LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXX, Issue 8450, 15 May 1906, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A meeting of the Borough Park Committee is to be held at 7 'o'clock this evening, and the Council meets at 7.30.

Europeans who are in a position to know are agreed that there will be considerable distress among the Maoris in various parts of the colony during the winter. ,

An old man, named William Hounsell, a pioneer of Nelson, who attempted suicide a few days ago, died yesterday. The doctor has given a certificate that death was due to old age.

Writes our Hastwell correspondent: — We are experiencing a few fine days after the spell of bad weather. —There was a fair attendance at the dance on Saturday evening which proved very enjoyable.

His Worship the Mayor of Palmerston N. invites ratepayers to meet him at the Municipal Hall on a date fixed, when he proposes to deliver an address on Borough matters. This is a practice which will commend itself to the ratepayers.

Messrs F. R. Flatman (Geraldine) and A. Kidd (Auckland), who acted as Government " whips " during the last session of Parliament, have been again offered the positions, and have accepted another term.

Mails for the Commonwealth of Australia, Ceylon, India, China, Japan, Straits Settlements, also South Africa, Continent of Europe and United Kingdom (need not be specially addressed), and also Eastern Canada and Eastern States of United States of America (which must be specially addressed), per " Moeraki." will close at Masterton, on Saturday morning, at 6.15 o'clock.

Those in the vicinity of the Rotorua Post Office the other day (says the local paper) were just a little surprised to see a modern landau arrive, and three Maori. ladies emerge from the vehicle. Having alighted, they stepped into the Post Office, and after a few minutes returned and re-entered the carriage. Inquiries elicited the information that they had merely called at. the Post Office for their old age pensions.

On different occasions of late the establishment of Mr W. S. Wallace, chemist, Wellington have been broken into and sums of money taken. The police were notified, and on Saturday afternoon last Detective Lewis set a watch upon the premises. The result was that he arrested a fourteen-year-old boy in the act of breaking and entering the shop. The defendant admitted the offences, and his Worship, who heard the case in his private room, ordered him to get twelve strokes of the birch. The lad is fourteen years of age, and at one time was employed by Mr Wallace.

Miss Olga Brandon, the actress, who it was cabled on Friday, died in London in great destitution, was (says the Post) born in Australia in 1865. Her parents were Russian, and she was educated at the Geelong Convent. She made her first appearance on the stage in New York in 1884, and after three years in the States made her London debut in 1887. Subsequently she re-visited America, and then returned to London to play leads in tragedy and high-class comedy, but eventually became an Adelphi melodrama heroine. Miss Brandon was said to be. a tall, graceful lady with a face of singular beauty, and was one of the most emotional actresses of her day.

An important discovery of coal on the Westport-Stockton Coal Mining Company's property at Ngakawau (Westland) is reported. The find practically proves the extension of a lower seam similar to the Coalbrookdale underlying about 1,000 acres of property, and an upper seam of hard, bright coal of excellent quality and about six feet in thickness, underlying an area of about 500 acres. The lower seam is from 16 to 30 feet thick, and is stated to be equal to the very best quality of coal produced from the Buller coal fields. In addition to the above on the western boundary 300 acres contains a visible extension of the Granity Creek seam with about three and a-half million tons of coal, bringing the aggregate up to thirty-six and a-half million tons or equal to an output of a quarter of a million tons per year for a century.

The Directors of the Masterton Co-opera-tive Dairy Co., met on Saturday. Mr J. C. Ewington was in the chair, and Messrs H. C. Bertlesen, R. Kebblewhite, J. Barron and R. Wilton were also present. A letter was read from the Dairy Commissioner requesting the Directors to forward to Wellington two portions of the Company's butter boxes with the Company's imprest brand thereon as it was intended to erect an arch at the International Exhibition containing two boxes from every cheese and butter factory in the colony. It was decided to comply with the request made. A meeting of the Machinery Committee was fixed for Wednesday next to consider a proposal for making improvements to the machinery at the Masterton factory. It was reported the total amount paid for butter fat for the month was £722 8s 9d, and tho quantity of butter fat received was 19,278 pounds. Accounts were passed for payment amounting to £97 10s. The Rangitumau. tests, which have come to hand, are: highest 5*2, lowest 4*2, average 4*5.

J. Bradford, licensee of the Okaiawa Hotel, (Taranaki) was fined £3 and ordered to pay costs, for refusing to admit the police after hours recently.

The photographic group of members of the Opaki Rifle Club, presented to Captain Welch in recognition of his sendees to the Club, is on view in the W.F.C.A. window.

Our weekly Wellington letter "Life in the City," will be found on page 6, Nireaha, Carterton and Kopuaranga Notes on page 3 and Wairere and Mauriceville Notes on page

, The number of ! employe's on co-operative works in the colony is now 8246, of whom 4624 are on railway works, 3622 on road works. On the North Island Trunk Railway 1707 men are employed.

