NOTES AND COMMENTS.

West Coast Times, 22 June 1912, Page 2

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

'I'll,! Cost of Living Commission opened irs sitting in Auckland on l'h.usday but as was the case in tho other centres, the evidence was of a one-sided nature, indeed, outside tho roprescntatiies of Labour, the Commission does not seem to be taken seriously. In this connection is is apropos to quote from a letter signed "Merchant" in j the "Otago Daily Times." The writer says:—"Commercial travellers say they cannot sell anything or very little to a company doing business in a southern town because all purchases from that company are made through the firm of Fairbairn, Wright and Co.. It is further stated by- travellers that the company in question is owned by the Hon Thos. Mackenzie, so that business relations exist between him and the firm of Fairbairn, Wright and Co., and that is why Mr. Fairbairn was appointed a member of tho Commission. Can these statements be true ? If so, is it any wonder if tho Commission should not be taken seriously:

Acconnixo to tho Daily Mail, tho conference at Malta between Mr. Asquith, Mr. Churchill, Lord Kitchener, and Sir lan Hamilton decided that, owing to the necessity of concentrating in the North Sea, Britain’s Naval and Military Policy in tho Mediterranean must

ho changed. A plan was adopted which,, subject to the Imperial Defence Committee’s approval, proposes to add modern battleships to the present weak squadron of cruisers in tho Mediterranean, 'and make some arrangement for France’s responsibility for the protection of British interests in that sea. No formal alliance, however, is contemplated. In the Sydney Sun a few days ago the following message appeared:— ll Tho proposed alliance between Britain and France is. being warmly advocated in certain quarters. It is recognised that such a development of existing Anglo-French entente would destroy any chance of good relations with Germany being maintained, and for this reason it is n.u desired by the Foreign Office. The Liberals are anxious to cultivate closer relations with Germany, and condemn the proposal as one emanating from the Unionists. Since tho Moroccan crisis there has been a decided split between the two great parties over Britain’s Foreign policy. The Liberals desire to live on good terms with both Germany and France, but the Unionists are for an anti-German alliance, which is significant in view of tho fact that the next General Election may bring the Unionists back to power. Tho Liberal papers are pointing out that an alliance with Franco would mean conscription in Britain.

Aumihal von Kooster, president of tho German Navy League, speaking recent-

ly at the annual- congress of the Lea- ■ guo, urged the laying down of live additional armoured cruisers before lt‘l7, apart from the provisions of the latest Navy Act. It is interesting to note that the Gorman Navy Law Amendment Act will gradually effect (1) an increase of ships by three battleships and two small cruisers; (2) the creation, partly by redistribution and partly by new construction, of a third active squadron of the High Sea Fleet; (3) an increase in the personnel of 14,310 men, 433 naval officers, 116 engineer officers,, 175 sanitary officers, etc., an.l 119 paymasters, etc. ; (4) an addition to the number of submarines; aid (5) the creation of an airship corps, These increase and additions are expected, during the six financial years 1912-17, to cost about £10,500, ) ' Thq additional expenditure required by the Act is estimated ns follows£7so,ooo in 1912, £1,400,000 in 1913, £1,900,000 in 1914, £1,950,000 in 1915, £2,150,000 in 1916, and £2,100,000 in 1917. A separate estimate has been given for the increased cost of proposed new construction, “including submarines and airships,” but it has not been stated whether any provision has boon made in this estimate for fertile third now battleship and the two new small cruisers, the date of construction of which is to remain uncertain.

Tho Grcymouth Borough Council has resolved to support the agitation for a branch railway lino to Kumara. 'i'ho sum of £2l of the money stolen from tho European Hotel at Charleston has been found in a stable adjacent to the hotel.

The Dispatch Foundry Company, of Grcymouth, has obtained the tender for supplying 750 coal tubs to the Point Elizabeth No. 2 State Colliery at a cost of £1275.

Very Bov. Dean Carcw and Rev. Father Clancy, of Hokitika, leave for Christchurch on Monday next to bo present at Bishop Grimes’ silver jubilee celebrations.

