LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14203, 4 February 1915, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

On pago 2 will be found Commercial; on page 3, The Week in-Wellington; on page (i, War Cables, Sporting, Entertainments, Daring Forgeries; on page 7, Serial Story.'

Arrangements have been made for tho holding of stock sales at Aifredton by Messrs Dalgety and Co., Ltd.

"Tho land of sand and sin" is the quaint way a Masterton member of the postal staff now with the New Zealand expeditionary force in Egypt describes that country.

Arthur's Pass still keeps up its reputation for wet weather (says the Greymouth Star). If all the fine days were put together it would not amount to three weeks this summer. On Friday 5/JSiu of rain was registered.

The Greytown Cheese Company had .150 crates of cheese on the Tokomaru, which was sunk the other day by, a torpedo near Havre. The cheese was well insured at the price ruling at date of shipment, but there has been a sharp rise in the market price since that, date, and this rise the company will, of course, lose.

In yesterday's issue a paragraph appeared to the effect that "The Masterton Labour agent (Mr Yorke), in his monthly report to the New Zealand Labour Journal, reports that trade generally in Masterton is very good." Mr York points out that the report referred to the month of December, not to .'anuarv.

"Last night this man was seeing rats as large as men, and blue monkeys. A change will do him good," said Inspector Hendry in the Wellington Magistrate's Court yesterday, in asking for a remand for curative treatment in the case of a man charged with being found helplessly drunk. The man who had been "seeing things" was robed in a monklike garb, composed of a dark blanket which fell in long folds from round his shoulders.

Another example of the anomalies of New Zealand railway freight charges was brought under 'the notice of the Waikato Times. A resident of Hamilton, who formerly lived at Palmerston North, had a particular liking for a certain kind of honey produced on a farm in tho latter district. Desirous of getting a supply he ordcre'd a kerosene tin full to be sent by rail, but was not a little surprised on being told that liefore the tin could be delivered he would have to pay 7s (id freight, half the cost of the honey.

The postmaster advises the following recent connections to the Mastertoil telephone exchange: —577, ,L Townsend, 47 Albert street; 578, W. J. Montgomery, Cole street; 541, D. M. Douglas, "Landsend," Te Wharau; 579, A. Maguire, 37 Cole street; SSO, C. 11. Mopping, Renall street; SSI, W. 13. Pivshaw, Te Wharau; sSla, H. J. Nit/., To Wharau; sSlb. C.'A. Cameron, Flat Point; s.Slc, Mrs' F. C. 11. Cotter, To Wharau; 581 d, \V. N. Kummer, Te Wharau; 470, C. D. King, Lansdowne; 517 a, E. Jaques, Te Ore Ore; 592, Rev. ll'alliday, Lansdowne; 593, T. Jenkins, 74 Dixon street.

Sergeant R. Miller, of Masterton, who is acting as postmaster to the first New Zealand expeditionary force in Egypt, says that the first New Zealand mail came to hand on December 10th. '' There was wild excitement in the camp," ho writes, "and we were all night sorting the mails, finishing the work at about G o'clock iv the morning. The expression on the faces of the men when they received their letters was a. picture —joy was written all over their features. The other side of the picture —those who expected but received no letters —was also a study. Then there were men in the force who had neither kith nor kin to care for them in far-off Is'ew Zealand, and it was a somewhat sad sight to see them watching with envy the other men receiving letters from relatives and friends."

The report of the Labour Department for the week ended January 30th last concerning the number of men out of work in the various centres shows that unemployment has practically reached a minimum. The report is as follows: — Auckland. —Applications for work 110, placed 13, surplus 97. Of these many would not leave Auckland to go to the co-operative works, but those desirous of leaving will be placed shortly. There is practically no difficulty in the smaller towns of tho North Island. Work in ono form or another has been found for nearly all applicants. Wellington.—

Men are still being sent away to railway works and road works in the Gisborne district; applications 93, placed 52, surplus 41. South Island. —The surplus of unemployed in the South Ts land is smaller than it has been for some months owing to the demand for country workers. Vacancies still exist on the Central Otago irrigation works.

With the exception of the miniature railway station, a few outhouses, the motor shed, and one or two minor buildings, all the structures which comprised Wonderland at the recent Auckland Exhibition are now being pulled down.- As a result of a meeting of the City Council and representatives of the Wonderland Syndicate, in the office of the city solicitor, the council intimated that all the syndicate's buildings must be removed by February Ist. The syndicate agreed to pay £70 in full satisfaction of all the City Council's claims. Litigation was threatened in this mattor, but a compromise was effected. On January 21st an auction sale was held, when the 21 lots were sold to individual buyers, and the City Council recently stated that all the buildings in connection with the Wonderland, syndicate must be removed on Thursday (today).

