LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8528, 5 September 1907, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Two cases of scarlet fever have occurred at Lansdowne. There are now three patients in the Hope Street Fever Hospital.

The Fairview Rifle Club have resolved to enter a team for the North Wairarapa Handicap Rifis Association's teams' match on September 21s t.

Dr Dawson reported to the meeting of the Castlepoint County Council, on Saturday last, that a case of diphtheria exists, or is supposed to exist, near Tiuui.

The box plan in connection with the Catholic concert and dance, to be held in the Town and Drill Halls, M'asterton, on the 11th inst., is now open at Miss Rive's. Mi' Charles Carter, the New Zealand tenor, who is with the MoodyManners Opera Company, has scored a big success in London in the part of Lohengrin, writes our London correspondent.

A meeting of the ladies' committee in connection with the concert and dance to be held in the Town and Drill Halls, Masterton, on the 11th inst, in aid of the funds of St.. Patrick's Church, will be held in the Presbytery this afternoon at 3 o'clock.

At the meeting of the Castlepoint County Council, on Saturday last, a general rate of seven farthings in the pound was made for the current year. It was resolved that a special general rate of a halfpenny in the pound should be made later on if required for metalling purposes. The presiding justices at the Masterton Police Court, yesterday morning, were Messrs T. Wugg and Eli Smith. Edward Higgs pleaded gvlilty to a charge of assaulting an elderly man named Frederick Jones, and was fined 10s. Two first offenders were fined 5s each, in default 24 hours' imprisonment, for having boen drunk.

At the annual meeting of the Fairview Rifle Club, on Tuesday evening last, it was? resolved to open the season on Saturday, September 28th, at 1.30 p.m., and that competitions should be held during the season fortnightly instead of weekly. It was further decided to hold practices on September 12th and 14th, and to invite members of the Opaki Rifle Club to be present. The business people of Ohakune, according to the Taihape News, are in a desperate plight in the matter of mud. A canal of mud runs from one end of the main street to the other. Jady can venture out unless her feet are encased in {rum-boots., and then she has to keep the centre of the road for fear of losing her equilibrium in the many ruts which are hidden by the coating of mud. The Secretary of the Fairview Rifle Club reported to the annual meeting of members on Tuesday evening last that he had received promises of trophies from the following for this season's competitions Messrs E. Harford, W. Taylor, A. Henderson, Walsh and Co., W. Cragg, H. Evans, G. R. Sykes, Dagg Bros., D. McGregor, sen., G. Hyde, A. E. Winzenberg, Krahagan and Chapman, R. McGregor, Harcombe and Donald, and the W.F.C.A. A vote of thanks wsa accorded to the donors of trophies. \ Seen by a New Zealand Times reporter, Dr. Mason, Chief of the Health Department, said that the epidemic diseases so widely diffused over New Zealand, with the exception of diphtheria, were showing signs of abatement. These diseases are gradually "using up the available material," and of course, stop at the immune. There is a distinct improvement, although influehza, with its many complications, is still claiming many victims.

A deputation of fruitgrowers and others interested in the industry waited on the Minister of Customs, on Monday, with a request for the removal of duty from spray Dumps and insecticides. The Hon. J. A. Millar said that the whole difficulty lay in the definition of a "spray pump." Until a clear definition was provided, Parliament would not be asked to put spray pumps on the free list. He was prepared to put a duty on imported fruit trees if it could be shown that young 'plants could be grown in the colony. His main object was the encouragement of our own industries. He could not sacrifice one industry for another.

A well-attended meeting of ladies was held in the Borough Council I Chambers, yesterday afternoon, to consider a proposal to hold a ball in aid of the Masterton Hospital. The Mayor, Mr J. M. Coradine, presided, and stated that the matter of holding a ball rested entirely with the ladies. A suggestion was made that the ball should be held about the end of the present month, but some of those present considered that it was too late in the season, and it would be better if the ball was abandoned until early next season. Eventually it was decided <o hold the matter over until the beginning - of next season. It was resolved to hold a public tea in the hospital grounds on the date of the opening of the new building, and make a charge for admission to the grounds. Those present formed themselves into a committee, with power to add to their number, to further the movement. Mrs W. H. Hosking was elected President of the Committee, and Mr 11. M. Boddington Secretary. STfvVM ON THE FAR SI. Do you wha: an advantage it is in have a supply of live steam on the farm? It means a liberal supply of boiling water for wishing cans or clothes, for scalding or cooking stock food, and you can secure these advantages at a \ery sma 1 cost by pnrclming a "New Century" bteamtr. One good fire provides steam i'ur about two hours, and can be Kit with peifect safety. The "New Century" combines the strong points of the ordinary portable wash n',' copper and the high pressuro steam boiler without their disadvantages. MacEwan and Co., Ltd., Sole Agents, U.S.S. Co.'s Buildings, Wellington.

