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Southland Times, Issue 19125, 18 December 1923, Page 4

The Government Meteorologist last night wired the following forecast: Present indications are for strong north-west to southwest winds, changeable with squally weather and heavy showers, especially in the western and southern districts. The barometer is unsteady.

Up to Sunday, the sunshine record this year at Hokitika amounted to 2000 hours and four minutes.—Press Association.

Captain Geyawansa, of the Indian Party, who will visit Invercargill during this weekend, was a Buddhist Priest before his conversion to the Christian religion.

It is understood that the classifying and cataloguing of the whole of the late Mr Bathgate’s library has been completed. Typewritten lists, for circulation throughout New Zealand, are being prepared, but it is uncertain how the collection will be sold, whether as a whole or piece-meal. The sale takes place about February 18.

The milk supply, at the Mataura Dairy Factory has gone back slightly lately. The intake yesterday amounted to 10,200 gallons. Recently a number of cows have come in, so that the supply should keep up for some time yet. The last monthly payout amounted to £6681 16/-, being at the rate of 1/4 per lb for butter-fat.

Shortly after 11 o’clock last evening a vivid reflection in the sky to the south of the town made it appear that a big fire was raging near the Coast, but inquiries made elicited the information that a wide area of scrub in the vicinity of Woodend was ablaze. No serious damage, however, was reported.

Press Association messages report that bush fires are raging in the lower Wairarapa and in the Gisborne district. A number of farm buildings have been destroyed in the localities mentioned. At the Mt. Holdsworth Estate (Wairarapa), the fires were fought from 8.30 a.m. on Suy.day till 4 p.m. on Monday, the efforts resulting in saving the homestead, wool-shed and other buildings.

At the Supreme Court at 'Wellington yesterday, in sentencing Herbert Symes, late clerk of the Pohangina County Council, to 12 month’s probation for embezzling £382 10s, the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout) commented that thefts of moneys from local bodies and Crown offices seemed to be fashionable in New Zealand and some juries seemed to see nothing wrong in it.

The old Waipahi Hotel of the coaching days was destroyed by fire yesterday morning, reports the Mataura Ensign. It was occupied as a camp by a telephone gang working in the district, and all but the ccok were absent at the time. The cook did not have much opportunity of saving anything. Two of the gang lost their cash and clothes, but the effects of others were saved. The building was a very old landmark, and the fire reduced it to a heap of ashes in half an hour.

A Press Association telegram from Palmerston North states that at the Magistrate’s Court there yesterday, Wilson Hodges was charged that on divers dates between December, 1919, and December, 1922, being a trustee under the will of the late George Hodges, Port Chalmers, medical practitioner, he did with intent to defraud and in violation of trust, convert to his own use the sum of £2369 received and held in trust. Accused was remanded to appear at Dunedin.

The liner Ruapehu, which arrived at Wellington from Southampton yesterday, brought 270 immigrants, comprising 59 men, 96 women, and 115 children. Their destinations are: Auckland 99, Wellington 94,' Lyttelton 26, Dunedin 11, Gisborne 2, Napier 7, and New Plymouth 2, the remainder being for various South Island ports. The North Island contingent left Wellington last night, but the others will be detained there till Thursday owing to no berths being available on the ferry steamers, due to the Ruapehu’s early arrival.—Press Association.

The exceptional force of the gale, which set in on Saturday night, was responsible for a very curious incident. When the gale was at its height, in the early hours of Sunday morning, the round window in the Fire Brigade Station was blown out, the sash and glass falling with a crash on to the pavement below. The Superintendent, who lives opposite to the station, heard the crash but the men sleeping at the station were not awakened. Curiously, the window is situated on the lee or east side of the station, while the wind came from the north-west.

According to the Mat aura Ensign Wirth Bros.’ special train had a rough spin on the way from Wyndham in the early hours of Sunday morning. On the approach to Mataura at about 3 a.m. the force of the hurricane was so great that the engine expended all the steam available and eventually came to a standstill through want of water. One strong gust wrenched the roof from the travelling kitchen, and the occupants of the train were rather surprised that the whole outfit did not leave the rails. However, Gore was reached between 4 and 5 a.m. with no further casualty.

