TOPICS OF THE DAY.

West Coast Times, Issue 13794, 10 April 1906, Page 2

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

The Cunard turbine liner Carmania has since the completion of A turbine her first round trip besteambr tween L : verpool and New

Yoik been the object of much comment. She is the first of the great ocean liners to be equipped with the marine turbine engine. From a decription of the steamer the following details are gathered. Her dimensions are —Length over all, 672 ft; beam, 72tt; draught of water (laden), 32ft; displacement, 29 ,8 6 6 ions. It seems that the Carmania is the result of a long series of experiments made at tbe Cljdebank Yard under the direction of Mr Thomas Bell. superintending engineer. Tbe new liner is a sister ship to the Caronia, a vessel fitted with reciprocating engine, but otherwise similar in every respect. Not* withstanding tbe great size of tbe turbine machinery and the difficult questions associated with its details of construction, the Carmania was completed for service in little more thin 20 months. The keel plate of the ship ia of exception* al thickness, and there is a strongly built double bottom which can be Died fcr water ballast, the total capacity of which is 3450 tons. Twelve bulkheads cross the ship, binding her together ani at the same time securing safety in time of collision. The vessel was designed to maintain a continuous speed at sea of 18 knot?. The turbine machinery consists of one high pressure turbine placed on the centre line of the abip and two combined low pressure and reversing tarbines placed in the two wings respectively, there being thus three shafts, each driving a propeller. Apart from tbe gain in speed conferred by the turbine, great importance ia attached to the absence of vibration and the increasa of manoeuvring power. Tbe prineipl* of driving the auxiliary machinery by electric motors has been developed to a considerable extent in tbe Carmania, and there is an installation for the control of the whole of the watertight bulkhead doors. Ibese doors are fitted on the Stone-Lloyd principle, and can at tbe will of the captaiu bw clceed throughout the ship in a few seconds, thus rendering tbe vessel practically UDSinkable.

About a year ago the Hurlingbatn Club, one of the most prominA brutal ent of the British sports sport. cubs, decided (says the

liyttelton Time*), to remove pigeon abootiog from the list of •port* practised under its auspicee. A majority of the members recognised that the shooting of taore or lets tame pigeons as they rose from trap? was neither humane nor sportsmanlike. A i minority dissented from this view, and la q C month moted in the British courts to have the resolution abolishing pigeon shooting declared void. The gentlemen responsible for this action claimed that the club's grounds bad been acquired for the express purpose of pigeon shooting, and that the money paid had been subscribed for that purpose. To aboliah pigeon ehootinp, they stated, would be to put an end to the existence of the club. The plaintiff* farther stated that the club contained.

two hundred shooting members, but admitted later that only seventy three bad shot in 1903, sixty seven in 1904, and fifty two in 1905. The representatives of the majority contended that all member* had agreed to be bound by such rules as two thirds of their number might prescribe. The ma j ricy had a ted io what they considered to be the best inlerra's of the club, believing that tbs time had come when, owing to the state of public opinion and other conaid*ra tiooß, it wps desirable that pigeon shooting thould come to ao end in the club. The presiding Judge upheld this »iew, and incidentally suggested that pigeon rhooting might be illegal. He believedi he said, that coursing rabbits from a trap or bag bad been held to be a breach of tbs Cruelty to Animals Act, and pigeon shnqting aaetned to fall into tb* same category. The local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has more than ones vaguely discussed th* advisabloness of interfering in regard to the "sport" of pig«oa shooting, and the example of tbe Hurlingham Club should encourage it to bring a te*t case before the courts. No humane person who has watched tho butchery of dazed, frightened birds as they rise from traps right under the guns of the sportsmen can doubt the cruelty involved.

