LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 7342, 20 December 1902, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The funeral of the late Mrs Friston will tako place to-morrow, at ii p.m.

The first load of wool brought to Gis borno by the railway has been reci-ived.

Tho registered rainfall in Mastoilon, this morning, for tho previous twe >ityfour hours was twelve points.

Wo hoar that Mr Tabutcau, formerly in charge of tho Hank of Now S ;iith Wales, in this town, has been appimtcd to the Nelson branch of the same institution.

A record of school attendance is that of Master James Canton, who lias attended the Terrace End School, P.ilmerston N., for the last soven years without absence for half a day.

Tenders are invited by the Ol.icial Assignee, for the purchase of the assigned estate of W. Lewis, driipcr, of Pahiatua. The value of "stock is X 1220 15s Id. Particulars arc notified elsewhere

Thchotelkecpors of Oamaru havo como to a decision that if any of their number infringe the law in regard to selling on Sunday, _r during illegal hours, or by supplying intoxicated persons, ho should pay a fine of £50.

On the fourth page, to-day, will be found some very readable notes from our Whakataki correspondent, whoso fugitive comments and reminiscences aro so highly appreciated by all classes of readers.

Last night was exceptionally cold for the season of the year, and early this morning there, was another .light frost. There was a fairly heavy coating of snow on the Ranges—nnd this within a fow days of Christmas.

While at Eketahuna, yesterday, Mr A, W. Hogg was approached in reference lo the need of a schoolmaster's residences at the Itongokuha School at Parkvillo. Under tho present conditions the master is compelled to travel livo miles backwards and forwards every day. Mr Hogg was asked to bring tho matter beforo the Board, which he promised to do.

A Boer, who fought all through the war, and at its conclusion sought out his old President to proffer faithful and personal service, forms a part of tho exPresident's retinue. He wears a military tunic with a slouch hat, and with rille and bandolier filled with cartridges docs "sentry-go " all day at the door of the villa. Xmas with its happy remembrances is at hand, and to thoso who wish to secure a memento of the occasion a visit to Elliot's Book Arcado just now will be time well spent. Mr Elliot imports extensively, and carries a very large stock for a country town. The display in the window of his Arcade, as also in the upstairs showroom, is the best proof of Mr Elliot's enterprise, aud is well worth seeing.

Messrs D. Fmlayson and Co. have decided to offer their splendid assortment of boots and shoes at substantially reduced prices during the Christinas season. Tho firm's business is conducted on a minimum of expense, which at ordinary times enables them to sell at bedrock prices, so during the holiday season, with discount taken off, a really good article can be procured at an exceptionally low prico. An inspection of the stock is invited, for all goods arc marked in plain prices.

Mr J. L. Murray, acting on his own initiative, has decided to give his employes a liberal holiday this year, and his premises will bo closed on the 25th, 26th, and 27th inst. This practically means that his men have a holiday from Wednesday evening next till the following Monday morning. To relievo tho pressure of tho Christmas Eve rush at his premises, tho shop will remain open on Tuesday night next until 10 p.m., so that country visitors arriving late on Tuesday afternoon can be fitted out in the evening.

A Palmerston N. telegram states that the senior officers of the Manawatu Cadets havo resigned their positions in the corps (which will probably be abandoned) as a present protest against the parsimonious action of tho Department in reducing the capitation to J315 per annum, refusing to allow tho corps to be attached to a battalion, and to send a Government officer to inspect at Government parades, and making the annual camp impossible by restricting tho allowance to 2s per head per week.

It was stated at the time of Mr Chamberlain's recent cab accident that ho was given a beautiful room ut the Charing Cross Hospital. According to tho Jtcferee, there was great consternation at that hospital when it was known that the Minister was being brought there. No private wards wore available, and it was thought undesirable to put him in tho general accident ward, Suddenly someone had a brilliant inspiration. There is a ward specially reserved for " D.T.", and insane cases. The only case had been sent away to an asylum, that morning. Preparations wero hastily made, and when Mr Chamberlain arrived at tho hospital he was with the greatest courtesy placed iv the lunatic ward.

Mr R. Hannah has succeeded in making a speedy settlement with the insurance companies holding risks over his -ptock damaged by fire and water, in Mastorton on Wednesday night, and intends holding a monster ifalvago sale of the whole of his stock, amounting in value to 42649 9s lid. As tho premises aro to be thoroughly renovated the salo will bo limited to sis days duration, commencing ou Monday next. In an iuset appearing with this issub prices are quoted, and intending purchasers are advisee! to bring their largest kits and baskets with thorn, for thoy can get them filled for very little money. Tho premises arc situated right opposite the Club Hotel.

