Untitled

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143781, 3 May 1912, Page 2

The Wellington office reports that .tho Mocraki Ueinuera, Moana, Wimmoru, and Mahono will probably bo within wireless range to-night. “Go to L,” said Mr. Justice Eve in the Chancery Division to a young barrister who made an application the other day. There was laughter, but, says London Opinion, his Lordship was merely referring counsel to the department in Chambers where <a Master takes cases from L to R. Winter is hero, and with it the pressing necessity to provide ii-'warm coat for cold and frosty nights. Having secured a nice rain-coat, your attention will be directed to-tho heavier makes, of which White and Sons carry such a fine range. Those at 25s each are worthy of special notice. They aro built for tho Taranaki climate.*

A lady passenger by the 10.45 a.m. train yesterday had an unpleasant experience. She was passing from one carriage to another when the tram was between Smart Hoad and Fitzroy, and was startled by a largo stone striking the carriage only a few inches from her faco. The matter will be investigated. The Victorian Bird Observers’ Club is affixing aluminium, rings to tho legs of 500 mutton birds at Wollomat, Phillip Island, stamped with the date and the letters 8.0.0., preparatory to the birds’ annual flight northward to Japan. The object of this is to trace the movements of the birds if possible. Mr. Otto Hu sc, caretaker of the Parapara Iron Ore Company’s works, which wore damaged by fire on Tuesday morning, has received » telegram from the chairman of the directors at Christchurch, stating that several of the directors will arrive in New Plymouth to-night. A work of a very important and extensive character has been commenced on the Waikato Uiver. It is anticipated that before long the stream instead of spreading over a course of two miles in width in the vicinity of the Waikato Heads, will be practically imprisoned in a channel of less than 800 yards breadth.

An announcement that the proprietor of the bathhouse at Tokio, where began the fire which resulted in damage estimated at £3,000.000, has been fined £3O, is one of the humours of the law, which is not confined to the land of the chrysanthemum. In England a soldier who commits an offence may ho sentenced to a term of imprisonment by the civil power. - He completes his sentence, and .when he returns to barracks ho is dealt with for being absent from his regiment without leave. A further stage in the important work of completing the first of the State hydro-electric schemes in Now Zealand has been reached, tenders being now out for the transmission lino standards from Lake Coleridge, and for the distributing wires in Christchurch and district. It lias been decided by the Government electrical engineer! Mr. Parry) to use ferro-con-crote poles, for the distributing mains, and 500 are required to be delivered at Christchurch.

Some excitement was caused in Pctone on. Tuesday through a local resident and a Chinaman having a difference in one of the public streets. It is stated that the Chinaman asked the European to read something that was written on a piece of paper. The European pocketed the manuscript and started to walk away, which infuriated the celestial to such an extent that, shouting and gesticulating, he drew a knife. The white man picked up a piece of iron piping, and tilings looked serious. A young lady, however, stepped in between the assailants, and after giving both a talking to peace was restored.

In the Shoreditch County Court (London), on a recent occasion, a solicitor was cross-examining a woman as to her morality, and did so in a manner tliat provoked condemnation from the presiding Judge. * Judge Cluer is reported to have interposed, and used this vigorous language: “Is every woman who misconducts herself not to be believed? Is that what -you, sir, suggest? What do you say about men? Are they entitled to be believed though they are guilty of misconduct? Why not apply the same rule to men as to women ? You never ask a man whether lie is guilty of immorality. A woman guilty of immorality is just as likely to tell the truth as your client.” His Honour found for the woman.

Sixty Frenchmen, condemned to death for murder, have been examined with special reference to their physical development. Their ages varied from 17 to over 50. The majority belonged to the massive, muscular typo, all parts of the body (except the chest) being highly developed. But there was an unexpectedly largo proportion—ll out of the 60—who must bo classed as cerebral—that is to say, who vvere muscularly puny, but of acute intelligence. These had committed crimes that needed no muscular effort, most of them having killed women by shooting them with revolvers. 'The experts who examined these murderers deduce from these statistics that the criminal tendencies of homicides are generally the result of arrested or distorted development arising between the ages of 15 and 20.

