LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LVII, Issue 8776, 6 June 1907, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

There were ninety-six inmates, includiug seventy-two males, in Ohiro Home at the end of last month. Seventeen of the inmates are oH-age pensioners.

Articles for the Towns-Webb sculling match, for the championship of the world, have been received and signed by Webb, who leaves Wanganui for Sydney next week.

A pleasant assembly of pupils of Mrs Kendall's danciug classes was held in the Exchange Buildings, last evening. Messrs L. G. Rees and E. Richards acted as M.'sC, and music was supplied by Miss E. Smith.

The secretary of the Seddon National Memorial Fund, in Wellington, acknowledges, with thanks, the receipt, through the Hon. James Carroll (Minister for Native Affairs), of a contribution of £2~> ro the fund, from the Otaki Maori Racing Club.

A widow with several children was, yesterday afternoon, convicted by Dr M' Arthur, S.M., of theft, and ordered to come up for sentence when called upon. Detective Cassells stated that accused was employed at cleaning work at an hotel, from where she took a Gladstone bag valued at 12s.

A striking testimony of the esteem in which Mr H. Okey, the Opposition member for Tarauaki is held l»y the settlers, with whom lie has lived for the whole of his life, was shown by the fact that lie polled no fewer than 71 out of SI votes recorded in the district in which he was born.

According to a Press Association telegram, received from Auckland, the advance in the price of wheat and flour has reached other lines. The Master Grocers' Association has decided to raise the price of biscuits one half-penny per pound all round. This is stated to be due to the advance in the price of flour compelling biscuit manufacturers to put up prices to the retail trade.

The battlefield of Te Ngutu o to Maim, near Okaiawa, iv South Taranaki, was recently visited by a sister of Major Yon Tempsky. It was on this battlefield that the gallant Major lost his life in a. fight with the Maoris under the fighting chief, Titokowaru. During her visit, Yon Tempsky , s sister was presented with a greenstone axe, which was ploughed out near the spot where her illustrious brother lost his life.

There were several very large estates lodged for probate with the Secretary for Stamps during the month just closed. The largest was that of Sir Walter Buller, whose executors pay duty on £150,232. Other large estates were those of the late Hon. A. J. Cadman (£22,070); Thomas Price, of Wellington (£24,750); Charles Clark, of Canterbury (£32,989) ; William Begg, of Duuediii (£19.6:3(5) ; John Todd Smith,of Dunedin(£26,soo); and John Tinline, of Nelson (£79,301).

It is not generally known among farmers and those who have to do with the killing of stock for their own consumption that it is a statutory offence to remove the ear from the hides and skins of cattle and sheep. This fact was clearly demonstrated in the Wanganui Supreme Court during the hearing of the cattle-stealing case, several witnesses stating that it was only lately that they became aware that a substantial penalty was provided for those who thus offended.

Returns have just been made up of the number of persons who have, through the High Commissoner's Department, received reduced rate passages for the twelve months ended 81st March, 1907. In that period 3712 persons left England for New Zealand with a stated capital of £103,967, and an income of £1983. Among the number were 254 domestic servants. The number of persons included in declined applications was 1846, so that practically one-third of the applications were declined.

The Pesbyterian Church of Victoria is considering the advisability of initiating a 'forward movement." It is proposed to have periodical meetings of the metropolitan Presbyterian workers, for conference and united effort, and that such conferences give voice, at opportune times, to the convictions and feelings of the people on such questions as the following—viz. : Temperance legislation, gambling, Scripture instruction in"State schools, Sunday recreations, Sunday -trains, etc.

The novelty has worn off the Standard Oil Trust, the Steel, Beef and Tobacco Trusts, but a "corner" in Bibles is something new. The New York correspondent of '' The Guardian" (a religious weekly) reports an announcement that the American Bible Society, the British and Foreign Bible Society, and National Bible Society of Scotland" have formed themselves into a trust with the intention of stifling competition in Bibles, and raising their price to the public and to. other Bible societies." Intimation has been forwarded to the Australasian colonies that the prices of Testaments have been raised.

