LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXX, Issue 8494, 5 July 1906, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

There are eighty-three inmates in the Wellingion Ohiro Home—fifty-seven females and twenty-six males.

Wednesday, July 25th, is to be observed as a public holiday in the Government oflices throughout Ne.v Zealand for the celebration of Arbor Day.

As a sequel to the ptomaine poisoning cases at Palmerstou North, a rumour hath it that a local solicitor has been instructed to issue a writ for £1,000 damages.— Standard.

Advice has been received that the mail steamer Ventura sailed from Honolulu at 8 a.m., last Friday. The vessel is not expected to reach Auckland before next Wednesday morning at the earliest

A motor 'bus company is to begin running its vehicles for passenger traffic in Timaru next month. The two 'busses with which a beginning is to be made will carry thirty and Jifteen passengers respectively.

The membership of the Hawke's Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society has increased to 1007. The receipts from members' subscriptions last year amounted to £903, as compared with £197 in 1896.

Mr T. E. Taylor, ex-member for Christchurch, ridicules the idea of his standing for Westland, saying that he is out of politics for good, aud has not the slightest intention of attempting to re enter the political arena.

Henry Deacon Raynor, Secretary to the District Grand Lodge of Druids, Christchurch, was yesterday committed for trial for embezzling a sum of £495 belonging to the Order. Accused was recently brought back from Australia.

Onenotable coincidence in connection with the death of the late Mr Seddon is that his father also died at sea. When the late Pre.mier was a young man working in Victoria, in the sixties, he sentfor his father, a widower, to come out and join him. The old man sailed, but died in mid-ocean.

A fire at Huntly (sixty-five miles from Auckland), on Tuesday night totally destroyed the public school. The progress of the conflagration was stopped by the demolition of one of the block of buildings adjoining, owned by Mr and Miss Ralph.

The sitting of the Wellington Anglican Synod opens in Wellington on Monday, and included in the business to be considered it is understood that the matter of leasing the unlet portion of the Church acre with the frontage to Queen-street, will come on for discussion.

On page 6 will be found an article on Oie proposed new railway from Wellington to Wairarapa, and the report of the Mauriceville County Council meeting. Farm and Station Notes appear on page 7, Carterton Notes on page 2 and the Castlepoint County Council meeting on page 3.

There are about a dozen bicycles at the Christehurch Police Station awaiting owners. It is stated that since the beginning of the year three hundred lost or stolen bicycles have passed through the hands of the police, and the average number of unclaimed bicycles at the station is about a dozen.

According to the returns published in the Government Gazette, the Westport railway stands first on the list of paying lines, the following being the order:—Westport, Whangarei, Picton, Westland, Auckland, Wellington, Hurunui-BluiT, Nelson, Gisborne, Kailni, Kawakawa.

Speaking at Arnberley, Canterbury, Mr A. W. Rutherford said that the producer in his relation to taxation was very much in the position of the giant tree to which the rata had ai tached itself. The giant ultimately died. The producer could stand a certain amount of taxation, but he doubted whether the land could bear the whole burden.

There is a rumour, says an Irish correspondent of a London paper published in the dairying interest, that " a few gentlemen prominently idenlified with dairying in Ireland are likely to take their departure for New Zealand. We shall be sorry to lose any of tkem. Ireland can ill afford to spare - such men."

The new valuations for the Invercargill Borough show the capital value is £1,532,407 an increase of 17 per cent., on the previous valuation and the unimproved value .£689,779 an increase of 32 per cent. For the Borough of Gore the capital value i 5£417,132 an increase of 31 per cent., and the unimproved value £183,000, an increase of 73 per cent.

The text of the numerous letters and telegrams of condolence in connection with the death of the late Premier received by the Native Minister are to be printed in book form for presentation to Mrs Seddon, together with a description of the Maori lament outside Parliament Buildings on the day of the funeral.

The first birth in St. Helen's Maternity Home, Auckland —that of a girl, who has been christened Helen Seddon J oynt—took place last Friday. A silver spoon was presented to the baby by an Auckland resident, who has promised to make a similar presentation to the first boy born in the Home providing that he is given the Christian names Richard John Seddon.

A Marlborough settler who has been a close observer of the kowhaifor many years, last week sa\v blooms of that flower on trees along the Wairau River. He had never seen the tree in bloom previously earlier than in October. Another resident of Marlborough, with forty years' experience, also said he had never seen kowhai blooms before so early as June.

A Sydney paper says:—The Two-up School Mission recently established by the Central Methodist Mission is more "than fulfilling expectations. Large numbers of the men of Sydney in whose interest these meetings have been started attending and numerous conversions have taken place. Part of the old gambling saloon has been partitioned off, and threepenny beds are now provided for men out of work.