A strong advocate of what ho terms “judicious athletes,” tho Governor of New South Wales (Lord Chelmsford) in a speech at a church function last week, expressed delight that a school hall was to bo provided witli a gymnasium. “We have forgotten too often,” he remarked, “this great truth, that tho mind and tho body work together. For instance, if you want a friend to do something for you, you will not approach him after he has been out all night, living not wisely but too well, and in tho morning suffering a recovery.—(Laughter.) But 1 must ixtbw one note of warning to those who are going to look after good order and decorum in these club-rooms. When I was in England I wai one evening put in charge of a boys’ club in tho East End of London. Now. boys are fairly easy to control in the light, but when the lights go out the scone is changed.—(Laughter.) My warning is that those who have control of the hoys in this building will also see that they have control of the lights as well. —(Great laughter.) His Excellency proceeded to emphasise tho value of gymnasiums.

Of the numerous suggestions made in respect to saving life a* sea, in catastrophes such as that of the ill-fated Titanic, probably none exceeds in merit that of an ex-morcantile marine officer, who says that comparative safety could bo secured in the ease of the foundering of • a liner if her topmost deck—her boat dock—ivere so constructed that it would float away 7 ivhcn the vessel sank. At present tho upper deck is permanently attached to the deck beneath, by means of the iron stanchions which support it. If, instead of being permanently fastened to those stanchions, the boat deck could bo released at will—say, by means of a lever on the bridge—then the deck and tho boats (for lifeboats are constructed to be imsinkable) would float when the ship wont down. On such a deck the survivors would await the arrival of a rescuing steamer, and if a small wireless outfit wore permanently attached to tho unsubmergihle boat deck, then the arrival of the rescuing vessels would bo hastened, because they would be directed by wireless to the spot. In the West Atlantic vessels are usually within a few hours’ steam of each other. It is claimed that if tho Titanic's boat deck had been thus detachable few lives would have been lost.

For the showery winter weather, we have at The Kash a fine lot of boys* oilskins, all sizes, at 8s lid. men’s oilskins “10s 9d, men’s tweed overcoats 23s 9d, men’s hydrotito overcoats 355, men’s special Prostwell shower-proof coats, in dark greys, at 3os 9d, men’s willow calf, box calf boots, several shapes, at 16s 6d. Absolutely the best value m Taranaki, at The Ivash.* Two guineas for four lines cf poetry! Read Tonking's Linseed Fmulsion intimation every Saturday amongst nows items.

A mass meeting was recently bold in New York City to urge the passing of an ordinance requiring the placing on tenement houses, saloons, theatres, and hotels of a plate bearing the name and address of the owner. The object of this “little tin plate” is to “make the owner of a building take a healthy interest in his property,” cspiocially if it is being used for socially objectionable purposes. In the village of Koshilovo, writes Router’s St. Petersburg correspondent, there are over fifty peasants who have more than the usual number of fingers. According to interesting particulars published, in the Novoe Vromya, they are all descendants of a peasant who iparried in the first half of last century, and who had extra fingers on one of his hands. In the present generation this abnormality is reproduced to the extent of two three, four, and even five additional fingers. Some cases simply show a thumb duplicated from the first joint. As the result of intermarriage the deformity is spreading to neighbouring villages. It dispenses the young men from military service, however sound they may be constitutionally.

