NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14834, 27 November 1913, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Divorce cases will probably be taken at the Supreme Court at 10.30 a.m. to-day. Frederick George Butler proceeded against the Petoae Borough Council yesterday for recovery of £11 2s 6d damage to a motor-car, through colliding with one of the hurdles placed across the Hutt road by the Council to regulate the speed of motor vehicles. The Magistrate, in non-suiting tho plaintiff with costs, said it was evident the Council was not to blame, as thousands of cars had apparently gone over tho obstructions without injury. The Kaiapoi Borough Council, which has allowed sonio of tho ends of unused roads to bo occupied and nominal rents paid for the privilege has been informed by its solicitors, Messrs. Papprill and Conlan, that tho Acts give tho Corporation no legal right in. the matter. It is allowablo for the Council to close a street for repairs, aud under the Public Works Act to advertise tho closing of any unused road with tho consent of adjoining occupiers of land, and place a swing gato on such roads. The annual meeting of tho Waimairi County Council was held yesterday, Mr i>. A. Staples presiding. Committees were set up, including a special committee to consider any proposed legislation affecting countfes. Mr Staples was re-elected chairman. On the motion of tho chairman, seconded by Mr F. Sisson, it was decided to pay the Council's permanent general labourers Is 2d per hour, and giVe them eight days' holiday per annum on full pay. The ladies' committee of tho Canterbury Horticultural Society—Mesdauies A. Boyle, A. C. Murray-Aynsley, R. H. Rhodes, A. E. G. Rhodes, a»d T. AY. Stringer—aro taking a keen interest in tho Rose Show to bo held in the Art Gallery next Wednesday. They have kindly agreed to take charge- of tho afternoon tea arrangements, which is a guarantee that they will bo carried out well. Tho ladies' committee will also judge tho decorative section of the show. An amusing and good-natured passage" at arms took place between tha strikers at Port Chalmers and the Prime Minister (telegraphs our Ihinedin correspondent last night). Tha strikers telegraphed to Mr .Niassey, asking him to be consistent in the matter of arresting strike leaders, and exhibit that consistency by arresting Sir Joseph Ward, the leader of the "stonewall strike' , in Parliament. In reply, Mr Masscy thanked the strikers for tb«ir suggestion, which, he said, had been dul£ noted*

A steward who had recentlj" te° n paid cff the Ritnutaka, was arrested a* Lyttel ton yesterday by Detectives Carney and Fahcy, for theft of billiard balls at Christchurch. Tho members of the Royal Artillery Band visitod Cashmere Hilis and New Brighton by tram yesterday, tlxe Tramway Board placing a special car at their disposal. The Mayor tMr xiHoliand) accompanied tho "band. A civic reception is to bo accorded the hand by the Mayor of Wellington on its arrival there* to-day. At the> Kaiapoi Borough Council mertinjr on Tuesday, the Mayor (Mr R. Wylie), said ho had an intiinato acquaintance with the late Mr G. Lauxeiison. M.P. He eulogised his energy as a citizen and a politician, and moved J a vote of condolence with tho widow of tho deceased gentleman. This was seconded by Cr. Rinaldi, and carried, the councillors standing, in silenco. The Canterbury General Labourers' Union unanimously decided to recommend Mr J. A. McCullough for the position of workers' representative on tho Arbitration Court, and Mr E. J. Howard as deputy representative. Other candidates for the position of deputv-representativo wero 'Messrs T,. J. Cnroy and J. Cooper, both of Wellii'£ton. Tho Kaiapoi Domain Board, wTiich owns four or fivo swans and somo ducks on a piece of water in the Domain, on Tuesday evening decided to sell off its poultry, the cost cf keep—£9 for wages and £3 for feed —being more than tho slender income of the Board could sustnin. Cr. Dunn subsequently mado an offrr to have the feeding of tho birds attended to, and perhaps at next meeting tho sale "on account of whom it may concern," will bo reconsidered. At the D-unedin Police Court yesterday Joseph Isaacs, a- tobacconist, was charged under four informations with breaches of the Gaming Act by disposing of tickets in TattersalPs. Mr Hay, for tho defence, urged that Isaacs was merely a purchasers' agent, and not a sellers' agent. Judgment was reserved. Similar charges against Alfred Brodio Hall, hairdresser, of South Dunedm, was adjourned for a week at tho instance of counsel for the defence. A humorous incident is reported to have occWred in Grey Lynn on Saturday (says the Auckland "Star"). A dray had just been loaded with furniture when nine pickets arrived upon the scene and ordered the cargo off again. There was only tho driver prosent and tho man of the house, and two to nine were long odds. Help, however, camo from a totally unexpected quarter. There were two women in the house, and they called up reserves in the shape of two from next door. The four