LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 8943, 18 December 1907, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Kuox Church Choir hold a special practice on Thursday to run through music for Christinas services.

On Sunday next Knox Church Sunday School will close down for a three weeks' Christmas vacation.

Pivo adventurous youths went for a swim on the artificial lake in the Park last evening at 10 o'clock.

Plentiful rain occasionally falling on the hills is keeping the local trout streams sufficiently supplied to make sport for anglers. A few stray licenses are still occasionally issued.

The Opaki Rifle Club will probably send about a dozen men to the forthcoming rifle meeting of the Mauawatu Rifle Association to bo held afc Palmerston. Two teams will be entered in the teams competition.

Mr R. J. Youug has resigned the position of superintendent of Knox Church Sunday School. Mr J. McGregor, seur., has been appointed successor, and the latter will relieve Mr Young after the Christinas vacation.

When Queen Victoria ascended the throne, England imported ouly 400,000 quarters of wheat a year. Now she imports over 26,000,000 quarters annually. She then grew about 12,000,000 quarters, now just about half as much.

There is a big scheme being discussed by Kuox Church authorities to improve and enlarge the Church. The new Organ Commitee have reported that it would be preferable to bring the church up to the size originally planned before the proposed new organ is purchased. A spire may possibly be added to the edifice.

Last evening there was again a great assemblage of bathers at the Park Lake, the popularity of which, as a swimming resort, is very unlikely to be much affected by the new public baths. The number of youthful swimmers, who are able to accomplish trick driving, is legion, and the aquatic carnival should be a great success in that respect.

Attention is drawn to the Feilding A. and P. Show, which will be held on 4th and sth February, 1908. Handsome cash prizes are offered in all classes, and there are three challenge cups and a shield valued at thirty guineas, for competition. Schedules may be obtained from the Daily Times office. Intending exhibitors should note that entries close on 17th January.

The Halcombe Invalid writes as follows :—"I received parcel of stamps from Mr Burcham last Friday, for which I thank most heartily Miss Doris and Miss Ethel Madeley (Gd), Mrs Bennett, Madge Chapman, and several accompanying donors. I wish all those kind-hearted people, who have been so good to me during the past year, a very happy Christmas and a bright New Year.

In consequence of the objection lodged by some of the local contributing bodies to the irregularity connected with the election at Pahiatua of a representative on the Wellington and Wairarapa United Charitable Aid Board, the seat occupied by Mr Robert Smith has been declared vacant. A successor may be appointed by the local bodies concerned going through the process of a fresh election, or else by the Governor-in-Council. It will be remembered that the election was conducted at Pahiatua several hours before the appointed time of meeting, hence the disqualification.

It has beeu discovered that unless swimmers are affiliated either to the newly-formed Masterton Olub or some other recognised amateur Olub, they run the risk of being disqualified in future if they compete in the aquatic sports on the Park on Anniversary Day. This means that all competitors and all the events, must necessarily be competed for by Olub members. The difficulty is not great, however, as the small fee for admission to the Swimming Olub, 2s 6d, should not prohibt a single swimmer who is an enthusiast from competing. The secretary, Mr S. R. Edwards, is receiving substantial additions to the membership roll of the Olub, which should be one of the strongest of the towns sporting bodiea in future.

A pleasing function took place at the residence of Mr G. S. W. Dalryrnple on Monday afternoon, when the members of the Masterton School Fife and Drum Band paid a visit to that gentleman on the occasion of his 80th birthday. The boys were accompanied by the headmaster, and played a number of selections. Mr Jackson offered congratulations, stating that but for Mr Dalrymple the Band would not have been formed. Refreshments were handed round to the boys, after which Mr Dalrymple returned thanks for the honour done him by the lads, and heartily complimented them on the progress they had made with their musical studies. Oheers were given by the boys for Mr Dalrymple and his household, and the gathering dispersed.

The Maeterton State Schools will break up for the summer vacatiota to-morrow.