In selecting his goods for tho Christ mas trado, Mr J. L. Murray htis takon care to secure everything new, stylish, and of good relfable quality, and the consignments which havo just been opened up for the Christmas and Now Year trade arc pntirely satisfactory to Mr Murray and will doubtlegs Ijo appreciated by his numerous patrons. A very largo selection of boys' sailors, hussar and Cambridge suits are on view, and heads of families should inspect thorn. Another attractive line is tho mon's tweed, serge, or vicuna suits, with special cut and finish, double or singlo waistcoats, ranging from 4.9s to 70s. Men's and boys' whito and'tennis shirts, Panama hats, straws, and endless other goods suitod for presents arc obtainable at most reasonable prices, besides which a special reduction in price i$ on all mon's ftnd boys' clothing, The pick of tlje millinery productions of London and Paris are now being shown in tho shop of Messrs Hooper and Go. Charming millinery, stylish and pretty hats and bonnets, costumes, mantles, skirts, infants' millinery, and hundreds of other novelties for tho coming spring and summor seasons. A'visit of inspection would be entertaining and financially beneficial. You oan get it ohoapor and bettor at Hooper's'.—Advt.

Mrs Anriio Besant is on her way out to Australia. A letter to tho Editor is again unavoidably hold over.

A Molbourno cable message records tho death of James Cathcart, actor; aged 74.

Mr and Mrs Seddon wero tho guests of Mr. M. C. O'Connell last night.

Gooseberries aro being saritall the way from Gisborno to the Auckland market.

A telegram from Dunedin states that tho Hon. T. V. Duncan denies his reported retirement from tho Ministry.

A meeting of tho directors of tho Caledonian Society in being held in tho Club [Intel this afternoon.

iv.v. I). J. Murray left by this afternoon's (rain to conduct Anniversary services nt Grey town and Carterton tomorrow. The steamer Indradevi look away lor London yesterday, from Wellington, four boxes of bullion, valuo:! at nearly JCM,OOO, shipped by tho National Bank of New Zealand.

The air in Masterton today was at times unseasonably keen, with a decidedly wintry feci. Occasionally the sun shone out, but not for long, and tho weather generally appeal's unsettled.

We wero shown a telegram this afternoon from a Wellington produce dealer, to the effect that tho wholesale price of eggs in Wellington is ono shilling a do-ion; that the market is overstocked, and likely to come lower.

Tho opening of tho now class-rooms at tho Hawera High School is being celebrated by an industrial exhibition. Tho coat of the rooms was _G2400, and the school is now ono of the largest and most complete in tho Wanganui district.

In connection with tho proposed banquet to tho Premier by tho working men of Masterton, Sir J. G. Ward has replied to an invitation to bo present, stating that he will be happy to attend providing his public duties permit him.

Mr A. Yon Kcizcnbci'g'H orchestra supplied excellent music tor dancing at the social to Mr A. W. Hogg, last evening, and was a material factor in the success and cnjoyablencss of tho evening's proceedings.

Mess... Levin and Co., F. H. Wood and Sons, Ltd., Lowes and lorns. Ltd., New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Co., and J. D. Cruickshank and Co., will closo their premises on Thursday, Friday and

Saturday noxt for the Christmas Holidays. Messrs M. C. O'Connell and A. i. Hathaway, yesterday, waited upon a number of citizens for subscriptions in aid of tho Band Contest funds, and mot with excellent support. They will continue th canvas on Monday next.

The Inspector for tho Humane Society paid a surprise visit to tho cab ranks in Wellington last evening. Two ancient animals, aged twenty and twenty-seven years, respectively, were found to be in a very bad stato through disease and old ago, and wero put out of their misery.

Wo have to acknowledge the receipt of an oflico Calendar for 190- from Mr J. C. Boddington, the Mastorton agent for the London and Lancashire Fire Insurance Company. The Calendar is a very handy one, and, besides covering tho year 1903, shows also tho dates for 1904.

We understand that it is proposed to hold a monster picnic on January 22nd in honour of Mr. A. W. Hogg, and to make him a suitable presentation on that occasion. It is probable that Mr J. A. Ronall's property will be the spot selected, and that the working men of Masterton will banquet tho Premier in the evening.