Amazons suddenly sallied from their respoctivo gateways fully armed. One waved a spado, 1 another a. rake, while the other couple marched, liko lancers, with clothes props. This was too much for the pickets. and as a couple of "specials" just then galloped along the top street that load of furniture was allowed to be carted away. The Education Board yesterday decided to assist in the movement promoted by the Boys' Gordon Hall to encourage boys leaving school to take up technical work. The following report on the subject was received from the Technical Committee: —Mr J. D. Hall and Mr Baboock, secretary to the Boys' Gordon Hall, waited on the Committee with reference to tho steps now being taken in connexion with the Boys' Gordon Hall to encourage boys leaving school to tako up technical work, and to provide them with employment and beneficial recreation. As tho movement was very closely connected with tho education of the boys, the deputation suggested that tho Board might eeo its way to sharo the cost with the Boys' Trust,'and any education authorities willing to assist. The Committee assured the deputation that the Board was in entire sympathy with its objects, and agreed to recommend tho Board to make a grant of £10 towards the cost of tho work. Coal is at a premium just now. Everywhere there is a tendency to husband supplies, and at some places it is impossible to get any at ail. At townships on the Main Trunk line, particularly, records tho Auckland "Star," the effect of the famine is being felt very keenly, so that it is perhaps natural that, when j tho householder looks at his empty scuttle, he is prone to cast a covetous eye on the largo stocks stored at the stations for use on tho railways. Officers of tho Department haw found evidence of tho fact that the breach of the j Tenth Commandment has been followed at various stations by the breaking of the Seventh. In order to dissuade j others who might be tempted to do like- , wise, it was decided that the heaps or coal should receive a liberal coating of whitewash, tho idea being that if any coal was stolen the thief would leave an easily distinguishable hole in the heap. At dhakuno and other places along the line poosengers by train have been much interested in tho white-painted coal. At a meeting of the New Brighton Borough Council on Monday night, a letter was read from Mr Charles J. Salter, in which very etrong complaints were mado of the annoyances to which ho and other residents were subjected by a number of youths who were either camping or batching in the borough. The nuisance, he stated, had been going on for upwards of eighteen mouths, and was getting beyond endurance, tho worst times being on Saturday nights and on holidays. A band of hoodlums were in tho habit of resting for a space, when returning to their "batches," just outside his front door, and the hideous brawling and vulgar and obscene language, in which they freely indulged, was intolerable and disgusting; Jn broad daylight this same band of larrikins were in the habit of picking flowers from the gardens of his neighbours .as they passed to arid fro. On Sunday last ho had seen five of these . youths deliberately leaning over ono of his neighbour's fences, in order to obtain some roses, and failing to get just- what they wanted, they deliberately pulled the bushes up by the roots, and so destroyed them. He thought some drastic action should be taken at onco to stop this kind of thing. It was decided that tho Mayor should interview the Inspector of Police on the matter forthwith. Under the auspices of tho Canterbury Women's Social and Political League, Professor J. 'Macmiilan Brown yesterday afternoon adciressed a meeting of members oi the League on the subject of tho future of the wiiito race. Mrs G. M. Buttorworth was in the chair. Professor Brown called attention to tho meeting of the East and West for the first tme in the history of the world. It would bo a great misfortune, he said, for the development of mankind, if the "West were to be subjugated to the East. He pointed out ominous signs of tho decadence of the white* race. There was the reduction of the birth-rato among classes who had been the chief sources of talent. Soon.the only prolific classes would be the defectives. One of the chief causes of tho threatened white decadence was tho excessive urbanisation of the white race. In modern cities congestion led to bonnclless slummage, and into this area cf every city the defectives of the nation gathered. Over against this stood the frivolous extravagance of irresponsible wealth in tho "West End." It 'was little wonder that philanthropists clutched at schemes that were as illusory as they wero desperate. The taking of wealth from the irresponsiblerich, and the pouring of it into these malaria swamps, would never drain them. If it wero at all possible, what was wanted was the dissolution or diminution of this urban congestion. In New Zealand, at least, one might hope that the attraction of the country would counteract the magnetism of the -cities.

