LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 8944, 19 December 1907, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Some important reductions in postal rates are announced, particulars of which are as follows:—Prom the Kith inst. the postage ou post cards for delivery within New Zealand will be yA each, aucl for reply cards Id. Ou and after January Ist, 1908, the rates for letters aud letter cards for delivery within New Zealand will be Id for the first four ounces and %& for each additional two ounces or fraction thereof. For magazines registered for transmission by post as such the postage will be oue penny for each sixteen ounces or fraction thereof. The fee for registering letters for all places is reduced to twopence. The commissiou ou money orders aud postal notes is also to be reduced as from Jauuary Ist. Ou postal notes of the following denominations—ls, Is Gd and 2s (id, the poundage will be one half-penny; 3s and ss, oue penny; 10s. 15s and 20s, twopence. On money orders issued for payment within New Zealand the commission is to be reduced to three peuce for each £5 or fraction of £5, and orders for tiie United Kingdom, United States of America, British possessions, etc., threepence for each £1 or fraction of £1. On the telegraph side the free delivery of telegrams at chief offices aud first aud secoud grade telegraphic offices is extended to two miles ; hitherto the limit has beeu one mile. For delivery over two miles up to three miles a charge of sixpence will be made. Over three miles the charges will be as at present. When these changes are in operation New 7 Zealand will, doubtless, hold her own in the matter of cheap postal aud telegraphic facilities.

A bricklayer working iv Masterton, who arrived from England on November 12th, has not seeu rain since he came, aud naturally thinks New Zealand very dry.

The country out towards the Coast is looking remarkably green, with an abundance of grass, while on approaching Mastertou the burnt-up appearance is particularly noticeable.

A valuable silver cup has beeu presented to the Gladstone Sports Club by Mr Donald Douglas, for the winner of the opeu jumping event. The cup was purchased by Mr A. Henderson, of Masterton, and is now ou view in his shop window.

Writes our Lansdowne correspondent :—Lansdowne is surrounded by thick smoke to-day, and there is a large bush fire on the ranges in the vicinity of Matahiwi. The heat is intense. At noon the thermometer was 106 in the sun, and 88 iv the shade.

Mr W- H. Smith, whose literary and business enterprise has made the Rangitikei Advocate a notable journal in the North Island, has now enlarged that publication to eight closely printed pages. Marton has every reason to be proud of the very excellent paper which it publishes for the Rangitikei and Manawatu Counties. ■ The Xmas greeting telegrams are in operation again this year, but in lieu of the delivery of a telegraph form at the office of delivery a pictorial post card, of which a varied assortment depicting scenes and views appropriate to this Dominion has been supplied for the purpose, will be delivered to addressees. There are only the two colours, but a good assortment; of pictures. It is specially asked that those of the public who desire to use the telegraph as a means of conveying their seasons greetings that they will lodge telegrams a day or two before Christmas Eve, to ensure their delivery in good time.

Our Lansdowne correspondent sends the following items:—An accident, which might have been very serious, happened last Monday. It appears that Mr Gilbert Langdon, of Lansdowne, when returning from Eketahuna and cycling down an incline lost control of the bicycle, and went over an embankment, cutting one of his knees badly, and is now confined to his room.—Miss Talbot, a popular young lady, who has been a resident of Masterton for the past four years, is leaving this week for her home in Sydney. Miss Talbot was presented with a suitable wedding present by her music pupils" at Cheltenham House, and also by her Masterton pupils, yesterday. At Miss Thomas's tea rooms, yesterday afternoon, Miss Talbot entertained all of her music pupils, when the presentation by pupils to their teacher was made. Miss Talbot's future home will be in Sydney.

World's wrestling championship on page 2, famous poisoning case recalled on page 8, Mastertou Hospital Trustees on page 6, and the monks of St. Bernard on page 7.

Train arrangements for the Christmas holidays, Palmerston North and Asliursb Races, are advertised on page. 6of this issue. Fares and further ticulars are printed ou the posters ati^ : hand bills. TT

At the recent Welingfcon Technical School Plumbers' Examination only two candidates from Masterton school sat, and word has now been received that both passed in theory and practice The names of the successful candidates are W. Watson and J. Andrews.