Attention is directed to the railway time-table for Thursday and Friday. Messrs Mark Sprot & Co will offer at Kumara to-morrow at noon Anderson's Hotel, also the Theatre Royal. It is understood that Messrs Wilson and Gillies, whose sawmill was wrecked by thu boiler explosion a few days ago, intend to at once re-erect the mill. The following deceased persons' estates in the Westland district have been finally certified to : Kate O'Brien £708, James P. Brans £46, Charles P. Pierson £274, George Falconer £261. At 2.30 o'clock this afternoon on the premises Mwwrs Mark Sprot &Co will sell by public auction the lease of the Empire Hotel. Hokitifca, also the whole of the furniture secured by a bill of sal*. A not'ee in reference to the election of Mayor of the Borough of Hokitikaap pears in another column. Nomination papers must be delivered to the Town Clerk before noon on Thursday, tbe 19th iust. The First Westland Rifles leave by the 5.35 p.m. train on Thursday for the Easter encampment at Westport. SergtMillar left on Monday for Westport to make arrangements in advance for the reception of the corps*.

A notice in reference to the supplementary district electors' list for the forthcoming Mayoral election appears in another colunm. All persona possessing the necessary qualifications for enrolment are requested to make application to the Town Clerk.

A Pre.s Association telegram from Reefton yesterday stated that the racehorse Freeland was stabbed through the foreleg on Sunday night by someone who broke the padlock and entered the stable. The injary prevented the hoise from running in yesterday's races.

In another column Mr James Clegg, of Cbriatchurch, advertises his perambulatars and go -carts, which for quality and price cannot be surpassed in the colonies. Fall particulars will be supplied on application to the Manager, Chrietchurch Perambulator Works, corner of High and Tuam Streets, Christchurch.

An advertisement appears in another column in reference to Goldleaf tea and Chef baking powder. These household articles command ao enormous sale, both being of excellent quality. The large sum of £200 will be given away next July, and holders of fifty coupons are entitled to a prize in connection with the distributor Consumers of these necessaries are therefore reminded of the immense advantage to be obtained by asking their grocers fer them. For further particulars see advertisement.

An instructive and lively time is anti* oipated this evening in connection with the opening of the Menticultural Society. "The Question Box" is set down fe>r consideration, and among numerous questions the following will be of special interest, vie, "la there any foundation for a belief in omens, luck, dreams and presentiments?" "I* the murderer mor« injurloas to society than the swindler ?" ' Is it necessary to encourage the immigration of navvies and domestic servants ?" "Does the love of money lead to more crime than anger?" The meetings for the session will be held in the schoolroom adjoining the Wesleyan Church and will commence at 7.30 p.m. The President will preside this evening.

The business of Messri Brown and M'Grath, farriers, wheelwrights and general smiths, ao successfully carried on by Mr M'Gratb, has beoii purchased by Mr H. Blank, who entered into possession yesterday. The firm's name is synonymous with good work. Consequently it baa enjoyed liberal patronage under the pro* prietorship uf Mr M'Grath, who fa widely known as a thorough tradesman in all branches of the business. Mr Blank, the new proprietor, has the enviable reputation of being a particularly clever trades man, bis work being second to none on the Coast. Mr Charles Bealea, who is in charge cf the carriage building department, is also a thorough tradesman, and the excellent combination employed by the firm should result in a prosperous futare for the new proprietor. Mr M'Grath'a services are being retained by the new management.

The anniversary celebrations in connection with the Methodist Sund#y School concluded last eveuing with a most boo* oessful concert. The staging by the children's choir was a special f eature,and praiao is due to Mist Barnard and Mr B. H. Low for the success attending their efforts. Recitations were given by Misses Stevens. Doris Bates, Etta Brown, Btbel Jones, Tbelma Elliott, Liuie Knight, and Masters Edward Mannam, Leonard Elliott, and Tom Robinson ; the Misses Stewart contributed a duel and Mr Low and Miss Reynolds a solo each. The programme was intettperaed with a number of well-rendered choru>*s by the children. At the conclusion of the concert the annual distribution of pnres look place. The Rev W. J. EUifltfc, who presided, complimented the teachers and scholars on the progress made during the past year. Refreshments were served out to the scholars and friends, and the meeting dispersed.,

