NEWS OF THE DAY.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 14140, 17 July 1916, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY.

A-meeting of fruitgrowers, in co1)----nection Mith the Nelson Uistrict Fruitpackers, Ltd.* will be held at Lower Moutere this evening.

A large shed, iiHed with hay and tv> which a small smitliy was ia.ttached, belonging to Mr .J. Hickmott, of Kaituna, v-as dostj-oj-ed by firo (says the "Golden Bay Times"). The origin of the fire is uiiknav,i3. There wore-no insui'ances.

Captain F. A. Macindoo, secretary of the Merchant vService Guild, recently jcturned w AYellington from Auckland, v.jierc ho had. gone to confer Vf-ith the NortheiH Steamship (joinpany in reference to the granting of a, war bonus to the masters in their employ. It was pointed out by Captdin Maciudoe that tlie officers oi: the company wore receiving a bonus, whilst the master,? were not. It has now been decided to bring tlie masters into line with the rest of the j company's officers.

During ; an address on bel&lf of the recruiting movement at the Dunedia Town Hall steps, Mr J. W. Mtmro (the well-known Labour leader, who' contested the Dunediri Central scab against Mr C. IL. Statham at the last general election) dealt with this question from the standpoint of Labour, and made it quito plain . (says the "Otago Daily Times ') that the resolutions passed by \anous trades union organisations throughout tho Dominion condemning the Military Service Bill were not supported by sane Labour, so far as the Otago district was concerned.

Among the Friends (Quakers) who are doing relief work iv ■Northern France, ,a very important agricultural section is developing immense proportions. Under an expert's direction the Society of Friends has been able to help many peasant farmers to till and sow and reap their ground, so ensuring that the harvest, even in the devastated region:,, was not a failure. The efforts of the Friends have been strengthened by the support of the Agricultural Relief of Allies Committee, by the American Relief Clearing-house,- and by the Lrench Agricultural Society. Jn many cases only women have remained on the tarms to do the work, and nowhere conld men of strong working age be found,.

John M'BrkJe, shot in Dublin for participation in the Sinn Fein rising, was the Major M'Bride of the Boer war, when he-fought against the English troops. An attempt was made at one time: to bring him into Parliament as member for an Irish constituency "at a time when much feeling was aroused by a proposal which was ultimately abandoned. Then, he was forgotten, except for his matrimonial adventure, and- he dropped out. of notice as an official of the Dublin Corporation. Some sensation, however, was caused when he married Miss Maud Gonne, the brilliant and attractive woman who played a most active part in Irish political affairs, especially in connection with the Home Rule Union, and who was for years a frequent visitor ti> f the House of Commons. She civorced M'Bride after a comparatively brief married life.

The iZoological Gardens authorities foresee (says the Melbourne "Argus'') the time when, with the replacement of the horse by tho motor, it will no longer be possible to get a sufficiency of that diet which the Jions, tigers, and the larger carnivora much prefer to any other. To the public the roaring of these animals at meal time sounds much alike, but to the trained ears of tho keepers there is a difference. When iiice, tender, young horse meat is served it is a roar of unmixed" approval, if there is only beef on the menu ai note of grumbling can be detected ; but on those rare occasions when nothing but mutton can be obtained there'is a crescendo howling of discontent, it is believed, indeed," that if mutton were served for a whole week there would be something like a hunger strike at Royal Park. As it is, the' animals will not fall to for some time after their mutton is put before them, but they toss ib about and roll it to show their contempt for sheep's meat.

Queensland continues to go ahead in the matter of Slate undertakings (says the Australian correspondent "of the "Otago Daily Times"). The Government of that State has just instituted a monopoly of the business of insurances under the law regarding the liability of employers., The private insurance companies recently sought from the High Court an injunction restraining th 2 Government from setting up this monopoly. They succeeded to the extent of getting a judgment that a straight-out monopoly was illegal. But if} was an eispty win, because the court did not say* anything against the position that workmen's insurance business can only be done under license from the Government, which can refuse to give a. license. As a matter of fact, the applications 'by the different local companies for such licenses have been formally refused. Employers are by law compelled to insure. Ministers admit that they are serioiisly considering tho extension of the Government insurance operations to life and annuity business.

Trouble occurred oa board-a troopship due to leave Melbourne recently (states the correspondent of the Sydney "Sun"). Tho firemen and crew were colled out by their union, and in a short time tho strikers -were replaced by naval reserve men and the vessel sailed on time. Mr Jer-sen (Minister for the Navy), who n-.ade the new;-; available for publication, said it was the first time, a,s far as the Commonwealth was concerned, that a troopship bad sailed fully equipped with naval reserve seamen and firemen. The trouble -arose in connection with the dumping overboard of the ashes from the stokehold by tlie firemen during their watch. Overtime, was claimed for such work, and Mi- Jensen agreed to pay it. The work, however, in the opinion of the chief engineer, was considered onerous and the Seamen's Union reiused to accede to it. and gave the Minister 21 hciu-s' notice of its intention to call the men out if its request was not agreed to. Mr Jensen refused to depart from his attitude, and at tlie expiration of 24 hours the crew left the vessel.

New buildings have, been completed at St. Saviour's Orphanage, North Richmond, Christc-hurch. The danger of fire and overcrowding of the old buildings necessitated the work being undertaken at the present time, and congratulations have been extended to members of the Anglican Church th?.t ythe whole cost has been provided by voluntary contributions.

The Thermometer.—At 3 o'clock this niqrning the thermometer out^<3© this office registered 48 degrees.

For Bronchial Coughs, take Woods' Great Peppermint Cure

Where to stay when in Westport. GRAND HOTEL, opposite ,Bank of New Zealand.*

Norman L. Emms's car leaves Takaka for Gollifijgwood on arrival of Ms Nelson cars on Tuesdays and Thursdays. C^irs will lea^-e Collingwood for Takak? on Wednesdavo and Friday-« at s r ,-s f n eontipcr with car tor Nelson at iO

To-day a .special iwrciia.se of 23S Teddy Boars will 'be placed on quick tale at -'Novelties.." These* are all.of the very highest grade, and every one is British made,, beautifully finished, and strongly constructed, and will appeal to people who like to give their children really good and lasting toy**. It will handsomely pay both town and country residents to snap these up without delay. The price we paid was so low that we 'can well afford to sell at ONE-HALF and in some instances ONE-THIRD of the u?unl prices. Most aro 011 strong, firm wheels, but can be dataciied if desired. 4s 6d bears now 2s 6d; 10s 6d now 5s lid; 12s;6d now 5s lid* 16s 6d now &s. 6d; 20s now 10s 6d; 25s sow lls 6d ; and so on. Don't delay, as the prices and the goods will sell themselves. On.-display in window and toy room at "Novelties."

The travelling public are notified that Norman Emms has commenced a daily motor car service Nelson-Motueka-Ta-kaka. The cars employed are luxurious 50 h.p. Cadillacs. Patrons can rely on careful attention and civility. Book seats 'phone 39. Private address No. 14 "Wain™ street, 'ohon© 537.*