talk must necessarily lead to a better understanding of various matters in regard to which they had but little enlightenment at present, and if similar conferences were more general beneficial results would ensue. Mr Caughlcy, in acknowledging the board's welcome, said he readily endorsed the chairman's remarks as to the good 'hat would flow from a personal interview, and added that he intended to pursue that course as far as he possibly could. Mr Caughlcy then dealt with the grading scheme, explaining various details clearly and at some length, and elucidating many points in regard to which the board had previously no information. Quite a number of questions were

answered clearly and fully. A number of other matters were discussed, such as the provision of organising inspectors to supervise the smaller schools, the question of increased accommodation at various schools, etc. At the conclusion of the conference, which lasted for two hours and ahalf, Mr Borrie expressed the thanks of the board to Mr Caughlcy for the valuable information he had given, and expressed the view that the grading scheme was not quite such " a wild animal" as they were at one time inclined to think 't was, and that explanation and necessary adjustment would modify many of its objections.

On May 1 a rather mean theft was perpetrated by a man named John Reeves upon his aged mother, who resides at North-East Valley. She had then received her customary old-age pension allowance and had left from £1 to £1 10s in her room, which the son entered, took the money, and absconded, lie was not located by the police till Wednesday, when he was arrested by Detective Hammerly and Constable Bandy at Naseby. Reeves was brought before Messrs H. Wilson. J.P., and J. J. Fraser. J.P. He pleaded guilty, and was fined £l. Accused made restitution of the amount stolen.

An interesting document has been forwarded to brethren in Auckland by Dr P. 11. Luck, M.M., of Lodge Ara," No. 1, N.Z.C. It is headed "New Zealand," and on the other s ; de " France." The circular states'that a meeting of Frecmastons serving with the New Zealand Division in France was held on Wednesday, Juno 21, 1916. There was a large attendance of brethren, more than 90 lodges being represented. The chair was occupied by R.W. Bro. Major G. Barclay, P.S.G.W. (N.Z.C.) The following resolution was carried unanimously:

" That this meeting of Freemasons, held somewhere in France, within a short distance of tho enemy lines, within range of his guns, and composed of brethren serving in the Now Zealand Expeditionary Force, representing many lodges and the various constitutions in the dominion, send greetings to their brothers and best wishes for continued success of the various lodges." It was decided to supply all those present with copies of tho resolution so that they might transmit the same to their respective lodges. A short time after the meeting was held enemy shellfire demolished the place, and also destroyed the press upon which the circular was printed.

Books of the new a pound notes issued by the Bank of New Zealand have now been received by tho local branch, but it is not the intention to requisition them until the stocks of the old five pound notes have been used up. Tho new notes arc really a work of art. They arc slightly larger than the old notes of similar value, and tho design is quite different. The design, in fact, is much more elaborate. The watermarks are varied, and include much scroll work and some floral designs. In the centre of the note there is a large figure "5"; there are two smaller " s's" in tho top corners, and another two "s's" of smaller size still, in the bottom corners. In the centre, at the bottom, is the word " five," and just above the middle of the noto is another

"five" in largo letters. The old sketches, representing a New Zealand scene before civilisation came, have been reproduced. The most striking difference between the new notes and the old ones is the blending of the ground colours on the former. These colours are green, brown, pink, and orange, which sometimes run into purple, and they are shaded into each other in an artistic manner. The back of the new notes is also arranged on a beautiful coloured basis. The all-round colouring, it is stated, precludes any" possibility of the notes being successfully photographed. It is reported (says our Wanganui correspondent) that the reorganisation of the Agricultural Department is under way in view of the establishment of a farm cf research at the Weraroa State Farm. All the experts of the field division are to bo removed there from Wellington, and Weraroa will in consequence be the future headquarters of the staff. It is confidently * expected that the change will prove of great benefit to the agricultural interests of the dominion.

The town clerk at Dargavillc has received a telegraphic direction from the Solicitorgeneral that Alfred Gregory, a member of the Fiorough Council, who was the other day convicted and fined •> for refusing to exhibit a military service notice on his business premises, has forfeited his seat on the council (says the New Zealand Herald). The forfeiture' is brought about by the fact that the Military Service Act provides for a penalty of 12 months' imprisonment as an alternative to -a fine

In spite of the fact that a majority of members of tiie Education Board, with executive officers, made a personal visit of inspection to the Oamaru district for tho purpose of forming a first-hand impression of the relative claims of Maruakoa and Five Forks to the school being erected in the locality, when the matter came up for final decision at the meeting on Thursday, there was still some difference of opinion as to which district should have the school. After a rather lengthy discussion it was resolved on the voices: "That the board recommends that the school be erected at tho Five i'orks site." Two or three members oppsod tho motion.