Ihe third test match of the triangular series will be begun at Lords’ on Monday. England will play Australia and much interest is being manifested in the meeting of these great rivals. There was a largo attendance at the Westland Opera House for the opening night of the popular dancing class and assembly. The floor was in excellent trim and the visitors had a most enjoyable time.

At a meeting of the Management Committee of tho New Zealand Cricket Council, held at Christchurch last evening, it was decided to abandon the proposal to send a New Zealand team to Australia next season.

At a meeting of the Mastorton Chamber of Commerce yesterday it was decided to convene a public meeting with tho object of forming a Railway League to urge tho construction of a railway to open up the East Coast lands between Napier and Wellington.

At the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning before Mr. Wyvcrn Wilson, S.M., a case in which the Borough Inspector charged G. Dwyer with allowing a ii or so" to wander was dismissed as the outcome of a clerical error in tho information laid. Plaintiff’s counsel in a debt case stated that tho wiohg person had been sued and he asked leave to withdraw the case. This was agreed to, £1 10s being allowed defendant and his counsel.

On Monday evening Mr. J. W. Sinitli, Stock Inspector, who left Dunedii /1 / for Hokitika, was presented by the members of the Dunedin and Suliniban Dairymen’s Association witli a rah ol -mounted umbrella and an inkstand, suitably inscribed, as a token of the esteem in which he is held by them. Sir. Bessel, in making the presentation, spoke in very high terms of the capable and tactful manner in which Mr. Smith had always carried out his duties, and expressed the opinion that Mr. Smith would bo equally successful in his new sphere of action.

Miss M. Ollivor, M.A., M'.Sc., and Mr. L. I. do Derry, M.A., have been chosen to represent the Westland Educotional Institute of tho N,7.10.1. before tho Education Commission, which opens its session at Christchurch on Monday. They will urge a promotion scheme for school teachers; tho consolidation of small schools; increases in salaries for secondary teachers; a national scale of salaries for school inspecters; a re-arrangement of the arithmetic of the syllabus, and other matters tending to improve education in tho Dominion. Mr. do Derry leaves for Christchurch on Monday, Miss 01live- going over later in tho week.

The Hon. G. W. Russell delivered a speech in tlm Choral Hall, Christchurch, last night. The speech was on the lines of previous addresses. The speaker ridiculed tho coalition theory on,! stated that if the Ministry were defeated in the coming Parliament they would accept ho position, hut they would make it hot for their successors. Hu did not think there would bo another election. Ho replied to complaints in reference to Ministers rushing about tho country by stating that 15 " as necessary to put the position and policy before the people direct, in view of the “tarradiddles” of the Opposition speakers and their organs, and tho fact that Liberal newspapers weic being bought up by Conservative proprietors. Mr. Russell also defended the sotting up of Royal Commissions. A; the close of his speech ho was awarded a vote of thanks and confidence.

AL the Dunedin Police Court yesterday morning, says a Press wire, tiro railway shunters named, David Ilaiinibel Waldo and John Liltlo were charged separately with having stolen beer from the casks on transit from Lawrence to Dunedin. It was shown that while the tran stopped at Mosgiel for some time, the accused, by means of a hose pipe, and steam guage tubes, extracted a considerable quantity of beer. It was mentioned that the shortage in ono cask delivered to a hotel at Dunedin was twenty gallons. Chief Detective Herbert stated that the Mosgiel station had given the police much trouble for a long time, owing to tho theft of beer, butter and other produce in season. Both accused wero convicted, but in view of their excellent character, sentences wero dc fc-rrod pending the probation officers’ report.

Ask for the popular "Rosyln” Writing; Pads at <3s apd Is each.—Advt

A replace advertisement from Messrs F. Schroder and Co., will appear in Monday’s issue.

In another column tenders to closo on tiie 26th inst., are invited for supplies for the Totara Hospital. Our great clearing sale will start on Monday when we hope to be ready. It will pay you to wait, as we intend to slaughter all lines subject to the fashion. He sure and compare our prices before purchasing elsewhere.—F. Schroder and Co., Drapers Advt. The following passengers arrived on Thursday' per overland route from Christchurch :—Mosdamcs 11. S. Ward, Mason and Kelly; Messrs E. G. Ward, Mason, P. J. Creagh, J. Hazeldine, J. Egan, F. Webb, M. Hannan, J, D. Lyncb, McNamara and Rev. Venables.

