LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 8275, 17 October 1905, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

It is thirty-six years, to-day, since the opening of the Suez Canal.

The W.F.C.A. Cricket Club have received donations of £1 Is each from Messrs D. Caselberg (President) and A. W. Cave (Vice-President).

The matron of the Masterton Hospital acknowledges the receipt of parcels of books from Messrs G. R. Sykes and Johansen for the use of the patients.

So abundant was the crop of mushrooms in some parts of East Norfolk that they were being mowed down with scythe 3to save the labour of hand-picking.

Writes our Carterton correspondent: — The Wairarapa and East Coast P. and A. Society have received over forty-five entries in Shorthorn cattle, for the forthcoming Show.

A purebred Shorthorn bull has bsen sold to Mr Alfred Matthews, of Waiorongomai, by Messrs Levin and Co., Ltd., on account of the estate of D. McMaster, of Matawhero. The bull, which is a very fine speciman of Shorthorn, realised a highly satisfactory figure.

His Excellency the Governor desires that the attention ■of the public should be specially called to the fact that tenders recently invited for the supply of 500 horses for the South Atrican Constabulary must be sent to the Governor for transmission by telegraph to the High Commissioner of South Africa.

The next best mail despatch for Continent of Europe and United Kingdom will be via San Francisco, closing at Masterton on Wednesday, 25th October, at 4. 45 o'clock, due London, 25th November. Money orders for despatch by this mail must be procured before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 24th October. The inward 'Frisco mail steamer " Sonoma " is due in Auckland on Monday, 30th October.

Speaking at a meeting of the Marton branch of the Farmers' Union, yesterda3 r , Mr W. J. Birch, as a member of the Union's Colonial Advisory Committee, stated that the Committee had informed the implement makers of Christchurch that it supported the view of the North Canterbury Executive. This was to the effect that the Executive was against any increase in tariff, but would recommend fanners to support locally made implements.

Time flies! It will be six years on Saturday since the first New Zealand contingent left for South Africa. In the interval, nine other contingents went out and returned, President Kruger has passed the bourne, General Cronje has been giving exhibitions of mimic warfare at the St. Louis Exhibition, Queen Victoria has passed away, and thousands of Chinese have been located in Transvaal. Such are the events which go to make up history.

A largely attended meeting of ratepayers at Marton, yesterday, passed a resolution calling the attention of the Government to the very incomplete manner in which the Audit Department carry out their duties in auditing the books of local bodies, and pointing out that while no notice is taken of the outstanding rates, etc., and opsn door is left for embezzling, which could easily be closed by the Department sending out notices of such outstanding accounts from Wellington, with an intimation that if anything is wrong with the claim, communication must be held direct with the Audit Department and not with the local body concerned, the cost to be borne by the local body.

Dr. Gordon, of Auckland, who had a miraculous escape from a very serious accident on September 18th, when a train collided with bis motor-car on a Newmarket railway crossing, had to celebrate his escape with a Police Court charge. The Railway Department, after the accident, issued an information, charging Dr. Gordon with failing to comply vvith the direction at the crossing, " Stop, look out for the engine." Counsel for Dr. Gordon pleaded guilty. He had been called twice to see a patient and was hurrying. It was raining at the time, and the wind was blowing in a contrary direction, so that the doctor could not hear the engine. A collision took place, in which Dr Gordon was somewhat seriously injured, and the car, which was carried along by the engine and thrown over an embankment, was somewhat damaged. The Magistrate remarked that he would take into consideration the trouble into which the doctor had landed, and would fine .him £1, with i*s costs*y' fat *_^Bl^^^^^^^M

The horse attached to Mr Hooper's express ran away, in Queen-street, this afternoon, resulting, in the express haying a broken shaft and some damage being done to Mr Skilton's bakers'shop.

"I have been twenty-six years in Parliament, during the last twelve of which I have been in power, and I feel quite good for another twelve years, the people being willing." So said the Premier at a luncheon on Saturday.

