GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15872, 11 April 1917, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

Tho auction announcements of Dalgety and Co., P. S. Nicholls and Co., Charles Clark, Harris Bros., W. E. Simes and Co., and Tonks, Norton, and Co. will bo found on page 11 of this issue. At the Y.W.C.A. to-night the winter session will bo inaugurated. Chaplain Captain Grigjg, of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, who was wounded in Egypt, will relate some of his experiences while on active scrvice. Writing to a member of the Wellington "Post" staff, a settler at the Chathams states that fishing in the launch Puanga off Kaingaroa, three men caught in twenty-two days 17 tons 4cwt 3qrs 161b of blue cod, valued at £237. -This is believed to be a fishing record for the Chathams for any one month. Tlie value of the catch was divided equally between tho men concerned, oach receiving £79. "Tho demand for playing-cards to-day is greater than it has ever been even in the maddest days of tho bridge Curiously, this affects the manufacturers much more than the retailers, some of whom report that business is rather slack," says the "Manchestel Guardian." "The reason, of course, as explained by one of the largest manu. facturers. is that people are buying in largo quantities on behalf of Army canteens and military hospitals, and go direct to the makers. Tho lighting restrictions havo enormously increased tho demand for cards.

A Gisborne land agent states (according to' the "Herald") that a most objectionable feature has como into evidence in connexion with dealings in land and other property, individuals who havo heard of impending deals having interposed to seek a share of the commission. Tho agent states that twice within a week ho has had demands mado for largo amounts, failings payment of which threats have been made

to block impending Bales. Ho states that his reply has been curt in each case, but the individuals making tho demands are evidently not awaro of the penalties they render themselves liable to. The following extract from a private letter by a Dunedin resident on Saturday, from the Rev. Dr. Wilbur Chapman, dated New York. March sth, will probably be of interest to the public, especially in view of America's present attitudo: "My operation was tho climax of many years of suffering, and while it was exceedingly severe and came very near costing my life, my recovery is all that could be expected. I am obliged to give up my heavy work fo r a little while, but Mr Alexander and I will again soon be in the thick of the fight. Our hearts ache because of the war, but we are glad that our President is now voicing tho sentiments of the majority of the American people in his evident desire to stand i with tho Allies against Germany."

Tho experiment of converting Wanganui Oollcgo into a "barracks" for four days, and putting the boys attending through a course of military instruction for that period, which was so successful in 1913, will be repeated to-morrow, -when Major J. L. Sleeman, 1.G.5., Director of Military Training, will assume tho duties of Commandant at the request of the Collegiate authorities. The "barracks" will be continued until Sunday. The programme of training will consist of instructional exercises and manoeuvres, particular importance being attached to individual training and a high standard of discipline. Tho scholars will pass into the hands of the military authorities at 6.30 a.m. each day. and be •undcu- rigid military discipline until 9.30 p.m., when they will again pass under the command of the school authorities. Similar "barracks" will be held at the Waitaki Boys' High School, Oamara. from April 23rd to 27th, and it is hoped that other bio; secondary schools in the Dominion will he able to follow suit during the present trainiug year.

j An interesting account is given of tho j incident by which. Captain Gordon Guthrie, or Havolock (Hawkc's Bay), won for himself the much-coveted disj tinction of tho Military Cross. His j company had cleared" 15 German j tienchcs on tho western front, which j they found occupied by elderly men and quite young boys, and had returned to I their own quarters, when Captain | Guthrie, with au uudefinablo feeling j that something remained to be done, went back alone and found himself face I to face with a big German officer wear- ; ing tho most gorgeous uniform h e had ever seen. Then ensued a combat worthy of homcric days between theso two big, powerful men. Captain Guthrie is Oft 2in and weighs 1G stone (having developed wonderfully G n active service), and his antagonist was of similar proportions. The German aimed a tremendous blow, which neaTlv crumpled his opponent's helmet 'in two. Then thoy closed, and a terrific struggle for mastery began, each exerting a-lfhis strength. Finally, however, the superior strength of -tho New Zealander triumphed and he was able to despatch his dangerous opponent, -who, from tho richness of his accoutrements, was evidently an officer of rank. Captain Guthrie is at present engaged in France training non-commissioned officers for commission; but lie is anxious to get back to tho front, where, to uso his own expression, he wants to "get mad'' for a few minutes again.

A special train, taking passengers for the ferry steamer for Wellington, will leave Christchurch for Lyttelton at 1.1 p.m. to-day.

With tho exception of tho Waitaki, which was high and dirty, and the Rangitata. which wa s dirty, the various Canterbury trout streams were reported clear yesterday morning.

Before Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M. m the Magistrate's Court- yesterday, two first offenders were fined os each, in default 24 hours' imprisonment, for drunkenness, while Michael O'Connell was fined 10s, in default 48 hours' imprisonment, for a similar offence.

At Auckland yesterday, the Hon. W. H. Hcrries received a deputation from the Chamber of Commerce and local bodies in the Eden electorate, with reference to the proposed railway curtailment, especially in regard to suburban trains. The Minister's reply was on the lines of his rccenfc statement to a Wellington deputation.

Tho Grcymouth Borough Council lins decided to" take a referendum on the question of allowing picture shows to open on Sundays. There has been a controversy for some years past as to whether the majority of the peoplo of Greymouth favoured Sunday pictures or not, and feeling has at times been high.

