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Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16721, 23 April 1920, Page 2

According to a cablegram received on Thursday some of the British Labour leaders arc anxious to visit Russia and the question of granting them passports has been referred to the, San llcmo Conference. While one. cannot admire the taste of those who wish to hobnob with murderers like Lenin ami 1 rotsky it seems making too much of the visit to hesitate about granting passports. The more the facts about Bolshevik rule are published to the world the better and, though the British Labour delegates may ho deceived to a certain extent owing to their ignorance of the Russian language and to their being carefully shepherded by Bolshevik agents, they tire not foolish enough to swallow till that they are told. So long as Russia is practically closed to visitors wo shall have, people assuring ns that conditions there are ideal and that the capitalist press is responsible for the dissemination cf false stories about brutalities and murders just'as was the case when the Germans occupied France and Belgium. The fear of the introduction of Bolshevik propaganda is much exaggerated. The theories or the Bolsheviks are practically those which Messrs. Holland. Fraser and Setnplo aro constantly putting forward among their supporters. The methods by which these theories have been applied cannot bo condemned too strongly and iXcw Zealand has no intention of lotting them bo put. into practice hero. ‘A or will it permit Bolshevik agents to settle in this country, if they can be kept out by passport restrictions, but there would He no objection to Mr. Holland and bisTriends taking a trip to Russia and we should lie pleased to bear that they had found tlie conditions so congenial that they meant to stay there.

The position with regard to cement in Taranaki is becoming—lias in fact already become—very acute, and unless it is relieved immediately tho consequences aro likely to bo very serious. Mr. E. Gritilths, local agent ior the 'Wilson Cement works north of Auckland, inlorms us that ho alone has orders for 1200 tons, of which at least a half is urgently needed to carry on tho Borough Council's hydro-electric works and important building operations. Tho Wilson Company informs him that tho cement is available at the mills but that there is no shipping obtainable. Recently tho Ilium was engaged to bring 200 tons for the whole of Taranaki, of which 40 ions only (since cut down to 03 tons) was allotted to New Plymouth, an absurdly inadequate supply. But even that little drop in tho ocean of requirements is not to materialise just yet, for telegraphic advice has just been received that the Ilirau will not be despatched for at least a fortnight, and no other steamer is available, although the Union, Blackball, and Northern companies have been pressed to provide tonnage. Not only therefore aro operations held up on various works, but tho position is made more serious because contractors and builders have either to keep their men idle, thus adding materially to the cost of building, or see them drift away to other places to seek employment. Representations aro being made, so far without result, to Mr. Massey and the. Board of Trade. It would bo interesting to know how other districts are being served by the shipping companies.

The recent picnic of the Eltham school children at the East End beach, resulted in a profit of £5 11k 4d, and the School Committee donated £2 to tho East End Committee.

There has been a fairly heavy fall of snow on Mount Egmont this week and this has been accompanied by the usual drop in tho temperature throughout the district.

Grocers recently have reported a scarcity of sugar in Now Plymouth but today 55 tons consigned to Now Plymouth and other Ta-rsmaki towns was being discharged from tho Rarawa. In response to numerous requests it has been decided to issue tickets for the special stand in Pokekura Park on the occasion of the Prince’s visit to parents and widows of deceased soldiers instead of only to the mothers as originally intended.

Mr. S. G. Smith. M.P., is in communication with the Prime Minister with regard to the shortage of cement in New Plymouth,and asking Mr. Massey to use his influence in the direction of getting a i essel to bring a cargo hero that, would meet present needs. To fill immediate needs for urgent works it is estimated that something like 2000 tens of cement arc required and are ou order. There are fortunes waiting to he made in hundreds of need.ee! inventions. That idea of yours may bo the means of making your fortune. For advice in these matters consult Henry Hughes, Ltd., Patent Attorneys, 157 Featheraton Street, Wellington, 145

Church of England services -will he held on Sunday, April 23, at Eniti 11 (H.C.), and Pnkcaruhe 7 p.m. An Ordor-in-Council published in the Gazette fixes the maximum price of flour at £l6 10s a ton, instead of £lB. —Press Association. Sir James Allen and several Canterbury members of Parliament had a trip above the clouds on Tuesday in the Canterbury Aviation Company’s aeroplanes. One or two cases of blackleg have been reported quite recently and fanners therefore .should exercise every possible precaution and see that all young stock is inoculated. The- Hon. C. J. Parr intends to call a conference of inspectors in Wellington on May 12 with two teachers from each district to discuss the grading of feathers. —Press Association.