The growth on a soil or its covering exercises great influence on the retention of moisture. According to experiments the moisture at the depth of a yard under grass is about 14 per cent,, under fallow 23 per cent., and under farmyard manure 29. Barley is said to make the best growth when the top soil is saturated with about 60 per cent, of moisture and oats when 90 per cent, is present.

The Paris correspondent of The T'nnf* states that the Societe de Geographic has entrusted an important mission of exploration in Central Asia to M. Peliot, a young professor of the Chinese language/ The excavations will take place in the country north of Tibet, where certain ruins bear witness to a flourishing ancient civilisation. M. Peliot, who is acquainted with the majority of the Asiatic languages, is said to aim at nothing less than a reconstruction of the history of the Far East.

Three years ago an Australian farmer ruined by drought, arrived in the Eltham district, Taranaki. With an available capital of £50 he secured a lease of 125 acres of fair land, the owner of which supplied him with 40 cows and backed him in the purchase of horse, and trap etc. At the end of the first year the tenant had furnished a home, provided a good outfit for his family, and had paid off £100 for his stock. Last year he paid his rent out of his pig money.

Unique is the result of an election fought at Grimston. to li 11 a vacancy on the Freebridge Lynn Guardians. The candidates were a lady and a gentleman. All the electors went to the poll and the count revealed the fact that all the votes recorded were in favor of the gentleman. He therefore defeated his fair opponent by a cent per cent majority of the votes registered. A peculiar featurewhen the secrecy of the ballot is considered —is that not only is the lady able to tell that her proposer and seconder did not vote for her, but that all the villagers know how the electors voted.

In the 'ballot , of the Lands Department (says a contemporary) there seems to be the elements of a State lottery—blanks innumerable, and occasionally a big prize. This is said to be the story of a barleygrower at Blind River, Marlborougb, when asked how he was getting on. " Well, to tell you the truth, I've just sold out. Five years ago I was lucky enough to draw a section in the ballot. Thirty-five pounds was my total capital. I paid £25 as a deposit, and was so glad with my luck that I went on the spree with the rest. I sold out the whole lock, stock and barrel last month for £3000. So you see I haven't done so bad!"

The reservation of seats in railway carriages on express or mail trains travelling between Invercargill and Christchurch came into operation on Monday. The privilege applies to first-class passengers only, and to those travelling for a distance of 100 miles and over. At present the whole matter rests in the hands of the guard of the train, who, at the request of the intending passenger and on production of the latler's ticket and the payment of a fee of 6d, issues a numbered check to the person applying and places a duplicate of the same in a receptacle affixed to the reserved seat.

A representative of a well-known linn of auctioneers and estate agents in the Wellington province was on a visit to the Hutt and Taita, last week, inspecting properties with a view to purchase on behalf of a syndicate, for the purpose of subdividing for suburban homes. Amongst those considered very suitable for the purpose is the wellknown Laurel Hall estate, Taita, now in the occupation of Mr M. \V. Welch, whose lease from the trustees of the late Mrs T. A. Welch will soon expire. The estate comprises about .sixty acres, and is only a few minutes walk from the hotel and coach stage, and it is probable that the syndicate will make an effort to secure same at an early date.

Exhibitors are reminded that, entries for the forthcoming show of the Masterton Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Association close on Saturday next.

It is understood that, as the result of investigations made a large soft goods linn in Dnnedin has become convinced that a systematic and recognised theft of goods was going on, and inconsequence of confessions made eighteen employes were suspended yesterday.

A publican was charged at Blenheim last week with permitting gambling by allowing the game of billiards "to be played for a stake. Counsel for the defence contended that billiards was essentially a game of skill and not of chance, the element of all gambling being chance. The magistrate dismissed the case.

According to a. local paper Waihi is in deadly earnest over the spiritualistic business,-* and it has been decided by those interested to form a Spiritualistic Association. It is anticipated that the Association will be a strong one, members having expressed their intention of investigating the subject. A novel dillicnlty has confronted the vicar of a church in Warminster, Wiltshire. At a vestry meeting, he said that, owing to the size of the congregation, he could not Imd hymns long enough for the offertory. The hymn stopped before the collection was finished. The ditliculty was met by appointing two more sidesmen.

The Stonehenge Lodge, 1.A.0.D., held its usual fortnightly meeting on Tuesday even ing, Bro. \O. Levien A.D. occupying the chair. Two new members were initiated and two proposed for membership. After business was disposed of, a " question box " took place, and some very interesting and instructive questions were asked and answered.

George White, Xapier, charged with misappropriating the funds of the Siar Bowkett Building Society, was yesterday further remanded for a week, the investigation into •the Society's affairs not being completed. White has" been adjudged a bankrupt on the creditors' petition, "llis statement shows liabilities £13,11-17, and assets £12,020, unsecured creditors £2759, secured £11,091. The estimated value of securities is £12,261.