The catering at the wedding of Mr T. V. Scotfc and Miss M. Watson, yesterday, was entrusted to Mr J. P. Rankin and was carried out in a most elaborate and satisfactory manner. The wedding cake was a very handsome one.

Mr Ohas. Warner, who returned to Masterton ou Saturday after classing the wool ou Gleudouald Station (Mr Oockburu-Hood) and Auuedale Station (Messrs Williams and Beetham). says the wool ou these two stations was in excellent condition, and was better than last year, both in weight and quality, and also that the sheep were in splendid fettle. JtL Some youngsters came in for good thing for Christmas, in money which they received from the Horowheuua County Council for small bird eggs. The gross number of eggs paid for was 6700, comprised of 1159 blackbirds, 5212 thrushes, and 329 sparrows, for which they received £5 9s 2d.

The rolling-stock imported for the New Plymouth-Waitara railway when it was authorised in 1872 was as follows :—Two locomotives (twelve ton), six high-sided waggons, six low-sided waggons, two brake vans, two composite carriages, and one second class carriage. The carriages were to be twelve feet six inches long.

The Victoria College Council, Wellington, last night considered the applications for ' the chair of mathematics. There were thirty-seven applicants, including five New Zealanders. The Council's choice fell on Mr David Kennedy Pickeu, M.A., at present chief assistant to the Professor of Mathematics at Glasgow University.

The Shannon Sawmilling Company recently invited applications for secretary. Thirty-five were received, and the choice upon Mr J. A. Oag. Mr Trist, who filled the position in the past, was very energetic, and the company recognised the value of his services by presenting him with a handsome smoking cabinet. Mr Trist intends to settle in New Plymouth.

At a meeting of the Marsland Hill Memorial Committee, New Plymouth, to consider the erection of a suitable memorial, on an eminence in the centre of the town, to the Imperial and colonial troops who fell in the Maori War, it was reported that £300 had been collected, and a Government subsidy of £300 was promised. Donations had been received from officers in all parts of the world who took part in the war.

Very general interest is being manifested in the rendering of selected portions of the "Messiah" at the Methodist Church this evening The programme includes several of the most popular solos and choruses from the great work, aud a most enjoyable performance is anticipated. The performers are requested to be in early attendance, in order that the concert may commence punctually at 8 o'clock. V A carved chest, considerably three centuries old, is now on in Messrs G. Hyde and Co. 's window in Queen-street. The chest, which is built of stout swamp oak, is very much worm eaten aud bears other evidences of age. It still carries the original heavy iron handles, hinges and other mountings, which look as though they would do another three or four hundred years service without breaking. The carving which covers the whole frout of the chest is of a very ancient style. The chest is considered to be of great value.

The Premier is having a busy time just now (says the Post). He left Wellington at 7.50 ou Tuesday morning, arrived at Taihape by a special train from Marton at 3 p in., was met by au enthusiastic crowd of residents, and opeued the new post office in the blazing sun. He was deputationised for au hour and a half, spent most of the night at a banquet, and then went to bed for a few hours. On Wednesday he had to catch a special train at Taihape at 5.45, and go through to Featherstou, having his breakfast at Palmerston North at 8.15. At Featherstou he was to take a trap or motor to j±. Martinborough, some thirteen miles away, aud there opeu a new bridge. '■ Theu he has to go back to Featherstou, catch the evening train for Wellington, and at 8 o'clock he is to be preseut at the Public Service Association's celebratiou in honour of the passing of the Superannuation and Classification Acts. (This is reminiscent of our late Premier's achievements in.annihilating distance.)

The recommendation of the Borough Park Committee to the Council to consider favourably the application of a syndicate to erect a water-chute and other attractions on the Park Lake was the cause of a brisk and somewhat heated debate at the special meeting of the Council last night. Cr Haughey emphatically condemned the recommendation, saying he was surprised to find the Council willing to "barter away the people's rights" to the Lake to a syudicate. Cr Yarr was also strongly opposed to allowing a syndicate to take the benefit of the Borough's money which had been expended in the Park extension. The Mayor said he believed the Council could not legally grant the concession asked, and said complications might arise between ratepayers and the syndicate if the former chose to question the syndicate's right to keep them off the reserved section of the Lake. The Mayor said that he was of opinion that in other respects the proposition was "outrageous," and he too was surprised at the Park Committee wishing the Council to take such a step. Cr Ewington, Chairman of the Park Committee, defended the Committee's action, and said the offer was intended to supply a badly felt want, and the Council would benefit by receiving a small percentage of the takings. The matter was eventually referred back to the Committee.