In view of tho fact that a. whole holiday will bo observed on Friday next in New Plymouth on the occasion, of tho visit of tho Prince of Wales, it has been decided not to observe tho usual weekly half-holiday on the Thursday.

Mr. Massey, in reply to Air. Holland, M.P., as to whether an amnesty could bo granted military and political prisoners on the occasion of the, visit of the Prince of Wales, wires that ho is placing thu martin 1 before Cabinet for consideration. The difficulty of getting steamer accommodation does not seem to be lessening yet. The iUoana is already a practically full ship for her run to ’Frisco, which- she commences on Monday, ami the Tofua, which is duo to sail on May 7, is well booked up.

At the school committee elections in Fcilding two ladies were elected at the head of the poll for tho D ; strict High School commit tec and two for the Lytton Street committee. At Kaukatea. the whole committee consists of ladies.

It is not generally known that a person may be married without a wedding ring, and marriages have actually been ’‘solemnised” without tho ring. Twice Air. F. Evans, the Christchurch Registrar, lias ‘‘hitched” a couple without the conventional circlet. In one case when ho asked for the ring tho bride said she had a religious objection to tho use of it. and as there was nothing in the Marriage Act about wedding rings tho ceremony had to proceed.

Tile olficial report of a series of motor tractor ploughing trials held at Lincoln, England, shows that the Fiat (Italian) tractor came out an easy winner. It was in competition with 57 machines, representing 34 different makers. It won a first prize in respect to cost per acre of ploughing on stiff land, the figures being 2s od. On heavy land another, first prize was secured, with the record number of 6.1 acres ploughed in a day of eight hours. On the light land 7.j acres wore ploughed in the same time.

It is surprising how sheop-weight guessing competitions keep their attraction at country gatherings year after year in spite of their frequency. Perhaps the secret is the extreme difficulty of correctly guessing the weight of a live sheep. At the Tarata dog trials on Thursday about 200 attempts were made to guess the weight of a sheep which looked small but had been reared as a pet lamb. The weights guessed ranged from 4olb. to 18511)., and by far the greatest number wore in the neighbourhood of 801 b. The correct weight was 1141 b. and the nearest guess was 1081 b. One of the comical stunts about the picnic ship “Mokoia” on her Samoa cruise was '‘washing clay,” for the grave legislators were their own washer women. On the whole, it is considered that the Hon. Mr. Leo, in the presence of a pair of socks, a washboard, and a bar ot soap, is hard 1 to boat. The general lack of starching accommodation on the ship resulted in a limp appearance among members usually immaculate, and shirts covering breasts that boat with fervour for their country were not always as crcaselcss or spotless as is usually the case. Xo one know whore Sir James Allen did his weekly wash, or whether, nis_ private secretary did it. It is possible, however, that the leader of the party was able -to collect sufficient articles of wear before the voyage to render personal application to the wash-tub unnecessary. It is understood the Government paid for the soap (soft and bard) tho politicians used.—Grey River Argus.

