LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXX, Issue 8366, 6 February 1906, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Yesterday was the anniversary of the signing of the treaty of Waitangi in 18-10.

It will be two years on Friday since the actual commencement of hostilities between Russia and Japan.

The outward 'Frisco mail will close at Masterton, at _._5 o'clock to-morrow (Wednesday) afternoon.

A meeting of the General Committee of the Masterton A. and P. Association is to be held on Saturday next, at 2 p.m.

The number of Chinese who arrived in Wellington from oversea ports during the year 1905 was 201, and the departing aliens totalled 162.

Messrs J. D. Cruickshank and Co. (Ltd.) report having sold Mr J. Compton's farm, at Waingawa, to Mr H. Evans, of Fernridge. The property consisted of four hundred acres.

Miss Alice Anderson, probationer at the Masterton Hospital, has received an appointment on the Wellington Hospital stall', and leaves Masterton, to-day, to take up the position.

A youth, named Robert Alfred Sidwell, aged eighteen years, was thrown from his horse on the beach at Porangahau, on Saturday, and sustained injuries from which he died, yesterday.

A man named Alexander Bennie, fifty years of age, single, met with an accident in the Kaitangata coal mine, Otago, yes*»- ,- day afternoon, by a fall of coal, W 1 the effects of which he died three h^" rs later. At the Wellington Magistrate's Court, yesterday, before McArthur, S.M., a fine of £1 was with costs, on a charge of raf! ,- -£ tira ber down the Wanganui River vr ;„iout a license. Notice of appeal was given.

The horrible practice of foot-binding, indulged in by the richer Chinese female population for centuries is being carefully suppressed by Imperial mandate. The Viceroys of districts are issuing proclamations on the subject.

A sentence of twelve months' imprisonment with hard labour was passed, yesterday, by the Wellington S.M., on a middleaged man on a charge of indecency. It was shown that the defendant had been previously convicted for this offence.

Miss Stephenson, New Zealand's champion golfer, left for New Plymouth this week for Melbourne and England. She hopes to arrive home in time to take part in this year's ladies' golf championship, which will be played at Burnham.

A Californian ranchman affirms that sheep will eat and ultimately destroy ferns, provided the ferns are burned oft' and the sheep allowed to eat them just as they spring up. Pasturing sheep on land in this way, he says, first in one enclosure and then in another, is a sure way of destroying the worst fern jungle.

The special committee reported to the Christchurch City Council, to-night, that it was desirable for tho city to acquire the Christchurch Gas Company's property at a sum to be fixed, on a basis which would yield to shareholders of the Company an annual return, free of the income tax, and equal to the yearly dividends received during the past ten years.

The new Sacred Heart Convent at Island Bay was to have been blessed and opened by His Grace Archbishop Redwood on Sunday afternoon. The ceremony, however, had to be postponed on account of the stormy weather which prevailed. The formal opening will not now take place until all the buildings are finished, and the grounds, roads, and footpaths laid out, which it is hoped will be in a.few weeks.

A Taranaki contemporary has the following: —He told his son to milk the cows, feed the horses, slop. the pigs, hunt the eggs, feed the calves, catch the colt and put him in the stable, cut some wood, split up some kindlings for morning, stir the cream, put fresh water in the creamery after supper, and be sure and study his lessons before he went to bed. Then he went to tho Farmers' Club to discuss the question: " How to Keep Boys on the Farm ?"

On the re opening of the Masterton District High School and the Side School ae. Monday- morning there were good ances. The roll at the Main School will tie increased by 25, and the Side School by 13.

During the past year (according to the Post) nearly a thousand new estates were placed under the management of the Public Trust Office, and over four hundred wills were deposited naming the Public Trustee as executor.

"Don't ask which is Wallace," says a waggish scribe in referring to the New Zealand footballers. "If you see a man dash past four Englishmen, throw another into touch, and then, when tackled by five more, kick a goal, you may be sure that is Wallace."

A start has been made with putting the Masterton A. and P. Association's ground in order for the approaching Show, and every effort is to be made to make the arrangements even more complete than in previous years. The additional grandstand accommodation, luncheon room, etc., are almost completed.

Mr R. E. Howell, late of the Land and Income Tax Department, has bought out M*| E. Hecksher's,share in the firm of HecksheWand Co., Ltd. He will assume the management as from the 15th inst. The business will be carried on under the same style as heretofore. Mr Hecksher is likely to return to his old business—the Engineering and Machinery trades.