At the symposium of tho Overseas Club to-morrow* evening, Professor J. Macmillan Brown will speak on "Aspects of tho War and the Future," and Mr Holford, Bac. Agri., will tako for his subject "Agriculturo and the War." Musical items will be contributed by Messrs Tmvcrn, Jones, Bracey, Wilson, and Bowie, and the Christchurch Banjo B and.

A meeting held at the Presbyterian Church. Linwood, last night,- in connexion with tho campaign for the closing of hotel bars at 6 p.m., at which several leaders of the movement were to speak, was attended by a mere handful of people, and resolved itself into a more or less informal discussion of ways and means. To-morrow night a meeting will be held at Addington Methodist schoolroom.

Askburton residents who visited the mouth of the Ashburton river _ (Halcatore) on Monday v.ere surprised to notice a stag, which had apparently travelled down tho Rakaia river from the Gorge, and then followed the coast, arriving at tho mouth of tho Ashtmrton river. Tho animal, instead of making across the river, took fright at the people viewing it from tho huts, and mado straight out to sea and swam for miles until it was lost to sight. The 13th North Canterbury and Wellington Regiment went into camp at ivansiora Racecourse yesterday. The camp is in charge of Major W. Jeffries, with Lieut. A. V. Williams as adjutant. There are about 350 men under canvas. An advance party, consisting of one officer and 15 men, went in on Monday, and all the tents were pitched and everything mad© ready for the main body, which arrived yesterday afternoon. The C.E.M.S. and Salvation Armv have erected large marquees for recreation purposes, etc. During tho week ended last Saturday eighteen men registered as unemployed at the local bureau of the Department of Labour. They comprised 1 carpenter (married), 1 farm hand (married), 1 gardener (single), 13 labourers (six married), 1 storeraan (single), and 1 wire-worker (married). Of the total seven were found employment —two in Government and fivo in private employ—leaving 11 still on the books at the end of the week. Men are still wanted for tho work at Otira on the Arthur's Pass tunnol, and for the ballast pit at Culverden.

In spit© of the had weather, th 0 at-' tendance of the public a'fc the Art Society's exhibition yesterday was good. The hostesses for afternoon tea were Miss Booth, Mrs A. F. Wright, and Miss Scott. Miss Little arranged a very good musical programmo. By means of the afternoon 'teas and the sale of produce the Lady Liverpool Fund has now benefited ,to the extent of £130, but it is hoped that tho amount will reach £150 before the exhibition closes. The president of the Lady Liverpol Fund (Sirs Holland) will bo at home on Friday afternoon and evening at the Art Gallery. A coin or gift will be gratefully received for the Trench Comfort Fund, and afternoon tea will be provided. Mrs Russell has arranged an excellent musical programme for the afternoon, and Mrs Horne one for the evening. Tho closing day of 'the exhibition is Monday next, |

Loasby's Nerve Tonic and Blood Enricher makes rich, red blood, imparts vigour ana health. 2s 6d and 4« 6a. 1 Every packet Easy Monday Laundry Help contains coupon for Competition. First prize, £100 cash; second, £10; third, £5; 50 at ss. 6 Gentlemen contemplating the purchase of an overcoat should view Arn> strong's stocks—over 900 to select from—priced from l'Js 6d to 90s. 1 "Tho glory of the garden." Bradbury's famous Sweet Pea Seedß are now ready; 145 varieties, mostly threepence per packet. Sow now for early blooming. Full selection. Catalogues and instructions at Hastie, Bull and Pickering's, Cashcl street. . 6 The Big Demand we have for "No Rubbing" Laundry Help proves that Housewives find it practically abolishes rubbing. Wo give a "Thinker's" Notebook free with every Is packet. J. T. Norton, Grocer. 7 Our readers' attention is drawn to Armstrong's, Ltd., advertisement, detailing telling selling bargains in connexion with tho sale of Dallas's drapery. o If you want an electric lamp, buy a Royal Ediswam, which is ail British. Turnbull and Jones, Ltd., solo agents for New Zealand. Q A long timo since, your last photograph "was taken ? Time now for a new one. Let Steffano Webb take it. Telephone 1989. Petersen's Buildings, High street. 5 Armstrong's, the leading houso for gents' hats, are showing now shapes and colours at 4s lid, 5s lid, 8s lid, 10s 6d. 3 Akaroa, the old French settlement, choscn by our Allies as the Most beautiful harbour existing, it retains this health and beauty still. Take your holiday there. 6

Easter Shooting —High-class Guns by Papo and Bonehill, just opened, also new stocks of sporting cartridges, Win. Chester .Rifles, Ammunition, Game Bags, Cartridge Belts, and Cleaning Gear, at Lewis and Andoison, Ltd., Cashel street. 6 Gents' linen collars, best quality, any shape, 6d each, at Armstrong's. 4 "WANTED TO SELL—SECONDHAND MOTOR-CYCLES. Offers wanted —Latest model 4J h.p. three-speed "8.5.5.," owner has purchased car. Low pric© for quick 6ale. Meade and Deacon •Canoelet" side-car, first-class condition, £15. Adams ,Ltd., Hi<:h street. 6