LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19438, 26 October 1925, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A lad was arrested yesterday afternoon on a charge of issuing a valueless cheque. He will appear before the Court this morning.

Yesterday afternoon the Queen Alexandra Band, under the conductorship of Lieutenant Buckley, visited the Jubilee Home, and rendered a programme of music which was much appreciated by the inmates.

“On the fifth of N /ember the Nationalists will appear as very sorry ‘guys.’ The electors will supply the political gunpowder which will blow the new party out of politics altogether.”—Mr Rogers at St. John’s.

“The Reform Party are quite frank in stating they stand for the freehold,” said Mr W. J. Rogers on Saturday. “The Nationalists shun mentioning their policy, and look aghast when mention is made of the leasehold inaugurated by John Ballance.”

The Commissioner of Taxes draws tho attention of taxpayers to the notification appearing in to-day’s issue that the due date of payment of land tax for tho current year is on Friday, the 6th day of November, .1925, and that the demands will be posted on or about the 30th day of October.

“When important divisions were taken the Liberals ran out of the House. Their political conscience then pricked them, and rather than face the electors under the old nomenclature, they changed their name to Nationalists. A Yes-No party would be more fitting and appropriate.” —A criticism by Mr W. J. Rogers at St. John’s

It will be remembered that some time back the premises of Mr R. McSkimining, tailor, of the Avenue, were burglariously entered, and over £lOO worth of suit lengths removed. Detective Gourlay quickly got on the track of the material, and recovered all with the exception of two suit lengths, which have since, been found, in a shed at Palmerston. North, where it had been concealed under some hay. The thief, however, has not been caught.

A New Zealand company has secured enormous timber rights in Viti Levu, according to Mr J. D. Canning, of Suva. Kauri, he said, grew in Fiji similar to that in New Zealand, while hardwoods were also available. The visitor thought the company, which was supported by New Zealand capital, would do well, but first of all it had to build .14 miles of tramway before it could get at the timber, and bring it to tho coast.

In the course of a brief interview with Mr J. D. Canning, of Suva, Fiji, a “Chronicle” reporter was informed that the dairying industry in the islands was being developed along pro per and sound lines. The best of stock was being imported, and there was a good supply of grass. Already two dairy factories were working, and steps were being taken to erect a third. Fiji butter recently sold on the Home market commanded a price that was satisfactory to the producers.

The Railway Department have arranged that on and after November 16 next, the present 6.55 a.m. train from Marton will be despatched at 6.25 a.m., and will connect at Aramoho with the train now leaving Aramoho 'at 8.16 a.m. Tho latter train will be timed to leave Aramoho at 8.49 a.m., Hawera arrive 12.30 p.m., New Plymouth arrive 3.38 p.m. This arrangement will provide a convenient connection for passengers ex the. Auckland-Wellington Limited express.

Mr B. P. Lethbridge, of “Ajuibank,” Turakina writes: —“I notice in your report of Dr Gunn’s interview with the Education Board re health camp you say I am supplying vegetables and firewood. I certainly supply all the vegetables I can manage, but am always pleased to get outside help as far as they are concerned. What I do supply is meat, potatoes, firewood, some milk and, of course, the ground for the camp.” Mr Lethbridge certainly deserves support in his generous action.

That the copra industry in Fiji is very good was indicated to a “Chronicle’ ’reporter yesterday by Mr J. D. Canning, of Suva. Copra, the visitor pointed out, was a safe investment, and always had been, although a pest had done some damage to the plantations in one island. An introduced parasite had successfully combated the disease, and it was probable that coconuts would again be planted in this particular place. In referring to fruit growing, the visitor explained that bananas were the only block at tho present time. Australia was not now taking Fiji bananas, and New Zealand could not consume all the fruit grown. The time had come, he considered, when Fiji would have to grade its bananas ,and he believed the Government was taking steps in this direction.