LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXII, Issue 9593, 3 February 1910, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mr Lamb anticipates that this year he will have over twenty tons of grapes iv his vineyard at Mauaia.

The Bishop of Wellington (Dr WalJis) will hold confirmations at Grey town anil Featherston on March 9th.

The sum of £141 i:-.a <Sd was paid in by the shareholders at the fortnightly pay night of the Workers' Mutual Benefit Building Society, which eventuated last evening.

A shark measuring sft (»iu was lauded by a resident of Miramar, Wellington, on the Karaka Bay Wharf on Tuesday evening. A conger eel, 4ft Gin iv length, was caught by the same person.

Tbe mails which left Wellington ou 17th December last por s.s. Ulimaroa, aud connected at Sydney witti the Briudisi mail per li. M.S. Marmora, arrived iv Loudon ou the morning of 'J3ud January.

The estates of one hundred and tweuty-niue itcceased persons were certified for duty with tho Commissiouer of Stamps during January. Tne largest was that of John Close, Napier, £!5.,8:58, that of Thomas Orr Hay, Christ-church, beiug next, with £5'.),.").4.

The honorary director of the Wanganui Observatory states that the Johannesburg comet should be faintly visible at the beginning of February as an early evening object iv the western sky. As yet the big telescope in tho observatory fails to reveal Halley's comet.

At a meeting of the Canterbury Hockey Association, says a Press Association message, a letter was received from the New Zealand Association asking it to subscribe £100 to the proposed tour of the Dominion by an English team. After discussion, the Executive decided that the time was not opportune for the tour, and that it could not entertain the proposal.

Palmerstou Ripples (by "Hokioi"), and Rolling Rouud the World, on page -; Cheap Motor Cars, German Bank's Loss, and Fruit Growing, on page 8 ; Salvation Army—Commissioner aud Mrs Hay, their visit to Masterton, South Wairarapa News, and The Quest for Gold—Wairarapa Mineral Prospecting Company, 'on page (5; Secret of Perpetual Motion, and Patents, on page 7.

An art union of eighteen large oil paintiugs is to be held on 20th April by Mr G. R. Irvine. The pictures, which are ou view iv Messrs Hoar aud Permaiu's wiudow, include a number of famihar scenes near Masterton, and they must be seen to bo fully appreciated. The first four prizes are Mastertou scenery, the first aud third being views of the Park Lake. Tlie paintings are all handsomely framed. Tickets are on sale at one shilling each.

Mr D. Donald explained at the meeting of the Wairarapa Mineral Prospecting Company yesterday, that the quartz of which he hail obtained au analysis some thirty years ago, was taken from the Ruamahanga river. The specimen that showed a yield of betweeu two aud three ounces to the ton, was only a small one, and other specimens of the same reef did not show above Sdwts to the ton.

"I have never gotten away from the faith that the real seed of life lies hidden in the soil," is the wisdom expressed tersely by the author of "Tho Fat of the Laud." "The man who gives the seed a chance to germinate is a benefactor, aud, iv my opinion, things done in connection with the laud are about the only real things. "

The general manager of the New Zealaud Railways (Mr T. Rouayne) having complained that volunteers have failed to. return home at the conclusion of the encampments for which their special tickets were issued, the Defence authorities have issued instructions to the effect that in future, when auy parties are left behind for duty, a written order to that effect must be handed to them by their officer commanding, for presentation to the stationmaster wheu returning.

The Exhibition that is being promoted by the Wellington Provincial Industrial Association is takiug definite form. At a meeting held on Tuesday evening, it was decided to open the Exhibition ou May 24th (Empire Day), and keep it open for a period of six weeks. It is intended to run the Exhibition as nearly as possible on lives similar to those of a large Industrial Exhibition. It is also proposed to make the show as bright aud attractive as possible, aud to that end a special entertainment committee is to be set up to arrange for all manner of concerts and amateur performances.

The following instructions by the Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) have beeu scut out to officers commanding defence units, aud presidents of rifle clubs:—"lnstructions have been given by the Right Hou. tho Prime Minister that in future all firiug on Sundays by the p.rmauent forces, volunteers, cadet and rifle clubs is to be discontinued. This will apply to artillery and rifle practice at manoeuvres iv the course of annual training, or auy other military connection. Officers commanding volunteer companies, aud presidents of rifle clubs, are requested to see that the above conditions are strictly complied with."

