CURRENT TOPICS.

Southland Times, Issue 14581, 23 November 1910, Page 4

CURRENT TOPICS.

MIGETY LONDON. While every schoolboy knows that London is the largest and wealthiest city on the face of the globe, probably most people have but a hazy Idea of the vast range of the social, industrial, and administrative activities carried on within its borders. In its annual volume of statistics, published recently, the London County Council endeavours to present in compendious form the main features of those activities, and packed away in the 600 pages of the book are a multitude of interesting facts, touching practically every phase of the social life of the citizens. —Expenditure of Authorities. — In the first section a general outline is given of the organisation of local government in Greater London, and of the constitution and powers of the local authorities. From this, it appears that the annual expenditure of the principal authorities in 1906-7 the latest year for which complete figures are available was as follows : £ London County Council 10,158,330 Metropolitan Borough Councils 5,102,506 City Corporation 1,271,518 Boards of Guardians 3,416,347 Metropolitan Asylums Board 1,081,275 Metropolitan Water Board 2,551,018 Metropolitan Police 3,634,350 Central (Unemployed) Body Thames Conservancy i 25.053 Next in order Is a chapter dealing with the franchise, which shows that the number of Parliamentary electors in the county this year is 652,273. This figure represents 13.4 per cent of the population. At the General Election in January the percentage of electors ulio voted was 84.3, as compared with 78.3 in 1906. The County Council electorate numbers 795,713. of whom only 406,013, or 51.0 per cent., voted in March last. Some idea of (he tremendous problem involved in the conveyance of London’s millions to and from their daily occupations may be gathered from a perusal of the statistics relating to locomotion. Greater London has 605 railway passenger stations, and every week day approximately 8820 trains run into the various metropolitan termini. In 1908-9 the total car mileage run by the County Council tramways was 30,119,472. Below are given details of the passenger traffic of Greater London in five recent years, the omnibus figures relating to two of the principal companies only : Local Railways. Tramways. OmniOn?** 1804 208,835,750 131,813,830 255.965.214 1905 305,052,495 477,944,681 290,685,051 1906 329,521,848 508,700.269 291.563,048 1907 350,233,666 559,745,792 275.479.0-61 1908 399,666,339 638,0)3,841 276,000,010 In 1908, therefore, the total number of passengers was 1.316.180,180. a figure which represents 179.7 journeys per head of the population. Among the many subjects involving big figures dealt with In the volume is the Post Office business of the metropolls. The appended statistics, relating to the year 1908, will be of interest : No. of Post ounces C OSO Letters posted ‘ 922.5U-.VU9O Letters delivered 771,200,(W0 Postcard!: posted 13a.S0u.c_rj Postcards delivered 191.60U,dVj Halfpenny packets (printed matter, etc.) posted ’ 434,300.069 Halfpenny packets delivered 182,300.099 Newspapers posted 121.500.UU0 Newspapers delivered 41. mO.th'O Parrels despatched 32.275,060 Parcels received 18,976 i» Telegrams despatched 24.947.000 Telegrams rccc-ved 19,044 url Postal and money orders issued 25,393,223 Vcit'e of postal and money orders issued £14.840.661 Postal and money orders cashed 52,277,956 Value lit postal and money orders cashed £26,32b,133

At the Hlne Committee meeting yesterday Sir J. G. Ward put in a return showing that for thirty estates compulsorily acquired by the Government the price paid was £1,127,613, whereas the owners claimed £1,705,558, showing a saving of £503,916. Mr J. F. Andrews, secretary to the Cabinet, produced a minute showing that Mr Macdonald had forwarded a claim for services as assessor, but the Cabinet had declined to recognise it. That concluded the evidence. The Committee's report will probably be presented to the House on Thursday. Altogether 51 witnesses have been examined.

During carnival week In Christchurch the trams carried 108,322 cash fare passengers and the receipts were £6171. ooth easily records for the Christchurch service.

Much needed rain fell in the Masterton district yesterday, which will effectually check bush fires for the time being.

Mr Justice Edwards at Auckland yesterday entered up judgment for £387 os 6d In the case brought by Gilbert Broughton against the Devonport Bor--50811 Council in respect of a claim of £750 for injuries sustained by a fall over a broken culvert.

A cable from Ottawa states that Canada is spending £3,000 on the Festival of Empire.