At the Balclutha Magistrate's Court on Wednesday an application was made by Mr K. R. Stewart, on behalf of Charles Ronald M'Lay, to Mr 11. A. Young, S.M., for a rehearing of the case in which M'Lay (a cadet in tho Railway Department) was found guilty at the last sitting of the court of tho theft of 10s Id from Alexander M'Donald. Sub-inspector Brobcrg appeared on behalf of the Police Department. Tho re-hearing was granted, and after evidence had been given by Stewart M'Donald, who had previously sworn that he had paid 10s Id to M'Lay for railage on some sacks, the Magistrate said lie was satisfied beyond any doubt that M'Donald had lied, and had he been satisfied of this last court day," even if lie had also thought that defendant had lied, his decision would have been different. M'Donald had deliberately and wilfully lied, and it was useless to proceed further with the case. He was pleased to bo able to come to the conclusion ho had arrived at, as he recognised the seriousness of the position of the lad in the service of the Government who was found guilty of stealing. Ho was satisfied that M'Donald was not worthy of belief, and he was also satisfied that the accused was innocent of the charge which had been brought against him. in common With civilian communities in the YV eiljiigton and Wairarapa d.suicts, the military training camps felt the violeneo oi the westerly gales winch raged last week (says the Dom.niou). Tents were biown down in the canvas camps, and general u.isconnort was caused in the permanent camps. Ac Featherston an empty 60D-gaiion tank was set in rapid motion by tin; wind, and travelled irom the water-pumpi.ig station to the main road in a series oi bounds. On the main road was a battery of artillery going out to practice. The tank struck tho wire fence, rebounded, and then leapt the obstruction, passing immediately in front of the battery leader's horse. The tank' leapt the other fence, and dashed on till it reached the Tauherenikau river-bed. At Tauhercnikau an even more astonishing occurrence took place. A similar tank broke away and careered down the avenue between two rows of tents. A soldier, who saw it coming, ran before it, but the tank was overtaking him. In desperation he dived into a tent. By a whim of the wind, the tank wheeled, too, and, striking the tent pegs and ropes, leapt clean over tho tent. On tho latn Surgeon-general Henderson (Director-general oi Medical Services) mado the welcome announcement tnat a new method ot preventing cerebro-spinal meningitis was now being tried (says the Wellington Dost). Ho had cabled to the War Oflice recently asking what was the latest method devised of cheeking the trouble, and had received a reply advising him of a. new system, which he was at once putting into operation. Under this system men suffering from soro throats would bo treated in specially-constructed rooms at both camps. 'Tho method was to saturate the atmosphere of tho room with steam charged with a special disinfectant. Men with sore throats would be put into these rooms and left there to inhale the vapour for a period of five minutes. The disinfectant would thus get into the whole of the human air passages which gargling could not reach. In this way large numbers of men .could be dealt with and the scheme, although in itß infancy, seemed to hold out fair prospects of being a success. It was designed to prevent the diseaso and to check its developing.

He could not say what success the new treatment had met with at Homo, because it wa 3 new, and so far ho had not been advised of the results. Having got the advice, lie was now giving it a trial, in New Zealand. General Henderson added that steps had also been taken for making similar provision on the transports. The Southland Caledonian Society, one of tho oldest-established sporting societies in the dominion, having for the last two years handed over for patriotic purposes more than £IOOO in cash, has this year decided, after over 40 years' meetings on Now Year's Day, to hold its annual gathering during tho first week in February, 1917. The change of date camo about owing to tho great majority of competitors being at tho front, and to patriotic workers being away in the country in largo numbers during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The next gathering is again to be for patriotic purposes, and an effort will bo made to eclipse all previous returns. At the last meeting of the directorate Mr Thomas Crawley was elected president. Mr J. A. Bocock secretary, and Mr T. A. Wallace re-elected treasurer.

