NEWS OF THE DAY.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14650, 2 March 1918, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY.

At Blenheim the owners of two old orchards were fined for failing to _take satisfactory. measures for the control of codlin moth.

The Labour Department at Wellington has received .two-separate applications for miners fov the West Coast colleries.

A meeting of the Stoke Horticulturall bociety will be held in the Public Hall on Monday evening, the 4th inst., to nominate officers and form committees in connection with the forthcoming There will be harvest thanksgiving services at the Nelson Baptist Church, to-morrow conducted by the &&v. J.1 Laird, with special anthems by ' the choir, J ■ i

Ihere were registered in JNelson dur-| mg February 21 births, ]0 deaths, and' 10 marriages. The date of Messrs Bisley Bros, and Go. .s sale $b Hope on account of Messrs » Berkett and Stagg has been altered to j Monday, the 4tk in&t.

The preponderance of female babies born in Nelson in January was counter-:' balanced by a majority of male babies • ■ in February. Of 21 births registered at Nelson during last month, the He- : gistrar (Mr S. Tyson) reports that 16 are males and 5 females. As the result of the exportation of" scwt of sample coal from the Gladstone mine, Motupipi, -the proprietary have secured a distant order for 100 tons, the nrst shipment of which will be despatched in a few days. The "Times" says^ that the seam which is now being worked is widening and getting thicker, with all bright, clean mineral. I jLhe 12th <Nelson and Marlborough) Regiment Band, by permission of the Officer Commanding, will give a sacred benefit concert in the Theatre Royal tomorrow evening, when they will be assisted by the Male Quartette Party, and Messrs Vitetta Brothers, Mrs J. Poginore, and Mr E. H. Short. An excellent programme has been arranged, which may be seen on another page of this issue. A silver coin collection will be taken up on behalf of Bandsman King, who has had a long and serious illness. As the case is a deserving one, lit is hoped there will be a large attendance of the public. The Anchor Company notify intend-! mg passengers that the s.s. Kaitoa will leave here*for Wellington direct at 7 o clock this evening, instead of 11 o'clock as previously advertised. j

Just arrived! 15 (only)' Ladies' exclusive Tailored Costumes—the last word in style. In Fine All Wool Navy Serge and Grey All Wool Suitings, 9' rh 6d, 105s, 115s, 1265, and 139s 6d.— Auckland Clotting and Drapery Co.*

Harvest thanksgiving services will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church tomorrow. Special music will be rendered by the choir, and the church will be • suitably decorated for the occasion.! Tne gifts offered will be given to the hospital and other philanthropic institutions. -The Rev. G. H. Gibb will con-! duct both services.

The Sydney pony clubs are well satisfied with the result of the adoption of | the 1, 2, 3 totalisator (says an ex- i change). The new system, in conjunction with the suppression of place bookmaking at tteir tracks, has nearly doubled investments, and whereas previously the clubs were barely receiving enough from the totalisator to cover its upkeep, the profit is now sufficiently great to reconcile them to the possible loss o£ ? fees l;*from those place-bookmak-ers who may decide upon dropping out entirely. When the new maetines at the pony tracks are completed it is probable they will be restricted to place-betting, ard those now in use utilised for straight-out business. What wits straight-out and place totalisators, and bookmakers, the public | will certainly be ;■ unable to complain that their speculative needs are insivliiciently "catered for at Sydney pony courses.

Perfectiori^in fit, style and workmanship! 15 (only) Ladies' Tailored Costumes, just arrived. Ir: all Wool Grey Suitings and Fine Navy Serge. Tte smartest costumes seen in Nelson—97 s 6d, 105s, 115s, 1265, and 139s 6d.— Auckland Clothing and Drapery Co.*

Mr G. S. Haycock, of Brightwater ? ! recently wrote to the Minister of Agri-I culture (Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald),j urging that Waimea and Motueka farmers should have received the same treatment as the North Island growers, as no wheat is exported from here. Mr Haycock points out that North Island' farmers get 4d per bushel extra for wheat and do not have the 2d per bushel deducted for putting it f.o.b. He also suggested to the Minister that the three millers, one at Motueka and two I In. the Waimeas, could have passed the wheat instead of having a Government broker. The letter was referred to the [wheat controller (Mr W. G. McDonald), [who replied: "It is the intention of the wheat purchase scheme to interfere as little as possible with the customs of the trade. In the past most of the wheat in the Nelson and Motueka district was delivered direct to the flourmills. The same procedure can be followed this year, but the growers must first communicate with a Government broker. In regard to price, it is impossible this year to correct the anomaly you have pointed out."

•Exclusive Costumes just arrived! 15 (only) Ladies' perfect. Tailored Costings—exact duplicates of Paris Models. In All Wool Navy Serges ata Grey Suitings. Distinctive in style ana cut—97s 6d, 105s, 115s, 126s and 139s 6d.—Auckland Clothing and Drapery Co.*.