Mr W. R. Wright, who acted as electrical engineer for the Wellington City Corporation, in connection with, the installation of the electric tramway system, is reported to be engaged on similar work at Shanghai (China).

Mr Seddon has sent to Mr FlatriMfc M.H.R., the sum of three guineas as a sent to the Geraldine triplets. The Premier has promised a further sum of three guineas when the infants reach the age of twelve months.

During the month of April 107 married men and 436 single men were assisted by the Labour Department. Of this number 198 were from the North Island, 268 from South Island, 45 from the Commonwealth, and 26 from Great Britain.

The Minister of Public works told a deputation, who asked for a light line of railway, that the Government could not consider the question of constructing light lines of railway unless the grades were good enough to enable the broader gauge to be afterwards adopted.

The Masterton abattoir will be in complete readiness for opening on the first of next month. There has been a liberal response to the advertisement calling for applications for the positions of head and assistant slaughtermen and boy, and these will be considered by the Council this evening.

The usual absentee notice was sent out to a parent by a teacher of the Masterton School on the non-attendance of a girl,__ad in the blank reserved for the reasMp-f absence there was inscribed (when the notice was returned to the teacher) the brief sentence : " Reasons of my own."

The Secretary of State for the Colonies has cabled to the Premier as follows in reply toa cablegram sent on 14th April:—"The Kmg of Italy desires that his thanks may be conveyed to your Governmet and the people of New Zealand for their spontaneous expression of sympathy with the sufferers by the eruption of Vesuvius."

The census return of the Borough of Masterton is not yet available. It is expected to approximate to 4,600, but this is taken on the basis of a more limited area than on former occasions. If the suburban population were included, the returns would indicate a population of from five to six thousand persons.

Mr W. F. Shortt. of Wellington, who arrived in the colony in the ship Adamant, has just completed his thirtieth year in New Zealand. During the whole of that time he has resided in Wellington. He has now formed his business into a limited company, he himself having practically retired from active participation in its affairs.

The grain traffic on the Southland railways is extremely light owing to the backward season. This year only 38,270 sacks have been carried, against 134,376 same date last year. A large amd_p. of crop is still uncut and much ruined owing to the continuous rain. For superior samples of oats 2s 2d per bushel on trucks was given on Saturday.

The anchor and cable slipped by the ship Cassius on the 4th instant, about two miles south of Pencarrow Head, Wellington, were recovered on Saturday by the tug Duco. The slipping of the anchor was imperative owing to a strong northerly wind suddenly changing to the south. The ninety fathoms of chain weighs 11-| tons and the anchor 1 ton 12 cwt., and their value is over £400.

While pheasant shooting at Kaeo, near Whangarei, on Friday morning, a Maori, twenty years of age, caught the trigger of his gun in some wire. The gun exploded the charge lodging in the Native's leg. The man was brought to the Whangarei Hospital, where, .gangrene intervening, the leg was amputated. Owing to tho distance and the patent not consenting to the operation, thirty eight hours elapsed between the time of the accident and the amputation.

. A special meeting of members of the Masterton Municipal Band was held last evening. There was a good attendance over which Bandmaster Russell was decided to make a first entry (cloWg in June) in connection with the contest being promoted at the International Exhibition, and to determine later on about making the final entry in August. The contest it to comprise a test piece, with a piece voluntarily chosen by each of the competing bands, and the local Band intend to put a selection in practice at once.

Mr E. Short, of W 7 aituna West, Manawatu, completed a very fast and pleasant run on Saturday, in his new 22 h.p. Minerva . four cylinder motor-car, doing the through journey from Wellington to Palmerston in the very fast time of 4hr lOmin. The trip was accomplished with a full load, both as regards passengers and luggage. Mr Short found the roads in excellent condition for motoring, and he had no mechanical troubles of any kind. No idea of putting up record time was thought of when leaving Wellington, and no preparations were made for a special speed trip.

The junior demonstration held in the Salvation Army Barracks, Masterton, last evening, passed off very successful}'. An excellent programme was submitted, each item eliciting hearty applause. A solo by a little mite barely three years of age proved a very popular item, and a dialogue by Masters Willie and John Andrews was much appreciated. Other enjoyable items were given as folioW9: Action song, "Harps and jfitns " ; flag drill, by girls; action soiJ^P"Our Baby " ; dialogue, " Jack and Jill"; action song, " Busy Housewives " ; quartette, " A Happy Party"; action song, "The Rainbow," (an exceedingly pretty item); dialogue, "Phases of the Moon "; action song, "Baby'sßurden" ; also several solos,recitations and company songs. The children showed evidence of careful training, and Adjutant Powick is to be congratulated on the result achieved.

