LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 79, 24 March 1914, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The members of the Public Service Appeal Board who were at Greymouth hearing objections to the classification left to-day for Christchurch.—P.A.

, The annual collection in aid of the Napier, Hospital has produced up to the present, £424 10s, and there are still a number of. otitside contributions to come in, states the Press Association. ...

A Stratford resident had his chance of winning a few thousand pounds wiped out when the' eight horses fell in the race for the Kbsehill Cup, as he held a sweep ticket on Crown Grant, one of the unlucky ones.

A local schoolboy, aged 8, brought home a watch, which he informed his mother had been given him by another boy. It transpired it had been taken from an empty house. As soon as it came to the knowledge of the boy's father, he at once telephoned the police.

Before the Arbitration Court at

Wanganui the boilermaivers • made an application for a new award. Evidence was taken and decision reserved. The coachworkees' also applied for a new award, and no objection was rais 7 ed by the employers. The application was adjourned (says the Press Association) to enable evidence to be taken in other districts, when an award will be made.

j The secretary of the Stratford ! Motoring Club carried out an interestj ing trial yesterday with the Calthorpe I minor motor car. The test was in j the nature of a petrol consumption I trial, and the journey selected was j from Stratford to "Waitara and back. j An even speed of 20 miles per hour [ was observed throughout the journey, and all hills were successfully negotiated. A distance of 52 miles was travelled, the t -jl used being motor spirits. The amoiK ';, of motor spirits used was nine pints, which gives a mileage of 46 2-9 miles per gallon. The total weight of the driver and passenger was 23J stone. The car is fitted witJi a 10 h.p. 4 cylinder engine, water cooled, and the above result must be very pleasing to the makers. The Stratford Motoring Club is moving in the direction of instituting trials for all makes of cycle and minor cars. Another matter that is being inquired into by the Club is the question of erecting sign posts on the different roads at all the dangerous crossings and curves. The local bodies concerned are being written to in the matter, and in the near future the Stratford Club hopes to have its notices wherever these death traps occur.

A short sharp earthquake shock was felt at Masterton at 12.15 this morning, states the Press Association.

It is the intention of His Worship the Mayor shortly to address the burgesses of Stratfo/d on matters of current interest at a public meeting, the date of which will be duly notified.

Members of the local Bowling Club are requested by the Committee to take a basket to the green to-morrow, when the Banner finals for the district will be played. In all probability a 3-rink match will be arranged in the afternoon with the losers in the morning games.

Based on the discoveries, of Dr. Sir W. Arbuthnot Lane, of Guy's Hospital, London, an article appeared in the March issue of "Life" setting out how purified paraffin oil might be used as an aid to long life. "Life" repeats in its April issue, that inquiries made; in scientific, medcal, and other quareters in Australia, go 'to show that Dr. Lane's theories have been put. to practical test, and have not been found wanting in results.

Sir Joseph Ward has sent the following reply to Mr Hiram Hunter, president of the.Soca! Democratic Party, Christclmreh, re the new Lib-eral-Labour Federation in Wellington: "In reply to your telegram, conduct your business as you think best. I have no right directly or indirectly to interfere with the decisions of yoursel for any other section of the community.—J. G. Ward."—P.A.

The Premier and party left Greymouth this morning for Christchurch, states the Press Association. Interviewed, Mr Massey said he now knew more of the - West Coast, and was fully alive to its requirements and possibilities., There was no doubt it had a great future before it, but it was in the hands of the people themselves whether they would put on the brake.

The following incident is vouched for by a Whangarei auctioneer:—At § a small settlement not very far from ;;;,■■: Whangarei, church services are held*' in the dining room of a settler's house. On a recent occasion the clergyman was conducting service, and after announcing the hymn he started to read the first verse. He ( got to-the end of the first line, when the cockatoo, which had not heen removed as was the usual custom, made his presence known by the remark, "What rot! Get us a cup of tea." Cocky was immediately removed and service continued, but not with the , solemnity which is usual.

Midhirst Tennis Club was favored with delightful weather on Thursday afternoon, when at the invitation of Mrs E. A. Richmond, Beaconsfield Road, a pleasant afternoon was spent, about 30 being present. Refreshments' were served on the lawn, and in the evening. a dance and concert took place. Among those present who contributed towards the happiness of the gathering were, besides the hostess (Mrs Richmond), Mr and Mrs Wunsch, Mrs McXeely (pianist), and Mr Len Sangster, who played the bagpipes. All appreciated the kindness of Mrs Richmond, who, with those who took part in the concert, did so mucb to ; make a happy and successful gather-

There, was a record attendance of members at the Foresters' Hall last night, when the quarterly financial meeting of the Oddfellow's' Lodge, Manchester Unity, took place, Bro. E. W. Hancock, X.G., presiding. Th/> report of the delegates who attended the district meeting met with ,the' Lodge's approval, and the delegates received a vote of thanks. One newmember was proposed. After the business of the Lodge had been disposed of, an "At Home" took place,: when some visitors and friends joined members for the purpose of making a presentation to Bro. and Sis. Thompson, on the occasion of their marriage. P.P.G.M. Bro C. I). Sole, on behalf of the. Lodge, in a few well chosen words, presented Bro. Thompson with a silver teapot, suitably en-, graved,. also on behalf of P.G. Bro. Webb,, a case of afternoon tea spoons. The recipient suitably replied. |The remainder of the evening was devoted to dancing and vocal and musical items. The following contributed songs :—Sister I. Sole, Bros. A. Gorton, C. H. Lawn, Bennett, and Mr Irvine-Blaekstock. Bro. Lawn also •contributed a cornet solo, and by special request Mr W. H. Hawkins contributed two recitations. The music for the dance, and the accompaniments for the various items was capably carried out by Mr A. Richardson, Sister Cramer and Bro. Lawn also,assistiiig witli extras. Bro. Lawson carried out the duties of M.C. Mrs Brooking provided an excellent supper. The gather broke up at midnight.