A violent thunderstorm, accompanied by vivid lightning and heavy raiu, occurred in the Southland district ytstcrdav afternoon. Lightning struck a glass-house and residence at Seaward Bush, inflicting damage, but no one was injured. The Parliamentary arrangements in regard to the opening of tho Auckland Exhibition next Monday have not yet been definitely settled, bnt it is understood (telegraphs our Wellington correspondent), that the House will adjourn from the time of rising on Friday night until 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday. j Groat interest is still being taken in ! the painting 'Tho Shadow of the Crcrs." now on view in a studio next Ba'lanivne's in Cash el street. Throughout the reception hours yesterday, from I to -3 o'clock, there was a constant stream of visitors, the crowd becoming FO great beiwpen 3 and 4 o'clock that the doors had to be lorked at intorvnls. At the Durham stroot South Church last evening, the Rev. J. Flanagan delivered a sermon to a largo congregation upon ' Prayer, its Power and Answer." Tco service was marked by much spiritual fervour. Mr Flanagan will speak upon the same subject tonight. The services arc growing in interest, and tho attendances aro increasing. At a meeting of tho South Cantorbury District Methodist Synod held yesterday, the Rev. W. J. Klliott was appointed district representative at the 1911 Conference. It was agreed to recommond the of tho W. J. Williams as editor of the "M>thoclist A sum of nearly £3"OQ has already "Been raised in South Canterbury for* tho South Island Mothodist Orphanage. The High Commissioner in London has advised the Department of Immigration that the first part of the selected farm boys, under tho charge of Sergeant-Mnjor Cooper, havo embarked from Tjiverpool in tho steamer Ayrshire, and are duo to arrive at Auckland about January 19th nest. Applications for the services of boys and for other contingents aro now* being received by tho Department. Tho following programme will bo played by Dr. Bradshuw, city orgauist, at tho grand '•Gouuod-ii.igar' organ recital in His Majesty's Theatre on Sunday next at 8.30 p.m.: —Imperial March (for full orchestra) (Elgar), Canto Popolaro "In Moonlight," from tho Concert Overture "In tho South," Op. 50 (EJgar); Sanctus for icnor Solo, Chorus, and Orchestra from the Messo SolenneUo (Gounod); (1). Andanto Exprcssivo (2) Final (Presto) from the Organ Janata in G-, Op. 28 <Elgar>'; Serenade for'Voice, with Flute Oblicato (Gounod); Solemn Pvoludo for Orchestra 'SSursutu Corda" ('laft Up Your Hearts") Op. II (Gounod); Funeral March of a Marionette (Gounod), Morceau Mignon,, 'Salut v" Amour," Op. 12 (Elgar); Gavotte in A Major (ElgAr), March Militairo for Brass Instruments (Gounod). The V.M.C.A. National Convention and Tournament will be held in Auckland from February Ist to February Bth. By arrangoinent of the Executive of the Auckland Exhibition, the concert hall and tho illuminated Bports ground will be placed at tho disposal of the Y.M.O.A. for its public sports and entertainment. The local bodies controlling the tennis, ewimming, and athletic sports have promised the V.M.C.A. men every facility, including tho use of their grounds and ..equipment. For the sessions of the Convention and all preliminary competitions use will bo made of tho new V.M.C.A. building on Wellesley street. They will include contests in vocal and instrumental music, gymnastics, debate, oratory, essay writing, Scripture reading, athletic snorts, tennis, billiards, chess, basket-ball, and swimming. The following letter on the subject of week-end excursions between: Christchurch and Timaru has been received by Mr J. Craigie, M.P., from the Minister for Hallways :—" With reference to your representations in regard to the request made by tho President of the Caroline Bay Association that the Railway Department should institute week-end excursions to Timaru ] during the summer months, I have the honour to inform you that tickets at day excursion rates will be issuod from Christchurch and intermediate stations to Timaru by special trains on suitable holidays, when the Department is in a position to undertake the business, ami such an excursion has been arranged for December 16th, being the anniversary of Canterbury. The Denartmont is also prenared to run similar excursions at ofher times suitable to your Association, provided a guarantee is given. I regret, however, that J cannot see my way to authorise regular week-end trips to Timaru, as neither the existing nor the prospective, traffic would warrant such a course." - The members of the Royal Artillery Band, who left by tho Pateena last night for Wellington, ivero given a great reception by several hundred '.'specials" when they arrived in Lyttelton shortly before 7 p.m. The bandsmen were heartily cheered when they left the train and on their way to the wharf, and were greatly pleasedwith the friendly demonstration. When they started to* collect their luggage from the van on the wharf,- some twenty stalwart young "specials," alter telling them "to get on board and not worry," set to and.quickly