LAST NIGHT'S NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9796, 16 July 1903, Page 1

LAST NIGHT'S NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, last night. The Women* Political League drew the attention oi the Board of Education to the increasing habit of smoking among boys, and suggeited that they should be taught the injurious effect of narcotics. They also pointed out that the teaching of needlework of the schools was often unsatisfactory. The Board decided to ' forward the suggestions to the Minister for Education. The question of drilling cadets m battalion formation was also considered by the Board. It was stated that the proposal was favored ty some teachers, but disapproved by others. It was finally agreed that facilitieibe given for battalion drill, provided 'it did not interfere with ordinary school work. NEW PLYMOUTH, last night. The annual meeting of the Taranaki Maori Mission to-night was very largely attended. The ReV. 'ifr Bennett, missioner, reviewed ttai w>rk done, and it showed that m spite of drawbacks a real advance had been made, and the foundation of future work laid. Resolutions were passed appreciative of the missioner's work m raising the native race, confidence m his methods, and pledging assistance m the work; also appreciating the work of Archdeacon Williams m establishing the mission andifor continuous support. \ The Tradesmen's Association held a largely-attended meeting to consider the Shop Hours Bill. The following resolutions were carried unanimously : — That Clause 2 relating to the Saturday halfholiday be opposed, and the, law at prey sent supported, and that ajeas be enlarged to embrace,each province to secure uniformity m the day for the half-holi-day, a provincial conference to be arranged for the purpose; that the clause relating to stocktaking or other special work m shops, and extra payment, be opposed as contrary to the i^.eres|b of employers and employees; fltnt thy clause re closing of chemists be\»xcised ; that m the clause i*e public holidays Boxing Day be substituted for Lab-)r Day. any special holiday proclamed by 'Government or Mayors not to he compulsory. The meeting also resolved that it notes with alarm the present law which enables debtors to evade payment of debts though m a position, to pay, and urged an amendment providing for the recovery of debts through the Court. WELLINGTON, last night The conference of delegates from the brunches of the Liberal and Labor Federation, which has been sitting here during the last few days,, has concluded. The Premier, who is President of the Federation, presided. Amendments have been made to the rules, and a method devised of choosing candidates to contest Parliamentary elections m the Liberal interests. It was resolved that it is advisable for the Executive Council to regularly communicate with and consult the respective local branches m which such branches are established, m regard to questions of political policy brought before the Executive Council for its consideration. At a social tendered to the delegates to-night the Hon. W. Beehan was presented by the Premier, on behalf of the Liberals of Auckland, with an illuminated address and gold watch, to mark his nomination to the Legislative Council. In elaborating his arguments m the Newtown licensing case, Mr Adams pointed out that the Act of 1893 was entitled an Act to give the people greater control over granting and refusing of licenses, whence it came that licenses had no vested right to renewal, which depended on the result of the poll when taken. Section 75 of the Act of 1881 is unrepealed, and the discretion there given to the committee still exists. Section 21 of the Act of 1893 only applies to districts divided into parts, and m any case is limited by the words, "until the period arrives for taking the next triennial poll." Section 82 of the Act of 1881 was the solution of all difficulties of the case. Another poll could be held by warrant of the Governor. As to anomalies and absurdities, whatever they were, they must have existed at the poll m 1896, and why should they not continue to exist? The Court could not make the extensive alterations and exceptions suggested bg Mr Skerrett. Mr Adams lias not yet finished. During the course of the argument •the Chief Justice suggested that a magistrate .may not have jurisdiction to void a poll, as it is only the result of the poll, that is the correctness of the votes, which he can enquire into. CHRISTCHURCH, last night. A meeting of land and estate agents this evening discussed Colonel Pittas Land Agent Bill, which provides for licensing such agents. Exception was taken to one or two provisions, notabty the clause exempting lawyers and licensed landbrokers, but hearty approval was expressed of the Bill as a- whole. The first sod of the Pareora Freezing Works, a branch of the Belfast Works, was turned to.day. The plan's, show them to be the most up-to-date works m Australasia. The central line of the main block is 160 yards long, and the freezing capacity will be 5000 per day, with storage for 100,000. The refrigeration is done by the brine system. There are fifteen electric motors lor all subsidiary power. The slaughterhouse, with provision for 64 butchers, is on the upper storey. A fellmongery and manure factory are attached to the works. It is expected that the works will be ready for use by the first week of February next.