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Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144133, 1 July 1913, Page 2

English Slid American mails, ex Niagara at Auckland, will arrive hero on AVednesclay night. The North Taranaki Hunt will meet at Stratford on Thursday. A largo number of members from this end have expressed their intention of making the trip, and a number of visitors from Hawera district are expected. This season’s linal shipment of cheese from the Bluif was taken by the Ohmaroa on Monday, for transhipment to the Corinthic at Wellington. The whole consignment, making a total output for the 1913 season of 79,510 cases, compared with 82,729 eases last year, a decrease of 3219 cases.

The Hamilton and Frankton boroughs have decided to co-operate in a gravitation water scheme from Pirongia mountain, 20 miles distant. Tho undertaking will cost £IOO,OOO. Tile hope was expressed at tho meeting of delegates of both bodies that this was the (irst step towards tho amalgamation ot the two boroughs, whoso town halls are situated barely a mile apart.—Press Association.

, Tho receipts of tho North Egrnont Mountain House ami tho new hostelry to Juno 30 totalled £lll9 3s 2d, the expenditure being £lOlB 13s Id; the Dawson’s Falls House showed receipts amounting to £2OO 3s, and expenditure £263 Is; East (Stratford) 14s receipts, £25 18s expenditure; West (Rahotu) £1 6s receipts, 10s expenditure. The receipts of the Egmont National Park Board amounted to £390 0« 2d, mads up of Government subsidies £350 and rent £4O 6s 2d; and the expenditure amounted to £IBO Os 9d. Statistics just issued on German emigration of 1912 show a continuation of tho decline in the number of German emigrants, the number having now reached its lowest level since tho Empire was founded. Tho following figures are strikingly demonstrative; — 187.1, 76,221 emigrants; 1831, 220,902 emigrants; 1912, 18,545 emigrants. The greater proportion of Gorman emigrants go to tho United States,. the number last year being 13,706. ‘To other countries” tho number of emigrants, was;— Canada, 891; Argentina, 1278; Btav.il, 225; others parts of America, 2029; Australia, 322; Africa, 4; England, 90. Tho largest proportion of emigrants, reckoned according to population, comos from Bremen, where tho proportion is 94 per 100,000 inhabitants; while the lowest proportion comes from Snxe-Cobu'rg-Gotha—two per 100,000.

Many strange problems frequently confront the Immigration Commissioner of tho Canadian Government. Wives in search of missing husbands and boys of tender years are often consigned to liim with no other instructions than tlmso contained in hieroglyphic characters on a tag fastened to a buttonhole. The latest instance of a surprise is an incident at Winnipeg. A small youth called at the , Winnipeg Commissioner’s office with tho tearful tidings that ho had “lost his label,” and all the information he could give the official was that he had been sent to “Uncle Angus,” who “did. something with an oil-can.” Even this did not baffle the Commissioner. Tho machinery of the department was set to work, and after a Sherlock Holmes search the child was sent to Angus Johnson, a driver, in the service of tho Canadian Oil Company, who proved to ho the object of the forlorn youngster’s; quest.

The irrepressible colonial boy ’created a sensation in Melbourne last week. At tho Flinders Street railway station there is a lift to convey passengers to .the upper floors. The lift attendant was absent for a few moments, and in the interval tho lift was crowded with impatient passengers. The latest arrival wits a small boy, and as ho was impatient he touched the necessary button and the lift ascended. The passengers approved tho action, and the lad was commended for his intelligence. A lady expressed a desire to stop at the first floor, and the boy then calmly explained that, although he could start the lift, ho could not stop it. The conversation of the passengers ceased hurriedly, and many faces turned white.. Some persons felt like praying and somo like weeping, perhaps a few.like swearing, and .the small boy was threatened with early death if he escaped alive from'tho lift. The journey was ended by a terrific hump as the automatic apparatus stopped tho lift at the top floor, and tho.small’boy got away just in time to evado an enraged lift attendant.