The remains of Mrs E. Leach were interred in tho Masterton Cemetery yesterday, the burial service being conducted by the Rev J. N. Buttle. . The deceased up to the time of her death resided with her son, Mr R. Leach, an employe of the Masterton Implement Company, and the Campany's premises were closed yesterday afternoon to allow the hands to attend the funeral. Mrs Leach came out to the colony about thirtyfour years ago, and has resided in Masterton for the past twelve years. She was of a very charitable disposition, and was at all times ready and willing to assist in times of sicknes or distress, and was in consequence very highly respectedgiEy all with whom she came in contaa-fIBL-The illnoss which resulted in her death was a long and painful one, but she has endured the intense suffering without repining, only waiting patiently ior death, which, at last, must have came to her as a happy release.

The usual meeting of the V.M.C.A. Litarary and Debating Society will be held to-morrow (Wednesday) meeting.

The monthly meeting of the Council of the Masterton Chamber of Commerce is to l)e held on Friday at 3.30 o'clock, and a general meeting of members at 4 o'clock.

The farmers in the Greta district, New South Wales, and are suffering severely from •the drought, and are experiencing great difficuHy in obtaining food for their stock.

At tho meeting of the Masterton Tent of the Rechabites Lodge, to be held at the Foresters' Hall this evening, Bro H. Beale will give a resume of his recent trip to the Old Country.

Messrs Evernden and Pateman, bakers, of Dannevirke (late of Masterton) have dissolved partnership, and the business will in future be carried on by Mr Pateman, who will receive all moneys and pay all debts. What may be relics of ancient times have been discovered on one of the islands near Thursday Island. These are three ancient •cannon of brass or bronze, one of which is about 3ft long, and the others of larger size. The Supreme Gourt recently ruled that the failure to supply the poundkeeper with a written description of cattle impounded and other particulars required under section 11 of the Act constitutes an illegal impounding.

A Cingalese named Johannes, for the murder of a policeman at Mackay, six hundred miles north-west of Brisbane, and a South Sea Islander, named Twadega, for the murder of a boy near Mackay, were executed at Brisbane yesterday. Death in each ease was instantaneous.

Two men named Lewis Macdonald and John Hannah were fined £2 and costs at Hastings on Thursday for betting tote odds on the local racecourse lawn. The Police Inspector said they were " beginners at the game." One of them had in his possession over £50, indicating that he had made a lucrative " beginning."

Specially addressed correspondence for Eastern United States and Eastern Canada via Suez, can be forwarded by mails leaving Wellington 19th, Auckland 21st and Bluff 21st May. This will be a favourable k* opportunity for despatching duplications. The mail will reach New York about the same time as Vancouver despatched from Auckland 13th June.

In connection with the list of properties .submitter to tho Premier, as suitable for acquisition for close settlement in the neighbourhood of Masterton, the persons responsible for drawing up the list decline to reveal the names on the ground that the publication would be premature and would also be prejudical to the object in view. It is, therefore, considered inadvisable, for reasons which will be apparent, to divulge such particulars.

The acceptances for the Wairarapa Coursing Club's meeting, which opens on the Showgrounds to-morrow, close with the Secretary at the Central Hotel at 7 o'clock this evening. Subsequently a meeting of the committee will be held to carry out the drawings and to decide on the first day's programme. The hares are in splendid condition and, with some of the best dogs in the Colony competing, the coursing is expectsd to be of a high order.

Mr C. S. Ball, a thoroughly competent tailor and ladies' costumier, has taken the premises in Queen-street, Masterton, recently vacated by Mr Alex. Henderson, and will open in business there on Saturday next. Ball is coming along with an up-to-date Pstock of fashionable goods, and patrons can rely on getting a suit that will look well, fit well and wear well.

A reward is offered for the return of a pendant.

A man for gardening work is advertised for.

A reward is offered for the return of a black retriever dog, lost from Masterton.

The WF.C.A. advertise special lines in notepaper, toilet soaps, hot water bags, etc.

Messrs Beale and Parton have a replace advertisement in this issue which is of interest to gas consumers.

Tooby's Oil is an effective remedy for bruises, sprains, burns, chilblains, etc. It is obtainable from all stores and chemists and from S. E. Tooby, Worksop-road.

A reward of ten shillings is offered for the return of a gold pin, lost between Mr Wrightson's (Opaki) and Masterton, on Sunday evening.

All those holding invitations for the Masterton Band, Fire Brigade and Volunteer

Dance Assembly are reminded that a long dance will be held in the Drill Hall tomorrow (Wednesday) evening.

__ - The W.F.C.A. clothing department have a great scoop in white dress shirts, Irish linen fronts and cuffs. The original wholesale price of these shirts was ' 8s 6d, but they can now be purchased at 6s 6d each, or 3 for 16s 6d.