The annual meeting of the Bank of New Zealand will- be held on 21st June." It is notified that the transfer books of the Bank will be closed from Bth June to 22nd June.

A Press Association message, from Ohristclmrch, states that Mr Kidson, a local scupltor, has been commissioned to execute . a marble bust of Sir John Hall, for the Municipal Chambers, in commemoration of the mayoralty of Exhibition year. Sir John was also Mayor forty-five years ago.

The Wellington correspondent of the Feilding Star writes:—l hear, on good authority, that it will not be very long after Sir Joseph Ward's return before notice will be served on the Manawatu Railway Company of the Government's intention to take over the Company's line. This course is, no doubt, rendered necessary in view of the probable early completion" of the Main Trunk line through the North Island.

Commercial and football news, and a reference to cases of distress in Wellington, will be found on page 6; South Wairarapa and Kppuaranga News on page 3; an article on ricegrowing, from Dalgety's Review, on page?; and the report of a Christclmrch girl's unhappy experience in her marriage with a Chinaman on page 2.

An application for a permit to work for less than the minimum wage was heard by Mr W. P. James, S.M., at Masterton, this morning. The applicant was a carpenter, and the secretary of the Union, D. M. Christian, opposed the application. Evideuce was given by applicant's last employer that lie was not yet capable of earning the minimum wage. His Worship granted the application on condition that applicant attended the Technical School. The rate of pay was fixed at Is per hour, the minimum wage being Is 3d. The order is to last six months.

Accordingly to Chinese news brought to Australia by the steamer Chingtu, the authorities at Hongkong are much concerned at the practice of dumping , dead bodies in the streets and. precincts of the city. Some hundred bodies were dumped last year. It is supposed they were mostly the bodies of people whose relatives were too poor to bury them. All attempts to stop the practice having failed, a suggestion is now made that the bodies be cremated. • This would be an effectual check, but the authorities are afraid to adopt thet suggestion for fear of offending the Chinese beliefs. A large substantial rimu tree on Mr j A. Grace's property, near Kaponga, a short distance from Eltham, was recently shattered by lightning from top to bottom. The tree is about SOft in height and measures about 25ft in circumference at the base. It is apparently cracked vertically into three pieces, besides numerous pieces being shattered off the solid tree. One of these pieces, measuring about 21ft long and foot wide, was splintered off and thrown a considerable distance as if it were a piece of matchwood. The wire fence which was about 20ft away was fused for a distance of about 30ft. At a meeting, held last night, to consider the Masterton Workers' Homes and Land Settlement question, it was resolved that a League be formed to be called the " Masterton Workers and Land Settlement League." After various matters had been discussed and the platform adopted (Mr Rigg being elected President) it was decided to form a committee consisting of the following members: — Messrs S. Bartlett, J. Smith. J. Check, J. Whelrm, W. Ayson, J. McKay, J. Burnett and J. Fianagau. Mr D. Thread well was ■'. appointed Treasurer, Mr W. Johnston ' Secretary. The Connnitee resolved to meet next Wednesday night, a general meeting of members to take place in a fortnight. It was resolved that the last clause of the platform be eliminated. A lady's genuine sealskin jacket is advertised for sale in our wanted column. Mrs E. Dixon advertises for sale stump wood at 22s per cord. An advertiser has vacancies for three gentlemen boarders. A yonth requires board and lodging in a private family. A number of new and second hand bicycles are to be sold by auction by Messrs Howell and Co. on Saturday afternoon. Messrs Howell and Co., Ltd.. will sell, on Saturday, a quantity of firstclass furniture on account of a gentleman leaving the district. Mr W. D. Ayson , s fish and oyster saloon has been throroughly renovated, and is now one of the most comfortable and up-to-date in the town. Supplies of fresh fish come to hand daily. Mr H. A. Whelch reports very satisfactory business for the first day of his great retiring sale. " The un- < precedented bargains being offered is ' effecting a speedy clearance of the goods. Miss Halle, hair and face physician, late of Sydney, has a notice to ladies in our wanted column. Miss Halle is thoroughly qualified in her profession and her treatment of the hair and skin gives the very best results. Miss Halle lias the agency for someof the best skin foods obtainable, included in her preparations being the "Fragrance" beauty cream. All branches of hair work are undertaken, and in this particular department Miss Halle lias proved herself an expert. Monthly visits are paid to Masterton. An advertiser wishes to purchase a horse and trap. Mr G. Ben ton, Alfredton, advertises for two carpenters. A respectable middle aged woman ia required by an advertiser. Mr J. J. East, saddler and harness mater, of Queen-street, Masterton, has two good sets of second-hand harness for sale. Smokers read this. The good thing at last-DERBY in Plug or 2oz. Tins. You can't do belter. 3 Thirty-seven pounds ten shillings will secure a first-class English Piano at the Furnishing Dept, W.F.O.A.* Hooper aDd Co are the people for dress materials. Their stock is the largest and best selected in the district, and for the purpose of increasing the sales they have secured the attendance of Miss Barr, one of the best costumiers in the colony, who has taken over the dressmaking department. By placing your orders win Hooper and Co. you will be more than sa'isfied* . . . jWood's Liquid Glass and Silver Polish! . One trial will convince the most sceptical that its equal has never been put on the market, for cleaning silver, table ware, etc. Is H. T. Wood, Chemist aod Pharmacist (by exam.), Masterton. 5 The one great topic of conversation in and around Masterton appears to be in relation to the Great Bargains that have been and now are to be procured at the Great Flood Sale at Glasgow House. It is almost the first question asked by those visitors from the country districts, who are so constantly streaming into this town, and by a visit to the premises any day during the week, ample evidence would be seen of the interest that has been evoked. It must be distinctly borne in mind that this is no ordinary sale, but a compulsory disposal of valuable goods, a quantity of which is so damp as to necessitate a ouiok clearance. Working on the principle that the first loss is least, Mr Murray is sacrificing the whole stock, which is a large one, and consists of millinery, drapery, clothing and mercery, a great proportion of which is new season's goods, only to hand a few days, before, the advent of the flood, that has ;aused so much trouble.*

