News of the Dominion

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3, 17 July 1912, Page 4

News of the Dominion

Labonr Troubles. THERE has been no improvement in the matter of the Waihi strike during the past week. The Waihi Borough Council having censured two members of the Federal Band fir taking part in an anti-militant demonstration, the band decided to resign. Ihe Waihi Borough Council fitbl the exchequer very low consequent on the strike and the loss of gold revenue, and is asking the Government not to press for payment of the half-yearly interest (4453) on the waterworks loan. The Waihi Chamber of Commerce inquired of the Auckland Chamber if there were any organisation in Auckland for the purpose of assisting the cng.nedi ivers. who. it was urged, were bearing the burden of the tight in the interests of the employers, and stated that unless outside assistance ami encouragement was forthcoming the enginedrivers might abandon the position in disgust. The Auckland Chamber replied that it was not in favour of either side in the dispute, and believed the attitude of employers was that it was undesirable to interfere between the two parties concerncdc It was unaware of any organisation to provide funds for the relief of the enginedrivers. Star of Canada.

The Tyser steamer Star of Canada, which recently went ashore at Gi.borue, has been handed over to the underwriters, and Captains Taylor and Plunkett, of the London Salvage Association, will make another determined attempt to get the Vessel off. Antarctic Exploration.

The Antarctic exploring ship Aurora arrived at Dunedin on Wednesday, having left Dr. Mawson and - his party in the Antarctic regions to continue their research work until’ about the end of March. All the members of the expedition were reported to be in good lealth. Tie Call of the Co t.

Should a young man leave his cows to attend a military camp? A young Rongotea farmer, who was milking on shares, and.whose mate had left him at the time of the Foxton camp, considered the call of the cow more pressing than that of the camp, so he stayed and attended to his herd. He was still "on his own - ’ when the camp at Palmerston was held, and he neglected to attend that camp also. The result was that he was obliged to.explain his conduct before Mr. A. D. Thompson, 8.M., at Feilding. V hen the Palmerston camp was being said, he was milking twentyfive cows, and could not leave them. H< had since dried the cows off, and he expressed his willingness now to attend as many camps of instruction as came along. He was fined 20/ and costs. Steak and Sausages. Great surprise was expressed by a member of the Education Commission at the discovery that the headmaster of the Wellington Boys’ College has to pay attention to such matters as the “ordering of steaks and sausages.” Mr. Pirani was cross-examining one of the colic"?

masters, and ascertained from him that the principal was in sole charge of the boarding establishment, which he conducted on his own responsibility. “Bo you think that a headmaster ought to be a boardinghouse-keeper?” Mr. Pirani asked. The witness said that he saw no difficulty in the way, and in reply to a further query as to the “ordering of steaks and sausages,” said that experience in such matters was a good thing rather than otherwise. Late Major Mair. The remains of the late Major Mair were brought to Auckland, where the interment took place last week. The funeral was very largely attended, the deceased gentleman and his family being amongst the oldest and best-known settlers in the district. A great many messages of condolence have been received, expressing the deep regret felt at the death of the late Major Mair. The following eloquent tribute was received from the Ngatikahungunus, at Hastings:— “To Captain Mair, —Salutations: We have this day received the sorrowful tidings of your revered elder brother’s death. Therefore the love and affection ises in our hearts for him who was ever the honoured and steadfast friend of aH our great chiefs who have passed away before him to that bourne which has been appointed by the Mosft High for us all. We shall go to him, but he will not return to us. Friend Tawa (Captain Mair), our tears are falling for your elder brother. He had reached life’s allotted span. The day fixed by God for his passing away had come, and we who are left behind await our appointed time. Offer our loving sympathy to his widow and children. (Signed)' M<4»i Te Atahikoia and all 'Ngatikahungunus. Messages were also received from Chief Judge Jackson Palmer and Judge Rawson, the latter writing from Gisborne: —“Our Appellate Court adjourned to-day in respedt to Major Mair's death. The Ngatiporou requested Court to convey to the relatives the great sorrow felt by them at the loss of an old tried and true and faithful friend of the Maori race. Ts>e Chief Judge and self also desire to express our sympathy.” Auckland Exhibition. Each day now brings forth its budget of business for transaction in connection with the Auckland Industrial, Agricultural, and Mining Exhibition, to be opened in December of next year. The Exhibition architects (Messrs. Bamford and Pierce) are preparing to proceed with the arrangement of plans, etc., the City Council are calling tenders for the execution of the earthworks on the proposed site in the Domain grounds, the Exhibition Executive has appointed Mr. Oliver Nicholson as honorary solicitor, and the president has forwarded an application after consultation with the Commissioner of Police for the detachment of a posse of police to do duty at the Exhibition during its progress. Altogether, preparations are proceeding

briskly, and the feeling is growing that the event is to be a memorable one in the history of Auckland.

Taranaki Oil. The local directors of the Taranaki Oil Wells have applications for supplies of crude oil for Diesel engines totalling 65 barrels weekly from all parts of the Dominion, also applicatiou by a big shipping company for regular supplies. The directors are unable to consider the latter, as the refined article will give better profits. It is expected that the first dividend to shareholders in the Taranaki Petroleum Company will be made next week, and another in August. Auckland’s Tram Service.

Ten years ago Auckland’s electric tramway service was instituted with 43 ears. The city’s population then stood at 67,000. In the last decade the population has increased nearly SO per cent, and the number of cars by nearly 400 per cent. When the service was first established it was considered that, based on the experience of English towns of the same size, 40 cars would be ample to meet the requirements of the place. In ten years, however, the city area has widened, and the population has grown beyond even the most sanguine anticipations, and to-day there are 126 ears on the road. In addition, there are 20 new cars approaching completion, and the Tramway Company, having in view the Dominion Exhibition, which is to take place next year, has placed an order with the D.S.C. and Cousins and Cousins for another 20 cars, to be completed

by March of next year. Thia means that there will then be 161 cars in the service.