Mr Gwilliam, manager of the Eltham. Dairy Factory, has been appointed a butter grader for the Auckland district.

The eastern approach to the Pohangina Bridge at Raumai has been carried away by a large slip. The loss to the county is about £1,200.

The pineapple growers of the Brisbane district are asking for Government asoistance to found a factory for preserving and canning the fruit.

Mrs O'Meara, widow of the late Mr J. O'Meara, ex-M.H.R., is petitioning Parliament for a grant by way of recognition of the services he rendered to the colony in the Public fn-rvice, and as a member of the Houp;:-.

Local builders, says the Gisborne Times, are finding some difficulty in procuring carpenters and bricklayers. On their behalf the representative of the Labour Department telegraphed to the branches of the Depai'tment in the chief centres, but in each case received a reply to the effect that no men were available.

Under date July 24th our London correspondent writes:—The Army Council, I am informed, will offer sixteen commissions half-yearly to the officers of the colonial forces. Of these four are to be given to Commonwealth officers, two to New Zealand officers, four to Canadian officers, and the balance to Crown colonies. The candidates are to be nominated by the Governors of the respective States.

As an evidence of how the fruit trade of the Eastern Pacific is expanding now that there is regular steam communication between the Islands and New Zealand, the Hauroto, which arrived at Auckland on Saturday, brought what is stated to be the record cargo. The consignment consisted of 1,967 tons, including 18,255 cases oranges, 4,681 cases, 956 bunches, and 443 kits bananas, 1,486 sacks copra, 455 cases kumaras and large lines of pearl shell, coffee, vanilla, etc. The pearl shell and vanilla are for transhipment to London and France.

The probation officer, when reporting at the Wanganui Court a few days ago. on the conduct of an accused who had broken the terms of his probation, condemned his action in taking up a situation in the town, and refusing a better job which had been offered him in the country, where he would have beer, out of the way of the temptations which beset him. "If he had got a place on the top of Mount Egmont," said the probation officer, "it would have been a good place for him." His Honor: "That would be cool enough for him.

Three prisoners and] a policeman singing heartily together was a pleasing sight witnessed on the mail train the other night, says the Herald. They seemed a very happy family. They were all young men. One of the prisoners was particularly entertaining by reasun of the numerous songs he knew and the good stories he could teli. He excused himself being in bad voice by saying that the cell he was in had given him a cold. The other two were practically youths. They were naval boys, and were being taken back to Sydney for ship desertion.

At a meeting of the Waikato A. and P. Association a discussion took place on the question of granting a bonus "f 33 per cent, to colonial implement manufacturers to enable them to compete successfully with manufacturers in Canada and elsewhere. On the motion of Mr Allen Bell, the following resolution was carried: —"That the borough on behalf of the Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Association, be asked to oppose the large bonuses proposed to be granted to implement manufacturers in the .Dominion of New Zealand, and that this association strongly objects to any distinction being made between Great Britain and the various colonies."

Although the London underwriting market is admittedly large, the brokers of the Cunarri Line have found some difficulty in completing the insurances of the Mauretania and Lusitania. Under the builders' policies the Lusitania was insured for £1,500,000, to cover the risk of trials, etc., although the original policies on each steamer were £1,250,000. In the Cunard fleet policies the boats are valued at £BOO,OOO each, and additional amounts are placed on what is called "Total loss, but including excess general average and salvage charges." The amount placed in this way was £400,000 on each steamer. This is new being increased to £500,000, and one result of such enormous lines being placed is that the rate gets stiffer, and. whereas lines of normal values could easily be covered at 21s per cent, for twelve months against total loss only, the rates of these steamers are now over 25s per cent.