The monthly meetiug of the Managers of the Masterton Technical School will be held this evening at 8 o'clock, wheu ordinary and geueral business of au important nature will be dealt with. Under the Manual aud Technical Instruction Act of 1900, the Managers of Associated Classes must be appointed at au annual meeting of the subscribers, held either during the month of January or that of February in each year. The matter, therefore, of arranging for the election of Managers for the ensuing year, as well as that of seeing to the compilation of the annual report and balance-sheet, will come before the meeting tins evening.;

We have sometimes to go from home to hoar news! Tlie Pall Mall Gazette says :—The "All Red Route," as it has been styled by its projectors, despite the pessimistic views of certain shipowners, has received benevolent support from tne present Government. The key to the whole scheme consists in a line from Collooney, in Sligo, to Blacksod Bay, in Co. Mayo, together with a ferryboat service to the English coast. Towards this part of the scheme the Government have granted £135,000. When the route is open, London will be but a fourteen hours' journey from tlie extreme West coast of -Ireland, whilst the voyage to Halifax will cousuiue only three days and a-half. By this Imperial service Sydney can be reached in twenty-five clays eleven hours, and the chief port of New Zealand in twentytwo clays twelve hours.

A conference of the British Medical Association (New Zealand) is to-be held iv Wellington from 21st to 25th February, inclusive.

The monthly meeting of Stewards of the Masterton Racing Club, which was to be held on Saturday next, has been postponed until February 12th, at 2.30 p.m.

The interest that is beiug taken iv the Waingawa Freezing Works is demonstrated by the fact that the directors have already received an enquiry as to what is beiug done with regard to the erection of a hoarding house there.

Regardiug tho recent outcry against the establishment of a Prison Gate Home at Island Bay, Commissioner Hay, when in Wellington on Tuesday, said that ho could not understand the objection of the residents to such a place. If ouo admitted that such homes were good institutions, the position was a matter of no consequence. The home must be situated near or iv a town, aud not away in the couutry where it would be impossible to do such work. The Commissioner thought that the protest at Island Bay was the dying Kick of class distinction.

Various changes are to be made iv the Police Department, consequent upon the appointment of Mr F. Waldegrave, Under-Secretary for Justice, as its official chief. Several of the police officers at present discharging clerical duties in the head office will be put on police duty, aud Mr C. E. Matthews, private secretary to the Hou. R. M'Kenzie, Minister of Public Works, has beeu appointed Chief Clerk of the Department. The reorganisation of the head office staff will not take placo immediately. As at present constituted, the staff consists of members of the Police Force, with Sub-Inspector Wright at the head. The decision of the Government is that the staff shall be replaced by civilians, with Mr C. E, Matthews as chief clerk.

The balance sheet of the New Zealand Insurance Company, Limited, for the year ended _oth November last is published. The net income from premiums, interest, and reuts amounts to £C36, ( .):J0. The credit balance, after paying dividends absorbing £15,000 in August last, is £534,8C>1, out of which the directors recommend placing £10,000 to reserve. From the available balance of £24,8(il the directors recommend payment of a dividend at the rate of two shillings per share, absorbing £15,000, making four shillings per share for the year. The paid-up capital, reserves, and undivided profits now amount to £754,8(51, after proviuiug for the dividend recommended by the directors.

The posting of the Waratah as missing, at Lloyds', means that for all legal purposes, including the settlement of claims, the steamer is regarded as lost. Fortunately, the Waratah carried an "off-season" cargo, but the consignment included 10,700 bars or copper, 7800 bars of silver lead, 8500 bales of wool, 157 hogsheads of wine, 1400 casks of tallow and glycerine, besides large quantities of concentrates, oats, flour, wheat aud frozen meat. The cargo contained so mauy otner miscellaneous items that uo estimate of the total value has been made, but it would be reasonable to assume that it would amount at least to as much as that of the hull—namely, £150,000.

The Garden Fete iv aid of the St. Matthew's Church Building Fund was formally opened iv Mr W. H. Beetham's grounds in Perry-street this afternoon. The glorious weather that prevailed, combined with the beauty of the grounds, tended to make tne Fete one of the most delightful and attractive yet held in Masterton. Competitions of various kinds were the order of the day There were tenuis tournaments, puttiug competitions, tilting at the ring, aud numerous others, all of which appeared to attract their quota of competitors. This evening there is to be au interesting programme uuder the supervision of Mr Brausou.

