GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16143, 22 February 1918, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

Tho Waimakariri (both branches) and tho Opihi were reported clear yesterday, and the Rakaia, Rangitata, and Waitaki dirty.

There is on viow in tho window of Messrs W. Strange and Co. the large silver cup presented by the Fendalton Unit of tho C.D.C. for competition among the Boy Scouts of Fendalton.

The sceond of the series of Lenten addresses was given last evening, in the Cathedral, by the Very Rev. Dean Carrington, and was largely attended. Tho subject was, "The City of God."

Tho Capetown Conference which recently discussed tho quostion of encouraging recruiting passed a resolution that German South-West and German East Africa shall under no circumstances, be returned to Germany.

The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr H. Holland) has convened his projected conference for the advancement of Canterbury, for Thursday, March at tho City Council Chambers, at 11 "a.m. Two or three hundred public men from all parts of Canterbury will be invited to attend.

I'nquiries aro being made by the police concerning tho whereabouts of a Government servant, aged 38 years, who has been missing from his home in Dnnedin since Sunday (says vesterday's "Otago Daily Times"). He" is subject to absence of memory. In appearance fie is of medium height, is clean-shaver., and has very fair hair. When he left liome to visit St. Clair he was wearing a dark suit, a brown overcoat, and a soft grey felt hat.

It was a very disappointed plaintiff who left tho iVlagistrate's Court on Tuesday (says the "New Zealand Times"). Ho had brought a claim against a. neighbour to recover the amount of damage caused by defendant's son, who, he alleged, had broken windows in plaintiff's house. Plaintiff had not bothered about a solicitor, and took his place in the box bearing a look that spoke of injured feelings tliat would soon be lioaled. He had not proceeded far when his Worship interrupted and explained to him that a father was not liable for tho wrongs of his son unless the son was tho father's servant. In the present case the son was too young to be a servant, therefore judgment must bo entered for defendant. Plaintiff left the box with a mystified and humiliated expression on his face, convinced, no doubt, that like a live electric wire, the law is a dangerous thing to tamper with.

"Why cannot bakers employ women?" asked Mr H. Bruce, at the Conciliation Council yesterday, when the bakers' dispute was under consideration. Mr Bruce explained that thero was some work in connexion with a bakehouse that women could not do — lifting sacks of flour or cases of butter and eggs. It seemed strange that they could not employ women, especially now that labour was so scarce, whilo banks and other business people employed them. The Commissioner (Mr W. H. Hagger) replied that, in the previous agreement between the parties there was no provision made for the employment of women and the employers were asking for the continuance of that agreement. Tho union's proposal, which was accepted, provided for the employment of women, But stipulated that if they were employed in the manufacture of goods for sale they should be paid the same rate as men.

The following item, taken from tho December number of the "M.S.S." ',a pharmaceutical pamphlec published in .London) shows to what extent food is controlled in England:—"A lady brought into a chemist's shop a somewhat emaciated dog, and made a request that the chemist should prescribe for it. It appeared to the. pharmacist that a vermifuge was indicated, but he informed the customer that if the dog belonged to him he would feed it up and get it into stronger condition before taking active steps to eradicate the trouble. Cod liver oil was suggested, but as this was not at tbe moment available, a purchase of malt and oil was made. A short time afterwards the chemist was surprised to receive a visit from an inspector, who informed him that ho was liable to proceedings for selling an article fit for human consumption for the use of a dog. The matter did not go so far as a prosecution, but it certainly became interesting."