In the light of statements made by one of their number in the Magistrate’s Court in Wellington on Friday, it would appear that the practice of gathering around in a ring on. Waterloo Quay with their eyes fixed on space or on tho beauties of the harbour is an innocent and favourite amusement with somo Wellington wharf labourers. The suggestion of the police was that the men had formed a circle for tho purpose of indulging in a game of two-up, but this was repudiated by Sydney Reed (who was charged With play ing a game of chance), and a wharf labourer named Thomas Elliott, who appeared as a witness for the defence. Neither of tho men: advanced any countertheory as to the fascinatien in forming rings on Waterloo Quay, both stolidly maintaining that Constable Tricldebank was wrong in swearing that “two-up” was the object of Reed’s quest. The constable, who was in plain clothes, stood in the ring immediately behind the accused for three minutes, during which ho declared that Reed and others tossed tho two pennies. He had broken up the game by collaring Reed, who he stated was the ring-leader of the two-up schools on the wharf. The Magistrate found Reed guilty and fined him 40s, with tho alternative of seven, days’ imprisonment. Mr. H. F. O’Leary appeared for the accused, who Inspector Hendrey said earned his living by “hazards” and “two-up.” The proceedings were watched with interest .by a largo number of wharf-labourers m the body of the court.

If you would reduce your "cost of living,” compare the Melbourne's goods (displayed and priced) with the merchandise offered by others, and keep posted on market changes by reading our list of specials. Fleecy lined pants 2s Hd, “Ivy” mending wool Sd ball, Roslyn all-wool saddle trousers 7s lid, Kaiapoi tweed suits 28s 6d.*-

It is a very remarkable fact that among the millions of sheep which have been examined at the Christchurch abattoirs, a case of tuberculosis has never been once discovered. Tho most common troubles in. mutton aro hydatids, glandular affections, and various cysts. Lambs aro singularly healthy. Last year (to March 31 last), out of 18,000 odd lambs, only two had to bo condemned, and out of 118,000 odd sheep 313 wore condemned.

The disparity of price between Danish and New Zealand butter was a fertile subject for discussion at the recent Palmerston Dairy Conference. This season, at any rate, the prices have ruled the same, for the five weeks ended May 16 showed that New Zealand choicest had met with steady demand at 114 s per cwt., while Danish during the ■ period fell fi‘om to 114 s, so that both butters, when the mail left, word making the same price, a condition that had not existed since January, 1909. Sir Bverard im Thurn, in a recent address to the Royal Horticultural Society, said that in the course of its growth the nut which was now known as the cocoanut was similar to the face of a monkey, and so the Spanish and Portuguese word “coco,” meaning a grin or'grimace, was attached to it. When Dr. Johnson was compiling his dictionary he had an article on the “coco nut,” hut a careless proof-reader passed a mistake in the spelling of the word, the compositor having inserted an “a,” and the word appeared as “cocoanut,” a spelling which has been used ever since.

The Hon. James Allen, Minister of Education, interviewed on Monday on the omission from the Governor’s Speech of any reference to the education problems, said that it was highly improbable that any legislation affecting education would be introduced this session. His absence in England;during the recess prevented him from giving the attention ho would have liked to a subject which was so vitally important that it required the greatest care and consideration. Very probably legislation would be introduced next session. He thought that the present system was proceeding satisfactorily, and there was no need to rush reform. The Minister added that the Education Commission’s report, tabled last session, would be referred to by the Education Committee.

The desire of the average pedestrian to discover “what’s up” was well illustrated in. Christchurch the other afternoon, when a motor-car camo torn stop in a central position solely because tho supply of petrol had run-out. In a very short time a largo crowd had collected, and rumours spread rapidly. Somo said that the driver, who was not visible, was more hilarious than the law allows, and somo had more serious charges to lay. Tho great suspense of tho waiting British public ended when a man appeared on the scene with a can of petrol. Under the watnhful eye of tho multitude ho filled tho petrol tank, cranked the engine and puffed away. And then, quite satisfied, tho crowd dispersed, while a cab-driver announced that a dog fight would take place on tho same spot in half an hour and invited all and sundry to attend. “The prospects for hoof cattle are decidedly bright,” said, one of tho best authorities in Feilding, and he added that beef cattlo were going to seo high prices. In fact, he considered that the demand from Vancouver would have such au effect on tho market that, as ho put it, “butchers would have to scratch round for beef this winter.” From tho subdivision of pastoral runs into dairy farms, there was evolving a position in regard to beef that was prognosticated a few years hack, by those who could see ahead, and he suggested that it Would not be very long —comparatively speaking—when the’ big prices which beef cattle must .unquestionably bring will entice the dairyman to forsake tho creamery and go back to cattle-raising again. The beef problem of the future,'he said, was going to he a serious one, and ho felt confident that it would only be solved by cattlo runs being taken up again by many who will find it more profitable to purchase beef than milk, besides a big diminution.of the attendant worries and labour, which invariably accompany dairy farming.