The precedence now accorded to the Prime Minister reminds the London Chronicle of a banquet at which Disraeli was present. After the dinner, at which a line of particularly illustrious nobodies preceded the Premier from the dining-room, he took the arm of his neighbour, and, pointing to the backs of the retreating dukes and marquesses, said drily: " Next week I shall be making some of those."

The sub-committees appointed in connection with the promotion of the Hospital floral fete and garden party are to be got into active work at once. A successful meeting of the Ladies Committee took place yesterday afternoon, the Sports and Musical Committees meet at 7 and 8 o'clock respectively, this evening, and similarly the Side Shows and Lighting Committee on Wednesday evening. All meetings take place in the Borough Council Chambers. The Salvation Army Barracks was ed last evening, when Staff-Captain gave an interesting limelight entertainment. The various pictures thrown on the screen were well received, some South African views being specially interesting. A number of comic scenes proved highly amusing. The following items (illustrated) were given with success during the evening: —Readings, "The Scotch Martyr" and "Nellie's Prayer," Staff-Captain Ward ; song, "The Holy City," Cadet Woodroffe ; reading, " The Lifeboat," Adjutant Powick; song, " The Star of Bethlehem," Staff-Captain Ward.

Some specimens of the leaves of a wattle tree from the Masterton Park, found by MiBrown, Town Clerk, to be affected with a rust, were forwarded to the Government Biologist for report through the Department of Agriculture. A reply has been received that the tree has been attacked by wattle rust which is prevalent in Australia and Java, and it is recommended that any badly affected trees should be cut down and burnt, while spraying with Bordeaux mixture when the disease was in an early stage would check the growth. So far only one tree has been discovered to be affected with the rust.

A South Dunedin tradesman was recently surprised to receive a visit from two constables, who came with a demand that he should give up his counterfeit coin plant and also surrender himself to the vengeance of the law. It seems that the misunderstanding arose over a new American notion iti toys, which works the illusion of turning out a pound note after a blank piece of paper has been placed within it, In reality the pound note which comes from the little machine has to be first placed secretly within it. Some kind friend of the tradesman's had seen the effect, but not understanding the cause, had marched off to inform the police.

On December 6th, 1877, a young French doctor sent in an application for a small post under Government. Another man was appointed, and, having received no answer, he forgot all about the matter. A few days ago, says " Tatler," he received an official document, which he was io fill up in order to get a nomination for the position he had applied for nearly eight-and-twenty years before. But while the officials had been leisurely voplying to his letter the doctor had income a man of importance in the world, and has long since ceased to think of such trifles as a small Government berth.

The first criminal prosecution of a trust or combine in Canada (says the London Times) has led to the imposition of heavy fines upon two organisations connected with the plumbing trade. For years there have existed a Master Founders' Association and a kindred organisation known as the Central Supply Association of Ontario. The latter body furnished goods and material to the plumbers. The two organisations had rami ■ fications all over the province. The evidence showed the existence of a widespread system of terrorism in the trade. Judge Clute characterised the methods of the two associations, which included false tendering and the giving of bonuses, as even worse than highway robbery. Each organisation was fined £1000, while seven master plumbers were fined sums varying from £50 to £100.

A bridal couple recently came before the registrar in a small town in Mecklenburg. The official in due formula asked the bridegroom if he would take the woman as his wedded wife. He answered, " No, I must think the matter over." There was consternation and protestation among the assembled company, and the bridegroom finally asked for an hour in which to reflect. He then shut himself up alone in a room, and spent an hour meditating on his future. At the end of that time the couple made their second appearance before the registrar. The bridegroom replied to the usual question with a joyful " Yes !" Theofficialthen asked the bride the same question. Her reply was very loud and distinct. " No," she said. " I can't accept such a weathercock, weak-willed individual as husband." She then drew herself up with scornful dignity and left the room.

A four-roomed cottage is advertised to let.

The W.F.C.A. Boot Department are making a special window display of boot bargains.

Notice is given that all accounts owing to Mr W. Dougall must be paid to Messrs Bunny and Dolan, solicitors.

Two shillings in the £ is not a bad saving for ratepayers. You may participate by paying your rates before Thursday, February 15th. See advt.

The man who says'"There is nothing perfect on earth " never used a McCormick. Agents : Farmers' Implement Co., Masterton.—Advt.

Ask for Linoarnish, the great linoleum varnish. A beautiful floor polish that will not wash off. Save time, money and labour by procuring a tin at the W.F.C.A., Ltd., Furnishing Department.—Advt.

We are agents for P. and D. Duncan, Ltd., of Christchurch. Their ploughs are general favourites throughout the Wairarapa district. We sell one a nay, Masterton Farmers' Implement Company.—Advt.