The Government offices throughout Hew Zealand will he closed on Wednesday next, 30th inat, in celebration of St. Andrew’s Day.

The Wanganui Borough Council last night decided to invite applications for the position of borough engineer, rendered vacant by the death of Mr Alexander Bussell, at a salary of £4OO per year.

At the Auckland competitions last night awards were made at follows; — Humorous recitation. Miss Maud Farrell (Auckland), 1; Mrs McCallum, 3; Miss Kathleen Major, 3. Piano duet (over 16), Dorothy Anderson and Mrs C. Ross;. VJolln solo (over 16), Miss Eva Symons (Hastings) and Miss Bosworth (Auckland), 96 points egch, divided first and second. Impromptu speech, R. Algie, 1; T. Hill, 2; J. H. Lux ford, 3. Song for boys (under 16>, Roy Dormer. —Press Association.

A Press Association telegram on November 3 stated that a youth named Sydney Herbert Gordon Doyle, had been sentenced at Auckland Supreme ( Court to seventeen years' imprisonment for breaking and entering, etc. This was an error. The sentence imposed by Mr Justice Edwards was two years on each of the four charges of breaking and entering and theft from a dwelling, and on each of the nine charges of theft one year, the sentences being concurrent. In addition the prisoner was declared an habitual ‘criminal.

Messrs Wm, and A. Gardiner (late W. Gardiner and Co., Mataura) have commenced business in Messrs Reid and ‘Cray’s shop, at rear of J. A. Mitchell and Co.’s, as general blacksmiths ' and horaeshoers. The good reputation the Messrs Gardiner have earned as competent plough makers and skilful horseehoers is a sufficient guarantee that all work entrusted to them will give satisfaction. The firm Is fortunate in having secured such a suitable site, and, although they have just fitted up the premises, a number of clients from different parts of Southland have given Messrs Gardiner and Co., a look up.

The Wyndham A. and P. Society on Saturday night held their meeting to make final arrangements for the Show on Wednesday. November 30. Mr Waddell’s trophy has been allotted for most points In all stock classes. The Society have given a trophy of equal value to Mr Waddell’s (£5 ss) for most points in draught horses. The allotting of these trophies completes a very inviting programme for exhibitors. There are no less than three trophies, valued at £5 5s each, allotted for competition: the tird being for sheep . Those for sheep and draught horses must be won twice in succession, or three times at intervals; and that for most points in stock classes must be won three times (not necessarily in succession). It may confidently be expected that with the usual liberal prize-list in addition, the 1910 Show will bring out strong competition. Breeders of stud stock will surely rise to the occasion and help to make the Show worthy of this grand district.

“I have been absolutely misled regarding the advance of life-saving work in New Zealand.’ remarked the secretary of the Royal Life-saving Society at Christchurch on Sunday. Air Henry explained that he had been informed before his arrival in New Zealand that virtually no interest was being taken in the work, and acting on this advice he had provided himself with only 250 award certificates for his tour of the Dominion. To, his surprise, though it was a pleasant one, nearjy the whole of the certificates were required for the candidates who passed under his examination in the North Island. Sixteen certificates were awarded in Auckland, Wanganui took no fewer than 120, Napier candidates secured fifty-six, and in Wellington fifty-two candidates passed tiie examinations. He had meanwhile learnt that large numbers of candidates would present themselves in Christchurch and Dunedin, and he had cabled for additional supplies, which he expected to receive within a fortnight.

Richard Arnst, the champion sculler, jßeems to be prouder of hjs friends expressions of appreciation than of the trophies he has won. He evidently took e great deal of pleasure on Saturday (says the Lyttelton Times) in showing 'the flag presented to him in Sydney, bearing a large silver fern-leaf on a black background, and a mat presented by New Zealanders on the Rand. The mat is quite representative of South frica. tt was made by a native, and consists Df thousands of tails of a native cat, gewn together side by side and end to snd, the whole having been lined with the skin of the native jackal. The colours Df the mat are brofvn, rufous, black and white. It took four years to make, and Us handsome appearance is in keeping with the patient labour that was bestowed upon it.