ui\ H. T. J. Thacker, M.P., is going tu play tho pave of a masculine Cinderella to twelve good-looking girls at what is popularly known as “The Prince’s Ball” (says the Christchurch Sun). At tile Returned Soldiers’ Association danco ou Saturday evening lie made an oiler to provide tickets for twelve girls eligible, so to speak, to enter for tho great stake of the evening—catching the Prince’s eye. The Mayoress would chaperon such young ladies, and then we should see what wo would sec. Tile girls, seemingly, are to be chosen from the dancers at the B.S.A. dances between this and the visltof the Prince. Later on the Mayor, wrapped up in his rosy fairy-godfather dreams, seated himself on tho edge of the musicians’ platform, and dispatched one of tho masters of ceremony for a girl, who should eurtsov to him in imitation of how she would do it if, by any chance, the good fortune of tho Prince’s favour should fall upon her. A 'blushing damsel was accordingly haled forth and the Mayor exacted a curtsey. It did not seem to quite satisfy him. But perhaps, when tho real Prince appears, the girls will rise, or rather, bend to tho occasion. 'Mr. Loadley was asked how tho 11.5. A. was going about the Mayor's offer. How would tho dozen belles bo selected? Ho looked cautious and murmured something about tho M.C.’s making the selection. Meanwhile every girl “not otherwise provided for” as regards the Rovtil ball, dreams happy dreams of what may he, when Cinderella floats into society per medium of the Mayor’s generosity and enterprise. ' ’

To-morrow Nolan and Co. will soil two motor-cars by auction. The cars arc in good running order and worth inspection.

New shipment of ladies’ and gents.’ tan and black brogue shoos just to hand at The Regal. Quality the best, at prices within reach of all. Also to hand, a very smart line of ladies’ black suede court shoes, with tongue and buckle. — licgnl Shoo Store.* Messrs. Webster Bros, advertise a clearing sale of house ’furniture and furnishings on account of Mr. N. A. Christiansen, at his present shop, Devon Street. The sale will he held on Saturday week, May 1. and as the list to be cleared is a long one the sale wilf commence, at 12.30 o’clock.

Now Plymouth ladies jire delighted with the. quality ol “Ivcop Smiling” Boob Polish supplied by C. Carter at Sd per tin.*

The Melbourne, Ltd., have full stocks of the famous Lo Roy’s oily canvas coats, sizes 60 inch to o ( S inch. These coats are acknowledged to he the only sure safeguard against bad weather and last lima? times as long as oilskins. Tiro maker’s guarantee goes with every coat. Trice £i 10s 6d.»

AV. J. Cnthbertson, a returned soldier, was found dead in a street lavatory in Auckland with a bottle stated to have contained poison alongside him. Cnthbertson had n distinguished career in the. New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Ho got his sergeant's stripes after the. battle at Tiers, 1916, and the 'Military Modal was conferred on him.—Press Association.

The Taranaki (L) Squadron of the Legion of Frontiersmen journey to Okato on Thursday afternoon for tho purpose of holding the annual conference. There was an excellent attendance of delegates from aH parts of Taranaki. Gloriously lino weather prevailed and the. chartering of Messrs. Archibald Bros.' luxuriously appointed char-a-banc, added in no small degree to the pleasure of the outing.

A settler drove into Maidinborough on Friday last and adjusted the chain to tho wheel of his vehicle while ho did some shopping (says the Age). AVhen ho returned he found a dishevelled individual standing at the horse’s head, and gripping tightly to the reins. A dirty hand was held out ready to clench a silver coin for services rendered. The situation was so absurd that after undoing flio chain the settlor laughed heartily and tossed tho derelict a coin.

Apropos of tho attempts of the Education Board to secure Reserve T for educational purposes, it may bo noted that the Richmond (Melbourne) City Council has promptly refused many requests that a portion of Richmond Park should be used for buildings. Enin a request on behalf of the ratepayers that a small area of tho park should lie occupied by a technical school was rejected. Tho council’s policy, according to Sir Henry AVeodon, chairman of the Park and Gardens Committee, is ‘ 'Hands off the parks and gardens.” Tho services on Sunday next at St. Alary’s will be in keeping with tho spirit of Anzac Day. It is hoped that the communicants will come in large numbers to the celebration at 8 a.m. which will be in the nature of a memorial sendee to those who gave their lives on the Gallipoli Peninsula. At 11 a.m, the Boy Scouts will parade to church, and Archdeacon Evans will preach.at 7 p.m. It is hoped also that St. Alary’s will be fully, represented at the united service at Everybody’s Theatre in the afternoon.

