NEWS IN BRIEF.

Otago Witness, Issue 3332, 23 January 1918, Page 41

NEWS IN BRIEF.

Over 40 proprietors and managers of soda fountains and soft drink bars in Wellington were fined on the 18th for Sunday trading. Alexander" Arthur Walker, motor driver, of Tapanui, after escaping with three others from the Military Detention Camp at Trentham, gave himself up to the authorities. Leonard Porter, an eye specialist and light-weight boxing champion, was committed for trial at Gisboriie on a charge of alleged arson arising out of a fire at his residence on. New Year's Eve. A stair, has been made with the removal of the statue of John Robert Godley, tho founder of Canterbury, from its original site in tho centre of Cathedral square to a new sito in the northern portion of the Cathedral grounds. At tho Master Bakers' Conference afc Christ-church the secrotary, referring to business difficulties, said he knew of one man who had lost £7OO during last year. If members were to escape bankruptcy it would be necessary to increase the price of bread. The Mount Ida Chronicle states that for many years the district ha.s been immune from the outbreak of any infectious disease. During last week two cases have been reported—namely, one of scarlet fever at Cambrian and the other of typhoid fever at Wedderbum The Timaru Railway Servants". Society passed a motion protesting . against the methods of the department in dismissing capable men who are giving overy_ satisfaction and at the same time advertising for men to join the service. The motion mentioned instances of what are considered unreasonable dismissals. At Wellington on the 16th Inst. Arthur Waldemar Sebaef. photographer, bankrupt, pleaded not guilty 'to alleged breaches of the Bankruptcy Act —viz.. failing to deliver up property amounting to £ISOO, concealing that property, and failing to keep proper books. lie was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. A meeting of Alexandra fruit-growers was held on the 12th to discuss matters in connection with the Co-operative Company. A scheme for the distribution of store fruit which was brought• forward was considered too elaborate and unworkable, but it was decided to givo it a trial. It was decided to appoint an agent in Alexandra at a salary of £4 per week, paid by the Cooperative Company, to be deducted pro rata from growers. Mr Ashworth agreed to act as agent pro tern. Tt was decided to write to the Director of Horticulture (Mr Kirk), requesting him to an expert to Otago Central to give demonstrations in pulping fruit, end supply information relative to the subject, so as to utilise surplus fruit. Mr Dividson suggested that the management should consider the question of anpoiutin/ travellers to take order? throughout the whole of the country districts and small towns. He said th*.t by this method the Nelson Co operative Society had been able to dispose of tho whole of last .season's crop without sending- a smg!<? case to the Wellington auction rooms.