I Regarding the statements made as to payment to members of the expeditionary force and provision for their dependents, the Minister for Defence said at Dunedin yesterday, according to a Press Association message, that everything possible had been done to advise the men to make adequate provision for dependents. The first month's pay was made without any deduction whatever. As to the complaints concerning provision for dependents, full opportunity and facilities were provided. All men were asked (there was no authority to compel them) to sign allotments, commencing on the day of embarkation. Eighty per cent demurred. Regarding deferred pay, retention only commenced from the time of sailing. It was admitted all over the world that it was inadvisable to allow soldiers too much to spend'while on active serv-

In some of the farming districts of China pigs are harnessed to small waggons and made to draw them.

Tho marriage rate in Great Britain,

I which has been- steadily declining in irecent years ,is again on the increase. I The members of the Masterton Amateur Theatrical Society will meet tonight, in the practice rooms, Perry Street, at 7.30 o'clock.

The Carterotn News understands that a case of perjury is being preferred against certain witnesses in a case heard at the Carterton Court recently.

The postal authorities advise that the Auckland-Vancouver despatch of December 29th arrived in London on the Ist instant—four days late.

There is a shortage of fruit for the troopers at the Trentham camp, and donations of fruit will be appreciated. Parcels may be sent to Captain McChrystall, Military Camp, Trentham.

As showing that a scarcity of cattle may be anticipated in the Tokomairiro district, it may be mentioned ((says the Bruce Herald) that 200 head were sent away from the district during the last seven or eight days.

Sharks are said to bo numerous at Akitio. A number of bathers had a rather exciting experience last week, having been chased by a number of sharks. Mixed bathing is now the order of the day at Akitio.

Mr C. E. Mackay, of Wanganui, has been assigned by the Crown as counsel for Arthur Rottmann, who is to stand his trial at Wanganui to-day on a triple charge of murder arising out of tho Buahine tragedy.

The vital statistics for Carterton for the month of .January were: Births 8, deaths 1, marriages nil. During the year 1914, 45 marriages were registered, 40 of the couples taking up their residence in the district.

Several of the Master ton Borough Councillors visited Eketahuna to-day to inspect the Council's farm. This farm, Avhich came into the Council's possession in the form of an endowment many years ago, is a good source of revenue to that body, the rental being over £100 a year.

The excellent price of 20.} d per lb was obtained at the Napier wool sale, when Messrs Dalgety and Co. offered a bale of scoured A combings on account of Messrs Barrett and Whclch, of Wanstead. This is claimed to be'a New Zealand record.

A well-known Dunedin citizen showed a Star reporter a letter from a dependable friend in England, stating that "the super-Dreadnought Audacious, which was mined or torpedoed off the Irish coast, has been reiloatcd, and is now under repair. "

A member of the Masterton postal staff now with the first New Zealand expeditionary force in Egypt states that the news of the death of Mr J. Wickens, senr., and Mr S. Hogg, of Masterton, was received by the Masterton members with feelings of dfccp regret, both of the deceased being very popular with "the boys."

A settler in the Halcombe district was yesterday somewhat gleefully recounting his prospects. His wheat crop, he said, was equal to 40 bushels per acre, which, at (is per bushel, would be worth £12 per acre-—a very exceptional yield. Cropping now, with an ordinary good production, would seem to be more profitable than milking, with infinitely less labour. —Rangitikei Advocate.

A party of Auckland motorists had a narrow escape from a serious accident on Monday morning. They were proceeding from Morrinsvillo to Taupiri, and when about half-way between jlotumaoho and Gordonton, on the Swamp road, the car suddenly swerved into a large ditch alongside the road, partly turning over. All the six occupants were thrown out, the driver being practically buried in the soft peat of the drain bank, but ho fortunately escaped serious injury. The car was badly damaged. At the Masterton Magistrate's Court this morning, before Mr L. G. Reid, S.M., Hoar and Pormain sued Mrs E. E. Snow, of Foxton. for £12 ISs Gd, being funeral expenses for the burial of her late husband. After hearing evidence. His Worship gave judgment for £11 15s and £3 lis costs, but, disallowed a claim for interest. Mr O. N. O. Pragnell appeared for plaintiff, and Mr R. T\. Burridge (instructed by Mr B. Moore, of Foxton) for the defendant.

A liquor case heard in Balclutha on Wednesday really hinged on the question as to what constitutes "storing." During the argument between Sub-in-spector Broberg and the solicitor for the defendant (says the Free Press) the magistrate gently insinuated that there were probably many men in Balclutha who had had experience of "storing," but there was a decided difference between taking the liquor away in their stomachs and taking it in a bottle. —(Laughter.)

