NEWS OF THE DAY.

Colonist, Volume LXII, Issue 15306, 20 February 1920, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY.

A suggested scale, of salaries for nursing staffs of hospitals and training schools is published in the "journal ol: Public Health," and has also been circulated to Hospital Boards.

The Telegraph Ofiice advises that the following vessels were within . wireless range yesterday:—Of Awanui: Mokoia, E. 11. Sterling and Northumberland; of A uckland: Kent, Arahura ancl Monowj\i; of Wellington: Pafeena, Ivlararoa, Wahino, Manuka, Sussex and Waiknwa; of Chathams: Kent and Rimutaka.

The Government, through the Land Purchase Controller, Wellington, have just completed negotiations for the purchase of the available sections of "the "Blue Glen" station, the property of Messrs Kerr Bros, Kikiwa. The sale was effected through the agency of the Nelson Farmers' Co-operative Limited.

Thursday is the big day! There'll bo a wild rush for glorious *40-inch Georgette at 7s 6d yard ; worth 16s 6d.—Auckland Clothing and Drapery Co.*

A stranger to Nelson found by-tho constable or, night duty on Wednesday night in a. doorway in 'a state of helpless drunkenness, was placed in the lock-up. He was unable to appear at the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, and was remanded by Sir. W. Lock, J.P., until Monday, 'for medical treatment.

A young man named Leonard M. Dando, arrested .on warrant by the police, was brought before Mr. *T. S. Edwards, J.P., at the Magistrate's Court yesterday, charged with having failed to provide adequate maintenance for an illegitimate child, of which he was the parent within tho meaning cf the Destitute Persons Act. Defendant was remanded until Fel>ruarv 23rd. bail being allowed, himself in £100 ancl one surety of £'100 or two of £50.

■ There was a temporary hold-up on the electric trams at Auckland yesterday. It is stated that a conductor wan dismissed during the recent curtailment of the service on an allegation that ho neglected to collect the fares on a short section. Other employees resented such summary action, and the service was suspended until the man was reinstated, pending an investigation.into the merits of the case.—Press Association.

"Ours," says the "Sydney Daily Telegraph," and the remarks apply equally to New Zealand, "is a fruiteating climate; we ought to eat fruit with every meal tlirougftout the summer, and a great deal of fruit in winter even. JJnnv people would prefer to make their breakfast" or their mid-day meal of fruit alone, and a larger pr.l portion of fruit amonoj our food-stufrs would probably make "a real difference to the health of the population."

The Nelson Colleges began work for the year yesterday with full rolls of students.

The balance of sexes in New Zealand, so long upset by the war, has been restored during the past few months by the demobilisation of ihe forces. On December 31, 1918, there were in the Dominion 542,046 males and 566,327 females. A year later there were 588 - 908 males and 575,500 females. '

The Bluff Granite Company (says the "Press") has preliminary arrangements well in hand for putting its 'business on a workable footing, and is likely to have a visit from a Government official on whose report will hang the probability of an order estimated somewhere in the vicinity of £100,000.

A leading firm in Palmerston North has just introduced a saving policy for' its employees. The firm has practically established a bank for its hands, and allows them 7 per cent for money placed on fixed deposit for twelve montlis, 6 per cent for six months, and 5 per cent or. current account. In the latter instance the employees are furnished with cheque 'books.

Bargains in Serges! 5 fmge slock of high-grade All-wool Navy Tailor's Costume Serge-to be thrown ont at half usual prices Thursday next. Biggest bargains ever offered.—Auckland Clothing and Drapery Co.*

"I tliink if we were to cut America oni, of the market for six months it i would bring them to their senses/ re-1 marked an Auckland merchant when discussing the effect of the adverse rate of exchange in America with a reporter New Zealand,-now that Smyrna is out of the market temporarily, is dependent on California for dried'fruits as well as canned fruits, the price of which shows-a huge increase since 1914.

