LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 50, 20 June 1914, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A deputation waited on Mr Massey at To Kuiti on Ti ednesday concerning the liquor traffic in the King Country. Messrs Ormsl'ey, Martin and Sandison represented the conference of local bodies recently held on - the subject, and asked that the restrictions bo removed, and license under municipal control established. Another deputation, including a large number of ladies and several ministers, asked that the restrictions should remain. Mr Massey, in his reply, said it was plain that much liquor was coming into the district, and also that many places were selling grog. It was difficult to suggest a remedy. He would place the matter before his colleagues, and do what he considered right in view of all the circumstances.

An interesting tribute to women’s courage, enterprise, and the increasing value of their services as explorers, is paid by Mr Burlingham (says the Pictorial). who has recently kinematographed the crater of Vesuvius, in his new volume of Alpine climbing. He points out that not only are there no heights which women will not venture to climb, but that, certain peaks never reached by men have now been explored by women, the discovery of an entire new range in the Himalayas being placed to the credit of that most remarkable mountaineer, Airs "Bullock Workman. Yet, curiously enough, this daring spirit of adventure and most dangerous exercise is no outcome of modern athleticism among women. A century ago a woman climbed Mont Blanc, and ever since her sex hare been following in her slippery «teps.

On Wednesday, July loth, the Government offices will be closed throughout the Dominion for the celebration of Arbor Day.

A reminder is given of the concert to be given at Victoria Parrk to-mor-row afternoon by the Municipal Band. A collection will lie taken up in aid of a distressed family.

At a special meeting this morning, the Stratford County Council decided to apply for a permit for a tollgate twelve to fifteen chains south of the Waipuku stream.

The takings at the Palmerston Show on Thursday amounted to £294 19s 4d. which is £0 19s 9d loss than last year. For the three days there

is an increase on the corresponding davs last year of £59 4s.

The Government has been presented by Mr T. A. Duncan, of Otairi, near Hunterville, with what is recognised as the champion bullock of the Dominion in order that it may be shown at Panama Exhibition.

Between 5 o’clock last night and 8 o’clock this morning a cash box containing £125 in cheques, gold, and silver was stolen from Dalgety Co.’s Wavefley agency office. So far, states a Wanganui P.A. message, there is no clue. The police are investigating.

Barras and Reggiardo will appear at the Town Hall this evening for the last time, when there should bo a good attendance of the public. [Marionette shows are not frequent visitors to Stratford, and Reggiardo gives an excellent exposition of the juggler’s art.

John Johnston, a member of the New Zealand police force, was arrested prior to his departure from Tahiti for ’Frisco yesterday, charged with deserting his post at Oamaru. Before the Court to-day (states the Press Association) he was remanded till Monday, bail of £9O being allowed.

A Blenheim Press Association telegram states: The Hon. J. Allen addressed a well-attended meeting at Ward last night, speaking on the lines o fprevious addresses. At the conclusion, a vote of thanks and confidence in the Massey Government was carried by a very narrow majority over an amendment of thanks only, and no confidence owing to the stoppage of railway works in the district.

An amusing incident happened at the Palmerston Show on Wednesday. While the Prime Minister was doing the rounds he paused to look at some pumps. The proprietor of the exhibit took advantage of the Prime Minister's presence and remarked: -“It will draw anything, Mr Massey.” “Will it draw Ward’s policy?” queried an onlooker. Mr Massey thoroughly appreciated the joke.

Another theft of mail bags has been reported to the police. The bags—two from Kakahi and one from Piriaka—were placed on the train, which left Ohakune at 8.15 o’clock on Saturday night, but when the train reached Taumarunui they were missing. The bags contained registered letters and cheques.

Says the Manawatu Standard: While the vendor of the half-ton cheese was busily engaged at the Show yesterday afternoon in dealing out large pieces to the public to the tune of one shilling per piece some small boys on the other side with their eagle eye to business spotted coins sticking out through the cheese and lost no time over an extracting operation, greatly to the amusement of the onlookers. The vendor still continued to accept the shilling from the public on his side while the small boys marched serenely off to the nearest side show to invest their surplus revenue.

A most successful euchre party and dance was held in the Midhirst Town Hall on Wednesday night, the prizes being won by Miss Fischer and Mr Barford, while the “boobies” went to Mrs Shotter and Mr Fischer. The committee are to be congratulated on the excellent manner in which all the arrangements were carried out. Messrs Shotter and Sullivan, in their duties as M.C’s., were indefatigable in their efforts to give all an enjoyable time.

In the case of Stuart Dixon, president of the new Huntly Miners’ Union, against the Federation of Labor for £IOOO damages for alleged libel contained in an article in the Maoriland Worker, where the plaintiff was referred to as a “scab.” the jury at the Hamilton Supreme Court yesterday, after sitting in retirement for three hours, returned a unanimous verdict for the plaintiff on the question of libel, and by nine to three for £IOO damages, and costs according to scale. Plaintiff was not put in the box.

At the Dunedin Garrison Hall last night, the Waterside Workers’ No. i and Enfield (Oamaru) teams which took part in the recent tug-of-war, pulled for the challenge stake of £125 (best three out of five pulls to count). The Press Association states that the result was a win for the Enfield, who won three pulls straight out, though the contest# were very close and strenuous. Thera was great excitement, and much cheering at the finish.