GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15750, 17 November 1916, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

Notes on Now Books and Publications will he found on page 3 of this issue. Tho following river report was issued yesterday-—Waimakariri (both branches) and Waitaki, clear; Rakaia, dirtv; Rangitata, discoloured; and Onihi, fishable. Tho management of the Hale Hamil-ton-Myrtle Tannehill Company has issued an invitation to returnod soldiers to witness ''The Boomerang" this evening. Tickets may be obtained at the G.D.G. office. At 8.37 p.m. yesterday the Firo Erigado turned out to' 43 Hawdon street, Sydenham, the residence of Mr T. Higgins. The wash ho use was on fire, but the outbreak was suppressed before any serious damage was done. As tho Governor is to go into residence at Christchurch towards the end of this month, the selection of two New Zealand Rhodes scholars, one of whom will take the placo of Lieutenant Athol Hudson (killed in action") will be made at Government House on Friday of next week, November 24th, instead of Friday, December Ist, as originally arranged. His Excellency is chairman of the Board of Selection.

i In the coursc of Tiis remarks to the Friendly •Societies on Wednesday evening Mr R. E. Hayes. Registrar of Friendly Societies, stated that the scheme in the Finance Act which no was dealing with was estimated to cost about £22,000 per annum, and might be taken as an evidence of the Government's desire to assist the societies; in addition to this the Government were also under a heavy liability in connexion with the re-insurance of war risks for the protection of the societies' funeral funds, and had already expended some £10,000 in this direction.

The whitebait season in Greymouth this year is probably the poorest on record (says the "Star"). The catches have been very small, and the local factories have not had anything like a fair supply. "With the exception of two or throe days last, month, the industry has been altogether disappointing. Fishermen now report the season practically closed, as is shown by what aro called lagoon-bait or smelts (a larger fish of less enticing nature than the whitebait) now making their wav up stream and invariably tho• rearguard of the smaller and much preferred finnv mites.

"I don't wish to appear as an alarmist," said the Hon. G. W. Russell to a reporter yesterday, "bnt there is evidently a tendency for cases of cerebrospinal meningitis to increase outside tho military camps. The latest return, covering the week ended Monday last, showed that thd total number of cases throughout the Dominion was eight, of which only three were in tho Wellington district, and, therefore, at the camps. It is possible that the cases reported from Auckland and from Southland may lie cases of soldiers on leave, because it is a remarkable fact that up to the present the civilian population has been singularly free from attacks of this disease. The matter is

beinr; carefully watched by the officers of the Public Health Department, who are preparing reports in connexion with each separate case."

Private Geo. Haydcn. of Xeiv Plymouth. writing from hospital in Franco in September last, describes how ho was wounded during the ''big push/' -'I was sitting in ;l cellar in a village we had just captured," ie says, "making out our battalion casualty list, and hart completed it up to da to when the old Hun started putting a few shells around us. It had previously been one of his dug-outs, and had a place dug into the ground some, fifty feet below us. He had nreviously put a few shells into this cellar, and had mado it light enough to work in. After ho had put a few near us I told the fellows near me to get bolow into safety, as it was only committing suicide to stay where we were. I had picked up the papers I was working on. and was near the top of thjo steps when one hit Us fair and square, and knocked me a'>out four yards. The only thing I really hare any idea of is a bang, a terrible singing in the ears, and feeling the blood running down my leg. The peculiar part of it is that although the cellar had about ten occupants only four of us were hit, one seriously and the other three only slightly. I got 3o splinter wounds, just skin deep. and all mainly (i.n my j face. T can tell vou I am not a Ten* pretty picture at the present moment.''

