LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11763, 29 July 1916, Page 7

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A meeting of shearers and shed hands will be held in the Socialist Hall at 10 a.m. to-morrow- to consider the coming conference. " After Two Years of War" is the subject of the talk to be given by Mr E. D. Hoben at the Y.M.C.A. strangers' tea on Sunday. Mr W. M. Gillmore will be the soloist. At Canterbury College this evening, commencing at 7.30, a debate will bo held between the College Dialetic Society and the students of the economic class of the "Workers' Educational Association. The subject to be discussed will bo " Whether free trade or protection would be the better policy for Britain to adopt after the war." Admission is free.

The results of the fifth night's play in the second round of the Christchurch United Friendly Societies' Card Association's tournament were as follows: Mistletoe. (9-£) beat "Washington (12), 21-20; Queen's Chvn (12) beat Star of Linwood (3), 24-12; Star of St Albans (6) bea.t Ivy of Linwood (o), 21-13; Lily of Richmond (11) beat Oak of Sydenham (9), 22-20; City of ChrisTeburch (10) drew with Anchor (10&), 19-19.

The Sydenham Football Club committeo has made final arrangements for the annual fancy dress ball, which will be held in tho club's hall on. Wednesday next. The proceeds are to he devoted to the Patriotic Funds. Two prises axe to bo awarded by ballot to the best dressed lady and mini, and the secretary Reported that Messrs G. E: Good and W. G. Grigsbv, of Sydenham, had stated that, they would supply the prizes.

"Our nation has not risen to tho occasion as it might have done in connection with the present war," paid Mr W. J. Rees at a meeting this week. The speaker referred in condemnatory terms to the action of the Auckland Racing Club in holding a race meeting on the day on which news was received' of Lord Kitchener's death. He also alluded to tho fact that thousands of eligible men were continually attending, boxing matches in Australia when tlrey should be at the front. The grain merchants of Tiniaru sent the following telegram to the Right Hon W. F. Massey:—"Wo urgently urge you to assist farmers to encourage the production of wheat in the Dominion by taking immediate drastic action to prevent the menace of Australian wheat and Hour being dumped here owing to the failure of the Commonwealth to deal with the huge stocks there- We respectfully submit the desirability of increasing the present tariffs to the same level as the Australian. Failing this, farmers in South Canterbury will practically abandon the wheat industry." The* Prima Minister replied that the matter would have the careful consideration of the Cabinet.

The usual serene atmosphere of the peaceful hamlet of "Karoo, North Auckland, was somewhat rudely disturbed la&t Sunday, when a venerable cow that hitherto had been regarded as of a particularly mild and decile (disposition, suddenly went mad in the main thoroug'nfare, and for a timt> was a distinct source of danger to all • and sundry who attempted to check its wild career. For a time the "neontrollable beast was in absolute command of the township, and wildly charged any vehicle or being that came within its range of vision. Its reign was short-lived, as an urgent telephone message to Whangarei brought Constable Paine on the scene. A well ditfs&ed shot by the eoruable the tension, dispatched c.v.v, and restored orclsii again.

Advico has been received that Lieutenant- J. H. Gilmour, who left- for the front several months ago, is -at present in hospital in London. He saw active service in Egypt and in Franco, "but after some months in the trenches he became ill and was removed to a French hospital. Lieutenant Gilmour, who is well-known in Christchurch, proved himself an extremely popular officer, and his many friends hope that 'no will shortly bo able to res'ame -his place in the New Zealand Forces. A large number of Auckland yachtsmen, motor-boat enthusiasts, and men engaged in driving launches have signified their willingness to join tho special motor-boat patrol service under the British Admiralty. Offers of service are being received by the Auckland Yachtsman's Naval Defence Force, the organisation of which recruits are generally taking advantage, receiving weekly instruction in navigation, the rule of the road at sea, seamanship, signalling,. and knotting and splicing. Commander F. P. Armstrong, representative of the British Admiralty, who is at present engaged in Vancouver in obtaining recruits for the service, is expected to arrive in Auckland shortly to make final arrangements concerning the acceptance of those who have offered their services.

A very healthy interest in municipal matters continues to be evinced in Riccarton. The Burgesses' Association meetings are drawing larger attendances, and many little' roforins are being quietly introduced as a result of the very frank interchange of opinions concerning matters likely to have a beneficial effect, or otherwise, upon the progress of the borough. The former receives hearty endorsement, and in the latter case the march of untoward events is stayed. At last night's meeting a policy of aggressiveness was deciaed upon, and steps are being taken to stimulate further the activities of the association, the benefits accruing from which are shared, of course, by the whole of the residents. At the August meeting a comprehensive report will bo submitted setting forth the actual achievements of the organisation; in September the members will play a euchre match, against nonmembers in the district; and for October it is proposed to ask Mr Cummings to deliver his promised address on municipal affairs Ladies know them to have /lo equal. Martin's Apiol and Steel Sold by all Chemist? and Stores throughout Australasia. 1 Concerning Washing Day.—Bad drying weather demands good wringing. Wo have just landed a full supply of the genuine "Novelty" and "Eureka'' Wringers, including the new ball-bear ing lines. Quality and long life guaranteed. Hastie, Bull and Pickering, opposite Ba ll; intyno's. X