Discussing the New Zealand political situation, the London Times ot March 23 says; —“lt is possible that Mr. Mackenzie’s succession may produce a' rapprochement -between the moderate section of his party and the Opposition. . . . Such a movement w-ould

probably be endorsed by a majority of the electorates in the event of another appeal to the polls. Wo hope it may be tried, not because we lean to one or other of the parties, but because no other solution seems likely in the long run to save the country from the three-party deadlock, which perplexed the Federal politics of Australia for nearly 10 years. . . . Whether it is practicable at present or not it suggests a lino of cleavage to which some events have been pointing for some time past, and they may force it some day if it does not come now.” The second of the series of ouchro parties and dances arranged by the New Plymouth Defence Rifle Club was hold in the Brougham Street Hall last night, and was a decided success. The euchre provided some close finishes, the prizes being won by Mrs. H. E. Hill and Miss M. Gilbert, first and second ladies respectively, and Messrs. W. Bruce (first) and P. Little (second). The Rifle Club is determined in its endeavours to make these socials successful, and is certainly working on the right lines. The euchre prizes were handsome and.usefu! articles. For the first lady the prize was a case containing two sets of pickle forks and spoons, silver-mounted, and the second lady’s prize consisted of a neat electroplated cruet. The successful mon received, the one a silver-mounted nmbrolla, and the other a set of pipesWith these valuable prizes, a bountiful supper, the floor in first-class order, and the excellent music supplied by Mrs. George, the evening passed off very enioyably for the fifty odd couples than were present. Mr. A. L. Humphries, president of the club, presented the prizes, and Mr. L. Bullot was M.O. Tho thanks of the club are due to the lady friends of the members, who provided the supper and carried out the arrangemonts.

Customs officers see many strange articles when searching tho' luggage or travellers. Evert the officials, however, received a shock during tho visit of the steamer Eastern to Sydney early m the week (says the Sydney Herald). While the vessel was alongside the wharf a batch of Customs officers proceeded to tho cabin of the ship’s doctor and demauded the keys of his luggage. Having been informed that silk was being smuggled, they said that they wished to thoroughly search his effects. For more than an hour they overhauled trunks and boxes, unfolded clothes, and prodded tho bedding. At last only one unpretentious-looking box remained. They asked for tho key. Tho doctor betrayed a marked disinclination to comply with the request, and assured them that there was no silk in tho box. The departmental officers, however, were inexorable. The box must be opened. Unwillingly the doctor produced the key; an officer took it, and knelt beside the box. His companions crowded eagerly around, certain that their suspicions would prove correct. The lid was thrown back, and a row of grinning human heads peered np at the searchers. Tho doctor, who is making a study of the formation of heads, had secured those of, a number of natives during the vessel's stay in Thursday Island, and was taking them to Adelaide for a more leisurely observation. It was unanimously decided by the Customs officers that there was no silk concealed in the box, and that a further search was unnecessary.

The quietude of Devon Street was seriously disturbed on Thursday afternoon when Professor Norwood performed a hypnotic drive whilst blindfolded. Tho street was crowded with interested spectators, who were left in wonderment at tho professor’s clever and daring feats. A representative committee of citizens had first to drive a cab over a circuitous route round the town, return to the hotel, and then hide a pen-knife. The professor undertook to drive the cab over exactly the same route and then to find the hidden article. As the citizens’ cab started off the crowd found some amusement in the fact that the amateur driver only partially released the brake, but the drive was accomplished safely. Tho cab started from the Criterion Hotel and proceeded up Devon Street to the Rod House Hotel, then down Gover Street to Gill Street, along Gill Street to Liardot Street, up Liardet Street to Dr. Fookes’, down Courtenay Street to Currie Street, along Currie Street, past tho Herald office to Burgess Fraser’s, along Gill Street Extended and round by way of Ariki Street to tho Taranaki Club and then along Egrnont Street and hack to the Criterion Hotel. Two of the committee then proceeded up the street to H. Ward and Co.’s and hid the knife in a hole in tho wall where the window shutters are placed into position. Tho hiding of the knife was done practically unseen by anybody, and tho hole in the wall ivas big enough almost’to conceal the knife. Professor Norwood was then securely blindfolded and started off at a hard pace to cover the route. This he did safely after one or two false turns, and reappeared in front of tlio hotel. Still blindfolded, he led tho two committeemen to the hiding place of the knife, which was found after a considerable search. The professor was heartily cheered when he held up tho knife and restored it to its owner. The whole performance was full of mystery, and it might he mentioned that while the committee was out driving and hiding the pen-knife, the professor was safely guarded inside the hotel by a second committoe so that no information could reach him. At tho Melbourne; Ladies’ hemstitched handkerchiefs 6 for Is, boys’ braces 3d, little boys’ overcoats 5s lid to 9s 6d, all-wool flannel Is yard, splendid largo towels Is, men’s merino singlets Is, warm fleecy lined underpants 2s lid, knitted pants 3s lid, boys’ ■striped school caps is, ICaianoi socks lOd pair, children’s cashmere socks (all sizes) 6d pair.*