The monthly meeting of the Education Board will be held this evening at 730 o'clock. A meeting of the Arahura Football Club will be held at the Three Mile this evening at 8 o'clock. Mr Davit, optician, may be consulted at bis rooms at Messrs Stephens Bros* drapery establishment. Constablo Warwick, the newly-ap» pointed constable to Hok'tika, arrived If st evening to take up his duties. The ordinary meeting of the Weatland County Council will be held on Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m, and a speciil meeting at 3 p.m. It is notified elsewhere that all the banks will be doted on Good Friday, ' Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday, Easter holidays. Mr Solomon, who met with an accident in descending from the coach on the Ross Bead recently, ia (his numerous friends will be glad to learn) making satisfactory progress towards recovery. Th* fun*ral of the late Mr Donald { Cameron took place in the new cemetery at Reefton on Sunday, the remain* being followed to their last resting place by a large concourse of sympathising friends, who weie anxious to pay a tribute of r*«pect to the memory of the deceased, who was universally esteemed. Mr Christinas, the well-known artist who was retained by the Exhibition authorities to paint pictures of South Westland, and who has been In th* south for some weeks past obtaining . < sketches, returned yesterday. He is delighted with the beautiful scenery of th* ' south and is wtll satisfied with has work. He returned fo Wellington yesterday to J execute bis commissions. A correspondent of the "Taranaki Herald" writes :— "Having proved slmtfit ' conclusively that ragwort can be txtorminated by keeping the daylight from tht c plant, I send the following— A neighbour I of mine about six months ago accidentally c threw a sack over a large plant of tag-. c wort, and now, to all appearance-/ it w . quite dead. Perhaps large heaps of grass or fern, if pressed down with stones or ' timber, might serve the same purpose." a TheKanieri Hockey Club elected tht a following officers for the ensuing year at b the annual meeting :— President, Mr V. D Maokay ; Vice-Presidents, Mature Bf c Wells, T. J. M'Gaigan and H. Morns! c captain, W. Owens; *ie*-oaptain, , », ,m, m Burns ; secretary, G. H. Jtfackenaie ; Q selection committee, Messrs J. Fret and R. Wells and the oaptain ; general coatmittee, the it hole Club ; delegates to tilt Associarion, Mr M. Shaw and tht ietit-

Mr J. J. Mtlotosb, who, with Mr T. McGnigan, County Chairman, went out to the Wilberforce last week, returned late on Sunday night. They report having met with exceedingly' rough

weather, the whele country sidt it tht Westland reefs being enow covered. Messrs Mclntosh and McGnigan erottsd to th* Canterbury aide, bewever, bting determined to if possible see the progress bei»g made in prospecting, and report that both in going and^ returning th*y encountered considerable duVenlty oft aooount of the snow.

A very pleasant function took place at the local Telegraph Office last evening, the occasion being a presentation to Mf James Gray, who has been transferred to to the Cbriatchurch office. The presentation, which took tb* form tf a set of well bonnd volumes and a silver-monnttA umbrella and walking slick, was nadt by the Cbief Postmaster (Mr D. St George), that gentleman speaking in the highest terms of Mr Gray's ability and many sterling qualities. The remarks vert ■upplemented by Messrs Ward and Teague, members of the staff. Mr Gray briefly returned thanks for tht many kind expressions and the gifts of bis coworkers. MrLind, who has arrived from Timaru, fills the vacancy caused by Mr Gray's removal. Tht latters leaves for his destination by this morning's train. .