At a meeting of the United Temperance Reform Council in Dunedin on Monday, Mr A. S. Adams said he considered that the new Licensing Bill was the most advanced piece of temperance legislation ever put upon the New Zealand Statute Book, At one stage of the negotiations the usual parly manoeuvring nearly wrecked the whole matter. In regard to the three-fifths majority, the pledges of members had proved an impossible hurdle to overcome. He felt pretty ■ certain that, even if the combined paper had been retained, the three-fifths majority would have been restored to the bill instead of the 55 per cent, as proposed. The effect of reduction had probably been lo Jose victory In several districts that had got very close to no-license. Local no-license would now become the middle course for the man who was in process of conversion to becoming a whole-hearted advocate of prohibition. The two polls—local option and Dominion prohibition—would be absolutely separate, the issues to be determined by the three-fifths of the voters on that particular Issue. The local poll, where carried would come into force in the same time as at present—viz., about seven months—at the expiry of the annual licenses. It was almost a certainty that local no-llcense would he In force for three years in the bulk of the districts in the Dominion before Dominion prohibition became operative.

The Minister of Labour (Mr .1. A. Millar) has given notice that in committee lie will move some important amendments to the Simps and Offices Bill. He proposes that hotels shall he defined to mean premises in respect to which a publican’s license is granted. Under the bill hotel meant any premises, whether licensed or not, in which meals were sold to the public for consumption on the premises ant. lodging provided for hire. The clefinitior. of restaurant under the bill was “any premises In which meals are sold to the public, but in which lodging is not provided.” The new definition is “any premises other than a hotel, in which meals are provided, and Includes tea rooms and oyster rooms.” As regards hours of employment It is proposed that in the case of hotels they shall not exceed 02 (excluding meal times) per week for males over 16, and not more than 3S hours (excluding meal hours) in any otner case. The hours in restaurants are to be 62 and 52 respectively. Neither the wife nor children of the occupiers of “hotels” and restaurants shall he deemed to bo simp assistants within Mie meaning of this section, ami an award of the Arbitration Court, In focr ni, the passing of the Act. shall con'.';"!'’ for the period for which it was made.

There was a very light day at the Bluff Police Court yesterday, when Mr G. Cruickshank, S.M., presided at the monthly sitting. There were no criminal cases, and four civil cases were adjourned or confessed. The .Magistrate then proceeded to hear the claims of five applicants for old age pensions. The malls for United Kingdom despatched from Invercargill on 13th October, via Naples, arrived in London on afternoon of 30th inst., one day late.

Mr J. E. MacMauus is advertised to attend a meeting of the General Labourers’ Union tills? evening at 7.30. To-mor-row evening he will address a meeting from the Band Rotunda, his subject being "Industrial Unionism." On Friday evening Mr MacManus will speak on “Socialism.”

A conference of representatives of all local and other bodies interested in street tramways in New Zealand will be held at Wellington Town Hall on Bth December, to consider the demands recently made by tramway employees for a Dominion award. The conference is called by the Mayor of Wellington and the City Council. Invitations have been sent to Auckland. Napier. Wanganui, Christchurch. Dunedin and Invercargill.—Press Association.

The Bureau of Statistics at Washington lately issued a most interesting and instructive statement showing the amazing growth of the Dominion of Canada. In 1909 Canada's electric railroads transported 300,000,000 people and 730,000 tons of freight on 11,000 miles of track, while the earnings of these roads totalled £2,800,000, and the working expenses £1,600,000 on a capital of £17,600,000 What mileage is run by hydro-electric energy is not stated.

The Canadian correspondent of "Shipping Illustrated.” of New York, gives the following item of information in a recent letter: —“A large consignment of snowshoes Is booked to leave this port for Australasia on the steamer Turkestan, which has been brought out to supply the place of the Tokomaru, and is the next ship leaving for that country. Although tiie cargo appears somewhat unusual, it must be remembered that the southern part of the islands comprising the colony of New Zealand lies but little outside the Antarctic circle, and consequently there is quite a lot of snow there every year.”

• Butchers operating at Wallacetown yesterday were able to buy both beef and mutton at mucn easier prices than for some time past. Beef dropped to not more than 32s 6d per head despite the excellent quality on offer. Private purchases made by the butchers caused a slackening of competition and the large yarding favoured the few in the field. Store cattle of aU varieties were, however, strong, and vendors were well satisfied. In sheep the limit seems to have been reached, as, not only was mutton on the decline, but store sheep were sold with difficulty, farmers evidently wishing to make certain of a continuance of feed before indulging in investments.