passed the on to the steamer. , The members of the band then mustered on tho after dock of the Pet conn, and greatly deliprl'ted a crowded audience of 200 to 300 "sT>coials" and others by ■ their masterly, ploying of several selecr t.ioT>.s from their afternoon projrramwo. Tbo bandsmen wero rewarded with cheers and tumultuous anptanso. There was a. rornfl v knble as th? Ftnnmnr left the whnrf. The hand r>]nrr-<l tho Nntionrtl and" mptnTitfy cvory h.n+. Tn>«: off, and several hundred voices jorncxl in. Efforts are being made in Melbourne (saj-3 the "'Age , ') to form a company to work the fisuing grouuUs bUiiounuing Australia, and to give the public a constant supply of fish at a reasonable price. English capital has been brought into the venture, and the Federal Government is to bo asked for assist-, anee. It is suggested that some teriii3 may bo arranged for the company to take over the Federal trawler Endeavour, now that the investigating work for which that vessel wa3 procured has been carried to some lengtxis. An Aberdeen fishing expert has been engaged to control the fishing fleet, which it is proposed should consist of four vessels. Xe"otiation3 are on foot for the purchase of three 100 ft second-hand trawlers, in addition to the large 123 it trawler which hits already been acquired for the company in Great Britr.in. It still remains to bo determined whether the capital of the company shall excr-cd £150,000. It is exported that operations will begin in March next. A trawling crew will be eng.Tgou. iho services of twenty-six Aberdeen men have been procured, but it will be necessary, if the whole of the fleet of trawlers is engaged, to have at least forty men who know the details of trawling. It is proposed that in tho future Australian fishers should be trained so cs to man any extra vessels that may bo pdded to the fleet. Representatives of the company will interview the Federal Government with the object of securing some assistance in the foundation of the fishing industry. Surprisingly good results wcr<> obtained at the great Extension Sale at Messrs Armstrong's, Ltd., which commenced yesterday. Our readers should make one or other of the firm s shops their first port of call to-day. C Christmas is coming! If you have cifts for despatch to friends abroad, notify tho New Zealand Express Company Ltd. They will call for your parcels'and forward them by mail steamer at cheapest rates in the surest fashion. Telephone 206. *

■ Motor Accessories.— Lyoett Belli, ; 3 % 3-mch, 13s, l-inch, Ws, l-ineh, 17s 6? Hutchinsou Heavy Tyres, 3?s sorted spares kept, also best quality V repairs, at J, H. SiickHnst and- Co* ■* Garago, 117 Worcester street. . 6i ' Walter J. Watson, D.U.0.A., London, Expert Optician (near Kincaid's) Accurate-Sight-tostiujj and Spectacletittirg, Repaira to Frames ai.d brokenLenses matched. Charges moderate. 8 Only those who hare been cured know V tea joy of feeling well again aft/er being tortured by rheumatism. What--' a relief to fuel no pain- What a com-' fort to have- sound eteep. All rheu-" niatic sufferers may experience this happy state, no matter how long th«y - ; hare suffered. l>heunali:ic-OsTgen»-tt-itl accomplish it. Hundreds of cast* cured ••' Shoals of grateful letters received* Particulars from Dominion Rheumatic* Cute Syndicate, St. Kilda, lMinodm. aY Dr. Van Slyke, Specialist, Eγ* Ear Thront, and Nose, lias removed to the Dominion Buildings, opposite Square ' and Broadway's. Telephone 744. g It isn't tho name "Thomson's" that makes Thomson's Ginger Wive good but it's tho contents of the bottle that makes the name good. Thomson's Ginger Wino is pure as tho sunshine— tho best thnt money can buy. All grocers. Ford and Mirams, agents. 5 Your Eyes—A new discovery for removing Cataracts, Films, White ? pocks, etc., without operation!. Send* for particulars and testimonial* fr«* K. W. Hall, Herbalist. 117 Armach street. City. When you think of tnoring arrange with J. M. Hey wood and Co., Ltd., to do tho work. Their plant is ono of the largest in Christchurch, and their tuen aro civil and reliable. * 6 lr you want yoar electrio light, lift. motor, bells, or telephones properly and promptly attended to, ring up Turnbuil and Jones. Telephones -121 and 3370. j Included amongst our fin© range of prism, binocular, and field glasses, we have a lino of field and opera glasses which wo are selling at a remarkably - cheap rate. Wβ also undertako to do repairs to any class of binoculars, field, or opera glasses, at the shortest notice, at John ft. Proctor's, ocular optician, 200 High street, Christchurch. 5 Watch Your Cows Now.—Keep Berry's veterinary remedies always in tho house. Barry's Red Drench for cows before and- after calving allays tho foyer, and prevent inflammation." Is 9d post free, or from country stores Is 6d, Jno. Berry, Colombo street. 3 It does not pay you to do your own Customs work, and this fact is recognised by most importers, who find it saves time, money, and worry, to employ J. M. Heywood and Co., Ltd., to . do it for them. Let them put through your next shipment. • It will pay you to do so. 6":