A batcli of West Coast lads who were arrested for failure to comply with tho Defence Act were due to arrive in Christchurch on Friday night by train, and dark, vague, and mysterious rumours word circulated that their local sympathisers intended to “do something,” writes the Christchurch correspondent of the Wellington Post. What actually happened was that about fifty young men and girls assembled on the station platform armed with paper bags of pies which they intended to hand to* the prisoners, presumably to fortify the said prisoners for the rigours of RipaIsland. Unfortunately for these hospitable young people, the prisoners had left tho" train at a suburban station, and had been taken to the Police Station. When this was discovered the sympathetic souls with their pies proceeded in a body to tho Police Station. There all was quietness and peace. The little band of “heroes” hung round the watch-house door, but nobody took any notice of them. They sang a ballad about keeping the red flag flying, and several policemen came ont to listen to iihe music. Finally both crowd, and tho pies grew cold, and the whole ridiculous incident ended in the insurgents returning peaceably to their homes.

Everyone will understand (says the Christchurch Press)' that the member for Christchurch North, of the leaderless. idea-loss “party,” was not anxious to discuss general politics on Wednesday night, but most people will wonder that he could not doviso a better excuse. Perhaps he was wise, however, for although he spent the whole evening in discussing Ids opinions on defence, he sont the audience away more mystified than over concerning his position. On May 29 ho said "ho did not believe in a State army or a volunteer force”: "the ono 'thing to do was to go in for a citizens’ defence force, and , rob the Act of its compulsion.” On Wednesday night he was afforded a particularly good opportunity to state his position, but he only succeeded in becoming more vague than usual. Ho “approved of the main principle of universal training and a citizens’ army,” he "was there to support universal training and a citizens’ army.” Since he says that Ins "citizens’ army” is a different thing from "a State army” ■ and “a volunteer force,” and implies that it is different from the Territorial Force, somebody askod him to define “a citizens’ army.” “By a citizens’ army,” ho replied, "I mean'that by the will of tho people onr young men shall lie trained and fitted to defend tho coun try in time of need.” What that moans, and whether it has any meaning, the people of Christchurch North may occupy themselves in discovering. For frosty weather tho "Prestwcll” overcoat is a necessity. Made in the latest 'Style, in colonial and English tweeds, they are tho finest ov.erooats sold in' Taranaki. Tho low prices usually prevailing at Tho. Kash apply to these overcoats too. Commencing at 255, they range up to tho highest grade at 565. Call round and see our outside display.*

An open season for taking seats, the first for nineteen years, commenced today, and several parties are leaving for the grounds from the Bluff and Colac Bay.

Messrs. Laidlaw Leeds) whose premises in Auckland were recently damaged by Ore, have decided to erect a six-storey brick building at. the corner of AVyndham and Hobson Streets. Land and building together will cost some £25,0001

The Department of Agriculture and Commerce reports that the following butter was in cool store at various ports throughout Now Zealand as at Juno 30 : —Auckland 14,284 boxes, Now Plymouth 6350, Patea 3908,, Wangamu 56, AVolliimton 10,000, Lyttelton 3152, Dunedin 2448; total 41,098. Total at June 30, 1912, 51,035. / ' , The Immigration Department has agreed to pay the Girls’ Friendly Societies and the Y.M.C.A. each £loo a year on condition that they each permanently reserve two beds in, their homes in each of the four principal parts of the Dominion for the use of female immigrants, leaving the societies to make their owhi arrangements as to payment'for accommodation. During the past month there were 28 births, 11 marriages and 7 deaths in tho district of the New Plymouth Registrar (Mr., J. S. 8. Medley). The figures for, tho corresponding month of last year wero 30, 8, 8. ■ For tho half-year ending June 30, there were 176 births, 61 marriages, and._69 deaths, compared with 171, 47 and 54' for tho corresponding period of last year.

A judge declared recently that “a patriot was a man who refused to button his wife’s blouse.” “A martyr,” he went on, “is one who attempts and. fails, while a hero tries and succeeds.” “Then what is a coward?” asked a curious bystander. “Oh, a coward,” replied tlio judge, “is a man who remains single so that ho won’t have to try!” A motor-car containing a newly-mar-ried couple passed through Taihapo last AVetlnesday at, a fast pace, and tho number of tho car was obscured by a placard hearing.tho inscription, “We’re newly wed.” The first of the three words was a nun on tho name of the bridegroom. -The car was bound for Marton, and tho people on the way down were given an opportunity, to appreciate the pleasantry. ,