As a war-time egg-producer, the Leghorn hen—a year ago the most prolific breed—has been outclassed. "Tht* recent Harper-Adams' competition (writes "Man of Kent" in a London paper) undoubtedly proved that the White Wyandotte is now tie more persistent layer. The average number of eggs laid per pen of six birds of Leghorns was 851, while the average Jaid ir; the same time by Wyandottes was 988. But taking the best pens of each breed, the disparity is even more striking. The higtest figures scored by Leghorns were 1068, while the top score of the Wyandottes was 1496: in the first case 178 eggs per bird and in the other 250. The failure of the Leghorn, 1 think, is partly explained by the extreme cold experienced dr.ring the first months of the year. On my own farm cold affected tlie light breed most adversely, but left the Wvandotte uttoucT.ed. The heavy breed is the better layer, and for those who desire ejrss? all the year ror.nd the Wyandotte is «mv iWoubtedlv the ir-ore consistent bird. Fortunately it thrives in confinement and takes quite kindly to town life, hut an extra foot of floor space per' bird is highly desirable."

In succession to the late Dr. Bedford | Archdeacon Woodthorpe will for this ; year take charge of the classes in economics aid the pass class-in iistory j at the Otago University. It is reported that a man at present' in the Napier Hospital suffering from a deep razor wound in the throat, supposed to have been self-inflicted, has recently inherited property in England valued at £50,000.

James Garden, 56 years, married, was.killed on a,, steep hill near Fairplace Estate, Riverdale, through, his wagon, containing fencing posts, capsizing! At an inquest a verdict of accidental death was returned. Deceased's wife resides -at South Bunedin

Dr. H. D. Bedford's fqperal was one of the largest seen in Dunedir for many years. The church, in nearly all denominations, the learned professions, tne Legislature, the corporations and companies, the Temperance party, and educationalists were all represented, it has not been previously mertioned that deceased's father and other members of his family are in South Africa.The Auckland "Star" states that the Government has suddenly awakened to the fact that there may be interesting memeztoes in the hull of the Boyd, which was burned by tie Maoris at Wliangaroa dose on a century ago. Notices in. calico have recently beei. stuck up in that district warning all and sundry not to interfere with the wreck. The Thirty-fifth Reinforcements were reviewed and inspected at Trentham Camp this week by His Excellency the Governor-General. The parade, according to the "Dominion," was one of the finest that have been seen at Trentham, the men's ceremonial drill being perfect, in the march past especially. Judging by their appearance the officers and men of tie Thirty-fifths are equal to the best drafts that have been trained in the New Zealand camps. The pleasing intelligence was conveyed to members of the Wellington High School Board of Governors that, by the will of the late James Mackay, Wellington College will benefit to the extent of £1200. Mr. Mackay died in Scotland in September. The intention of the donor was that the money should be utilised to provide a bursary of the annual value of £40, to be known as the "James Mackay Bursary," and tc

be leld for a term of three years by a .student of the college. The settling of the conditions was left to the board. Writing from the front, Sapper A. Beveridge, who was formerly chief engineer on the destructor staff, says ht. desires to release the Christcfcurch City Council from making up his army pay to what he received when in the council's employ. His pay from the council was £5 5s a week. "We ought not to take advantage of this generous offer," said the Mayor, "unless we axe goicg to do so all rot'ud." It was agreed teat the Finance Committee should cousider the question.

A special general order is being issued by Defence Headquarters notifying the intended issue of the King's silver war badge and King's certificate of discharge to discharged soldiers who have served in the present war. Sufficient silver badges have just been received for issue to every discharged soldie* at present it New Zealand, and their issue will now be proceeded with. The badge is notable for tht simplicity and neatness of its design. The size of a half-crown, it takes.the form of the Imperial ciphar (letters, G.R.I, surmounted by a crown) pierced Kwithin a circle. The circle bears the I words "For King and Empire—Services j Rendered." Each badge will have a serial number.

The Rev. A. H. Scrivin, an ex-Can-terbtry repre&ertative Association footballer, who for two years was art charge of the Methodist Church at New Brigiton, is at present with his wife in Christchurch on a holiday visit from New Guinea, where he has charge of the mission station of Dobu, an island at the ea-stern end of the country. Tfcere he has been stationed for four years. He will return to New Guinea in May. In conversation with a "Press" representative Mr. Scrivin spoke enthusiastically of the mission work being performed among the natives, who A he said, were very adaptable and quick to learn.