The Telegraph Office ad vise,- all cable messages for wounded or invalided soldiers should be addressed "Care Zeadvocate. London," which is kept advised of all movements in hospitals, and will arrange for delivery of the messages. For the vacancy on the Canterbury Land Board the following nominations have boon received:—.Michael Joseph Corrigan, Dallington; Neil Mcnzies, "Wainmtr; Robert Parker. Holloston ; David Stowell. Timaru. Tho election has been fixed for Dcccmbor 14th. On Friday next the ]>ady Liverpool Fund Committee will make a special appeal for presents of tobacco and cigarettes for the use of the soldier s at the front. Great preparations are being made for the day. and a large staff of young la<lies lias been requisitioned to act as collectors. At the Colosseum to-morrow evening Dr. Maud Fere will give a lecture to women only on "Social Diseases." Admission will be free, but no one under the age, of sixteen years will be admitted. Seats may be reserved at The Bristol on payment of a small fee. A meeting of the Hamilton Horsedrivers' Union condemned the Arbitration Act and the Court in a stronglyworded resolution, and pledged itself to support the present union iu whatever action it might decide to take to rectify the injustice done (says a Press Association message). No. shortage of competent plumbers is reported in Christohurch at present, and every map with a "ticket" is in employment. Some big jobs that will be put in hand soon may alter the position of affairs. In "Wellington it | is reported that there is a scarcity of competent workmen. , Tho Minister of Public Health (tin' Hon. G. W. Russell) informed a reporter yesterday tbnt recent returns received by him appear to indicate that | the scarlet fever epidemic, which has raged in Canterbury. i s showing a great j abatement. The latest figures, covering the past two or three weeks, showed that the number of cases had dropped to 23. The peculiar complaint known as neurasthenia was the subject of some comment in the case heard in the Wellington Supreme Court on Tuesday, before Mr Justico Edwards. One doctor acknowledged that it was a common experience to find that neurasthenia ended with the termination of a lawsuit. "With a man who is out of sorts." lie added, "the causes of neurasthenia are almost infinite, but the commonest cause is an injury, accompanied with shock." "I may tell you something which the majority of you have not heard before," said the Hon. G. W. Russell at Burwood last evening, "and that is this. Our Motherland and her fair Dominions, even long before the war, had been menaced by the foreign spies within them. Early in the war there was a motor-car accident in France, in which some famous spies played a prominent part-, and on thpm, do you know, there were found plans of every fort in New Zealand. We may truly thank God for tho protection which, our incomparable Navy is able to afford us."

A patriotic offer made by a rejected recruit was mentioned to a reporter by the Mayor yesterday. Mr Holland said that the man in question had been rejected on account of a deafness which was not so acute as to interfere with ordinary work. The young man, who is married, is very anxious to do something in connexion with the war and lias offered to take any job that will release a fit- man and allow, him to go to the front. He will take clerical, or similar, work, and is prepared to drive a cart and horse. The Mayor will be glad to hear of any opening that would suit tho young man.

The term "duly qualified medical practitioner," which is invariably applied to a doctor when giving in Court proceedings, was referred to by Mr Justice Edwards at the Wellington Supreme Court on Tuesday. Addressing a medical witness, 'his Honour said that he was strongly of the opinion that something further than just those mere words snoukl be said. Every medical man was entitled to say more —to give his actual qualifications if he so desired. "It may riot refer to Wellington," added hjs Hoftour, "but in other parts of tho colons' there are certain gentlemen who have come from America, and who certainly are not, I am'sure yon will .agree, duly qualified. I certainly think that the actual qualifications should be given."

Two members of the United States Department of Commerce, Hi- Frank Rhea and Mr R. A. Lundquiet, arc at present visiting Auckland, having'arrived by the Niagara on Sunday. The trip, which will later extend to Australia, China, and Japan, is primarily being undertaken with 2 view to bringing beforo American manufacturers the exact conditions and requirements of the Dominion railway and electric systems and markets. Complaints as to any American goods which have proved unsatisfactory will be investigated, and it l : e anticipated that as a result of the/ tour Amerjcan exporters will be able to handle future business with, a much bettor conception of New Zealand requirements. Messrs Rhe.i and LuncJquist expect to remain in New Zealand for about four weeks.

Out of seventy candidates who sat at- Auckland, Cbristelmrch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Hawcra, Napier, Blenheim, and Invercargill. at therecent examinations under the Plumbers Registration Act, 28 gained complete passes, 12 obtained partial passes in theory, and 8 obtained partial passes in practice—a total of 48. This is the test result so far obtained at these examinations. At the previous c.\r.niination, held in March this year, out of 68 candidates only ten obtained complete passes. The following, who were examined in Cbristehurch, gained complete passes, and their names have been added to the register of registered plumbers:—Stanley Craw, Arthur Dickinson. Robert Carson, and T. G. Kiliick. The following obtained partial passes :—E. McGerty and L. Sloman (practical only), and J. Dann (theory only).

