NEWS OF THE DAY.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 14120, 23 June 1916, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Members are reminded of .the annual meeting of the Nelson Jockey Club to be held at Mercer's rooms to-morrow evening.

Mr D. Orushek, secretary of the .Nelson Coursing Cluh, has forwarded to Mrs W. Lock the sum of £30, being the whole/of the profits from the recent coursing meeting held at Richmond, of which £5 is to go to the Red Cross and £5 to the Lady Liverpool Fund Committee.

The Mayor of Wellington has received a cheque for £500 from Mi- Vivian Riddiford, as a donation towards the fund that is being raised to aid the dependents of naval seamen who may be in need of assistance.

The French Red Cross in Auckland have asked for a photograph' of the Nelson Red Cross Committee, and all members of the committee who possibly can do so arc asked to' attend at Mr F. N. Jones's studio at 11 a.m. to-morrow for the purpose of having a group photograph taken.

A unique display of interest to thoso who make a study of the cost of living i>roblem is now being made in one of the windows of tho C.D.C. premises in Bridge street. It comprises over- 600 bonus certificates of 10 per cent, whk-h are payable on purchases made by shareholders and over 500 cheques for the 6 per cent, dividend on shares recently declared by the company. .Bonus cheques are payable-'in cash at the company's office or branches and the dividend cheques are payable at the National Bank of New Zealand Ltd., Trafalgar street. Such a display has never before been seen in Nelson, and. is practical proof of the undoubted success of the-company.

The secretary of the Westport Harbour Board submitted a statement at this week's, meeting, showing the board's approximate financial position up to September 30th, 1916. Mr. Greenland stated that he had taken that period for the reason that from Jul.y Ist to September Ist the heaviest sinking fund "and interest charges' would have to be met. "This statement," added the secretary, "will show that the revenue is just holding its own with the expenditure, and that the greatest care will have to be taken in the future in regard to the board's expenditure*"

"We find boys under age clamouring to be taken for service, but the selfish, comfort-loving bachelor^ who has not even had the courage to marry or take any interest in his country,_ has not been found rushing the recruiting officers." said Lady Stout, speaking at Napier. "Now that type of man is the class which crowds the racecourse. If I had my way I would not only conscript but press"1 gang the men fron. the racecourse into Trenthara. Three months of training at Trentham might rouse their manhood and make them ashamed to stand back when the young boys are giving up their all and th,e dreams "of the future, at the Ems pire's call. Pleasure and con.fort. n.s usual is as detrimental to the Empire's welfare as business as usual."

There lias been a great slump in the hotel trade in New South Wales, and this was noticeable before the referendum was taken. At the Licensing Court at Newcastle, recently "William Leonard applied for a renewal of his license at the Centennial Hotel, Hunter street, and a reduction in the license fee. Business, said the applicant, had 'dropped by 50 per cent, since the earlier closing of the hotels. A3l drew; Nvman. from Castlen«aine Brewery and Wood Brothers, said there had been a general falling-off in trade, in some instance*s to half of what it had been 1 ■■'fore early closing came into operat:">n. A great number of hotels were for sale, in the hands of brokers; in anticipation of early closing. Sales of hotels were very rare. Mr. Adrian, S.M., in adiourning the ease ""for a week, said the fee should be or> the income, ascertainable by an audit ?;y a G!ov«>rnment accountant.

"Lord Kitchener realised the ei-:.-;en-cials in ' everything that lu> did. ■"■<-**

in the East and in the West." said Miss C. W. Christie, in a ThnosopfaVal lecture oti. Sunday evening." "Takn tinl. theory of the one life, and a genius Tike him cannot be explained. Kitchener had made the faculty by life after life of-effort, and was born into a family that could give the necessary environment for the expression of bis abilities. It is impossible to think that a man like him is dead; in fact, he is still keenly interested in the great war, and is more, active than ever on the other side. He still meets daily Ms old friends, and has a, tremendous influence with them, and can put valuable ideas into the minds of his associates. Both Kitchener and Bismarck aid their sides to an enormous extent." The speaker thought that Kitchener would be born again under another name before long, and he wouxd use his great talent in helping to • organise the new social conditions Kings and queens, ."Miss Christie asserted, often, came back to do the work of tne countries that they loved

In-regard to the censorship of newspapers posted: to neutral countries by individuals^ ■ an' impression, appears to have got abroad that this censorship applies to all newspapers posted by private individuals. The notice issued by the Postmaster-General clearly relates to neutral countries only, and is not intended to stop the sending of daily and ' weekly newspapers to our soldiers' on active service, either care of the Wellington Post Office or addressed directly.

Major F. B. Knyvett, formerly of Auckland, who joined the Australian Expeditionary Force in Sydney and has been on active service from the beginning of the war, is reported wounded in France. Captain Knyvett (as he was when ,i resident of New Zealand) was one of the best and most enthusiastic volunteer officers in tho Auckland district. He came into .sharp conflict with the military authorities about six years ago, his case causing considerable public interest Soon afterwards he removed to Sydney.

Blue roses and black tulips may be dreams of the flower grower, but tho nink daffodil proved to be a reality (states a London journal). It was exhibited at a daffodil show at the Horticultural' Hall by Messrs. Barr and Son, who won the gold medal of the show. Pink Beauty is its -name; the faint flush of pink being visible in the trumpet, while the perianth is white. Pink Beauty is at yet beyond price. Messrs. Barr also showed three beautiful golden yellow novelties called General-. Sarrail, General Townshend, and Golden Model. The lust named is now for sale —at £20 a bulb.