The unusual eight of eight smiling children riding in the Napier ambulance van might have been seen on the 16th (says the Hawke's Bay Herald). Tho children looked decidedly healthy and happy, causing people who saw them to stand and -view the vehicle with mystification. In medical phraseology the children are known as "carriers." They were discovered in one of the school's by the district health inspector and immediately ordered to tho hospital. Were they allowed at liberty there would be the very likely possibility that they would transmit tho diphtheria germs they carry to other children. Only one case of real diphtheria was admitted to the hospital during tho week-end, tho patient being a child of 20 months from Hastings.

It has been intimated by the Prime Minister to the Farmers' Union that he does not see his way at the present juncture of affairs to deal with such a contentious measure as that suggested by the Dominion Conference of the union relating to the sale of endowment lande. The Hon. W. H. Herries has given a similar replv to a resolution advocating tho rating of Native land.

The rescue of some Maoris whose boat had upset in Queen Charlotte Sound is reported by the Picton Press. It appears that Mr and Mrs M'Kay, of Waikawa, Were out boating, when they heard erics of distress coming from tho direction of Karaka Point. On looking in that direction Mr M'Kay saw what proved to be an overturned boat, and immediately set out for tho scene of the mishap. When passing M'Donald's Bay ho signalled that a boat was in distress, and Mr M'Donald came along to assist in the work of rescue. Mr and Mrs M'Kay found two Maori ■women clinging to tho overturned boat, and holding two children above the water. With Mr M'Donald's assistance, Mr M'Kay soon succeeded in reselling the four unfortunate people from their perilous plight.

Mrs Leslie Steele, of Napier, has received from her son Norman, who is a prisoner in Turkey, a post card in which ho states that he was pleased to receive two letters from friends, but ho certainly did expect one of the letters would have teen from home. Ho says: "I wonder what has happened to New Zealand. We are the only prisoners who do not receive money or parcels from our homes, or from various funds." The latter paragraph is significant, and an inquiry is to be made as to how certain correspondence has gone astray from the dominion. With regard to this particular 1 soldier it may be mentioned (says the Hawkc's Bay Herald) that not only have Private Steele's parents forwarded many letters and parcels, and also some remittances to him, but letters, parcels, and remittances have been sent to him by friends. From -the tenor of his communication it is evident that none (J these has reached him. The difficulties and attendant loss of doing the South Wcstland sea service is exemplified by the present trip of the steamer Jane (says last Wednesday's West Coast Times). This little vessel left Hokitika on the 16th of last month and arrived at Okura the next day, and after discharging her cargo left for Bruce Bay and Okarito. As the weather was not promising and a number of passengers being on board for Okarito, the master decided to run for that port and return to Bruce Bay as soon as the sea and weather were more favourable. Although 27 days have elapsed, the vessel is still in Okarito waiting a favourable opportunity to complete her trip. Tho southern ports and the open roadstead at Bruce Bay, in tho opinion of oil seafaring men, can never bo worked by any vessel unless in favourable weather. Tho present trip of tho Jane is only a repetition of what has occurred when the Waipara, Jane Douglas, and other steamers performed the service. Some time ago tho Wellington City Council approved of the establishment of a municipal bakery, but tho Mayor (Mr J. P. Luke) stated a few days ago that tho cost would be too groat at tho present time, as compared with normal periods, and the necessary machinery was unprocurable.. These facts, together with the delay caused through tho high pressure at which tho technical department was working on important services of tho city, and tho inability to set them aside in order to undertake the new work on technical lines just now, prevented the council ifrom moro actively dealing with tho question. Respecting the establishment of municipal brickworks, Mr Luke- said the question had

not yet come before the council. Personally, ho did not think that tho council would embark in tho trado of making bricks and supplying them to tho community. It would bo— better, before going into too many ventures, if the council went on with the question of supplying fish, thoroughly developed tho industry, and made it a success first of all.

Our Wellington correspondent telegraphs that not content with issuing the new ten shilling notes, the Bank of Now Zealand is about to issue new £1 and £5 notes, which differ very materially from the ones now in circulation. The present pink and black £1 note, with its framework of "ones" round tho border is familiar to most people. The new note to take its place is a much more elaborato and artistio design, printed in, at least, half-a-dozen delicate tones.