The Catholic bazaar is aid of the Pahiatua proposed Convent realised £235.

Tenders for fencing on the Masterton racecourse close to-morrow at noon.

Eight truck loads of sheep, containing in all 1100 head, were sent to Ngahauranga, yesterday, consigned to two different firms.

A section of tho London unemployed who nil ended a recent service at St. Paul's, London, emphasised the preacher's remarks In- cheers and frequent applause.

Roy Vanettisch, a New York journalist, lias broken the world's record for typewriting. He wrote 2600 words in thirty minutes and finished 4917 words in the hour.

Mr Hawkins, ex-M.H.R., was entertained at Pahiatua, last night, at a social at which he was presented with a purse of sovereigns. ilr Hawkins is to be presented with another purse of sovereigns at Woodville, to-morrow night.

Fathers Tymons and Bowden, who are .leaving Palmerston North (says a Press Association message from that town), were •entertained at a farewell gathering last Jiight, and each was presented with an address and a purse of sovereigns.

A second offender, James Ross, charged with drunkenness, was brought before Mr T. Wagg, J.P., this morning. Accused was •convicted and discharged on promising to return to work immediately, and on consenting to a prohibition order being issued against himself.

Yesterday Constable Kyle arrested, on a warrant issued at Wellington, a man named Henry Joseph Read on a charge of wife desertion. The accused was brought before Mr Thos. Duncan, J.P., and remanded to Wellington, being taken down in charge of Constable Learm Kith.

We learn that orchards suffered in the heavy gale experienced in Masterton on Saturday and Sunday. In some gardens large quantities of fruit were blown from the trees, while in other cases it was damaged so as to be unfit for marketable purposes.

The Very Rev Father Hays was a passenger by the Moeraki on Saturday for SydneyT en route for England, where he will continue his work in the cause of Temperance. Father Hays greatly benefited in health during his stay in New .Zealand.

Mr J. L. Conlan, who for the past three and a-half years has been with Messrs Bunny and Dolan, solicitors, has been olfered and accepted an engagement with Messrs White and Alpers, solicitors, of Timaru. While in Masterton Mr Conlan has been closely identified with athletic sport, and by his genial disposition has gained many friends. He will leave Masterton in the course of a week or two.

The resident missionary (the Rev. James M'William) who has ministered to the spiritual needs of the Natives on the Otaki coast for the last thirty-seven years is about to leave that district. Mr M'William is retiring on a pension, and will take up his residence in Auckland, after a brief sojurn with relatives in the South. The rev. gentleman will be succeeded by the Rev. Te Ivviora Tainaiparea, a young Native minister, who was ordained at Wanganui by the Bishop of Wellington in September last.

Very few persons acquit themselves nobly in their maiden speech. At a wedding feast recently the bridegroom was called upon, as usual, to respond to the given toast, in spite of the fact that he had previously pleaded to be excusel Blushing to the roots of his hair, he rose to his fe?t. He intended to imply that he ■was unprepared for speech-making, but ■unfortunately placed his hand upon the bride's shoulder, and looked down at her as he st unraered out his opening (and concluding) words : " This—er—thing has been thrust upon me."

Speaking of " Cabinet Reconstruction " a Christchurch paper says :—Hon. T. Y. Duncan, Minister of Lords, by a strange piece of fortune, finds himself in a position of comfort, which at one time he could never have hoped for. Even yet we dare say he sometimes asks himself how he ever managed to get there. What is quite certain is that great strokes and freaks of fortune do not usually repeat themselves, and _fr Duncan, realising this, will doubtless retain his position with, Doric tenacity, calmly disregarding, the gentle suggestion, prompted by the most disinterested motives that he really ought to make room for someone else.

At the Featherston Magistrate's Court, yesterday, the Wairarapa Racing Club proceeded against Charles Eager, W. H. Schoones, and Thomas Watson (each on two informations), Dave Ross, Pat. Nash, Robert Hancock, Gilbert Watson, Charles Pully, George Dryberg, Mick Mitchinson, Harry Ray, Tim Troy (one information each), for trespass at the summer meeting. Defendants were each fined £3 and £2 5s 6d each. Robert Ryan for a similar offence was fined £6 and £2 13s 6d, the fine being increased to enable defendant to appeal. Execution of judgment was stayed pending the Appeal Court's decision. Mr J. W. Card was for plaintiffs, Mr D. M. Findlay for defendants.

