LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 September 1919, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

New potatoes are at present being sold in Masterton at Cd per lb. (reports the Age). "I reckon that the whole of this Dominion could be better governed by ten or twelve good solid men than by the 80 representatives now in Parliament," remarked Dr. Thacker, M.P., at a meeting at Christehurch. The Wanganui Borough Council have decided to draw the attention of the police to the fast, driving of motors in tho town and over the bridges. Comment was made on the speed of one of the mail cars running between New Plymouth and Wellington, and one of the councillors expressed the opinion that it was a menace to the community. At a public meeting held at Hillsborough last night, at which Mr. H. C. Sampson presided, it was unanimously decided to join with Bell Block in erecting a suitable memorial to fallen soldiers of the district, a suitable site to be decided on at a later date. The Tarurutangi and Smart Road districts will be invited,to co-operate-The experience of thousands of housekeepers proves the value of SHARLAND'S "MOA" BRAND EGG PRESERVATIVE. It is certain, reliable, ec.v 'inroioftl, and saves heaos of money. 4

The National Bank of New Zealand is starting a branch at Hawera, having purchased the lease of the premises at present occupied by Mr E. Marshall, solicitor, and Mr. Rowe, land agent, in Recent Street. The bank, which takes possession from Thursday next, hopes to commence business in Hawera early next month. Mr. Fletcher will be the manager.

The Postal Department, in response to a request from the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, Ims issued authority for the erection of a slot telephone at the comer of Eliot and Devon Street. The request for a slot telephone at the corner of Morley and Devon Streets has been declined, as the prospective revenue is too small to warrant the installation.

In reply to its recent inquiry as to the progress being made with regard to the erection of a post office at Fitzroy, the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce has received a letter from the chief postmaster stating that the reply received by him from the secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department is that as the business of the department at Fitzroy is not yet sufficient to justify the erection of a permanent building it is not intended at present to do so. A section of land has, however, been acquired in view of future requirements.

"I regard it as: a pleasure as well as ft duty to help a returned soldier," said a New Plymouth manufacturer when asked by the Repatriation Committee if he could train a returned man in his establishment. This, of course, is the spirit that makes the task of repatriation easy, and is an attitude appreciated by the men who are prevented by war injuries from following their former avocations. It. was reported at last night's meeting of the Repatriation Committee that another ex-soldier, who was seriously disabled, and who had been placed in a local workshop to learn the trade, was making splendid headway, the manager of the place being more than satisfied with his work and progress. There in good authority for stating that it is the intention of the Defence Department to pay stricter intention, now that the war is over, to the carrying out of the Regulation -.muer the Defence Act, particularly i;i regard to registrations and attendance at parades. Every boy, on attaining the age of 14 years, is required to fill in a registration form under the Act, and during the war period there has admittedly been some slackness in carrying out this provision. The Department, however, is determined to enforce the regulations, and prosecutions will follow where there is failure to comply with it. Special provision is made for boys whose names appears on the register of any primary or secondary school, and that is taken practically as a registration. Those who come within the scope of the regulation would do well to see that they fulfil its requirements. The Department al<o intends now to insist on regular attendance at parades, ir. which there has been considerable .latitude allowed during the stress of the war years.

The Wellington office of Thomas Cook and Son has been advised that tourist business between England and Belgium has been resumed, and that many thousands of people are flocking over to the devastated area every week to view the grim effects of the greatest war of all time. The places being most visited Ostend, Zeebrugge, Ypres, Louvain, Ghent, Bruges, and Malines. One especially arranged trip, with experienced guides, well posted on the war and the war area, lasts a week, and co»ts 35 guineas, but another, hardly so comprehensive, costs DJ guineas, and also extends over a week. Referring to the trip advices say: "Except at the railway station there is not much evidence o*f destruction at Ostend. In fact, Ostend had donned a good deal of its pre-war gaiety. The Casino is open, races are taking place, and the inhabitants look forwrd to quite a season. But out against the eastern pier, her rusty and twisted hull half-exposed, even at high water, lies the Vindictive, of imperishable glory."

Writing from Scapa Flow, by the last mail, Commander Ccdric Fordham, of II.M. minesweeping service, and nephew of Mrs. J. P. Englebretßen, of Dannevirke, gives the following interesting account of a fashionable ball in the Albert Hall during a leave spent in London. "A party of ns went from the New Zealand Officers' Club, and really it was a wonderful sight. The Albert Hall is a huge circular structure with probably the largest dancing floor in the world, All round the circumference are tiers of boxes reaching up to a great height, and all these were beautifully decorated with festoons of real flowers. Numbers of large decorated bowls were suspend,ed from the central dome, and at given signals during the evening a few of these would open and drop hundreds of flowers and gaily colored balloons on the dancers below. Four great searchlights of different colors would then play upon the scene and the effect was magnificent, with the balloons, flowers and fancy dresses of the dancers, of whom there were probably over a thousand couples. Altogether it was a scene of wealth and magnificence one does not often see, and I was glad I had the opportunity."

Mrs. Burgesa has received, with many thanks, the sum of £2O 10s from the Awakino Ladies' Sewing Guild for extra comforts for the men in hospital at Rotorua.

Notice has been received by the New Plymouth coal dealers that the price of Taupiri coal has been increased by 4s 6d per ton for house coal, and 4s for steam.

The Star Football Club's annual ball to be held on September 25, should be a great success. Mrs, George's orchestra of five has been engaged to play, so excellent music will be provided. The Ladies' Committee has arranged for a first-class supper, the floor will surpass nil expectation, and the special feature will be a welcome home to all returned soldiers, old Star and other boys, who have returned from the war.

Men! Why buy cotton shirts when you can obtain silk shirts at nhnost the. same price. See the wonderful line of men's- tennis and negligee shirts at the Melbourne at 17s 'dd. fhese are made of '3i momme Japanese even weave tussore, and are great value- All sines in stock. Sport collars to match is 6d each. "FAIRY WONDER will do me!" said an enthusiastic lady the other day after seeing the marvellous results attained by this wonderful new dry 3oap. No baek-breaking rubbing, no scum, less rinsing, and at half the cost and labor of other methods. Try it. Use it. Prove it. All grocers.

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