With reference to the procedure during the visit of tho Prince of AVales, Lieut.-Colonel Weston has received a ccmnuinication from the Defence-Office notifying that tho .Royal Standard will not bo flown on buildings or at parades which his Royal Highness may attend. It is understood that tho flags to _be flown on such occasions are being brought on H.M.S. Renown and will bo available for district use during the lioyal tour. Where these special flags r/o not available the Union Jack will bo flown and in any case this flag should be provided for use as an alternative at the saluting base and parade.

Tho mart on Saturday in aid of the New Plymouth girls’ Hostel fund will have its headquarters in Mr. Buchanan’s late shop in Currie Street, kindly lout by Mr. Lightband—whore the meat stall will bo.located in charge of Mrs. S. G. Smith and Miss Wood, and which will be plentifully supplied with ox tails, cooked ham, corned beef, tongues. meat pies, and other delicacies, whilst stalls will also be erected in the centre of the town at which flowers, ’fruit, sweets, jams, pickles, and numerous other articles will be dispensed. Contributions to the stalls may bo left at Mr. Hugh Baily’s office this evening and at the mart on Saturday, morning. The mart will open at 9,30 in the morning. .

Members of tho choirs of the various churches in Now Plymouth and others held a rehearsal at the Umpire Theatre on Thursday night under the direction of Mr. MvLcod, of the music to be sung at the reception to the Prince of Wales in Pukckura Park on Friday morning next. To give a further opportunity to any others who would like to join in with the choir, another rehearsal was agreed upon, to take place in tire same hall at a quarter past five on Monday afternoon. This, it is thought, will suit those who leave business at five, and those who do not leave till 5.30 will not bo very late. The practice will not extend beyond six o’clock, so that it will- not interfere with any other arrangements people may have for that evening. Copies of the music are to be had from tbo music and booksellers’ shops, free of charge. Admission to the choir scats in tho park will bo by ticket only, and these will bo issued to those who attend the rehearsal. Monday afternoon will be, the last opportunity of receiving tickets.

A swordfish which was washed ashore on tho ocean beach at Westshore, says tho Napier Telegraph, lias been bought by the Wanganui Museum, and has been placed in tho freezing works pending instructions. The fish was lift. Gin. Jong, 4ft. 6in. girth, its tail 3ft. (Jin. from tip to till, the actual sword a foot long, or, will) the bony structure of the nose, 3ft. Its weight was between 4 cwt. and 0 cwt. The fish was evidently a fighter, one eye being gone and several recently healed soars appearing on tbo body. Two remora, or pilot fish, 1 wore inside the big fish’s gills, and those remained alive for 21 hours. The swordfish was noticed in tho breakers on Friday by a woman, and was la.-soocd by Mr. T. Boyd. Willi tho aid of a horse it was dragged on to dry land. It is thought that a warm current must bo setting towards Napier from the tropics, as recently thresher sharks, a large suufish, ami now a swordfish (quite different from tho variety caught hy rod and lino at Russell) have been captured at Westshore. Miss Mina Caldow. contralto, who will appear at the Male Choir concerts on Tuesday and Wednesday next, lias been selected to sing at the I’rinee of Wales’ receptions in Wellington. Miss C'a£ dow’s repertoire is an extensive one and tlie numbers to be snug at the choir concerts are the .same, as those chosen for the reception in Wellington. Miss Crddow leaver, shortly for England to fulfill an engagement there, so this will be the iaH chance tho New Plymouth nublic wiU have of hearing this charming performer. To avoid disappointment intending patrons should book early. Plan now open at Collier’s. Little Mrs. Greeustockings is leaving her beautiful orchard to come into New Plymouth to see the Prince. The dear old lady has had such a misfortune. For weeks past she lias been saving her 3d’s to pay for this trip, and having no purse she used her lovely rosy apples as money-boxes. Now the {rouble is she does not know which apples contain her savings, so she is forced to sell them to pay for her board. “What a pity there is no Girl’s Hostel,” sighs Mrs. Grccnstooking. She will arrive at 10.30 a.m. to-morrow and take up her stand near the sweet stall, her rosy apples will be Id each, and those who are lucky enough to find Mrs. Greenstocking’s savings will bo able In invest at the sweet stall and help lo swell the Girls’ Hostel Fund.

No more grinding of teeth with Wade’s Worm Figs, a