For Chronic Chest Complaints, Woods’ Great Peppermint- Cure, Is 6d, 2s 6d.

The contractors for the new Agricultural Hall are pushing on with their work, and to-day a considerable portion of the iron had been fixed. AVc have to thank Captain John Black, of H.M. Veterans, for a copy of the rules of the Royal New Zealand Association of H.M. Veterans. It may bo news to some of our readers that all members of the colonial forces who saw active service 1 in New Zealand prior to January 1, 1871, are qualified for membership of the association. This will include a number who have hitherto believed themselves to be ineligible for membership.

A meeting of ladies was held at the Fitzroy Hall on Thursday in connection with the proposed bazaar to be held in November next in aid of the Fire Brigade funds. A committee was elected as follows: President, Mrs. W. H. Griffiths; vice-president, Mrs. Jenkins; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. Hawkins; Mrs, Parkins, Mrs. Bellringer, Misses Colson (2), Misses Griffiths (2), and Mrs. Kibby. It was decided to hold weekly sewing meetings in the hall, commencing on Wednesday week, and all those interested are invited to attend.

Seventeen members of the general committee of the Taranaki Agricultural Society inspected, on Thursday afternoon, the Taranaki County Council reserve at the Waiwakaihe which they have in mind as likely to make a suitable site for autumn show grounds. The reserve runs from the Smart Road to the Howa Rewa rifle range. The committee appeared to be unanimously of the opinion that the site was an admirable one and that efforts should be made to acquire it, and a sub-committee was chosen to interview the County Council on Monday next to see what can bo done in the matter.

Another hypnotic feat is taking place at New Plymouth to-day. At 1 o clock Professor Norwood hypnotised, at Messrs. Collier’s music warehouse, Miss Pauline Ford, the human pianola, and she then began to play on a BHnsmead piano which had been placed uj the window. She will continue to play until 7.30 p.m., entirely under hypnotic influence, during whieh time she will play five hundred of the most popular songs of the day. After she has accomplished tins sho will bo taken to the Theatre Royal, whore she will bo restored to consciousness and will play tho accompaniments at the concluding performance of tho Norwoods and Von Arx. The New Plymouth Operatic Society held their third rehearsal last night, when there was a full attendance of members and good progress was made with the, work in hand, some of the already showing signs of that brightness and crispness of expression for which the society is noted. Ine Geisha,” owing to the number of name parts, of which there are 22, is of a more pretentious nature than either of the previous operas staged, but, judging by the enthusiasm being displayed by tho members and the fact that the so®ety promises to be stronger this season both as regards voices and dramatic talent, there is oven' reason to augur another brilliant success.

The Phenomenal success of the costume length and ready-to-wear skirt sale at George, Davies, Ltd., the modern tailors. Devon Street. This firm announces that to-morrow (Saturday) tho balance of these excellent goods must bo sold regardless of cost. ,Ladies, are specially advised not to miss this opportunity, for no reasonable offer will be refused for these tailored suits and costume lengths.*