Some time ago (says the Clutha paper) Messrs Begg Bros., Hillend Estate, were the victims of the genus sheep-stealer. Suspicions were first aroused in regard to a lot of wethers, and when a.full muster was made it was found that the loss had run into several hundreds. Investigations were set on foot quietly with a view to raise no alarm, but so far no trace of the missing sheep has been found.

News has been received of the death at Eastown, Wanganui, of Mr James Atkinson*, one of the oldest settlers in the district. 3&L Atkinson was eighty-seven years of age.fljf/ arrived in the Colony by the ship Tory wiUi a detachment of the 65ft Regiment in 1837, his total term of service in the army extending from 1838 to 1859. He had been in receipt of an Imperial pension since the latter year.

The many friends of Rev. Father Hays will be gratified to learn that he is making favourable progress after his recent very severe illness. He has undergone a second operation for catarrh, but was able to celebrate Mass on Sunday. The doctors anticipate tha£ a warmer climate will effect a more speedy recovery, and with this object in view he will spend the month of November in Auckland, where he will be the guest of the Hon. J. A. Tole. It is expected he will be able to undertake the sea voyage to Australia, en route for England/in January.

The Department of Agriculture's flock of Angora goats did very badly last winter, and very few kids were reared. The continuous wet weather was, no doubt, says the Secretary of Agriculture, responsible for the poor results. The bulk of the goats have been transferred to Waerenga, where a block of land, covered with silver wattle and Danthonia, has been fenced in for them. The flock of common goats on MotorjiL Island has, however, done remarkably yWLand the half-bred kids are looking weljT The demand for the male goals is far in excess of the supply.

The Borough Council Abattoir Committee met last evening, Councillors J. C. Ewington (chair), W. Morris, F. W. Temple, Jas. Elliott, and E. G. Eton being present. An apology for absence was received from the Mayor. A considerable amount of detail work was done, and the engineer was instructed with regard to various matters. The question of calling tenders for the erection of yards, procuring steam pump, winch, traveller, disposal of blood, drainage, by-laws, connection with the telephone exchange, also with regard to the manager and inspector, etc., were dealt with. The erection of the buildings is now well under weigh, a good deal of the concrete work being completed.

Two groups of sun spots, which will soon pass oil the face of the sud, may be seen at present (says a contemporary). One of the groups is probably the same as was seen during the recent eclipse, and the other came a few days ago, almost in the centre of the sun. At first a very fine spot was seen, about two hours afterwards it was much more brilliant; next day it was double, then there were three, and then two of the three coalesced. The new group is brighter than the group that came in with eclipse. One of the attractions at WaiHi just now is a view of these sun-spots. They are shown in the open air by means of a very long focus lens that was obtained by ifl Professor Bickerton from Paris. ▼

There were about forty-five vocalists present at the first practice of "The Messiah," held in St. Matthew's schoolroom last evening. A successful practice resulted, under the conductorship of Mr F. W. G. McLeod. Miss Mary Morrison acted as accompanist. Mr A. N. Burns occupied the chair at a meeting which was held to discuss matters. The Secretary (Mr Jago) intimated that a number of other gentlemen, who were unable to attend that evening, had offered to give their assistance. A subcommittee, consisting of Messrs A.N. Burns, R.J. Young and the Secretary, was deputed to wait on the Orchestral Society, Band, and Church Choirs, with a view to arranging for a fixed practice night.

Mr J. Fulton, expert gelder.of colts (without throwing), who pays an annual visit to this district, arrived in Masterton to-day. Horse-owners requiring his services can see him at the Empire Hotel stables, Masterton.

Two furnished rooms are advertised to

let. An advertiser wishes to purchase a ims> of 300 or 400 acres.

A man with dogs is required by Mr Grace of " Aries," Aramoho.