During the progress of a fire at Hataitai on Thursday, says a Wellington

press wire it was discovered thata fire plug, which are scarce in that locality, had been cemented up. Fifteen houses depended on the plug and the authorities are endeavouring to discover the perpetrator of the criminal act.

Owing to the slip at Te Kuiti, the Wellington-Auckland express was delayed for six and a half hours. The passengers were transhipped, but the mails were left behind and aro being despatched later. The railway officials advised a slip on the lino at Horopit. The passengers were transhipped there also.

On Thursday tho conch, outward bound from Westport to Reef ton, broke its axle when negotiating a creek near tho Twelve Milo, so that another conveyance had to bo procured from tho Inangahua Junction. This occasioned a delay of six hours, so that the through connection was not made. 'Hie relief coach jovontually reached Eeeftou just on 10 p.m. Tho South Canterbury Jockey Club held its annual meeting last night. The annual report congratulated the members on tho satisfactory’ finance of the year, profit being £320. A remit to tho Racing Conference was adopted that tho Government bo asked to amend the tax on clubs to ono on net profits, instead of one on gross turn oi er.

'ihe following left by yesterday morning’s train for Christchurch: Mesdames A. D. Ross and six children) 0. M. Poison; Misses Currie, S. Casserlcy, M. Bacre; Messrs H. J. Phillips, J. Jones, J. Fitzpatrick, E, Honostou, S. Hayes, J. 11. Melville, Tho. Moynihan, 11.I 1 . Trask, A. D. Ross, A. Nuttali, J. Bolds, G. Say well, J. W, Kelly, W. Needy, D. McKenna, J, D’Orsa, Geo. Mercer, Sir Arthur Guinness and Dean Tubman.

Replying to a circular issued by the Westland Railway League in regard to tho branch railway to Kumara, Mr L. M. Isitt, M.P., writesl am inclined to think that wo shall hare, in certain cases, to construct a cheaper railway lino, and that tho question of electricity or some other motive power, such as oil engines, will bo a feature of tho scheme. I will seo your representative and get further details of the line to Kumara, and give my careful attention to the proposed scheme." The Mayor of Kumara Mr J. Murdoch) received the following letter yesterday morning per Mr Seddon:— ‘‘ I, have the honour to acknowledge tho receipt of your letter of tho 10th instant in reference to tho desirability ol completing the necessary deviation the road to tho dairy factory sito at Kumara, and to say that I shall he pleased to obtain a report on the matter from cur Resident Engineer. Kind regards. Yours faithfully, W. D. Mac Donald, Minister for Public Works."

A Press Association message from AVestport a nnounces that the Westport Chamber of Commerce decided last night in view of the growing importance of the pastoral and dairying industry on the West Coast, and the declared intention of the Government to establish experimental farms in the South Island, to call the attention of the Premier and the Minister of Agn'cclturo to tho advisability of givinj: consideration to the establishment of farms in a suitable position in tho Duller district.

A Dunedin Press Association message reports that tho Hev. Knowles Smith, President of the Dominion Methodists’ Conference yesterday received tho following cable from the Prosident of tho British Conference (the Pev. Thomas Jackson): “Conference grants request for consummate union, and matters affecting tho Ministers’ funds aro referred to Special Committees.’’ Tliis means that the way is now clear for the Wesleyan and Primitive Methodists Churches of New Zealand to make final arrangements to become a United Church at tho Weilington Conference which meets in January next. Last evening the Dominion Meteorologist telegraphed the following weather summary and forecast: “Tho weather has continued cold and unsettled generally; squally and showery in parts, especially in the northern and southernmost districts. The barometer h:n risen slowly, and is steady overywhere; southerly winds moderate to stiong have predominated. A gale is reported at Cape Maria Van Diemen. Present indications aro for a decided increase in barometric pressure with southerly winds, veering to south-east-erly and strong to gale in parts, changeable and showery weather is piobabl generally.”