Writes our Carterton Special: —A meeting of teachers of St. Mark's Sunday School was held in the vicarage last evening, the Rev R. Young presiding. The balance-sheet in connection with the recent picnic showed receipts to be £1 lis Gd and expenditure £3 10s 6d, leaving a credit balance of £1 is, which was considered highly satisfactory. Votes of thanks were passed to Messrs T. Shaw, W. Toomath, G W. Deller, M. Jones and Rev S. G. Compton for their assistance in connection with the picnic. It was resolved to distribute thejprizes won by the scholars during the year, on Monday evening next, at the schoolroom, and to ask His Worship the Mayor of Carterton, to make the presentations. Several accounts were passed for payment.

News has been received by cable of the death, at Bath, England, of Mr Thomas Purvis Russell, in his 87th year. Deceased, with his brothers Henry, John, and Robert, was among the oldest settlers in Hawke's Bay. He first took up land in the Wairarapa, afterwards going to Hawkes Bay, where he at one time owned the Woburn estate, now known as the Haluma settlement. Mr Russell ceased to reside in New Zealand a good many years ago, making his home at Warroch, Kinross-shire, Scotland. He leaves a widow (sister of the late Mr G. E. Sainsbury, of Sainsbury, Logan and Williams, solicitors, Napier), and an only daughter, Mrs 11. J. Montgomery, of Hattonburn, Milna f hort, Scotland.— Post. [Mr John P. Russell, of Wangamoana, to whose serious illness reference was recently made in these columns, is the only surviving brother of the deceased.]

There was a large gathering at Masterton Railway Station last evening to welcome the return of the Municipal Band members who put up- a creditable performance at the Nelson Band Contest. The members of the Band who had returned earlier in the day joined in, while members of the Fire Brigade also joined in the procession. The Bandsmen, though somewhat weary, marched into town headed by the Drumjb«» Major, and followed by a concourse of people, who now and ■ then gave cheers for the returning players. Spirited selections were rendered along the route to the Post Office corner. The Bandsmen were then / entertained at the Fire Brigade Station. \ '■. Mr McLeod; on behalf of the Band, thanked the Fire Brigade for their hospitality, and Oaptain Jenkins responded. Cheers were given for Mr McLeod and Mr Hunn (DrumJJajor).

A thunderstorm was passing over Masterton as we went to press.

The latest Masterton Dredging returns are 101 ozs Sdwts for 119 hours' work.

The death of the mother of Messrs Pinhey Brothers, of Masterton, is reported. Mrs Pinhey, senr., was in her 75th year and was born and died in the County of Devonshire.

The motive power for the milking machines used by a farming company in California is furnished by thoroughbred bulls who are exercised daily on a treadmill, thus keeping them in condition and at the same time utilizing their efforts by connecting the milking machines with the treadmill.

On page 6 will be found commercial items, and " Tho Poultry Yard," by "W.T." Our Wellington letter (Life in the City) appears on page 3. , " A Reminiscence of Gladstone," and an incident in which Mr Guinness, Speaker of the House of Representatives, is reprimanded in his capacity as a lawyer, will be found on page 2, and Carterton Notes on page 7.

A largely attended meeting* of the Ladios Committee' set up in connection with the Hospital floral fete and garden party was held in the Borough Council Chambers, yesterday afternoon. Mrs Hogg.was elected President. The members of the Committee were very enthusiastic in the discussion of various matters introduced for the.benefitof the movement. A suggestion was made that it would bo inconvenient to hold the floral fete and the garden party in separate grounds, and finally a recommendation was carried asking the Executive Committee to rescind the previous resolution passed on the matter and hold both functions in the Park. A meeting of the Executive, to take place after Committee meetings convened, has been called for this evening to consider the proposal.

On Saturday afternoon the Wellington police were advised from North Makara that the body of a man had been found on the beach at Oterangi. It was described as being in an advanced stage of decomposition, fully dressed including an oilskin. A mounted constable was despatched at five o'clock on Sunday morning to the locality, which is about four miles from the Terawhiti station homestead. If the body was recognisable and could be removed it was to have been brought into town. Otherwise it was to have been buried at Oterangi by order of the Coroner. The body was that of a middle-aged man, and an opinion has been expressed that deceased was probably one of the victims of the disaster to the scow Oban at the entrance to Wellington Harbour. — Post. [The features being unrecognisable, the body was interred on the spot. In the pockets were found a gold chain, with a lady's open-face watch attached, on the inside of which were the letters, "0.X., now C.E.K., 1888, Neeroune," and " Hobart, 1891, Neeroune." Besides the watch, there were a single-bladed knife, a diamond tiepin, a pipe, two keys on a ring, and several other minor articles.)