. a lt starts Thursday next! Huge Sale or Auckland Wholesale Stocks. 9 only exquisite model Evening Gowns in Crepe do Chine and Tiffany Silk—real dreams of frocks—7ss, 85s, 100s, and 115s. worth double.— Auckland Clothing and Drapery Co.* "

An interesting point in connection! with the shortage of supplies of china iv Auckland brought -to light in the course of inquiry yesterday was the growing dislike for Japanese chinaware (says Tuesday's "New Zealand Herald ). "We don't like the stuff, and we don't like the Japanese method of doing 'business," remarked a leading merchant. "Neither are dependable and our experience during the last few years has been such that we are now cutting Japan out of our trade as" far as possible. The china has neither the appearance nor the quality of good old English ware, and we wouldn't touch rfc at all if we could get any other." I his statement was amply borne out by proprietors of Auckland restaurants and refreshment rooms, who said that this Eastern china chipped so readily as to rapidly become unsightly and -unfit for use.

Who will get'lt? One only Ladies' beautiful quality knitted Silk Sports Coat—lemon shade—at los., at the Huge Sale on Thursday. Usually 90s —Auckland Clothing and Drapery Co.*

An accident^, in which a drover ianii*d Fred Hollis, of Te Karaka, had a l.uraeulous escape occurred on the iv-n----teratahi Hill one day last week. The horse he was riding 'began to buck /-ole.ntly at a dog, finally going over a bank 50 feet down, where both horso and rider were stopped by a fence. The norse began to struggle wildly, with Mr tiollis underneath. Two men went immediately to the scene, and found it necessary to cut away part of the fence before Mr Hollis could be extricated. He was injured about the face and body, and it was found necessary to put .several stitches in his face. It is not expected that his other injuries will prove serious.

Wade in! Household Drapery will soon be beyona the reach of most people. On Thursday at the Huge Sale of Auckland Stocks Sheetings Damasks etc., will be pitched out. WaitAuckland Clothing adn Drapery Co.*

, A meeting of t;ie local Repatriation ! Committee was held yesterady. In the absence of the chairman (Mr. W W Snodgrass), owing to illness, Mr. j. H. I I'inney was voted to the chair. Other I members present were Messrs "W Thorn, A. G. Shrimpton, T. Hippolite' •J._ Ingram, H. Saunders, and It. B. Witty. Mr. Saunders, who has been appointed the returned soldiers' representative on the board, vice Mr. X. A. Vercoe (now repatriation officer), was accorded a hearty welcome, members i expressing the opinion that Mr. Saun- | f'ors would bo a" valuable, addition to the committee cvinp to his connection 'with the Sick :md Wounded Soldiers' i^und. It was decided to support the r-ouest- of the Returned Soldiers' Association for increasing the limit cf loans for business from £300 to £500, and for furniture from £50 to £75." A list cf amounts ou-ino; by borrowers was presented by the repatriation of?Wv. .".nd in certain casos it was decided to take legal proceedings unless some attovnpt war, mnde to reduce the indebtedness. On the v,-lio!<? the arrears v/erei '■r-nsidorod satisfactory. A larg*? nurn-j her of ar>r>lic.itions were dealt with. Vovr a^vlicntio^s for grants to purchase businesses were recommended, and one declined. a.nd five apph'cntjor.s for loans to purchase furniture were a^nrovod. Other .Tpi/lieations for sur, sidies to wages while learning trades, etc., were also dealt with.

The contest band of the 12th (ftArm* and Marlborough) KegimentwS S°S ??° mt^fk P?P vI 1 ar sacred concert? in the Theatre Hoyal on Sunday evening commencing at'B.ls oP/clock. A choice programme has been arranged, which: will include test selections, quartettes trombone trios, and solos to be played by members at the fortEcoming Dunedia band contest, which* commences on March 2nd. Tfie band, which has a splendid combination, is playing well, and as this will be its final public api pearanee before it leaves for Dunedin, iv: doubt there will be a large attendance. A silver coin collection wiil bo i taken \ip on behalf of the band's contest i fund. The dress circle will be reserved for ladies and their escorts.

Quite one of the most extraordinary tales of salvage work surrounds the ship Avenger, which over ten years ago encountered a tidal wave off an island ia. the Gulf of Mexico. Not all the concentrated efforts of a dozen salvage firms could move fier. So, with, hen cargo, worth many thousands of pounds she remained until 1915, when a summer tidal wave obligingly shifted, her off the rocks, and she -was enabled thereby to be towed into a safe harbour and her cargo recovered.