An interesting point was raised by Mr B. B. Couston (engineer) at the Taieri County Council meeting on Friday in connection with enrolment under the Act governing tho New Zealand Expeditionary Kcserve. He pointed out that he had seen to it that every eligible man employed by tho council had applied for enrolment in the reserve. lio did not know, however, whether the council was responsible in respect of men working for it under contract. There was a possibility that the council might bo considered liable for the action of contractors who had not enrolled. Ho thought there should bo some means by which employers could ascertain whether tho men they were going to employ were on the roll, the same as they could in connection with the electoral roll. Tho Chairman said they were justified in having their position regarding contractors defined by the Defence Department. Ho suggested that a letter be sent to the department soliciting tho required information, and this was agreed to.

"Can a man sue himself?" asked his Honor Mr Justice Denniston at the Christchurch Supreme Court on Wednesday, when a case came on for hearing in which the plaintiff was also joined as one of the defendants (says tho Press). ' The position was that the plaintiff was the tenant of certain land, and also one of the trustees. Mr Alpers, who appeared for the plaintiff, said that there .was no authority for joining the plaintiff as one of the defendants, but in doing so he had followed the usual practice of the court. His Honor remarked that such a course was not allowable under the English law. However, he would not at present remove the plaintiff's name from the list of defendants, which Mr Alpers expressed himself willing to do, until he had further looked into authorities on the matter.

In the New Zealand Expeditionary Force Orders, issued by Lieutenant-general Sir A. J. Godley on July 17, it is announced that no soldier of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force who has had a limb amputated is to bo evacuated to New Zealand until he has been supplied with an artificial limb, and is himself satisfied that such limb is properly fitted and is able to uso it. He will also be measured for a duplicate limb and supplied with this, if possible, before leaving England. If the duplicate limb is not ready for issue- before he leaves, it will be forwarded by the Deputy Director of Medical Services to New Zealand by the earliest opportunity. The Deputy Director of Medical Services will in each case be responsible as to the pattern of artificial limbs to be supplied. Soldiers of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force who have lost an eye will, before being evacuated to Now Zealand, be supplied with two * artificial eyes for each eye lost. The Deputy Director of Medical Services will make tho necossary arrangements for the fitting and supply. A nominal roll will be recorded .monthly to Headquarters, New Zealand, containing tho names of all men supplied with artificial limbs and eyes.

Tho ways of the "enlisted shirker" are strange. One man, who had registered in Wellington and passed the doctors, was called up for four successive reinforcements (says the JJominion). He was missing on tho day of mobilisation on each occasion, but ho was always quite sure that he would be ready to go into camp with the succeeding draft. Finally, the Defence authorities gave some indication of impatience, and the recruit informed them that he positively would enter camp with the next reinforcement if ho were transferred to the Ambulance. There Jiappencd to be a vacancy in the Ambulance at the time and the man was given his transfer. Bat he did not answer when his name was called on the day of mobilisation. Apparently he had business elsewhere. Since then ho has been asked to return his armlet. On tho ocean front, within three miles and a-half of the Island Bay tram, a rich discovery of stone is stated to have been made (says tho Dominion). There are at least four reefs. The first, of black jasper and purple stone, with yellow, green, pink, red, and blue curious markings exposed in an exceedingly variegated manner. This is a very rare stone, being unknown in reef form. Tho roof is 30ft thick. Next to this is a 40ft reef of rod, green, and whitebanded jasper, a stone much prized in America for facings, pillars, and ornamental work. It is usually cut in very thin slabs, and it takes the polish of a precious stone. Lying between this reef, next is a small seam of flint and agato. Then comes a 100 ft reef of red and green, beautifully marked jasperoid stone. This stone has been very much admired by tho Wellington architects, and beautiful samples are said to be coming forward. Tho next reef is 150 ft wide, and is also a very valuable building stone, well known in the Old World, and in the past imported from Austria for flagging railway stations, as

well as for foundations and facings in large buildings. Argillite is used in railway stations for the reason that it is life-saving, in that people moving on it will not slip whether the stone is wet or dry. This is said to be the only reef of argillite south of the line.

At a meeting of the South Canterbury Hospital Board last week (says the Christchurch Press) Mr W. IS. Maslin pointed out that the North Island was in a distinctly better position than the South Island in the matter of dealing with consumption patients, as there was a largo Government sanatorium at Cambridge, where patients wore taken in at a low rate. Ho suggested that the Government should establish a South Island sanatorium for consumptives at Fairlie. The suggestion was considered a good one, but it was not thought that tho Government would bo likely to entertain it until after the war.