Tenders are invited for additions to Mrs Meredith's house "Brooklyn."

Mr W. B. Chennells advertises to let good six stall stable, in Albert-street.

An energetic young man requires a situation in wholesale or retail store.

A housekeeper is required by an advertiser. Particulars in our wanted column.

A married couple for general farm work, and also a working housekeeper, is required by Mr Thos. A. Howard, Patangata.

Pingree boots and shoes for ladies and gents are a reliable American make, and are now shown in great variety by the W.F.C.A. boot department.

Tenders are invited by Messrs Varnham and Rose for the erection of two shops, in brick, in Queen-street; and also for alterations to the Prince of Wales' Stables.

Messrs D. Finlayson and Son have decided to continue their sale of boots and shoes for another week. The substantial reduction in prices should draw considerable trade.

Mr W. B. Chennells advertises for sale 20 acres of Mr J. Renall's Solway estate, sub-, divided into 1-acre sections. These are all tvery fine building sites, each section hjyafl^*' a frontage of 132 feet to the main MastlHH-Carterton-road. '

Professor Williams, who is recognised as one of the best hairdressers in the Colony, has purchased the hairdressing and tobacconist's business hitherto conducted by Mr B. F. Weller. Professor Williams intends to materially increase the present stock, so as to embrace all the latest lines on the market. The hairdressing saloon is a large and well-appointed one, having three chairs, and the new management will endeavour to make it the most popular in town. A capable assistant has been engaged, and customers generally can rely on receiving prompt and careful attention.

Yesterday was the anniversary of the great earthquake in Wellington in 1848.

A cricket match, Carlton v. All-comers, will be played on the Show Grounds on Thursday afternoon. A ground fee of sixpence per player will be contributed.

The weekly meeting of St. Patrick's Dobating Club, to be held this evening, will be tho last of the session. Tho mcetiug will be held in the Central HoleL

Eight renewals and* one new Old Age Pension for the full amount were granted at the Masterton Magistrate's Court, yesterday, by Mr W. P. James, S. M.

Tho freehold of the Prince of Wales Hotel, Masterton, has been sold, but the name of the purchaser, and the price paid, have not yet been made known.

Tho annual general meeting of the Masterlon Chamber of Commerce is convened for Friday, the 20th instant, at 4 p.m., in Messrs Loves and lorns' Farmers' Room.

At tho Foresters' Hall, this evening, the Sale of Work in conneclion with the Salvation Army Self-Denial appeal is to be opened by His Worship the Mayor. The Municipal Band will be in attendance. The. Hall has been decorated for the occasion, and a fine c llecLion of gifts will be on sale.

A slight diversion was created in Queenstreet yesterday afternoon. A Chinaman was annoyed by a boy kicking over several times a box containing a number of cabbage, plants which were standing in front of his shop. The Celestial at lr.st captured his tormentor and took steps to compel him to restore the pants to their proper order. The boy at first determinedly refuse:l, but Ihe Chinaman was also determined, and finally the fermer was compelled to yield, much to his chagrin. The struggle lasted some time, and before it ended a large crowd had gathered.

Mr Crichton, of the firm of Crichton and McKay; architects, Wellington, was in Masterlon yesterday for the purpose of fixing the site of the new hospital building and conferring with those concerned in reference to plans. Drs Ross and Archer Hosking together with several of the trustees proceedcl to the new site after visiting the present hospital. The Matron having been consulted it was decided that the front and main portion of the building should have a doub'.e floor, the upper storey providing bedrooms for the nursing stall It is intended in the meantime to erect two large ward? for the patients; in every respect the institution will be made replete with every possible convenience. A plan, in accordance with the suggestions made, will be submitted with all possible expedition to the trustees, and directly it is adopted tenders will be invited. It is expected that the building will be completed in six or seven months. The architect expressed himself delighted with the site that has been chosen on account of its healthy and elevated situation, good aspect and charming surroundings.