NEWS IN BRIEF.

Otago Witness, Issue 3334, 6 February 1918, Page 24

NEWS IN BRIEF.

At a meeting of the Timaru Presbytery last week tho oall by the Highcliff charge to |jio Rev. A. Begg, M.A., of the Southland Presbytery, was sustained. Out of 69 on the communion roll the call was signed by (>2. Tho induction -was provisionally fixed for February 21. » In connection with the finding of the body of a female child in a dam at Clifton Station, the police have arrested a young woman at Tapanui. Arthur Banwell King, a carter, was killed in Dunedin on Tuesday morning. He was taking a load of tea into Messre Neill and 6b.'s stores, and riding on the load when., he struck his head against the entrance to the building. The Alexandra Herald gives the following particulars of the fruit despatched weekly from the Alexandra Railway Station since the beginning of the year:—January 5, 17 tons; January 12, 60 tons; January 19, 71 tons. At a meeting of the Otago Hotel Employees' Union held last week the proposals submitted by the employers wore generally condemned, and counter-proposals assessors being appointed to represent the union before-the Conciliation Council. The secretary drew attention to the shortage of both male and female employee?.- many having gone to tho North Island, where conditions and wages were better. Privato hotels and restaurants, where the wages were better, were getting the cream of the workers. Over 20 employees were wanted on tho employment book. The Y.M.C.A. has taken a now departure in Christchurch, having opened luncheon, tea. and rest rooms, available to the general public. Tho rest rooms aro said to be largely availed of by country women and others. They can res!-, with the children, meet friend.-, or write letters. Business girls are catered for. The hours are from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., so that it does not quito

meet tho ohanges brought about by the early closing of hotels. At Woodville Police Court three hotelkeepers were fined sums varying from £l to £2 for permitting shouting on December 5. The offences were admitted formalty, but it was urged that as it was race day the hotels were busy and the breaches of the law were inadvertently committed. Tho police stated that the hotels were well conducted, and there were not any previous convictions against them. Tho magistrate said tho fines were light because of the police evidence and because there were no previous convictions, but if the offenders came before him again severe penalties would be inflicted.

About 25 delegates from Dunedin Oddfellow lodges paid an official visit to the Loyal Roxburgh Lodge on the 26th ult., ■and were warmly welcomed. After visits to some of the orchards and tea, a meeting of tho local lodge was held, when the visitors were officially received. Business over a social evening was held in the Atheneeum Hall. Songs were rendered by P.G.M. Bro. A. Sligo, and Miss (Dunedin). Dancing was indulged In, and at an interval PGM Bro. A. Sligo thanked the members of the Roxburgh Lodge for the splendid time they had given the visitors. For tho part five years the annual visit to Roxburgh was looked forward to. Excellent music was supplied by Miss Howell and Bro. H. Vernon, while the catering was in the hands of Mr T. B. Brodrick. The visitors left for Dunedin by motor cars at 11 a.m. next day.

We have 'to acknowledge receipt of Stone's Otago and Southland ABO Guide for February.