A man from the country called at the recruiting office in tho Invercargill Drill Hall recently (says the Southland News). Ho was a big, strong, young follow, and would have looked well at tho end of a rifle. "Well," said the recruiting sergeant, "what can I do for you?" "I just came in to see how I stand," came the reply. "You see, with this conscription coming in I didn't know whether I had to enlist or not. My father is getting pretty old now, and there is only myself left on the farm. Of course, he can't do the* work, and I don't like to leave him on his own." The sergeant was sympathetic. "Well, will I put you down for the Reinforcements/' naming a draft about three months ahead. "No," said the countryman," just leave it open, will you, and I'll think it over." "Right," said the sergeant; "goodbye." At tho door of the office the farmer was accosted by another young fellow from his district coming in to enlist. Greetings were exchanged, and tho following conversation ensued: "And how 7 is the farm and all tho boys?" asked tho stranger. "Oh, all right." "I see you've enlarged your farm," continued No. 1. "Yes; wo have bought so-and-so's, adjoining our own." And so on, while the sergeant listened, wondering. Presently No. 1 came into the office, and tho first question ho asked was, " Did that fellow I mot going cut sign on?" "No," said tho sergeant, "he said he would think it over." "Well," replied the visitor, "it's about time he did, for he's got five brothers out there, and none of them have enlisted." "But," argued the sergeant, "he told me that he and his father wore the only ones there." "Father bo d ," said No 1 emphatically; "his father has been dead 10 years. He is an absolute shirker, and came in because ho thought he couldn't get out of it." Needless to say, his case will receive attention. A manifesto, signsd "A. P. Grayudler, secretary of A.P.U.," is being issued to workers engaged in the shearing industry in regard to tho rate of wages. In it it is pointed out that the sheep-owners have refused to grant any increase in the rate, except a war bonus of 2s 6d per hundred for shearers, and nothing at all for sheel hands. It is stated that wool is selling at Is per lb, and the contention is that the men are entitled to an increased wage in order that they may be better able to meet tho over-increasing cost of living. Workers are advised not to accept engagements unless tho undermentioned rates are conceded: —Shearoro, 25s per 100; shed hands, £2 10s per week; pressors, £3 per week, Is 9cl per bale, or 7d per 100; cooks—under 20 men £4, over 20 and under 30 men £5, over 30 men £6 per week.

Advices from Canada state that the Duke of Connaught, the Governor-general, has been elected Great Chief of the iStony Tribe of Indians of the Rocky Mountains. The picturesque initiation ceremony was carried out in the presence of the Duchess and Princess Patricia, at the annual gathering of the tribe, which was present in force. This tribe has the, distinction of never having raised a bow against the Royal House of Britain. A special feature of the ceremony was the singing of the National Anthem by the whole tribe in its native tongue in perfect unison. Taranaki has just had a visit from a very interesting young lady—Miss Kirk, from South Africa (reports the Ilawera Star). She came over to New Zealand especially to learn all sho could about cheese-making, and the Government Dairy Division officers gave her all the information at their disposal. But she was not satisfied with this; sho went into the factories and worked at the cheese vats for days and days, so as to gain a practical knowledge as well. In conversation with a reporter, Miss Kirk said that they were not taking on cheese-making in Soul h Africa in the way they were in New Zealand. They were mostly farm dairies, but in their own way they had made quite a lot of fairly good cheese this last year or two, and thero appeared to be an inclination to develop the industry over there to some extent. Some districts were quite suitable for dairying, and doubtless good herds of cattle would soon be established. At present there was a large number of Kaffir cows, and one moderately good herd of 80 of these had managed to give 40 gallons of milk to their factory per day—an average a gallon of milk per day per cow.

A letter has been received by Mr (Jr. H. Edwards, Napier, from his son, Sergeant Keith Edwards, who was wounded recently while serving with the troops in France. The writer gives a vivid description of an enemy bombardment. Ho states that the Huns are very bus/ day and night sending across uncanny messages in the form of shells of many sizes and much noise, but are paid back in their own coin far quicker than can be imagined. The woxvst of it is

tliat those ceaseless bombardments generally commeneo at night, and all that can bo clone is to ''grin and bear it." Tho noise of one of these bombardments is indescribable and, in his own words, "If you can imagine a combination of the noises of a sawmill, two or three express trains, and thunder with a heavy galo, that is about what it is like. It is a glorious sight at night from a distanco (tho greater the better), and tile most extraordinary thing about it is the comparatively small amount of damage done. Things are a little different now from what they were when we first took over. Then, if a whizz-bang arrived we talked about it all day ; now, if we get an hour or two of peaco, wo wonder what's gone wrong with 'Fritz.' " Sergeant Edwards mentions that ho is getting his mails regularly.