Ladies who desire a line picture for the wall of a drawing-room should inspect some very attractive and handsomely framed water-colour paintings now exhibited in McLeod and Young's window and in the interior of their establishment. These •works of art are of sterling value and form a section of a series which are about to be disposed of by an art union. A ticket in this art union may be regarded as a good investment.

The one-man-one-vote principle is, after all, only a return to ancient practice embodied in a British Act of Parliament. A statute passed in the first year of Henry V. provides that the electors in a constituency must reside in that constituency — a clear enunciation at that early period of the principle of one man one vote This statute, although its provisions had long been disregarded, remained on the Statute Book until 177-1.

The Xapier Hospital Trustees, through Mr Shrimpton, have received the oiler of & handsome contribution towards the erec tion of a hospital for the treatment of cases of chronic disease. The anonymous donor offered £1000. According to the Board's architect a suitable hospital, to contain 2-i beds, would cost about £2020. With the subsidy of the Government, a sum of £2000 will be available, which would provide the home and partly furnish it.

t The V.M.C.A. Literary and Debating Society was visited last evening by members of theKuripuni Mutual Improvement Society, and provided with an evening on Carlyle's " Heroes and Hero-Worship." Miss R. Burton and Mr A. Donald each read an essay on the work in question, both the essayists dealing in a thoughtful and comprehensive manner with some of the chief characteristics of the great English classic's lectures. A discussion which ensued dealt with such questions as to the exact eminence which Carlyle attained in literature, heroes and hero-worship, what constituted a great man, and were great men born, or developed by circumstances. The Kuripuni Society ■was heartily thanked for the pleasant evening provided. The V.M.C.A. has decided to give the Kuripuni Society an evening early in August.

The audience at the St. Matthew's schoolroom, last evening, to hear a lecture by the Rev. F. H. Spencer in connection with the British and Foreign Bible Society, included representatives from the various denominations in this town interested in the Christianising work of the Society. Rev. J. N. Buttle, who presided, apologised for the absence of Rev. A. M. Johnson (vicar) who

■was detained by an important meeting of

m the Church Vestry. The rev. lecturer, who is an ardent worker in the mission Held, described what he had witnessed in Fiji, y.W. America, India, and Ceylon, and fhowed a large number of lantern slides of these countries. Chi the motion of Rev. Ja?. Paterson he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his lecture. At a meeting held subsequently a representative committee was set up to further the interests of mission work in this district. A situation is required by a good station cook.

Tenders are invited by the Masterton Borough Council for various street works.

Mr C. C. Aitken has on sale Foster Fraser's new book, " Pictures from the Balkans."

Tenders are invited by Messrs Varnham and Rose for the purchase and removal of a house in Queen-street.

Our-readers are directed to an advertisement in another column relating to G.G. Punch, which has been said by experts to excel any punch yet placed on the market. Mr R. E. Howell, will hold an auction sale of furniture at " Nairung," Worksoprbad on Tuesday next. A prelimary announcement appears on page 8 of this issue, and particulars will be advertised later.

Messrs D. Finlayson and Son, boot ami

shoe importers, have specially attractive lines in foot wear for both ladies and gentleP* men. All those desirous of saving 3s in the £ on previous boot prices should read the new advertisement appearing on page 3 of this issue.

Mr John Heyhoe, draper and clothier, has decided to start his stocking sale on Saturday next, and residents generally can anticipate a time for real bargains during the next few weeks. Mr Heyhoe carries a stock equal in quality and quantity to any in the colony. The attention of our readers is directed to items of interest appearing in our wanted column to-day.

G.G. PUNCH (non-alcoholic). Buy it and try it.' It's good. 3

Wanted Known—The famous Golden Eagle tobacco can now be obtained Flake cut, in 2-ounce tins. Try it; it's splendid.® High-grade Pianos, beautiful full tone, from £37 10s upwards. Best value in the trade.—Furnishing Department W.F.C.A * The Duncan " Eclipse " Manure Drill sows grain, peas, beans, etc., with or without manure, in 7-inch rows, and turnips with

or without manure in 14-inch rows. Masktt£erton Farmers' Implement Company,

Cleansing Household Ammonia, for the bath, toilet, nursery, and household. Is and Is 6d. H. T. Wood, Chemist and Pharmacist (by exam.), Masterton.*

Letter to the editor with s mie country correspondence is held over.

The steamer Moeraki, from Sydney, brought a number of stud sheep to New Zealand.

Mr J. A. Renall, before leaving for Auckland intends dealing with some matters concerning the Masterton Co-operative Dairy Co. in the Nikau district.

The Swiss, Charles Schicker, who fatally struck, with an axe-handle, another Swiss, named John Rollin, at Kapouga, near Eltham, has been remanded on a charge, of murder.