“Whether, in view, of the great potentialities 6f Wanganui as a cpmmereial centre and of the Wanganui Hiver as a public highway, the Minister for Public Works will have a report made as to the practicability of increasing the capacity of the river for navigation by means of a scries of looks; and, if so, what the probable cost of tho scheme would be?” is the text of a question of which Mr. W. A. Veitch has.given notice in tho House. There was only one bankruptcy case recorded in Wellington during June, and five for the six months, compared with eleven in the first half of 1912. During June there were 160 births registered in Wellington, 57 deaths, and 90 marriages. For the Jannary-Jnne half-year the figures were (last year’s totals for tho corresponding period appearing in parentheses), births 1002‘ (1014), deaths 395 (360), marriages 505 (536).

Tho question of a superannuation scheme for local bodies was laid before the Minister for Internal Affairs on Monday by a deputation representing the Institute of Local Engineers. The necessity for such a scheme, with local bodies as contributors, was pointed out, and tho Minister promised) that he would give careful .consideration to the details of a scheme which, Mr. Martin explained, had> been drawn up year’s ago.

The Suffragan Bishop of Richmond (Yorkshire) used to toll this story about his father :—“He was q. farmer, and a nice old gentleman, too. One year he took it into his head to grow flax, so he sowed the seed, and, having n good crop, sent it away to be made into a tablecloth. Some' time later, when seated at' dinner, he-remarked to a lady near him'- ‘Do you know, I grew this tablecloth myself.’ ‘Did you really)” she answered with the greatest surprise. ‘However did you manage it?’ ‘Well’ —most mysteriously—‘if you’ll promise not to tell anyone, I’ll tell you. I—planted a napkin!’” “Mr. Grasp,” said the bookkeeper, as ho toyed nervously with a piece of red tape, “during the past week I have been doing the junior clerk’s work as well as my own.” “Well, what of it?” growled his amiable employer. “This being pay-day, sir, I thought it was only right to mention it.” “Very good. Let me see, your salary is two pounds a week and the junior clerk’s one pound, I think?” “Yes, sir, replied the bookkeeper, beaming expectantly. “Then, working half the week for yourself is one pound, and the other half for the junior clerk is Ids. Very honest of you to mention the matter, my man.” A man recently in New York laid a wager that he would , woo, win, and marry within an hour a young lady whom, with his companions, he had just seen arrive at the hotel where ho was living. There is nothing in the American marriage-law to prevent this despatch. He introduced himself :to the damsel, she smiled upon his suit, a minister was called in, and they wore married within an hour. The wager, of no inconsiderable amount, was handed over to the bridegroom, who left with his bride the following day. It was shortly afterwards discovered that the couple had lohg been man and wife, and that they had been travelling about playing the same trick at various hotels.

Commenting on the Governor’s Speech, the Inglewood Record says:— “Proposals will also be introduced to reduce the cost of living, which we may inform his Excellency could be done in five minutes, by prohibiting picture allows, shutting up hotels and abolishing cheap trips on the railway whenever there is a pig to shave _in a neighbouring town, and also abolishing the totalisator, and the present custom of carrying 'racehorses one way free — and the cost of living would be reduced fifty per cent, straight away. The cost of living is not within fifty per cent, of what it was fifty years ago, and wages are double what they were then, and everybody was happy and better off financially at the end of the year than -they are to-day.” An eminently practical uso for cinema theatres is being employed throughout the United States in an attempt to discover the nino-yoar-old daughter of a prominent physician of Newcastle, Indiana. She is Catherine Winters, who recently disappeared in mysterious fashion from her home, and for whose recovery all search has proved nsejess. At the suggestion of the police, moving picture shows everywhere in the States have been supplied with the child’s photographs, and hundreds of exhibitors have consented to Hash her picture on the screen, with the request that anyone recognising the child will at once communicate witlr, the police authorities. A Chicago film-distributing company, has reproduced thousands of the portraits, and nightly this picture is being shown with the story of her loss; It is hoped that by this moans sho may bo restored, to her -parents;

There is a well-defined improvement in the condition of the real estate market in Wellington, which has been moribund for some time past, says the dominion. Only a year, or eighteen months ago there were empty houses in every street, and the blind stare from the windows of many houses in the suburbs told a story. Gradually the empty dwellings- in the city have found occupants during the year, and even suburban properties have been sought after.