Tho Hamilton correspondent of tho Auckland "Star" writes;— The depletion of the forests of New Zealand, and the exportation of timber from the Dominion, were referred to by Mr W. Auld at a meeting of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. He thought the Chamber might make some representations to the Government on the matter. Mr C. B. Smith said the sooner the Xcw Zealand timoers were got rid of the bettor. At present millions of pounds a year were, being spent on timber for buildings which had to be renewed about every thirty years, owing to the "rotten stuff" which the New Zealand forests provided. This v.*as a question of national importance, and the sooner different forms of material for building purposes were provided the better. In view of the visit,of an Auckland delegation to the forests above Rotorua it was decided to take no action in the meantime.

A thipment of soldiers' comforts, which recently reached Port Moresby by the steamer Martina from the Ladv I Mayoress's Patriotic League. Melbourne, is referred to by the Papuan "Times'' as follows:—"It appears that the radio staff is considered to be on active service., and therefore entitled to the same gifts as the men in tha trenches. Considering the fact that the radio staff is well paid and enjoy soft billets, it seems scandalous thai money collected from the working classes in Australia should be squandered in oroviding silken garments for those -who can well afford to bny them." The matter is also referred to bv a correspondent residing a t Port Moresby in a letter to the "Age." Ho comments that if the statement be correct, it is simply tbiowmg away valuable articles which are badly needed by those at- <he front. The men at the wireless station lived in Port Moresby, had very comfortable quarters, and were worse off than he or any other resident. I

Four senior entrance scholarships at the Girls' High School, Christohurch, for girls under 10, Avill be awarded on the result of examinations to ho hold at the school at 10 a.m. on December 7th and Bth. Entries closo at the school on XovemDcr 2oth. When out of sorts, tired, weary, nerrous, come and "Ask Loasby about it." Adults 3s 6d. children 2s. 2 ' For washing dainty fabrics;, "No Rubbing- Laundry Help" is best. N.Z. Farmers' Co-op. 8 T.awns and gardens are beginning to suffer from want of raiu. Order today a length of our special wearing hose and a sprinkler. Next week may be too late to save the situation. Lewis and Anderson. Ltd., Cashel street. <} Now white voile blouses, nicely trimmed with beading, smart turn-down collars, Lnsvinia" sleeves, 4s lid, at Armstrong's. 1 Photographic booklets of 4 to 12 views of your home, with groups of your family, to send overseas for Christmas. ' Details from Steffnnc "Webb. Petersen's Buildings, High street. 3921 English, manufacturer's sample of high-class, hand-made cambric underclothing showing to-day for the first time at Armstrong's. 2 '"Crockett and Jones'' Footwear is noted for fine appearance and exceptional durability Inspect this season's smartesr models at Harris's Imperial Boot Depot, Ml Colombo street. , 9 "Practical patriotism demands that I as far as possible the Lmpire's money should be spent within Empire. Therefore, if you want a motor buy a British Westinghouse. 'lumbal! and Jones, Ltd.. agents." 6 Gentlemen's mercerised neglige shirts, new patterns, :3s lid. 4s 6d, at Armstrong's. 3 The superb new "Crockett and Jones" styles at Harris's Imperial Boot Depot, 6&1 Colombo street, are fine examples of this famous English footwear. Get fitted now, 7 Spfccial line child's collapsible pushcars, fold instantly, rubber tyres, facing mother style; only 49s (id, lowest price in town. Drayton's Emporium, 765 Colombo street. 2 Crepe 'varsity suits for small boys, ! brown, cream, greys, wonderful value for 5s lid, at Armstrong's. 4 To complete your summer outfit get a pair of "Crockett and Jones'' highgrade shoes. Smartest new sty leg for ladies and gentlemen at Harris's Imperial Boot Depot, (391 Colombo street. 8 Two hundred pairs men's dark tweed trousers, for working wear, 6s 6d, just opened at Armstrong's. 5 THE HOME OF THE "STUDEBAKER." . Look at page 2. There you will get an impression of the "Studebaker" manufacturing plant, including the great Canadian factory. Adams, Ltd.. Chrititchurch. 6