Some Australian scientists just now are interested iv a proposal to establish a solar observatory in the Commonwealth. The Federal Government has promised to maintain the institution if the sum of £10,000 can bo raised by bodies aud individuals for the buildings aud equipment. A considerable sum has beeu collected already, and it is expected that there will not be much difficulty in obtaining the total. A site has not yet been fixed. The Macdonald Ranges, in the middle of Australia, have beeu suggested, but Dr Fair, of Christchurch, who has just returned from a visit to Australia, thinks that the new observatory will find a home not so remote from civilisation.

A hockey club has been formed by the staff of the Mastertou Post Office. At a meetiug held ou Tuesday evening, the following officers were elected:— Patron, Mr S. Inder; President, Mr Moore; Vice-Presidents, Messrs Coster, G. Boagey, PL Fowies; Captain, Mr M. Mcintosh ; Vice-Captain, Mr J. Berry; Secretary aud Treasurer, Mr Hunter; Auditor, Mr J. Roche; General Committee, Messrs Moore, Moltzen. V. Riebards, li. E. Williams and Eddy ; Match Committee, Messrs N. Williams, M. Mcintosh, J. Berry. It was decided that the Club colours be green aud white. Mr Inder donated a guinea to the funds of the Club, aud Mr Cummins offered a gold medal for the best forward in the team. The Club, which may be considered a good combination, will tako part in the competition of the Wairarapa Hockey Association.

'"- There has been, it is stated, a big increase in the wool clip in the Kaitieke Block, Main Truuk Line, and already over four hundred bales of wool have beeu consigned from tlie Kauri urn station, says the Taihape Times. Considering how recently this land has been opened up, the product is excellent, aud there is every probability of its being doubled in a very short time. All through this fertile block feed is plentiful, aud settlers are securing the necessary stock to keep it down. Nearly all the settlers who have burned their fallen bush have secured good burns, and this, with the recent rains, means early grass aud rape crops, which will considerably add to the settlers' output next seasou. The important question of dairying is also being discussed in the Kaiticke, and those interested in the dairy company that has been formed are endeavouring to decide whether to go in for cheese or butter making. It is considered that the former has the most supporters.

A remarkable libel action is promised in connection with tlie recent visit of the Eketahuna bridge and billiard teams to Pahiatua to play the Tararua Club there. Mr Walsh, who arranged the games at Pahiatua, is proceeding against Mr Tumor, of Eketahuna, who was a leader of the visiting party, for £501 damages for slander iv connection with statements alleged to have been made by the Eketahuna man regarding the match. Mr Skerrett, K.C., has been retained for the plaintiff, and it is understood that Mr Pownall, of Masterton, will defend. Should the case reach the Courts it promises to bo oue of the most curious yet heard in New Zealand.

Mirror-front Wardrobes, 655; Duchesse Chests, 455; Couches, 355; Easy Chairs, 27s 6d. Only picked heart of rimu used at the W.F.O.A, Furnishing Department.*

The Ulimaroa arrived at Wellington from Svduey last night, fourteeu hours kite, after a very rough passage.

Since tho receut heavy rain, mushrooms are to be seeu about Lansputting in an appearance a month earlier than is usual.

Several families have lately taken up their residence at Lansdowne, the popularity of the suburb having been materially aided by the establishment of the State school.

Arrangements in connection with

the forthcoming V.M.C.A. Swimming

Carnival are proceeding satisfactorily. < Donations towards tho prize list al- • ready amonut to over £8. Tho Ladies' Swimming Club has kiudly consented to provide afternoon tea at the Carnival.

The Anglican General Synod concluded its sittings in Wellington yesterday, after appointing various standing committees for the year. The motion to give women communicants a vote and the right to sit on vestries was shelved after further consideration. The next session of General Synod will be held at Nelson ou Thursday, January Kith, 1018.

MjJ". Comptou, who was oue of procured some of the maize / supplied by the Agricultural Department for experimental purposes, has grown what he eousiders to be a re-

cord crop. The maize is already so

high that it reaches above a man's 1 -jad, aud is strong and healthy. Mr *"v-ompJon has been feeding some of it to his cows, which simply devour it, and as a result their yield of milk has increased materially. The advantages of maize as a fodder for dairy stock have frequently beeu urged,more especially 7 iv a dry season, and it is satisfactory to note the success that has attended Mr Comptou's experiments. Iv place of oue acre that lie

lias sown this year, he intends next

year to sow four. ' Colonel R. J. Collins ha? resigned the positiou of Secretary to the Treasury, aud has beeu appointed Controller and Auditor-General, in succession to Mr J. K. Warburton. Mr J. W. Poynton has peen appointed Secretary to the Treasury, iv additiou to his duties as Superintendent of the State Guaranteed Advauces Office. With the appointment of Secretary to th 9 Treasury, Mr Poynton will take over Mk positions of Receiver and Paymaster-General.