All that is row required to send Central OtagcK ahead in the matter of fruitgrowing (says the "Daily Times",i is that the policy qf irrigation shall be vigorously prosecuted, and ttat every block of land which can be irrigated shall be thrown open for occupation. The cutting up of the recently acquired Teviot Estate will, it is to be hoped, give an impetus to fruitgrowing.in that excellent fruitgrowing district. There are several tracts of land in Certral Otago eminently suited for closer settlement. If a man can only secure 20 acres of ordinary land, and a sure supply oi' water Ho irrigate it well, in less than 20 years he slould be able to retire with a competency if he works it intelligently and to its fullest capacity, and does not squarder his earnings. Some few years ago a Victorian firm took up the manufacture of portable canning-plants for orchardists. These plants are very simple in construction, and the prices range from £7 to £100 for a complete outfit (they may have increased since the outbreak of war), with a book that gives very complete instructions for earning all varieties of fruit. So plain and easy is the,system that any person of average intelligence can tu,rn out tip-top quality goods. Some of the Australian States experimental fruit farms, as well as several large orchard proprietors, have purchased these plants, and report that they do excellent work. Ttis innovation is certainly goirg to help the grow- i ers to a very great extent by enabling them to can on the spot all the choicest and ripest of their fruits, and thus pre-! vent glutting the markets in seasons of prolific yields, as well as saving what i™ tl:« past has been left to rot under the trees, especially in districts' where railroad facilities at present are ronexistent.

The appeal of a reservist who had previously been granted exemption because he was shown to be the sole support of his mother, was again before the Auckland Military Service Board the other clay, the appeal lodged by his mother having been withdrawn. When asked to explain the somewhat unusual position, the appellant stated that ie was contemplating matrimony, and was willing that his mother should continue to live with him, but the latter Bad not approved of his choice of «. bride, taving in mind another lady. The chairman asked if he was determined to go on with the marriage ana if so what was to become of his mother. Appellant replied that he would certairlv not swerve from the object of ris desires, but could not say for the mo-' ■ ment how his mother would fare. Final exemption till May 13th was granted, the incident closing with a remark by Major1 Conlan that if aprieiilant married the military authorities (would fcave a hard job to get him.

"The leaders of the Labour Party live on labour, and not by labour " de» clared the Hon. W.. Earnshaw when speaking in Masterfcon..

A motor car, belonging to Mr. A; Peterson, of Panmure, was1 taken from the Westfield saleyards (near Auckland) last week while the owner was attendirg the sales.

A Napier "Telegraph" reporter asked tte Hon. T. M. Wilfqrd what he thought of the latest suggestion that aeroplane postal services were coming: ") New Zealand. "Think of it?" re- £?* "*% it is as ell tain as^that day follows night.. Tak© S,n,f •*!?• c? ntinu< "as a tolerably good indication. For the past two years tt ere has. been a regular postal service by aircraft between STciir a nd Italy That sort of thing will - come here all right."

The sale of 1900 tons of evaporated apples at 7d alb to the Imperial Government was announced last week by the Comonwealth Prime Minister They will be despatched at the rate of 300 tons a month from March to August. Mr. Hughes' explained that although Tasmania would probably monopolise this order, it would benefit orchardists in all States. It would mean tte withdrawal of a very large quantity of fresh Tasmarian apples from the Australian market, and wouldt consequently improve the local demand for fruit grown in other States.

Recent happenings, seem to point to the conclusion that Napier is under tho spell of a fire-raiser (says the "Hawke a Bay Herald"). Within the,, past two or three months some half-dozen mysterious outbreaks kave occurred, and no explanation of their origin has been revealed. Following on the outbreak at the Congregational Church on Saturday night last another incipient fire was discovered, in an - outhouse at another place of worship. THs was luckily noticed by the caretaker, who was able to suppress1 it-without the necessity ot raising an alarm. Alongside where this outbreak occurred it is stated that the caretaker fourd a quantity of p;iper and inflammable refuse in a small cupboard, it having,evidently been deliberately placed tterein to assist the spread of the fire. Had the disco very; not been made 6O opportunely, a disastrous conflagration would probably have resulted. The frequency of these occurrences is causing a decided feeling of unrest and anxiety iz. the community.

The opening of a New Zealand Masonic hutment at the front in France, as announced ir; a recent cable message, is but a part of a larger scheme which the Masonic Grand Lodg» of New Zealand has in hand. The executive of the craft has made arrangements with the V.M.C.A. for the man. agement of sucb institutions, and hopes in the course of a few months to have a number of hutmetts in operation in the area of the western front mannedS by the New Zealand Expeditionary FoPGe. The one hut already opened is situated within the New Zealand Artillery area, and bears over its facade tire inscription, "Masonic Cheero Hut,"' while inside there is the further legend, "Yot1 are the guests of the Freemasons of New Zealand. All are welcome.'* Free refreshments are provided in the hutment for soldiers of any of the allied armies, without any distinction.