The divers engaged in salvage operations on the wreck of th* Hilda, at Bt>. Male (France), have according to the) London "Times" of 20th Janoary, brought op a box belonging to th* lat* Major E. A. M. Price, one of th* passengers who wera drowned. In th* box was found a £1000 insurance coupon issued by Charles Letts and Co. in th*ir pockbt-books?and diaries*. A condition of the insurance ia that any claim . shall be made within fourteen days of the m occurrence of the accident, bnt tht directors of the General Accident Assurance Corporation, when tb* facts w*r* placed before them, at once admitted tht claim, and a cheque has been forwarded to the solicitors acting for tht administrators of Major Price.

The Rev W. J. Elliott, of Hokitika, ' on Sunday had the number of worshippers who attended the various chnrafaat, including the Salvation Army, ooantcd and has supplied us with tht totals pre-* sent at tb* morning and evening aervioet respectfully. At the morning servioai there were 735 present, and at tb* evening services 1123. Mr Elliott seems to think that in proportion to population the attenianc* at the Hokitika church**, which be hid totalled there a few Sunday* ago, averages something better than Grey. mouth. Whilst not dssirous of publish- . in* details* as to the attendance at th* different places of worship of the six sects included in the above figures. Mr Elliott stated that the attendance in th* morning. at tb* Boman Catholic oburoh reprtttntcd quite half of the total number who attended at all th* morning **rvic*a— a . result which is highly creditable to th* denomination mentioned. The fact thai the services at the Method at church ani' in connco ion with the Salvation Army were of a somewhat special charaoUr, may possibly have something to do with this. Mr Elliott was assisted in taking this census by a number of yonng nen, and in all oases th* numbers war* oh*o*> ed.-"Argu,.»

Chronic coughs are bf 3t treated by Steams' Wine which, by strengthening the system, enables it to throw them off. It doea more good than. cod liver oil, and tastes as good as fine old port..

Mr W. McCubbin, representing tht Government Life Insurance Department, is at present in town and ia staying at the Red Lion Hotel. - Advfc.

We are now prepared to boe)k oyders for Ladies' Mackintoshes at wary reasonable prices.— F. Schrodei & 00, 4rajMN| Hokitikv and Kumars*

Mr Jjhnstone's noutta at Reading was "England expeots tbnt every man will do his dnty, and that every foreigner shall pay bis duty." During February 3227 people arrived is tho colony, and 2275 departed from it lha figures for February, 1905, ate 3294 and 2085 respectively. A Cbinamsn in Au U-and went into the Union Compaq's Office and asked for a ticket, but could not remember the port ba was bond for. Tbe agent ran over a list of names from Auckland to the Biuff, but to all of tkem the Chinamsnsnswerod«No, no." "What them tings you wear when y»u go to bed ?" be asked at lsst. "Pyjamas," said the pussled agent. "Tbat him." said the Chinaman, "pitohsmas " In this way tbs ticket was made out fo" Port Chalmers. ' An intsrestiog example of the value of tree-planting on wasteland is afforded (says the Otsgo Daily Times) by the demand for piles for the new railway