Masterton visitors to the Castlepoint Beach may procure iirst-class accomuiodatiou at Sea View House, which is uuder the capable management of Mr A. P. Potter. The terms for adult visitors have been fixed at the very reasonable figure of thirty shillings per week, aud special arrangements cau be made for families. Oastlepoint is undoubtedly a splendid place to spend a holiday, and lovers of bathing aud fishing will find plenty to amuse them. Mr Potter can be communicated with by letter or telephone, aud will be pleased to supply any information required. '

The appointments to the new State Guaranteed Advances Board were made by the Governor-iu Council last evening. In addition to the Minister of Finance and the Superintendent of the Department, who are members of the Board ex officio uuder the Act, Mr J. K. Warburton and Mr H. Kember, botu of Wellington, have beeu appointed members of the Board outside of the Civil Service, while the two Civil Service representatives are Dr Fitchett {the Public Trustee) and Professor Salmoud (the Solicitor-General). A suppleru^itaryGazette issued last night anuouucß that the Stare Guaranteed Advances Act takes effect as from February 2nd. Mr T. Drummoud's party, of Greytown, who started last week to reach Mount Hector, all but succeeded, writes the Post correspondent. They Jt all but got to the top, aud the severe weather at last baffled them, aud they returned. The trip back was a rough one indeed, as, in additiou to bad weather, they ran short of provisions. Mr Drummoud, however, hopes to make another effort when tho weather settles. Tins mountain, being five thousand odd feet high, will become a strong attraction to Alpine climbers as soon as a fair track is made. It is hoped that the Government will subsidise the amount collected locally, so as to form a"good road up to the top, and "N, then the trip cau be made up one side and down the other. This should give visitors au excellent view of the country ou both sides of tlie range." To-day's share market quotations appear on page 8. A smart saleswoman for showroom is adverted for. Dr Spfl_F, eye specialist, may be ■consulted at the Club Hotel, Masterton.

Messrs Dalgety and Co., Ltd., advertise particulars of some first-class properties they have for sale. A reward is offered by Mr A. J. Giddings for the return of au oilskin -*«-■ lost on the Opaki-road.

The date of Messrs Dalgety and Go. 's Martinborough Ewe Fair has been altered to Friday, February 25th. A special meeting of members of the Foresters' Lodge will be held at ?.-\>o p.m. to-morrow evening, to discuss the proposed alterations to the Hal]. A splendid opportunity is now offered to ladies to secure a pair of one-bar ward shoes, as the N.Z. Clothing Factory auuounces that they have decided to quit over seventy pair at 'is lid pair. Mr A. Hendry, gents' outfitter, is now making a fine display of men's / hats and caps at his new shop iv Messrs Abraham and Williams' BuildJ*"3*> A speciality is being made of meu's half-guinea hard or soft felt hats.

Yesterday afternoon the advantages of a gas cooker were further demonstrated G. Burnett before an attendance of about fifty people. Delightful pastry and delectable scones were baked, and were sampled later when afternoon tea was taken round, to the appreciation of all present. The demonstrations are unquestionably attracting considerable attention, and from a business point of view should prove extremely satisfactory to Gas Department.

Mr E. Oliver, tailor, announces, on page 1, that as February is always a quiet month in the tailoring trade, he has decided to secure business by ■offering special inducements to patrons. During the present month •clients may have the pick of Mr Oliver's well-assorted stock of trouserings, made to measure, at £1. Gentlemen requiring au extra pair of trousers cannot do better than visit Mr Oliver's shop.

Brass Rail Fenders are now being sold from 10s at the burnishing Dept. W.F.C.A.® Sulphurine Lotion cleans the skin from redness, roughiiess, pimples, etc., and renders the skin soft <«bhealthy. Price, Is Gd. H. T. Wood, Chemist and Pharmacist (by exam.), Masterton.* Money is scarce, which accounts for the marvellous bargains that are now on at Hooper's Great Cash Bargain Sale. What do you think of this? Dress goods 27s 6d, dress reduced to 6s lid; costumes 29s 6d, reduced 6s lid; ladies' skirts 15s, for 4s lid; silk blouses 16s 6d, for 5s lid ; wash- ■ ing blouses 6s 6d, for Is lid. These are only just a sprinkling—there are thousands of good things now on at Hooper's. Take a pocketful of money and get there quick. Don't forget it is a Cash Bargain Sale.*