“It is astonishing what a lot of sickness there seems to be in the country,” was the caustic comment of Mr. A. B. Harrfa, at the Crown Lands Board the other morning, as applicant after applicant for a transfer of title, gave as his reason ill-health. One red-faced, healthy-looking man, who gave that reason was tackled by the Commissioner (Mr. Skeet), who remarked; “You don’t look bad,” but the reply was quite readv; “No, sir; it does not always show" in the face,” whereupon all joined in a. hearty laugh. An ungaliant Swimming Council lias decided that lady swimmers must continue to wear sleeves to their costumes while competing under New Zealand Amateur Association rules. .The decision was the outcome of a request That sleeves should be optional. Hitherto tlio more modest garb has been insisted on, and it will be continued, j. The council; at the same sitting, decided, to maintain a high standard in ladies’ races in another respect, for it raised the one hundred yards “standard” to eighty-eight seconds. ' A lawyer cross-examining a lawyer is not an uncommon experience in the Supreme Court, and it was during such an interlude at Palmerston that a rather smart interchange of legal wit took place. Mr. C>. A. Loughnan was in the box, and Mr. T. Ml' AVilford was questioning him as to a visit to a factory in which t.here might or might not have been stored a quantity of oases containing toys. “I did not go there to look for cases,” "said Mr. Loughnan. “No,” responded Mr. AVilford; p “a lawyer never does.”

Three months ago the French barque Jean Bart, with a cargo of pig-iron and coke, went ashore on-Wardling Island, near Port Piric, and as she was thought to bo a total wreck Messrs. James Bell and Co. bought her for £385. After many unsuccessful attempts to salve her the purchaser's finally succeeded in doing so on May 26. She was then patched up sufficiently to enable her to be towed to Melbourne, where she will discharge her cargo before entering the dry dock for repairs. It is alleged tliat the vessel and cargo are worth at least £12,000, so that tho owners have made a particularly lucky speculation. ■

Among living authors the prize for illegible handwriting would probably be awarded to Mr. Cunningham© Graham. Some years ago Mr. Graham wrote a letter for publication in one of tho newspapers. The letter duly appeared, but Mr. Graham found it differed widely from the original “copy.” He thereupon sent a further letter of remonstrance to the editor. The remonstrance was published, with the following comment:—“lf in future Mr. Graham will sit in a chair when writing, aitil not on horseback, and use a pen instead of the candle snuffers, ivo think wo may bo able to do him justice.” A remarkable instance of what is considered spitefulness in an elephant has occurred at Oakland, California. The animal is one of a number which is performing as a troupe in a circus at that city, and has frequently given exhibitions of temper. The other day it pushed its trunl; beneath the circus tent and grasped tho right wrist of cue of the employees, named Gardiner. The canvas'walls gave way (says the Daily Citizen correspondent), and the man was dragged through, speechless-with ferror. Tho elephant lifted him in the air and threw him violently to the ground, fracturing a number of ribs as well :as his wrist. The keeper can only explain the elephant’s anger by saying that recently he forgot to feed it at the usual tour. '

The usual weekly session of the Egraont Lodge, No. 112, was hold on Monday mght. ‘ Mrs. Pepperell was admitted as ,a member. The; usual business was gone through, after which the i Chief Tomplarr entertained the members and a large gathering of friends. The following contributed items: •Pianoforte solo, Bro. Fred Boulton ; recitation, Sis. B. Legg; song, Mrs. Yates; song, Miss Butler; recitation, Bro. Pepperell; song," Miss B. White; song, Mrs., Cummings. After this all-star programme a most enjoyable supper was partaken of. Following the supper was a pianoforte solo by Miss N. Bullet, and a brilliant selection on thp auto-harp by Bro. H. Ricketts, which called for a hearty encore. This member’s playing will linfer long in the minds of all who heard ira.

It is amazing how many meanings are attached to the little word of three letters, “wet,” but surely Mr. S. E. McCarthy, S.M., in giving judgment in a shearer’s case about wot sheep has added to the vocabulary provided in the dictionary (says the Star), for lie has ruled that sweat from tho sheep in the wool is “wet” wool. In slang “wet” is:used to designate a happy state of intoxication, or a “soak”; a wet-nurse is the designation of one .who supplies natural diet to a child; a .‘(wet hob” is an expert at water sports'; a “wet plate” is* a photograph plate formerly very much in use; and “wetting” is often used to celebrate a birthday. But sweat in wool is the latest version. Sheep-owners will have to bo careful not to got their sheep into a state of excitement for fear they will sweat, and will have to confine their hustling to the shearers instead—if the Hawke’s Bay verdict is upheld.