Ploughing is fairly general throughout Southland, and the work is being carried out under the most favourable conditions (reports the "Daily News"). A farmer said that he intended to devote the same area as usual to oats, though- values this year had been disappointing, and he knew of others in his district who would also sow a considerable portion of their land in the cereal, being prompted by a sense of duty rather than with the idea of making a substantial profit. Farm workers are scarce, but mutual help amongst neighbours will to some extent overcome the difficulty.

A meeting of the Nelson Poultry Association was held at Opie's rooms last evening, a large number being present. It was resolved to allot Kirkpatrick and Co.'s trophy for most points in the forthcoming patriotic show, and trophies were awarded! for the best male cat and the best female cat in the show, the extries for the cat section being extended till to-morrow (Saturday) night, with Mr Boon, chemist. Officers were also elected for the show. -

The production of ostrich feathers will probably he removed shortly from the list of New .Zealand industries, as the farm at Pukekohe will be closed, and the property sold (says the "New Zealand Herald"). The farm was established in 1902, and stocked with birds from South Africa in 1903. The war has also stifled the demand for ostrich plumes, and, owing to the unfavourable conditions, the stock has not been increased during the past two years. There are now about 240 birds on the farm. Their commercial value

.■•;■... i-) ■ c-.ytiiMito, ;\s tlici'i? in ::c indication of any new enterprise that would utilise them. In the United States, even at the present time, the value of ostriches is very high.

It does' not appear to be generally known, that a police officer can refuse to state, when giving evidence on oath, the sources of his information. A ease rj point occurred recently in the Magistrate's Court, Gisborne, when v Maori was the defendant against a claim for £75, the value of a bullock alleged to have been sold by him. The case was previously before a criminal Court, when Detective McLeod gave certain evidence; He gave similar evidence in the civil case, but refused to answer Mr. Dunlop's (counsel for deiandant) query as to where he got most of lits information. Mr. Dunlop pushed for on answer, but Mr. Barton. 5.1v1., upheld Detective McLeod, and said that an officer was not bound to divulge the sources of his information, as it may defeat the ends of justice."

Although June 21st is popularly considered to be the shortest day of the year, that is not so this year, the distinction falling on June 22nd (yesterday), but the actual difference is very smail—one second. "After to-morrow the shortest day, which marks the winter solstice, will have passed, and the days will be lengthened," said the Dominion Meteorologist, Mr. D. C. Bates, to a "Post" reporter on Wednesday. The hour of sunset has been getting later since June 15th, but sunrise will not commence to be earlier until June 30th. Mr. Bates explains that this apparent difference is owing to the equation \of time, by which clocks are made to keep regular time, wheras solar time differs. The winter months in New Zealand are June, July and August, but July is the coldest month of the year, which bears out the old saying that "as the days lengthen so the cold strengthens." Similarly, although the .summer solstice occurs in December, the warmest month of the yc:>.r is January. It was oO years on Monday, June sth, since the first chess match by telegraph was played in New Zealand, viz., a two-game match between Christchurch and Nelson (says the "New Zealand Times"). The telegraph line between these two centres had just been completed, and the idea of the match first occurred to the late Mr. Charles Janion (who died in Wellington three and a-half years ago, the cause of New Zealand chess being the better for Mr. Janion's 50 years' connection ivith it). Mr. Janion (who was then on the staff of the "Nelson Examiner") had the assistance of Mr. •Varley, the Government electrician, in connection with the preliminary ' arrangements. Three players consulted h^ each city, and the two games were ultimately won by Christchurch. It is proposed- to mark the jubilee .with n .similar match between the Canterbury and Nelson Chess Clubs, and negotiations for the contest have been in progress for some time past. Although the Canterbury Club is a very strong one, the chances of the Neisonians are not^ to be despised, as " their trio includes Messrs. Dodds and Sainsbury, two players who are deservedly wellknown • throughout the Dominion through their fine showings in several New Zealand championship congi'esses.

1 * • ■ A cage of 10 live canaries was landed by tho Athenic at. Wellington froiw London (say ß the "New Zealand iiraes- ). Iho birds were on their way -to New Zealand by the Rsuigatira whew she was wrecked sear Capetown. They were traii&liinped at Capetown to tho Athenic flu? agents (Levin and -Co.) are unable to ascertain who the consignees are.

Ghnstehurch has made a move to cope with the women's national work problem. The National Reserve has been in correspondence with the curator of the Chnstchurch Domain in regard to women taking tho place of men gardeners. The curator has taken tho mauler up heartily, and will start a gardening class for members of the Women's National Reserve. He proposes to give them two hours a week, Mondays and Thursdays, from two to throe o'clock.

(c When infcorviov.od by a Ghristchurch "Sun" representative, the 'manager of a big coal company deprecated the attempts made to create the impression, that the coal shortage was such' as to cause alarm- and-to lend the idea that there.was a possibility of a coal famine. •Undouutediy," he said/ "there is a shortage, but, though householders may have to forego their preference for screened coal and exercise more economy there js nothing to indicate that stocks are insufficient to cope with essential requirements." He went on to say that, owing to the enlistment oi hundreds of miners, the output had! oeen reduced. The requirements of the Admiralty and the Government for troopships and railways had first to be met, but present indications were •tha,t,_ i£ economy were exercised, a sufhcient-margin would remain to obviate anything in the nature of serious inconvenience to householders.

The Ota go High School Board of Governors had the matter of war' certificates versus prizes under discussion at its last meeting. It was* decided that the chairman of the board (Mr 1. Jv. Sidey, M.P.) should interview the lady principal of the Girls' High beiiool (Miss Allan)' and the rector of the Boys' School (Mr. Morrell) and suggest the advisability of allowing the boys and girls to take a secret ballot on the point. Both Mr. Morrell and Miss Allan, it is stated, strongly favoui* the present system' o f giving prizes.

The Thermometer.—At 3 o'clock ibis morning the thermometer outagethis office registered 42 degrees