There is said to be a great deal of sickness at the Native pah at l'apuwai, which is believed to be attributable to a contaminated water supply, tho further use of which Dr. Valentine has condemned. A trained nurse is to be sent to the pah to superintend the nursing of tho invalids.

Tho exhibition of work done by Mr Irvine's pupils in drawing and painting will bo opened by Mr A. W. Hogg, M.H.I-., this afternoon, at 2.45 o'clock, in the Masterton Technical School. Mr Irvine is, in addition, placing on view several of his own paintings. Afternoon tea is to be provided.

On Christmas Day the first annual sports and picnic of the Masterton staff of tho New Zealand Railway employes will be held on Welch Bros.' Estate, which has beon kindly lent for the purpose. An attractive programme of running events, including races for ladies, has been drawn up. The sports will start at 12.00 p.m. We have to acknowledge, with thanks, an invitation to the gathering, which gives promise of being a decided success.

Many will learn with regret that Mrs F. O. Friston passed away in the Masterton Hospital yesterday afternoon. The deceased lady had a wide circle of friends, The late Mrs Friston had suffered for some time from an affection of tho throat, but no serious results were apprehended until a few weeks ago. It was then found necessary for her to undergo an operation, in tho hope that a permanent cure would be effected. This was not to be, however, and widespread sympathy will be expressed with Mr Friston in his sad bereavement,

Mr T. Herd, as agent for the groat musical firm of li. Smith and Co., of London, has donated to the Masterton Band Contest Committee twenty-one copies of a march entitled " With Heart and Life," composed by Shipley Douglas. A copy of this pioco will be sont to each competing band, and at the forthcoming reception and garden party, to bo held in connection with the contest, the bands will assemble en maase and render this march under the baton of Mr. Maurice Cohen, of Palmerston North, President of the North Island Brass Bands Association.

The Masterton Municipal Band at the invitation of Mr Maunscll, visited that gentleman's residence at Lansdowne, last evening, and played a number of selections, including several of the band's test pieces. After the programmo ot music had been given tho band was invited inside to an excellent supper. Mr McLeod, before the band dispersed, thanked Mr Maunsell for his kindness. Mr Maunsell referred to tho marked improvement of tho playing of tho band, and passed eulogistic remarks about tho conductor, Mr F. W. G. McLcod. The speaker wished tho band every success in tho future, and handed tho secretary a handsome Christmas present to help to liquidate tho debt on the instruments and uniforms.

Mr A. W. Hogg was interviewed at Eketahuna, yesterday, by two settlers, Messrs llcdpath and Berry, who askocl the member to bring their position under tho notico of tho Minister for Lands. Both the settlors have sections of about 200 acres, bounded by the Mangatinoka river, and they have no road access. They arc carrying on dairying, and thoy experience groat difficulty in getting their produce across the river. Mr Joseph Dawson has promised to erect a bridge for MSO that will suit thoir requirements, and the settlers named are prepared to devote their thirds (about 4 j jo) to tho construction of tho bridge if the Government will proyido tho bridge. Mr Hogg informed the settlers that tho Government engineers were greatly opposed to the construction of light bridges, although ho personally believed they wero exceedingly useful to many settlers. He said if they mado application to the Minister on the matter ho would strongly support it;

A copy of the Christmas issuo of tho War Cry, entitled " Christmas Chimes," h&s been sent to us. It is woll. got up, and tho reading matter and illustrations of a kind appropriate to the season. The music and words of a- Christmas Carol, " King of Kings," aro published on the inside of the cover. A pathetic story, "How Otto the Miser Died," is full of mournful interest. Other stories in the same issue will well repay' perusal, and a full page of illustrations, representing grouped photos of infaijts, with tho Inscription, " In the name of the Babe of Bethlehem, we wish you a happy Christmas," has a very striking effect, A touching featuro in tho publication is a group of photos of "Promoted Comrades," headed " Christmas with Christ." Tho wording of some of the Christmas songs, set to popular hymn tunes, will appeal to the hearts and sympathies of others besides adherents of the Army. Altogether the Christmas Number is iv advance of previous issues, besides being distinctly creditable to the Army, aud should prove popular with all classes of tho community.

Upwards of 1500 sheep are added to Lowes and lorns, Ltd.; Pahiatua sale list lor Tuesday next.

INVENTION AS A BOAD TO WEALTH. "At no time in history has the demand for useful inventions been so great as at present, and never has there been such activity i displayed in invention and such astonishing \ results produced."—Extract from pamphlet giving information upon patents, obtainab'e free from Baldwin and Rayward, National ChiMnbcrs, Wellington.