Returning to Sydney by the Ostorlcy are Sisters Brendan and Hilda, two Australian Sisters of Mercy who have recently lived in portions of Belgium now occupied by the Germans (says tho Hobart Mercury). They were in a convent near Charleroi, and came frequently in contact with German soldiers. They say that the enemy soldiers treated them with courtesy and reverence, and, although numerous rumours were in circulation concerning the savagery of German soldiers, they had themselves seen nothing to justify such reports. The sisters said that they had seen many German soldiers who had returned from the Western front to the reserve lines, and all gave the impression that they were heartily sick of tho war. Some of tho soldiers who fought at Verdun were so reluctant to obey their officers that several were hanged as examples to others who were inclined to kick against military rule. What is termed tho "abandoning" of a wrecked or stranded vessel is surrounded with technicalities hard to be understood by tho lay mind. The owners of the Antiope, acting on legal advice, last week decided to notify tho underwriters of their intention to " abandon " the vessel. The underwriters, however, held a meeting on Friday, to consider the question, when they decided to refuse to accept abandonment of the ship. It is, therefore, understood that the owners will now have to restart salvaging operations.

With a view to encouraging- and helping citizens to take a more active interest in the cultivation of their gardens, the Amenities and Town Planning Association has now completed arrangements for garden competitions, There is little doubt that if this scheme is taken up with enthusiasm by those of our citizens who love their gardens, it will help to make Dunedin additionally attractive. Cases may be cited where one enthusiastic gardener in a street has created a like spirit in his neighbours, with the result that the whole street has been converted from careless indifference to amenities to enthusiastic interest. The judging is to take place in December and March. Each adjudication will form a separate competition, for which cups and prizes will be awarded, but the competitor winning the highest aggregate points for both competitions will be awarded the chief cup and prize. No competitor will be awarded more than one cup and prize m the one year. The cups are to be held for one year, and will not become the property of the winner unless won four times in seven years. The general attractiveness of the garden will, of course, be the chief consideration, but each competition will include some special feature. In December the feature will be roses or rose plot, and street fences, hedges, and frontages generally, and in March will be sweet peas and rockeries and shrubs. There will also be a children's competition for the most beautiful garden plot of mixed flowers, and one for vegetables and fruit garden. These are to be adjudicated on in March. Mr Tannock is now preparing a model cottage garden, which, we feel sure, will be a great attraction and help to gardeners and competitors.

A prosecution under the War Regulations Act, the first of its kind, was heard before the magistrate at Lumsclen on the IStb -V company, styling itself the Australasian Picture and Vaudeville Company, was touring the south part of this island with pictures and vaudeville. The company advertised that half proceeds would go to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund after expenses had been paid, but to do this it required to have a permit under the Act, which has lately come into force. It had no permit, and consequently the manager was before the magistrate and fined £l, with court costs.

The regulation regarding payment of excess war profits was brought to bear upon Mr Allen Doone at Auckland on Monday before the theatrical company left by the mail steamer. His books were taken possession of by representatives of the Government, and the result was that Mr Doone was called upon to pay £3OO as excess war profit. borne of the members were also charged certain sums where their salaries were held to be excess and taxable under the same Act. Mr Doone stated to a friend that this was his first experience of an excess war profit, and as ho had to pay £75 upon coming into New Zealand, he has contributed £375 to the revenue. The question to be considered from a theatregoer's point of view (the Auckland Star says), is whether this action may have the effect of preventing companies from coming to New Zealand. The better the company, and the bigger the success, the more will have to be paid as excess war profit.