Messrs Howell and Co. have been instructed to sell without reserve on Saturday next, several high-class paintings by Mr E. W. Payton, of Auckland. The pictures are on view at the Mart.

At the Wellington Magistrate's Court, jKSterday, James Lewis pleaded guilty Jptealing a cheque for £46 10s, the of R. Hannah aud Co., and was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence.

Peter aud Michael Morrissey, who were sentenced at luvercargill to two months' imprisoument for trespassing on the Wiutou Racecourse, and have served rather more than half their term, wero released yesterday by the direction of the Governor.

The thermometer at Gisborne registered up to ninety-nine degrees in the shade yesterday, which is eight degrees higher thau has ever previously been experienced there. Ou Mouday the maximum register was ninety-one. Only on four previous occasions has that heat beeu registered in Gisborne.

After the departure of the deputation irom the chemists' to the Hospital Trustees, yesterday, one gentleman remarked that the local knights of the f!fftle seemed quite a "Happy Ftimily. " Another—a pessimist—said he hoped they were uot conspiring to rob us; but the optimist Chairman said, at, all! But tho milleuium is apprfHlhiug!" After this it was decided to refer the offer of the chemists' to the medical officers and the secretary.

Siguor Bragato, Government Viticulturist, was in Masterton a day or two ago aud visited several vineyards around Masterton. He was greatly impressed with tho marked improvement in the body and other characteristics of Mr W. G. Lamb's sweet wines, made from "Tararua" vineyard grapes. It seems that Masterton wines are gaining very considerably in popularity, aucl several sample bottles were taken away by Siguor Bragato, who was very highly pleased with their general quality.

A domestic it 3d lady helo requires a situa tion.

An advertiser wishes to rent a small pad dock within two miles of Ma>terton.

A roan cob, six years old, (a hack an J quiet in harness) is advertised for sale. The Victoria Laundry is to be closed from the 23rd inst. to the 2nd Januiry for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

A second-hand bicycle in good repair, fitted jpith free-wheel, etc , is advertised for sale in our wanted column. MisJHyans, L.A.B has ttken over the musicxfass recently carried on by Miss Talbot and will resume teaching on the 27th January. Mr H. Aronsten. late Wairarapa Furnishing Company, gives notice that he has removed from the Ex hange Buildings to pre mises opposite the Courthouse in Lallstree t.

At the Mistertoo Vu-tion Marton Sa'ur day Mr J. R. Ncol will sell on account of a lady who has left il.sterton a quantity of furniture, and on behalf of an importer a range of drapery, clothing and fancy go ids. A gooi line of poultry will also be sold without reserve.

Mr A. Norman is displacing a splendid selection of goods most suitable for Christmas presents. These goods are all of the latest designs and are being cleared at exceptionally low prices so as to make room for the large stocks that are now coming to hand. Those who have not yet decided upon their Christmas presents should inspect the larpe and varied stock of new and up to-date good) that have just been opened by Mr P. Hamill. The stock comprises a splendid selection of dress goods, prints, muslins and leather goods, which have specially been opened up by Mr Hamill for the 'Xmas season. The Wanganui River steamers have now resumed their Summer time table Boats leave Wanganui daily Mondays excepted, and Pip Tuesdays excepted; from TaumiKmyu, the terminus with the Central Railway, every second day—Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The new bath houses at Pipiriki Mineral Springs are being greatly appreciate!. The water for drinking pufp i.es is, as Dr Wohlmann the Govern._f_ent Balaeolojist pointed out, proving extremely beneficial in cases of dyspepsia. Summer Suits for Men from 30s. When your interest is excited by your teeds, 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 tailorroan 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 prppaiation, which form 9 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 ls7