Station at Dunedin, tho work necessitating

tae driving of upwards 800 piles. The smiles used are'beiog obtained from plaaPUtions of bluegums which were planted by the Railway Department about twenty yoars ago. Their market value It may be added, Is .stated to be from 20a to 2ss each, and an acre of land olotely ' paioied with blusgums of s similar size weald be worth about £1500 at the pretest Market rates. It is not generally known that Dr J. If. Mason, Coief Health Officer, was once studying for the Bar at Greys Inn. When in London recently he visited Greys Inn, tad renewed old acquaintances. Incident' ally, the working of the Alien Restriction Act came under bis notice. When the act was first enforced, s gnat on tory was raised, bnt the objections were short lived The jadges are enforcing the law, and whsrsver a prisoner is convicted of any heinous crime he is sentenced, and after ha has completed his term of imprisonment ss immediately deported to the country of his birtb. In. this way the country appeared to be getting rid of many worth- , less scoundrels. In Auckland the police art making a raid upon the local vagabonds, and have already succeeded in getting several «i them sent to jail for a year with hard labour, Sergeant Hendry informed the Auckland Herald tbe other day tbat a number of men in the town did no work and lived on the earnings of unfortunate wosaoa,whosi they first dragged to the, gutter and ' then kept them practically bound to a life of prostitution, on the proceeds of which they lived. The police, the sergeant said, intended to mete out to these vils specimens of humanity the sternest justice whenever opportnnitypresented itself, as it was from this class of man. that originated, much of the crime inland about tbo city. Mr Kettle, 8 M., oppressed approval of tbe determination arrived Lat by tbe police, and said ka#as very sorry tbe law wonld not allow b»m to * give the men more thin twelve'pionths' imprisonment. J- • ■ Atswout and venison suppsr provided raesnWby tbe>nglers ani deemtalkers of N«A>, on« °* *** speakers stated that ttPuumber of licenses now issusd by tawPelsoh Acelimstiwtion Society waa dprole tbe number issued seven year * ago. There were also more deer lioenses issued in Nelson than in any other provinos in the colony, and mare deer shot than in any other province. in tbe South [slwdk or in tbs North I. land, or perhaps in all the provinces of the colony pus together. Mr B. S. Bocth, on behalf of :he anglers, arid that twenty-five years igo tbo streams in tbo vicinity of Nelson teemed with fish, snd he was sorry the tame conditions did not exist now, owing, be considered, to the depletion of the itrcams by ','grnb" fishers, or in other words, poachers. He sincerely hoped the Anglers' Club wonld combine with tbe Acclimatisation Society to prevent this. Mr T. Condrll, on behalf of the deerstalkers, expressed regret that Government statutes restricted the 'hunting" of deer, which he contended was preferable to "stalking." The Westport Times of April 2ad states sn inquest bas been held at the Kanmaa on the remains of Patrick Harkios, aged about 66 yean, a mining prospector, when a verdict that Patrick Harkios had died of exposure and starvation was returned. Harkina arrived in Karamea some six and a-tulf years ago, and started a tunnel st the east end of a terrace st the back of tbe Land of Promise, where the marine bottom shows

In. tbe Karamea River, and bad done

. some little work in starting the tunnel, m when he began t oquiriag for a mate to join tim in tbe spec. One morning be was misted- by his smoke not being seen by tbe neighbouring settlers— and the I alarm being given, ell Karamea turned out to search .for him in relays for several days. He was traced along the top of • terrace. iom« three miles to Baker's Greek by his billhook cuttings, but at a water hole (which he walked round several time*, by the footmarks left) all trace of him was lost. Evidently he had lost bis billhook. Where he was found was in a small mossy gully lying facedown, with bat, belt, pipe and knife under him, only two miles from the camp but there being dense kie kio r cab he must evidently have fallen djwn exhausted. Bo thus passed out one of the sturdy West Coast prospectors wh j. had paid the penalty for his plock aod intrepidity.

•kTIm shepherd roaming o'er the plain, j BTbe stockman on bis fonely mo, w Tbe teaimter with his bullock wain, The sportsman out with r d or gun, Tbe digger on gold-bearing reef — While firm to duty's call they stand - For oooghs and cold* they find relief With Woods' Qreat Peppermint Care at hud. When comparing prices, don't forget to compare qualities. If you find prices as low ss ours ytu'll find tbe qualities inferisr. Look at tbe qualities and prices of our new jsokete, millinery, and stylish dress goods. W. M'Ksy * Sod, the Leading Drspen. For Bronchial Con r bs and Colds Wooda* Great Peppermint Cure, Is md 2s 6d per bottle.

OLD FOLKS' FOLLY.

It Is a folly for old folks to allow tbe bowel debility of age to master them, at it naturally makes them age faster each day. By using Chamberlain's Stomach •pd Jiiver Tablets safe and pleasant relief pan always be had. There is no griping For sale by J, Chesney 6 Co, Wholesale ••dUttiU,