The Garrison Band will give its second Municipal concert under Bandmaster T. Llthgow in the Queen’s Park this evening (weather permitting), when the following programme will be given;— March, "Our Director” (R. B. Hall); waltz, "Cissie” (Prout); selection, “Mercandante” (Round) ; eupho. solo.i "Asleep in the Deep” (Petrie); soloist. Bandsman J. Bassett; selection, “Girls of Gottenburg” (S. Douglas: waltz, “Counfc Ball” (Oscar Fellas); fantasia, "American Airs” (Greenwood); galop, "Neck or Nothing” (Round). Bandsmen express the hope that there will not be a repetition of “the small boy nuisance” that was a regrettable feature of the Hibernian Band’s concert at the South School.

Mr Spear, of Colac Bay. who passed through Wellington on Thursday en route for Nelson to spend a holiday, interviewed the member for Wallace regarding the Colac - Round Hill road, Mr Thomson said the sum on the Estimates for expenditure, against which no liability was disclosed, was £292. He had been under, the impression that the County Council had been advised to make application for the authority for expenditure because when he had made enquiries of the Department relative to the matter, he had been Informed that if plans and specifications were forwarded and approved the work could go on. He was surprised that the Council knew nothing officially of the vote, and promised to state the case immediately to the Minister of public Works.—Western Star.

Enquiries made at the offices of shipping' companies and agents (says the Christchurch Press) went to show that the exodus from the Dominion to Great Britain this year will exceed that of last season. Anticipating a rush, intending passengers are booking earlier than usual, and in larger numbers. From present appearances all the direct boats will bear their full compliment of saloon and second-class passengers. It is evident that a similar condition of affairs prevails in Australia. Although larger vessels have been put on, local agents state that the situation of cabins booked quite recently proves conclusively that there Is a big demand for berths. The increase in the numbers going Home Is generally put down to the fact that there is to be the Coronation in June, with all its attendant pageants’and festivities.

A French newspaper, the Echo do Paris, recently made a world census of the number of aeroplanes, dirigibles and men who could fly. Frame had 300 monoplanes and biplanes and 185 experienced aviators. 42 of whom had stayed in the air continuously for over an hour. But there were only four Germans, five Englishmen, six Americans, and about half a dozen aviators of other nationalities who were worthy of notice. France had manufactured and sold 1000 flying machines, -whilst the output of every other country did not then amount to 300. France had ten dirigibles, as compared with Germany’s twelve. Botli countries had eight more under constriction. A German newspaper criticising these figures says:—“We can content ourselves with this: Germany and France are about equal in area, but Germany lias 05,000,000 of Inhabitants and France but 35,000,000. And every day the difference grows greater in oqr favour. Why should we not allow these folk the inoffensive pleasure of dreaming?’’

When the letter conveying the resignation ot the art master, Mr J. W. Dickson, was read at last night's meeting of the High Schools’ Board of Governors, the Chaiimau, Mr W Macalister, explained that the matter had already come before the Education Board and Mr Dickson's resignation had oeen accepted perhaps a little hurriedly. Immediately afterwards the Board had decided to advertise for applicants for the position at a salary of £250 per year, an increase of £25 over that which had beer, allowed to Mr Dickson. It was understood, said Mr Macalister. after briefly referring to the admittedly good work which had been accomplished by the Art blaster in Invercargill, that notice of motion had been lodged to rescind the previous resolution of the Board, which would be asked to reconsider the matter, and to request Mr Dickson to retain the postilion at a salary of £250 a year. The Board of Governors unanimously decided to hold the resignation over in the meantime, and lo make a recommendation to the Education Board that an endeavour should be made to retain Mr Dickson’s services.

Mr W. Henry, chief secretary of the .Royal Life-Saving Society, has little sympathy with those who oppose mixed bathing, ami in conversation with a Lyttelton Times reporter he described the increased popularity of a restricted form of " mixed " bathing in some of the London baths. He said that arrangements had been made by the Diving Association of London for the use of one of the public baths on one evening each month for members of both sexes of the affiliated clubs. The ladies had agitated for instruction in diving, and it was to meet them that the arrangement had been made. On those occasions diving only was permitted, and under efficient instruction the ladies became as skilful as the men in all kinds of diving feats. Baths were hired at the rate of a guinea an hour by parties, or by a hostess, and they were then used by both men and women. Apart from considerations of the enjoyment which was derived from the manner in which such bathing parties were conducted, the benefit to the lady swimmers was very great.