The Habitual Criminals Act passed last year provided, among other things, that the Governor might set apart any prison or other suitable place to be a reformatory prison for the detention of habitual criminals and habitual offenders. Since the passing of the Act, several persons who have come before the Supreme Court have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment, and further been adjudged habitual criminals; but up to recently no steps had been tfken by the authorities to provide the necessary place of detention for them when their express sentence expired, and the "habitual criminal" portion of thsir existence began. That defeat is now being remedied. A portion of the New Plymouth gaol is being set apart for the reception of habitual criminals after they have served the terms set against their j names. This Celebrity of Sander ano Pons Puke Volatile Eucalypti Extract is universally acknowledged. Royalty honour? it, and the edire medical profession has adopted its use. Imitations .sprung up without number. The latest of them—as styled •' Extracts wus oil i'oisied upon the trusting and unwary under the grossest misuse of Sander ahd Sons' reputation, f-ander and Sons insu uttd an action at the Supreme Court of Victoria, before His I Honour Chief Justice Sir J. Madden, K.C.M.G., etc., and at the trial a sworn witness testified that he bad to stop the use of counterfeits on account of the irritation produced. This shows what care is required to obtain an article that is scientilically tested and approved of. Ab such is surely endorsed and recommended the GENUINE SANDER AND SONS' PURE VOLATILE EUCALYPTI EXTRACT.

The Australian Miller of July 31st says:—"lf the New Zealand Labour party succeed in getting the flour duty abolished, Australia will swamp New Zealand with flour, as could America also."

A Christchurch Press Association telegram states that the condition of Mr T. I. Joynt, K.C., has become very serious and is causing anxiety. Mr Joynt received his appointment as K.C. in June, and he is the Senior King's Counsel for New Zealand.

A Press Association telegram from Gisborne states that the Waiapu River, which annually takes its toll of human life, has claimed another victim, William Ratchford.. a labourer, travelling from Waipiro, having disappeared. His riderless horse was found on the bank of the stream.

The Y. M.C.A. Debating Club met last evening, Mr A. Donald presiding. The eyening was devoted to questions, which evoked interesting and instructive discussions. One of the questions was "Whether any improvements to the Y.M.C.A. could be suggested?" After consideration, it was decided, on the motion of Mr Hebenton, seconded by Mr Donaid, to recommend the Board of Management to abolish the billiard table at once and substitute a "cosy" room.

The usefulness of pigeons, says the Taranaki Herald, is well demonstrated in the despatch with which they enable a local firm to forward urgent orders. When the firm's traveller goes into the country he takes several pigeons with him. He despatches them with the orders received at various towns. The pigeons reach town some hours before him, and the goods ordered are sent'away in record time. The traveller invariably finds on returning to town in the evening that the orders sent in during the day have already been attended to.

An advertiser has for sale a horse, brake v spring trap, and several sets of harness. Mr J. S. Orchard, land and estate agent, Wellington, offers investors a centrally situated property in the Empire City.

Messrs Hare and Davidson advertise particulars of several good farm properties which have been placed in their hands for sale. The Wellington Education Board invite tenders, to close at noon on Tuesday, September 17th, for additions to the Clareville School. Mr D. Mcintosh, tobacconist, has just received a consignment of the South African calabash. This pipe has many excellent qualities to recommend it, chief among which is that it gives a perfectly cool smoke. There is also to hand a large quantity of the popular Hartley and Sons' Boer tobacco. At their rooms, Perry Street, at 2.30 Vm., on Saturday, Messrs R. E. Howell and Co., Ltd., will offer at auction, on account of Mr Chas. Blomfield, a number of oil paintings. These artistic works are from Mr Blomfield's own brush, and include some very fir.e reproductions of New Zealand scenery and other subjects. •

The Commissioner of Crown Lands notifies that fourteen lots in the Nireaha Village will be offered at auction, in the Public Hall, Eketahuna at 2.80 p.m., on Ftiday, October 4th. The announcement is also made that a number of Village Homesteads in the Hukanui and Nireaha Village Settlements will be open for lease-in-perpetuity on Monday, September 30th. -

The attention of farmers is directed to an advertisement on page 8, inserted by Messrs McWilliatns and Woodard, land and estate agents, of Broad Street, Palmerston North. The advertise for sale six first-class properties, including one consisting of SOO acres, situated twelve miles from Palmerston North on a good metalled road and a few chains from the railway. This property, which is offered at £l4 10s per acre, has ten paddocks in grass and thirty acres of barley and 150 acres of rape in crop this «eason. Last season the land fattened 800 lambs and 60 ewes. There is a nine-roomed house, woolshed, yards, etc. on the property. The firm have for sale, cheap, houses and sections in all parts of Palmerston North, and also a few good hotels.