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The numbering of houses in the •Borough has at last been commenced, the contractor, Mr Quinn having already numbered off a section of Villa-street.

It ivS estimated that the sum of

£15,000 will be required for the new of the Christchurch Young Christian Association. That will meet the cost of the building -and the site.

The death occurred at the Upper Plain, yesterday, of the infant son of Mr and Mrs R. E. Graham. The funeral will take place to-morrow afternoon, at 1.30 o'clock. B. Cullotty was lined 10s, in de-

.fault 48 hours' hard labour, at the ~\ Magistrate's Court, at Masterton, this morning, before Mr W. P. James, S.M., for a Second offence of drunkenness within six mouths.

Tobias Miller, for entering licensed .premises during the currency of a order, was fined £2, with costs. Constable Kyle laid the .information, defendant not appearing. Mr W. P. James, S.M., is being kept busy as far as Conrt sittings are concerned. Every day so far this nveek he hns held 'sittings in different places, and to-morrow and Saturday lias sittings of the Court, besides having a heavier week than usual next week. Yesterday, at Featherston, the sat continuously from 12 o'clock 7 p.m., after winch the Magistrate had to leave immediately by train for Masterton.

The following civil cases went by ■default in favour of plaintiffs in the Magistrate's Court, at Masterton, this ■jnormug, Mr W. P. James, S. M., adjudicating :—E. (x. Eton v. W. McAlley, claim £1 10s fid, judgment for 2.-; (id (defendant pleaded the statute of limitation for the balance), costs 7s; Krahageu and Chapman v. A. Harper, claim £8 10s, costs 11s; Dalgety and Co. v. Burnett and Elliott, trading as Burnett and Gordon, claim £6 12s 3d, costs £1 8s (id.

In reference to the question of making a footpath and kerbing both sides of" Villa-street, the Works Committee of the Borough Council has been deputed to wait on land owners that street to see what they are prepared to do in the matter of widening the street, as the footpaths cannot be made until the street is widened. No money is set apart on the loan schedule for street-widen-

ing,