One of the Australian Forest League’s slogans is that one tree will make a million matches, but one match may destroy a million trees.

Arrangements are at present being made by the Railway Department to instal a system of electric lighting for the Invercargill railway station, a special officer having been sent down from Dunedin to prepare a preliminary report on the proposed work.

Amusement was caused at a political meeting in Whangarei, which was addressed by Mr W. J. Jordan, M.P., when the chairman, who was somewhat nervous, said: “Mr Jordan is going to hold a service in the Methodist Church on Sunday, so you can quite see that he is—er—quite respectable.”

The permanent officers of the Defence Department stationed in this district, who have been attending a special refresher course extending over a fortnight at Burnham, returned to Invercargill by the express on Saturday evening. Arrangements are now being made to dispatch about 30 of the non-commissioned officers attached to, the cadet companies in the district to a similar course of training, which is to be also held at Burnham from January 15 to the 31st.

A Wellington Press Association telegram reports that at the annual meeting of the Gear Meat Co. it was stated that, after making allowance for depreciation and payment of the interim dividend, a substantial balance remained. The directors recommended a dividend of 1/6 per share absorbing £23,000, an appropriation towards liability for taxes, etc., in New Zealand and Great Britain of £12,500 and that £26,464 be carried forward. The recommendation was agreed to.

In connection with the letter in yesterday morning’s issue under the signature of Thomas S. Little with regard to Waimate Show successes, it is stated that the telegram insofar as it refers to Mr Anderson gaining two championships, three firsts, five seconds, and three thirds at the Show was correct. The point where the message went astray was in suggesting that these successes were gained in Border Leicesters only, for although Mr Anderson secured one first, four seconds and three thirds in this class, it was in Romneys that he scored chiefly, including his two championships.

At a meeting of the executive of the Bluff Citizens’ Association held on Saturday evening a large amount of routine business was dealt with. The president (Sergeant C. W’. Tomkinson), intimated that he would be leaving for Gore in the near future. He regretted his departure, and he hoped that the, interest manifested by the members in the Association would continue. He suggested that they should undertake the publication of a booklet setting out the advantages of Bluff as a holiday resort and its beautiful and natural features. They should, he said, stress one fact which very few people realised, vis., that the native bush on the eastern slope of the Bluff hill was the finest in the whole of Southland. This was the opinion of an acquaintance of his who was singularly qualified to judge. The speaker desired to be relieved of his presidential office immediately, but was persuaded to carry on till the day of his departure. His opinion concerning .the Bluff bush was heartily endorsed by Messrs Steadman and Wiig. It was 'decided to inquire as to whether it would not be advisable to have the train on Sunday start from Invercargill at an earlier hour, so that the people visiting the port would have a longer stay. Canvassers were then appointed to enlist additional members and donations. The meeting terminated with a hearty vote of thanks to the chair.

See our gent’s superior silk wide-end ties for the holiday trade—an unrivalled selection. Big assortment of fancy handkerchiefs, holiday shirts, fine underwear, fancy and plain socks, smartly cut gaberdine trousers with side straps, raised seams and cuff bottoms. McNeil and Clark, next News, Dee street. — (Advt).

Holiday Hats at Thomson and Beattie’s embrace quite a wide range from the popular Rush Hats at 1/- and 1/6 to models at 19/6, 29/6 and 39/6. Be sure and see the wonderful value on offer in Millinery Flowers. A selection of over 60 dozen to choose from at prices from 6d, 1/- to 1/6 each.— (Advt).

A novel invention which is at present being demonstrated at Lewis’s, is an attachment for sewing machines. This simple little contrivance can be fitted to any make of machine and will turn your darning worries to ease and pleasure. Demonstrations daily from 10 to 12.30 and 2 to 5 p.m., at Lewis’s, Ltd.—Southland’s Shopping Centre.— (Advt).