A correspondent reports that the Taihape Co-operative Dairy Company have had an offer for their complete butter output from a wealthy firm. The price oll'ered was 10.Ui per R> cash netl. This was a higher price than was offered by several firms at the beginning of the season.

Mrs "General" Mite, the world-famed midget, was recently on a visit to Wanganni. This little lady, who is thirty years of age, is X> inches in height, and weighs 2st -lib. She and the late "General" Mite were through New Zealand some fifteen years ago. She wears bracelets presented to her by the King and Queen and Lord Hopetoiin, and also a diamond and ruby brooch presented by Lore! Kintore. Since " General " and Mrs Mite were in New Zealand, " General " Mite has died.

While the Mayor of Masterton (Mr .1. A. Reiiall) is in Auckland, he will make inquiries into I lie results obtained from the use of ferro concrete in wharf construction and at other places where the material has been brought into requisition. As the Masterton 15orough Council has in contemplation (he construction of concrete culverts the enquiries which the Mayor will make should be of value to the Council in coming to a determination as to the suitability or otherwise of the use of concrete in this Borough.

The case, .lohn William Burke, of Eltham v. William Morris, claim for recovery of a horse, or £bO value of same, was mentioned in the Masterton S.M. Court this morning. An application made by Mr IS. .1. Dolan to Like evidence, on behalf of plaintiff at Klthum was granted, and the case was adjourned till the 10th inst. This is a case arising out of the sale of a horse which had been impounded in Masterti n, and which plaintiff alleges was stolen from his property and ridden to Masterton. Mr P. L. [killings will appear for plaintiff. The case of J. .1. Jackson v. Pinhey Bros, claim for recovery of horse, or £20, value, has also been fixed for hearing on the 15) th insl. In this case the horse was alleged to have been stolen from defendants and was bought by plaintiff, the former being in possession of the horse at present. Mr Card appears for plaintiff and Mr Hollings for defendant.

A young man named Stephen Douglas, who was arrested yesterday afternoon, was brought before Mr'W. P. James, S.M., this morning, charged with obtaining the sum of 5s from J. S. J. Alpass by means of false pretences. The accused was represented by Mr C. A. Pownall. Sergeant Millar, in asking for a remand till Monday, explained that accused went to informant and represented himself as secretary to the Masterton Gymnasium social and dance, at the same time producing a model of dance programme. On the strength of this informant parted with ss, and the Sergeant added that other tradespeople had been victimised in the same manner. A remand till Monday was granted, bail being fixed accused in his own recognisance of £50, and two of £50. Duncan Mclntyre, charged with using obscene language in Queenstreet last evening, was fined -10s, in default of payment seven days' imprisonment. A first offending inebriate was lined 5s in default 21 hours' imprisonment.

The death occurred, at an early hour this morning, at Kuripuni. of Mr Hector Munro, a very old resident of the Masterton district. The deceased had been complaining of indisposition for a week or two past, but absolutely refused to give up active work on his sheep farm at Kopimranga, and it was only within the last few days that he was persuaded to remain at home. He was out yesterday afternoon and in the evening had a relapse, passing away some hours afterwards, the doctor attributing death to heart failure. The late Mr Mim.ro was a native of Alness, Ross-shire (Scotland), and he came out to the colony forty years ago, settling in this district. He Had attained his seventyfirst year. The deceased, who was a typical Highlander, engaged in contracting for a number of years, and more latterly carried on sheep farming He leaves a widow and grown up family of four—Mr Hector Munro i the only living son), a resident of Waikato, Miss Munro, teacher at Masterton District High School; Mrs F. A. Cameron, of Hastings ; and Mrs Milne, widow of the late Dr Milne. Mr George Munro, the only other

son, died while in New Guinea, some years ago. The bereaved widow and family will have the sincere sympathy of a large number of friends in their allliction.

Mr F. McCay, who has been managing the drapery and clothing business for the London Warehouse Company in Masterton, has now purchased the business, and in an inset circulated with this issue gives particulars of a great sale of goods, commencing to-morrow. Residents can rely on this being a genuine sale, in which sweeping reductions on previous prices are made. The whole of the departments -general drapery, boots, shoes, manchester and fancy - are included in the slaughter, and the goods are warranted fresh and up-to-date in every particular. Mr McCayis sure to be rewarded with a record sale. iiriF-iwio has cured hundreds of cases of rheumatism, rheumatic gout, lumbago, and sciatica all over New Zealand. Our testimonials prove this. Try Rhetimo, and you will not regret it. It is not a liniment, it is not a pill, but operates directly on the system by expelling from it the uric acid, the real cause of these diseases. It is pleasant to take, and if given a fair trial is bound to give you relief from rheumatism, gout, sciatica, lumbago, and all kindred diseases. Sold by all chemists and stores at 2/0 and 4/6 per bottle.' 3