Speakino- at the opening, "by Archbishop O'Shea., of Wellington, of St. Bede's Roman Catholic College at Papami i. Father Graham, Director of "the college, stated that the establishment of colleges like St, Bede's was a protest against the educational system endorsed by the State. Roman Catholics, like other citizens contributed through: taxation to the State schools, but ins addition they dipped deep into their pockets to provide Roman Catholics schools. To date over £22,000 had been spent on St. Bede's—£sooo on the property and £17,000 on the 'buildings, furnishings, and incidental expenses.

Net even before the war have we had such beautiful Ribbons to offer! Thursday next, glorious.'wide Silk Ribbons in all colours and floral effects at bargain prices.—Auckland Clothing and Drapery Co.*

An interesting aspect of the "tipping" practice was disclosed in the Arbitration Court at Wellington, when Mr W. Grenfell en behalf of the employers, raised the point as to whether, the principle should be observed, in assessing certain hotel workers' wages, of taking into account the "tips" received or likely to be received. Mr E. Kennedy, employees' representative, contended that there was no justification for taking what he submitted was a negligible factor into consideration in any assessment made. His Honour, Mr Justice Stringer, pointed out that he distinctly remembered that in the appeal that was made before him on behalf of the stewards on ships it was urged that these men should not be made dependent upon the practice or taking "tips." He was sure, however, | that the stewards did not scruple to take as many tips nowadays as at any time. That was his personal experience, and he travelled frequently [throughout the Dominion.

Wait till Thursday! Huge Sale of Auckland Wholesale Stocks starts then. Ladies' Silk Ankle Hose 2s lid. Damask Supper Cloths, Is each. Pillowcases Is.—Auckland Clothing and Draper j Co.*

IlThe strong are using the opportunity to exploit the weak. They are using their power—worldly wealth—to exploit the masses, and they hold not the people, but governments, in their hand. The few rick are robbing th© people." This assertion was made by Archbishop O'Shea, of Wellington, at the opening of St. Bede's College, Papa nui, Christ-church. There were two ways to remedy this state of affairs, said His Grace. One was by a Red revolution—in which some o£ the guilty and many of the innocent would lose their lives—the other was by bringing the Ten Commandments into tne lives of the people. Christian principles no longer had any practical effect upon the oligarchies which ruled us to-day. For all sane people and all who loved justice there was only one way to mend matters, and that- was to bring back Christianity into the world. We must not do evil that good might come of it— tiie end did not justify the means. A Chinese correspondent of an American journal had summed up our religion when, he said that as a nation we Hid no, practise it. Would it not be Better for us to found our peace on the Ten Commandments than upon the Fourteen Points?

Up in Anr-fvland our buyer bought a manulacturer's complete range of Ladies' Stviish Tweed Coats —including fur-lined. All to go Thursday next at half usual orices.—Auckland Clothing and Pranerv Co.*

In reply to tlic resolution passed at a recent public meeting in Auckland <3e-m:;-oc!nv.r the release of Alice Parkinson, jtlic- Minister of Justice (the .ion J. G. jC<;r>i--c«) has written to .Mr f*. WoodhulT, org;:nisor of the Release Cq.nmittcvo us iuilows:—"l beg to :i:-kno\v!odge the lecoipt cf your letter of :ho sth jiiistaist. in reference to the proposal to pctitjun His Roynl Highness "he I'riuee of Waies in reference to the release uf .Alice Parkinson. In reply I havo to inform you that I am unable to ibj.art from the* ■decision of my predecessors in office, that there are no grounds to warrant a recommendation Uvr.g forwarded to His Excellency fhe Governor General for Parkinson's discharge trt.ra prison. While I cannot see my »vay to recommend His Excellency the Governor General to grant Parkinson a full and final discharge, I propose, during the. coming session, to introduce legislation that, if passed, will allow this md similar cases to he placed under the jurisdiction of the Prisons Board. The question of releasing upon probation prisoners "situated os Parkinson is will then he considered by the Board, who will have full power to adjudicate upon the matter and recommend His Excellency the Governor General to release them on probation if they deem suoh action advisable."