LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14235, 7 March 1914, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Tho Arbitration Court (Judge Stringer, will sit in Wanganui on March 23. Tho Melbourne Fire Brigade Board hj about to spend £8212 on the purchase of motor fire-fighting vehicles. Air Maurice Watteau, Consul represent-ing.-Belgium in New South Wales, Queensland, New. Zealand, New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands, has arrived in Sydney. The new appointment is regarded as a recognition of the importance of Australasia, as well as a desire on the part of (h< Belgian Government to foster trade rela tioas. ■ ■

That popular company of street entertainers known as the Smarter Set has decided to give a final performance to-night at 8 sharp. Since their last appearance the company has been considerably strengthened. Twelve star artists in the latest songs, musical monologues, and dialogues will make their final bow this evening. Something exceptionally good is promised, and one and all should avail themselves of the opportunity of hearing this talented company of entertainers. The export of fruit from Fiji was not n very lucrative- business last year, accord ing to the annual report of the directors of the Fiji Fruit Company. Owing largely to inadequate shipping facilities and to tho recent rise in freight rates, there wa a loss of between .£6OO and £7OO on the year’s operations. Tho losses on the (irs half-year amounted to .£6OOO. but they picked up a good deal in the second half. The company intends in future to buy on’y from its European and Indian con tractors, and it is anticipated that with the fruit from the company’s own estates better results will bo obtained. “Can a Union legally claim dues from memliers when it squanders its funds npo ■ strikes?” asked a member of the Auckland Painters’ Union, , who was proceedc l against by Ids Union at the Magistrate's Court recently for fesy due. “.Some o' these legal gentlemen will tell you,” re plied- Mr Kettle. The defendant state! P at he had obtained only three weeks’ work since Christmas, ami the reason, Im declared, was that he had worked during the strike, and, in consequence, had been black-listed by the Union. “That seems pretty bard," remarked tho Magistrate. “Have you tried your old employers?” Th ■ defendant said he had, but without sue cess. “If what you say is true it seems a wrong thing that)'a man cannot get employment because he objected to strike,’" commented Mr Kettle. Another member of the same Union, who was also proceeded against for mcmt ersbip f&S, affirmed tba L the Union would not have taken action against him had it not been for the fact that be worked during the strike. He, also, had been unable to obtain work.

Until the harbour loan poll is carried, tbo ordinary routine work at the Harbour Board’s quarry at Kaiwhaiki will not bo enough to keep a full staff going, and unlessi. the. Board anticipates the success of the poll and keeps matters in frill swing as if the harbour works were sti'i going on, the number of men employed there will have to he reduced. RepoMing to the Board last evening, the Engineer recommended certain work to done in order to keep as many men as possible. The Board showed a disposition to keep the men together if possible, Messrs Hogan and Poison,- in particula -- strongly urging that the Board ghoul I keep going in anticination of the succors of the poll. Mr Poison opined that the poll was sure to be carried, and gave a broad hint that very little opposition to it need be expected from tho country districts. As several members were unable to visit the quarry at the Board’s recent visit of inspection, it was decided to leave- town on another visit at 7 o’clock on Tuesday morning next. The members .will, after getting the “lay of the land,” then return to town and decide the matter in the afternoon, to which time.it was resolved to adjourn last night’s meeting. 1

The aiimud meeting of householders ri connection with (he Technical College will hi. held ou Lie 23tli of this mouth. The Railway Department are advertisi’ig in another Column excursion faros for he Maori sports at Waitara next week. Members of the local Masonic Lodges are notified to attend the funeral of the late Mr W. H. 0. Fos.er, at 3.30 tomorrow afternoon.

In another column the Railway Department invites tenders closing March 24th, for the sole right of displaying automatic machines on railway stations. The animal eolleetion of the Wanganui District Nur.-ing League was actively prosecuted to-day, the lady collectors being favoured with fine weather for their work.

A female, who had been bailed out, and who did not appear in Court, was called upon, before Mr W. Kerr, fv.M., this morning to answer a charge of drunkenness. The police stated that the accused was a recent arrival from Auckland. A fine of 5s was inflicted.

The now offices of (he Wanganui Comity Council are to bo officially opened on the 28th of (his month. The opening of (lie building is to be followed by a social function in the new building to which Hie Minister of Public Works and (he chairman of the various' local bodies in the district have been invited.

“The history moat of ns were taught at school was little more than blood and fire—battles, who won them, and isolated dates,” remarked Mr \V. H. Hefnmingway, in speaking to students at the Auckland University College a few days ago. ‘‘We heard nothing of the silent army of workers and businessmen, and what they achieved in moulding and developing the Enpiro.” ■ The speaker was referring to the value of a course in modern history. The new Double Company organisation has now been arranged for the 7th Infantry Regt.. A Co. (Marton) and F (Wanganui), will be the new A Company, in charge of Major ,T. McNaught, B. Coy. (Wanganui), and E. Coy. (Wanganui) will be the new B Coy. in charge of Major 11. S. G. Harper; C Coy (Palmerston) and G Coy (Levin) will be the new C Coy., in charge of Major Cunningham, and D Coy (Feilding) and H Coy. (Taihape) will ho the new D Coy, the commander of which has not yet been aranged. The new B Coy. (formerly B and E) will parade Tuesday evenings, commencing from next weex.