LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 207, 11 October 1900, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

An unprecedented drought in Assam is imperilling the tea crop. Information comes, fron Adelaide that Among the passengers by the French mail steamer is Golonel Marchand, of Fashoda fame, who is en route to China. The ainual meeting of thaSonth British Insurance Company adopted the report and balance-sheet, and the retiring directors were re-elected. It is stated that Captain Jonas has gone to Sydney to confer with the proprietors of the Mokau Coal Mine as to the steamers required tor the trade.

The City Band propose enlivening the town on Saturday evening with some of their excellent music, and. to play in front of the Government Buildings on Tuesday evening, weather permitting. The following trains will leave New Plymouth station to-day for the breakwater, connecting with steamer mentioned below 6 a.m.,. Gairloch (from North); 9.30 p.m., Gairloch (for North). There is to be a daylight parade ; of the Taranaki Rifles to-day. The City Band will head , the Volunteers in their march to Inglewood'this afternoon, and will favour the residents of that town with a selection of music which will, no doubt, be greatly appreciated. The Band is to be congratulated on their pluck in undertaking suoh a formidable task. Produce to the value ot £285,000, and including 238 tons of butter, wa4 shipped from Melbourne to England the Week before last. The Premier hopes to see the day when Government notes will be issued inpayment for State works. The notes would be Issued in the same way as bank notes, and would be redeemable at the Treasury. Vice-Admiral Sir Harry Rawson takes command of the China Station shortly.. He will be succeeded in command of tne Channel Squadron by bir Oompton Domnlle, Superintendent of Naval Beserves. lie settlors of Cheviot have presented the Hon. John i!cKeuzie,with a haudaotneanj|im containing photographs of scenes on (he estate, also at address expressing the settlors' indebtedness to tbe ex-Minister or'Landsat the policy he oarried out. ' I A very unusual event in a sinail community i«. the anniversary of a "'golden wedding." -On Sunday next (14th inita'it) Mr. and Mrs. Charles livetts, of Fitzroy, will have arrived at the 50th anniversary of their wedding day, and the event will be marked by a thanksgiving service at Te Henui Church at 3 p.m. | ; Dr. Sanders, of Stratford, was in town yesterday assisting Dr. Home in the work of examining the Ambulance Glasses. The District Traffic Manager, Mr, Buxton, was in New Plymouth on Wednesday.'

It will be'seen onreferonce to our advertising columns that the bakers' have decided | to raise the price of 3d per small loaf cash, or 3jd booked. ' '' ( 1 :,| f " i "How many teaohors are eligible far punishment," asked a' householder at the meeting at the East Christohnrch school last ' riignt—meaning, of course, how tterfyjwSre empowered to administer punishment—*nd the chairman, amidst the sdnies of those present, very naturally replied that he could not say.—l'ross, . Mr. John annonnces another great auction salj fSr Saturday next. The Targe crowd pfiiich filled his sale room last Saturday ' were not only vastly amused by Mr. Leydon's inimitable drollery and caustic wit, but managed to secure some good investments. A further supply of these commodities will bs available on Saturday next to all who choose to take advantage of the opportunity. To-day is the anniversary of the commencement of war in South Africa. On 11th October, 1899, the Boers entered Natal, seized trains and cut the telegraph wires. Some people prophesy that the Boors will surrender on the anniversary of the declaration of hostilities.

A carrier-pigeon, in a very exhausted state, was found on Tuesday morning by Master Harry Whitcombe. Its wings were encrusted with salt, and the bird bad evidently travelled a long distance. There was a ring on one leg with an inscription " D.G. 13." We are glad to state that tbe pigeon is reoovering from the effects of its travels.

Mr. McKellar, secretary of the Freezing Works Company, notifies'that the Kumara, which will be the next boat leaving for England with produce, will sail from Wellington ou the 27 th inst. The closing day at the works will be Thursday J- the 18th, at 3 p.m. Active steps are being taken to promote the success of the bazaar in aid of the City Baud, and it is hoped that the public will make good use of the opportunity for testifying in a practical manner' their appreciation of itie enterprise and publio spirit evinced by the Band on all occasion's. A committee of ladies will meet next week to put matters in trim for the bazaar, and, if only to encourage the Band in their praiseworthy action in taking part in the forthcoming band contest, it is to be hoped that the bazaar will be a thorough success.

■ A meeting was held in the Oraata Hall on Tuesday evening to consider the toll-gate |r.juehlioi), Captain Mace presiding. The matter was discussed, and an oiler made by Mr. M. Mills of the use of a road from his front gate to the Barrett Road was accepted, a committee of 32 volunteers being enrolled ( wilh power to add to their number) to get the road into order. The following resolution was also passed" That this meeting is of opinion tilt the time has arrived when tollgates should be abolished, for the following reasons(l) 'lhat it is an expensive and objectionable way of raising revenue; (2) the fact of a toll-gate being in tho dfstrict in a great measure prevents the sale of property, and detracts from its value." " Although you have been freed from your debts by the Bankruptcy Court," said District Judge Kettle in Maslerton this week in discharging a bankrupt, " you must remember that you still owe money, and this fact should be kept before your conscience." The debtor! promised that his conscience would be duly gives instant relief, and draws out all poison, is a boon to all. Ask for Needham's Salve at'the Frice la.—Aflvt. ' Mr. Walter Bcwley, Sharebroker, Devonstreet, New Plymouth, pays special attention to Otago and West Coast dredging stocks, and, having reliable correspon :cnts in both localities, is in a position to advise clients. Investors can obtain all information in connection with dredging, and inspect, at his office, the latest quotations, prospectuses ol most companies floated, and maps of all dredging claims. Inquiries invited—Advt.