Word has been received that £25,000 is the purchase price paid by an Australian syndicat; for the rights of Mr Helix Tannea"’s apparatus for preventing the lacing of marine engines. Tins invention, which has met with so much success, was patented anti securely protected all over me world only a few weeks ago by Messrs bald win and Rayword, the well-known Patent Agents.

We are looking forward to a big trade this summer season, and we have prepared for it by laying in a nice stock of watches, clocks, jewellery, silver tableware. quaint ornaments, etc. We are content with a small profit,—T. M. Rankin. Tay street.

Kvery week now goods arrive to the order of J. S. Baxter, one week it is Pickles, Sauces. Curry, etc., another week it is choice new season’s canned fruits, another week Pure Ceylon Teas, another week dried fruits, cordials, peels and essences, another week canned salmon, herring, in sauce, etc., ole. Orders from the country receive prompt attention.

Thomson and Beattie, Ltd. have just secured a Manufacturer’s Sock of Samples of Drawn Thread Linen Afternoon Tea Cloths, at a big discount off manufacturers' prices. These goods are all linen and hand drawn. The ordinary prices would be 6s 6d to 9s 6d each we are selling them at Is lid each; they would make very useful and suitable presents for Xmas. Lovers of good tea at a reasonable price should try a ten pound tin of the New Shipment of Choice Rava Tea. This latest shipment of Rava Tea, is somewhat superior, but the price is still the same—lolb Baxter's Pure Rava Tea for 13s 9d.

As the seasons change, so do Men’s Clothing requirements, and to meet their wants Price and Bulleid have just opened up their summer Boaters, Panamas, Ridge Crown, and Brizilian Straw Hats, Summer Underclothing in Shirts Pants and Socks, at very reasonable prices. Tennis, Neglige, Tunic. Trilby, and Fashion Shirts —an immense variety in the latest colourings, and nobby stripes and checks. New Hats, Caps, Ties. Braces, Collars, Pyjama Suits arriving every day. Price and Bulleid have also had made up to their own order ten specially good lines of Gent’s Tailored Box Suits, all sizes in Fashionable Tweeds and Worster; prices 455, 49s 6d, 51s, 52s 6. 57s 6d, 63s 6d, if you want a real good suit call on this popular firm and see the value they are offering. IN nearly every instance when a retailer buys largely ir. order to get a cut price he has to pass the saving along to the public in order to clear the goods quickly. That's lust what is being done now at Ritchie and Co s in the matter of travelling bags, suit cases, cabin trunks, hat boxes, and host of similar articles. Here Is a chance tc get one of the real, last for ever, leather bags at the price you liave been paying for shoddy. Ladies don’t spoil you hats every journey you take. Come and see our hat boxes; just the thing at low prices.—Ritchie and Co., the \ alue Givers, Do Street.

SYNOPSIS NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.

On Pago 1— Lost—Fur rug. Wanted —Ploughman. Wanted—Strong lad. Office assistant wanted. Wanted to buy a good dog-cart. Two offices in Crescent to let. Business gent wants board and lodging. L. Wills —Wanted, quarrymen, etc. To Let —Two furnished bedrooms, Queenstown. Shearers and shed-hands wanted for Merrivale. its Page 4 Funeral of the late Jane Gourley tomorrow. In Memoriam of the late Alexander and Elizabeth Robertson. On Page 6. Fuller’s Pictures to-night. Hayward's Pictures to-night. Starr-Bowkett Society—Shares for application. Special meeting of General Labourers’ Union to-night. N. J. Keane inserts a valedictory not-

ice. Edenclale Sports Gathering on 26th December. N.Z. Railways—Notice re Hedgehops excursion on Friday. Wm. Gardiner & Co. (late of Mataura) insert notice. Wyndham Racing Club—Annual races on January 2nd. Municipal Theatre —Nellie Stewart Company on Friday. . Southland A. & P. Assn.—Summer Show on 13th and 14th December. R. Sommerville, chemist, inserts opening announcement. Wyndham A. Ac P. Society—Annual Show on 30th Inst. New stock of Christmas Goods at J. S. Baxter’s. On Page 7. Triumph Motor Cycle latest successes—See Wilson, Fraser’s advt. Secure a share of the profits in A.M.P. Society. On Page B. Wm. Todd and Co., sale of furniture, etc., to-morrow.