When the Orient mail steamer Osterley last crossed the Indian Ocean, the captain diverted his course in order to enable his passengers to see the wreck of the Emden. "The sight of the battered cruiser lying on the rocks of

North Keeling Island made a vivid impression on mo," said a passenger to Auckland by the Kiverina on Monday, who made the trip to Australia in the Orient liner. "We could plainly see the gaping holes in the rusted hull, and the lop-sided funnels gaA'c the wreck a curious- appearance. The sight was a particularly pleasing one to the Osterley's officers, for their ship narrowly escaped the Emden's clutches. The German cruiser had arranged to raid the Cocos cable station and then sink the Osterley, when the Sydney appeared on the scene and ended the raider's career."

It is rumoured that certain military officers holding important commissions, both in the territorial force prior to the mobilisation and in the main body of the expeditionary force, were concerned' in an unsatisfactory administration of • the regimental funds (says a Press Association telegram from Dunedin). The rumour appears to have been well founded. The matter has been investigated officially on the authority of the Minister in charge of the Audit Department, and steps taken to secure the personal attendance in New Zealand of the officers concerned. They are well known infantry officers in Otago, one being a lieutenant-colonel of a certain regiment and the other an adjutant of the same regiment. One of the officers is now on his way from Egypt, and the other is understood to have been given orders to return from England, where he had been despatched by order of a superior officer. ONLY TEMPORARY AT FIRST. Constipation is due to weakness of the bowels, probably caused by indigestion, and in the beginning is only temporary. Drastic physics cause it to become chronic, for they so weaken the bowels that they will rot act witl out assistance. No case of chronic constipation has ever resulted from the use of Chamberlain's Tablets. Chamberlain's Tablets do not do the work of the bowels, but gently stimulate them to perform their own functions naturally and voluntarily. Sold by all chemists and storekeepers. *

A young man require! aaituatioa.; Mr E. Hodge offers 10s'reward to th* finder of a black and tan ((slut) dog. An advertiser requires a convertable buggy with pole,, also al set of donbl© harness; /?

The Masterton County Council insert an advertisement on page 1 in referent to a proposal to raise a loan. j—W Miss Becker, Gordon Street, LaJP downe, has resumed the teaching of pianoforte, violin-playing, and French lessons.

The person who took, by mistake, a parcel from last night's Wellington mail train is requested to kindly return it to the Public Hospital.

Miss Buby Oliver, who has , been spending a lengthy holiday in Auckland, will return to Masterton this week, and resume her teaching of voice production and singing on February 8 th;

Grace in a ladies' costume is the first quality desired, and in the costumemade by Alex. Donald it is expressed to perfection. See advertisement in this issue of Alex. Donald, "the tailor you can trust."

Only two more days of the great summer sale at the W.F.C.A. Come along and realise Avhat an extra piMfc'V

chasing power your money will have during the last two days. Ther&tore bargains galore in all department:j|JNothing is withheld from the heavy price cutting. Grasp it now, by paying us a visit.—W.F.C.A., Ltd.*

Mr T. Peterson, of the Masterton Dyeing and Cleaning Works, 18 Queen street and 3G Victoria street, reminds ladies and gentlemen that there is no need for them to attend the Solway show in soiled clothes. They can have their costumes and suits cleaned and pressed at the Masterton Dyeing and Cleaning Works, so that they will like new, and the charge is very reasonable.

Mr V. L. Fairbrother advertises a clearing sale of furniture, etc., to be held at Lansodwne on Wednesday next, on account of the proprietress of Lyuwood House. The contents of fourteen rooms will be offered. The furniture is practically all new, having been pnr-i chased only a few months ago. Therlf is also a quantity of birch fencing posts, battens, house blocks and firewood to be sold.

Messrs R. Hannah and Co., Ltd., will commence a job stock sale of boots and shoes on Saturday next. The firni\point out in their advertisement on wfte 7 that this is the last chance to bargains in footwear. Owing to the advanced price of boots and shoes, Messrs R. Hannah and Co. have decided to give the public the benefit of their present stock.

To Farmers and Others!—Do yon take a pride in your place? If so, why allow those Briars, Gorse, CaliforniaThistle and other noxious weeds to grow in the fields, and weeds on the garden paths, when one application of "Lixall"- rightly applied during the present dry weather will guarantee eradication. Stocked by Beale and Co., C. E. Daniell, Levin and Co., Ltd., W.F.C.A. . Ltd., Perry and Co. * With the object of enabling children to have plenty of fresh air during the warm weather, the S.S. Williams Co., Ltd., of 117 Taranaki street, Wellington, have manufactured a strongly constructed cot on ballbearing casters, which enables it to be moved about with the greatest ease. Over twenty of these cots were sold by the firm in one week recently. The S. S. Williams Co., Ltd., pack and deliver the cot to any railway station in the Wairarapa without extra charge. Enquiries by letter regarding the will be answered promptly. A fewr brief particulars of the cot are advertised on page 7.

Wood 's Blood Purifier and Tonic—A powerful nerve and blood tonic. Price 2s Gd. 11. T. Wood, Pharmacist and Chemist (by exam), Masterton. *