Prices to please. Please note our low prices. Best of goods for Christmas cheer. Canned Fruits, Dried Fruits, Cordials, Summer Drinks, Walnuts. Crystal Ginger, Crys tai Jellies—at BAXTER’S.—(Advt.)

Bring the children to the Magic Cove at Lewis’s. Dips 6d and 9d. This is a novelty that will delight and interest the little ones. Lewis’s Ltd. —Since 1862 Southland’s Shopping Centre.— (Advt).

Hyndman’s Christmas shipment of Mecanno has just arrived and sets are being rapidly reserved for Christmas needs. Prices this season are: No. 0, 7/6; No. 1, 12/6; No. 2, 23/-; No. 3, 35/-; No. 4. 60/-. All accessory sets are stocked, together with spare parts and motors. There is no better gift for a boy than Meccano—let us demonstrate. Hyndman's Meccano Agents. (Advt.).

The slogan of the times is: “Give Useful Gifts.” Things that are good and useful are a constant reminder of the good sense of the giver and for gifts that measure up to this standard the “Onoto.” “Waterman” and “Swan” Fountain Pens and ',‘Eversharp” pencils are the ideal gift indeed. They are the kind of gift a man appreciates, for they are things he would buy for himself. For the fair sex nothing better could be chosen than a box of delightfully attractive stationery in choice tints. They are'presents to be admired every time they are used. You are cordially invited to inspect these lines at Craig’s new stationery department, Tay Street, opp. H. & J. Smith’s. — (Advt).

We are fully stocked with the latest productions in watches and jewellery. Our full range of ladies’ wristlet and pocket watches from 14/- to £l4, cannot be surpassed, each watch being guaranteed. Gent’s watches in metal cases, from 9/6 to £3 10/-; silver, £2 10/- to £9; gold, £4 10/- to £3O. Buy your watch from the practical watchmaker, T. M. Rankin, Tay street, Invercargill. — (Advt.).

We place at our Client’s disposal firstclass vehicles and efficient, courteous men. The result io that people employ us time after time. The New Zealand Express Co. Ltd.—(Advt).

These are a few of the bargains now obtainable at Lewis’s Bargain Basement.— Corsets, 1/11 to 7/11; Ladies’ Singlets (trimmed lace), 1/11 to 2/11; Brassieres in best makes, 1/11 to 4/11; All-wool Vests, 4/11 to# 7 11; Longcloth Nightdresses, from 5/11; Flannelette Nightdresses, 5/11 and 6/11; Children’s Combs, all wool, from 3/11; Child’s Dresses, 2/11 and 3/11; Ladies’ Dressing Jackets, 4/11 and 5/11; Moleton Gowns, 10/6; Crepe Gowns, all colours, 13/6 and 14/6. These big values at the Bargain Basement only. Lewis's Ltd.—Southland’s Shopping Centre.— (Advt). “Welcome —season of smiles.”—Haye. Despite the friendliness of the summer weather, colds and coughs are always imminent. Don’t risk catching one. Keep Baxter’s Lung Preserver always handy. “Baxter’s” is the ideal family medicine. Keeps colds and ’flu at bay—drives coughs, bronchial and chest troubles right out of the system. Invaluable also as a buildingup tonic. You can get a generous-sited bottle from your chemist or store for 2/6; or. better still, get the family site at 4/6. (Advt.)

“I think it is a ridiculous procedure for the Town Council to insist upon all cam being lighted when parked on a brilliantly lit portion of a thoroughfare such as the theatre or picture-show,” said a speaker at last night’s meeting of the Motor Asaocia* etion.

Humorous allusions to sausages were made by Mr Justice Frazer in the Arbitration Court at Auckland, when an exemption from the closing hours provision was sought by shopkeepers selling cooked meats. “Someone asked us once,” said His Honour, “what a sausage was, and we deemed diacretion to be the better part, and we would not answer.” His Honour then asked if sausages were, in the present application, a “bone of contention.” The reply was that nothing of that nature had been raised, and His Honour then said they would let the sausages lie.