Among the proposals submitted by tb.fi employers to the Arbitration Court at Chrisfcchurch on Thursday (says the Press), in connection with thy painters' dispute, was one that an apprentice should attend

tho School of Art for four hours each wee! in working time, the fees to be borne by the employer. " I think that is a very fair and good proposal," said }.lr Justice Stringer. " I was amazed when I was in Auckland at the lack of qualification in most of the witnesses. Some., could not even do scrimming and papering, and most of them could not do sign-writing'. From what 1 could see, most of them were merely fit lo paint the outside of a house, and ycfc they called'themselves qualified tradesmen. I think that a chance for an apprentice to become a well-qualified man such as this offers is a first-class thing." In answer to Mr J. A. M'Cullough, Mr F. Cooper, who was conducting the easo for tho employers, stated that the School of Art was the iif stitution decided on by both employers and union, as it had more facilities than the Technical College.

Considerable progress lias been made by the Justice Department with the development of the Waikeria prison farm in the' King Country, near the boundary of the Waikato district. The first wing of the main prison building, which contains accommodation for 82 prisoners, has been completed, and is now occupied. The completed .accessories include the kitchen," bakehouse, bathrooms, and other necessary accommodation. The roads are now being constructed, and the work of the farm is being carried on by the prisoners, who have a'co assisted in tho erection of the building. An orchard of about seven acres has been planted as a commencement in: fruit-growing. It is hoped eventually to undertake all classes of farm dairy work. The intention of the department is that the property shall be developed on commercial farming lines, and thus be made reproductive, as well as affording suitable occupations for the prisoners, who are chiefly those sentenced to reformative detention.

Auckland merchants doing business with firms in China have lately found that the market has boon much upset by the slate of internal unrest existing there at ;>ro« sent. The following extract from a lotce* from a .leading Hongkong firm gives a summary of the position : —" Business has never been worse in all our experience; Wo have seen a few revolutions, famines, and floods during the last 35 years, but neve* has tho position been so bad as at-present. The whole situation is the result of the revolutionary troubles in Canton. Troops of various contending parties are now converging on Canton, and our news from our Canton office is that considerable lighting is going on hi the outskirts of the city, that all the city wards and gates are closed, also all tho shops. Pirates infest the rivers, bandits and soldiers hold up everybody and everything in the country. No produce is coming out or imports going in. We hope, nevertheless, that it will not now bo long before some settlement is arrived at, as various foreign and British Consuls are agitating to have this useless internal strife brought 1o a stop, as European merchants are suffering considerable loss and damage in trade.''

Regarding moat export, the Minister of Agriculture, tho Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald stated the 19th at Hamilton (says tho correspondent of the New Zealand Herald) that if nothing unforeseen arose tha present supplies in store would bo shipped before the season opens. Half would be shipped almost immediately, and tho balance before the end of the year. The latest returns of meat in stores were: —North Island.. 130,684 carcases of mutton and lamb, 58,462 quarters of beef; South Island, 396,089 carcases of mutton and lamb, and 84,523 quarters of beef.

Some day the journey of 19 hours between Auckland and Wellington will bo looked back upon as one of the troubles of pioneering days. Future railway travellers ought to be able to cover the distance in 15 hoars, or less. Towards this ideal the Railway Department is steadily working, though it advertises little of its methods. For instance (says an exchange) an important deviation, which is part of the Main Trunk improvement policy, was opened about a week ago without ceremony, merely by running the trains over it. The cose of the work, which is at Kakariki, between Palmerston North and Marion Junction, was about £IO,OOO, and it cuts out a piece of line on which were sharp curves and a< grade of lin 53. Now tho grade is lin 70, which enables a larger load to ba hauled, and the speed of trains increased. At the Auckland end deviation work of this nature has reached a forward state, in spite of the financial tightness of the moment, and tho public may look forward to somo official announcement when the department is in a position to cut a little mor.? of? the express run between Wellington and Auckland, as a result of improved grades and curves.

A youthful bookmaker appeared before tho Magistrate's Court in Auckland on the 19th tost. He admitted a charge of having made a bet in a public street. His uncle, since dead, had, ho said, taught him how to bet. Mr F. V. Fraser, addressing defendant, who is 18 years of age, said he believed that "as many went to the devil through gambling as through drink." Defendant would bo fined the minimum, £2O, and costs (7s). and would bo allowed to pay £8 down and the balance in instalments of 5s pel* week, While (lie money was being paid oft' he would be placed under the supervision of the probation officer, tho Rev. F. R. Jeffreys. He would also be required to abstain from frequenting race meetings and billiard saloons, and would not be. allowed out after dark unless accompanied by an older relative or with special permission from the probation o rfiecr.