The funeral of the late Mrs Alex. Kobinson is to leave St. Patrick's Ghnrch at - 2.30 p.m. on Friday next. A putrescent odour is reportecrffcjjhe second Waipoua Bridge, possibly"Kom decayed fish. Where are the sanitary authorities, of whom so much is heard at various public functions? ~

"I would divide men into three classes — the genuine worker, the man who can't work, and the fellow who won't."- So said a witness before the Conciliation Board at Tirnaru. .The Wellington master bakers will reduce the price of the two-pound loaf to from January Ist, providing that the price of flour does not increase in the meantime. At a meeting of Auckland master bakers, last night, it was decided to reduce the price of the two-pound loaf to '6%d.

The steamer Fifeshire, which arrived at Auckland yesterday morning, landed seventy-five immigrants for Auckland. She has one hundred foiv Southern ports. They include a number of young men of fine phy- vjF sique, aud several young families. The trip was an enjoyable one. ■ The extraordinary 80 degrees in the shade was receded at Masterton at 7.30 this morffmg. By mid-day the thermometer had risen to 89 degrees, and at 2 o'clock this afternoon (about which time the maximum is usually recorded) the maximum stood at 91. The maximum shade temperature recorded yesterday was 90 degrees.-

The annual race meeting of the Masterton Trotting Olub will be held on the Showgrounds to-morrow. The grounds are free to' ladies, and the charge for admission for gentlemen will be Is to ground, and Is each for ladies aud gentlemen to the stands. The Olub has been favoured with good acceptances, and with a continuance of the fine weather the attendance should be a record one. The first race will start at 12.45 p.m.

The death occurred at half-past seven this morning of Mrs Robinson, wife of Mr A. Robinson, of Villastreet. The deceased lady, who was an old and well-known resident of Masterton, has been ailing for some months. She took a sudden turn last evening, and although medical aid,, was summoned, death resulted v '- ■■ ready mentioned. A husband and family are left to mourn their The funeral is to take place on Friday.

The Customs statistics show that the average value of tea imported into New Zealand is 29 per cent, higher than in Australia, and 21 per cent, higher than in England. This indicates that the residents of the Dominion are getting better quality tea than are the people in Australia and England. Messrs Nelson, Moate and Co., Ltd., attaiued their position as the largest importers of tea in New Zealand by always giving good quality, and they maintain that it is due to their having done so that the average value of tea imported is so much ahead of Australia and England.

The secretary of the Benevolent Trustees reported to the Board, yesterday, that taking the period of eight months from April Ist to November 30th, the issue of rations had increased by fifty-six per cent, over the corresponding period of last year. There had been a slight increase in disbursements for reut from £411 in 1906 to £4GO in 1907, but in 1905 the sum of £500 was expended under this heading. The rents paid during the last three months had been in excess of the aggregate sum paid for the q£responding months of 1905 and l&wF The tendency of outdoor relief was in the direccion of increasing.

At the Wellington Magistrate's Court a man, named Charles Gurote, was charged with disobeying an order for the maintenance of his wife. "I am just struggling along making a bit of crust for myself and a few bobs. I have had a poisoned linger for three months. See, there it is!" And the accused held up a swollen digit for the court to see. The prisoner admitted that he had cabs, which he drove about in various places. He had already been in goal for failing to pay arrears of maintenance for his wife. His Worship entered a conviction, and sentenced the prisoner to six weeks' imprisonment, the warrant to be suspended so long as he paid off the arrears (£l9 10s) at the rate of £1 10s a week.

An alarm of fire was sounded on the Ceutral Firebell about 12.45 this afternoon, the cause being a grass fire on Mrs Mackersey's property in Renallstreet. It would appear that some careless person must have dropped a lighted match, setting fire to the dJfc grass, which is now highly infhsJP mable. When the Brigade arrived with the Jubilee engine, Mrs Mackersey and her family and Mr M. C. O'Connell had stopped the fire from spreading. The Brigade put two hose on to completely extinguish the blaze, which might easily have spread to adjacent dwellings and caused considerable destruction of property.

i About six o'clock, last evening, a fire was . discovered in the gorse on Mr L. Donald's property at Potaerau, on which was twelve acres of oats ready for harvesting. Messrs D., J. A. and L. Donald, with two other persons, had a great battle with the flames, and after over an huor's strenuous worJi they succeeded in getting the fire extinguished. But for the prompt energy displayed, the fire would have spread to the crop, the wind being in that direction. Incendiarism is suspected, and Mr L. Donald offers a reward to anyone giving information that will lead to the conviction of any person who set fire to the dry gorse.