The second term of the Wellington College commences on Wednesday, 30th May. The headmaster, Mr Firth, will receive parents and guardians at the College, on Tuesday, 29th May, between 2 and 6 p.m., and new boys will assemble at 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 30th May.

Mr W. Inglis Husband, land and estate agent, of Pahiatua, advertises particulars of three really good properties which he has for sale in the Pahiatua district. The properties are all highly improved, and the prices asked are reasonable, and easy terms can be arranged.

The Wellington Girls' College commences its second term on Tuesday, 29th May.

The Lady Principal will receive parents, guardians and new pupils on Monday morn-

ing, 28th May. The College has an excellent staff of visiting teachers for music, class singing, drawing and calisthenics. Mrs Somerville also has vacancies for boarders at her house in Hill-street. In three weeks time Mr P. HamilL draper and clothier, will remove into his new premises in Queen-street, and in the meantime he has decided to hold a great clearance jsle of his present stock. It is safe to say jHet tbe goods are as up-to-date as any in me colony, and as the prices have been cut down to the original cost of the stock, residents can rely on getting exceptional value for their money. Chesterfields, covert coats, macintoshes, ties, shirts, handkechiefs,

underclothing, general clothing, blankets and rugs are included in the lines on which special reductions have been made. P. and D. Duncan stubble plough, with patent hand lever, were originally designed for stubble and skim ploughing. They are now used by many of the best farmers in ■Canterbury for all their work. Masterton Farmers' Implement Company. 2 Those desiring a good Hot Water Bottle for the coming cold weather, should take opportunity of inspecting the variety just landed by Herbert T. Wood, Pharmacist.'- 5 We are showing a beautiful range of Inlaid and Tile Linoleums, also, the newest patterns in florals and self colours.—Furnishing Department, W.F.C.A.* The selecting and the blending of the best tobacco leaf by experts makes the

finest medium-strength smoke known— 'jfclden Eagle. Try it in 2-oz. tins* powerful machine for heavy cutting is the McCormick Daisy Reaper. Morrow Bassett and Co., Christehurch.®

Good wine is an excellent 1 tonic for aged people and invalids. Wines from Tararua Vineyard stocked by W.F.C.A.*

Official information has been given that the present is an open season for pukekos.

, The smallest cows in the world are found in the Samoan Islands. The average weight of the males does not exceed 2001bs. The females average about lOOlbs, are very stockily built, and , are seldom taller than a Merino sheep. In colour these cattle are nearly all alike—a reddish mouse colour, marked with white. They have very large heads, and their horns are of exceptional length.— -American Cultivator.

The Lake Brunner Oil Company is now carrying out what the late Mr Cooper had decided upon— viz., the putting down of a large bore of eight inches in diameter, to be reduced to six inches as the depth increases, and to bore to a depth of two thousand feet or more unless satisfactory results should be obtained earlier. Progress just now is slow, due to quicksand, which works at times up the pipes to tho height of 50ft or 60ft, and gives an immense amount of extra work.

A Plains farmer informs our Hawera contemporary that the carrying capacity of the land round about Manaia has been increased considerably during the last few years. This he attributes to the salt spray storms which have boon prevalent for a few years. Since the first big one he noticed a great change in the country. Further in the land is going back, and in his opinion certain country on the other side of the railway line does not now carry as much as formerly.

The final shipment of poultry for London was made by tho s. s. Kumava. About 3000 birds have been sent to London from Auckland during the season. Over 120,000 eggs have also passed though the depot, and those placed in cold storage seven months ago have come out in good condition. The prospects for the next season are considered extremely bright, as exporters have estimated that they will send between 15,000 and 20,000 birds to London alone, as a result of improved methods and the rearing of a good class of stock.

According to Dr. Sentinel, Roman Catholic Bishop of Omaha, men, not women, are the best judges of morality (says the New York correspondent of the Telegraph.) In issuing a pastoral against certain plays, which has been called forth apparently by the announcement that Madame' Bernhardt will shortly appear as Camille, at Omaha, the bishop says that fathers of families are best censors of drama. "Many women allow themselves to be swayed in tins matter by extraneous considerations."

A match to be lired on Monday evening next, has been arranged between teams representing the Druids and the Morris Tube Association. The teams are :•— Druids Lodge : Messrs 11. Brighting, D. A. Pickering, A. Levien, L. Savers, E. Munn, 11. Pen'v, J. Smith, G. Blanc, P. Holmes, W. Aysbn, E. J. Booth, J. Prentice and R. Davey. Morris Tube Association : Messrs C. Perry, J. Henry, R. J. King, W. Winslade, J." Allen, A. Danes, J. Frost, C. Wellington, W. Burridge, E. Perry, J. Mcllattie, E. McNabb and F. Whittaker. Dr. Cook has donated a guinea to the funds of the Association.