There was a very large attendance last evening at the final rehearsal of "Messiah" music, to be given at the Methodist Church to-morrow evening, and a most successful practice The soloists were present, and de«F with their allotted numbers in a md&, satisfactory manner. The choruses were rendered with great spirit and expression, the voices being assisted by the orchestra with fine effect. We are requested to state that there will be no charge for admission, but a special offertory will be taken up in aid of the choir funds. As there is sure to be a large congregation present, those desiring a good seat should be in early attendance. By reference to the published programme, it will be seen that Miss Edwards will sing the solo, "I Know that My Redeemer Liveth," instead of Miss Sweetman.

A new section of the electric tramway connecting Soatotm, near the with Wellington city was formally opened yesterday. At the Seatoun end the line goes through a tunnel, which is the widest south of the was the hottest clay experienced this sunimev in Ohristchurch, the thermometer registering ninety degrees in the shade, as against eighty-seven on Sunday last, which was the maximum for the season up to then.

An experienced general servant is required by an advertiser. All drinks can now be obtained at the Club Hotel cooled with ice. A general servant is required by an advertiser in our wanted column. A. reward of £5 is offered by Mr L Donald to anyone giving information that will lead to the conviction of the person or persons who set fire to the gorse on his properly at Potaerau. Thi County Council give notice on page one of this issue that their offi -os will bo closed to public business from 3 p.m. the 24th iust until 10 i.tn. on Wednesday, Hv Bth Janu .ry. A splendid selection of cool attire for * ladies has just bon opened up by Mr J. Heyhoe. Also a case of summer blouses are beina off-red at moat templing priSr Mr Hey i ... hn in stojk a number of ladies' hat«, glove.*, b -I's, of •, which are made exception llv lie' < f r *hp h<-t weather. Those wisiing to >hi vi s mi ■thin,; v seful for a Christ nas present should inspect the large and varied assortment of suitable articles now on view at Air J. L. Murray's, Exchange Buildings. These goods have been opened up by Mr Murray especially for the Christmas season and are guaranteed of the best quality. Tenders are invited by the Education Board to close at their Offices, Wellington, on the 23rd inst., for works as advertised on the first page of this issue. Plans and specifications may be seen at Daily Times Office. Masterton ; Daily Sews Office, Carterton; or the Wai rani pa Standard Office, Greytown. A large number of turkeys, ducks, geese, pigeons and fowla will be sold by auction on (Saturday next, by Messrs R. E. Howell and Co., Ltd ,at their Mart, Perry street. The firm will also sell a quantity of furniture, bedding, clothing and sundries. In future Mr Howell has decided to hold poultry sales at 130 p.m ,so as to allow buyers to have their purchases delivered before the general sale commences. m On page eight of this issue Messrs Adams Bras., advertise particulars of a splendid fafcof 600 odd acres situated in the Pahiatua district. The of this property wishes to retire >nd wants to make an immediate sale. Five hundred are in grass, the balance being in bush, ring fenced, and carries 2 J shfep, besides cattle. There is a six roomed house on the property, also three sets o yards, -voilshed, dip, etc. The best and cheapest furniture obtainable in the Wairarapa is procured from the Furnishing Dept., W.F.C.A.* Summer Suite for Men from 30s. When your interest is excited by your needs, we would be glad to have you bear in mind that we are ready to satisfy them so far as they concern a well fitting suit at a moderate price. So will the tailoring of the garment satisfy all, that you can demand even though an exclusive to order tailcman did help you to establish your standard We have a splendid assortment of fashionable tweeds now ready Look us up at Hooper's * If you want a good egg preservative try Waterglass, a scientific preparation, which forms a thin coating of glass round the egg, in which state it will keep for months. Sold by H. T. Wood in bottles 6d and Is.*