'In tho course of his presidential address before the Microscopical Society, last night, on "Crystals and Crystallisation," Mr E. E. Stark said that it was a common and instructive experiment to place a delicate framework of a basket or some other object, in a solution of sugar or alum; aftor a while it becamo a basket of finished gems, the crystals glistening with their many polished facets. Again, if a quantity of sulphur were meltod, it would crystallise on cooling. To obtain distinct crystals, the surfaco crust should be broken as soon as formed, and tho liquid part within be poured out; the cavity, when cold, would be found to he, studded with delicate needles. The crust in this case was as truly crystallised as the needles, although but faint traces of a crystalline texture wero apparent on breaking 't. This was owing to too rapid cooling. Melted lead and bismuth would crystalliso in the same manner. There was a substance, iodine, which, when heated, passed into the state of a vapour; on cooling again the glass vessel containing the vapour was covered with complex crystals as brilliant as polished steel. During the cold of winter, the vapours constituting clouds, often became changed to snow; this was a similar process of crystallisation, for every flake of snow was a congeries of crystals, and often presented the forms' of regular six-sided stars.

It been decided bv the Wellington Education Board that an endeavour bo made to obtain the return to the schools of anv teachers -who may be on homo service with the military- forc<*.

a rolir of the -wreck of the American whaler Jani?s has bon recovered from the sea and is now on view in Auckland ("nvs the •'Star"). Iho Janus wa* wrecked off Awanui Heads about forty vears ago, and the cor per galley kettle was rescued comparatively r^uth. This ceme into the hands of Mr C. H Poole "MT. for Auckland West. It is a lu£o"coppor kettle, the bottom portion beaten and the top turned, rhe i" 5 capable of carrying about ouarts "and", apart from its historic value should be worth a fair amount at the present high pnre of copper. As tho old gun of the Boyd that was destroyed bv the Maoris at Whangaroa is now'at the Auckland Museum, it wou d be a good thing if .tho copper kettle found the same resting place.

There is a distinct probability that tho Federal Government will not proceed with the imposition of the bachelor tax passed by Parliament Inst year <mv s tho .Melbourne '-Age ). The collection of •i special tax from single men has been authorised by Parliament, but belore it can become effective an assessment Act has also to be passed. This Hill may b:, dropped altogether. hist week to taxation matters generally, tlio Prime Minister said the series of Cabinet- meetings al>out to be held would lp largely devoted to considering the whob -present system of finance. In dealing with tho subject, the Government would have in view tho remedying of any hardships and any defects in machinery, and the removing of all causo? irritation. It was the intention of the Government to obtain the necessary revenue with the minimum of friction. As a rosult of tho conference between Federal and State taxation authorities, the Treasurer had been able to propose such arrangements as, subject to Commonwealth and State legislation, would result. in greatly .simplifying procedure, and would relievo taxpayers bv providing that they would liavo to fill in only one income tax return instead of several, as at present.

There is evidently an impression that reservists of the Secoud Division who claim to bo in another class to that in which tbev have been called up only require to 'attach to their appeal papers certificates of birth of their children. That is not sufficient (.says the Wollingtion "Post"). The Military ServiceBoard points out that it is necessary for such reservists to appear "in person to support their appeals, or supply a declaration or affidavit sworn before a J.P. or local constable. Frequently it happens that the cases in question are not disposed of when called, for lack of information. and reservists run the risk of having their appeals formally dismissed in consequence. Tho reason ist that it is necessary to prove to the Board that the wife and children are still alivo, and are being supported by tho appellant. Instances have occurred where tho appellants havo been judicially separated from their wives,- and havo not been supporting their children. On the other hand, an appellant's wife or children may be deceased, a fact which birth or marriage certificates do not show. So that proof is best suppliod by personal attendance, or the altcrnativJl as mentioned above.

The claims of the Auckland, Museum to the possession of the Motuihi curios have not been overlooked by the Mayor (says the "Herald"). Some ten days ago Mr Gunsor, wrote to tho Minister of Defence, pointing out_ that, as tho event with which the articles arc associated occurred near Auckland this city had a greater claim upon them than had other centres of the Dominion. "It is quite certain," said the Mayor on Monday, "that if we stand by and say nothing everything will be dofloeted from us and taken to other centres. Our instituto and museum is obviously a very suitable place for the housing of the Motuihi trophies, and, seeing that already we have a few trophies in Albert Park, additional articles be placed there if suitable housing provision wero made." This question, said the Mayor, was altogether apart from the question cf permanent war memorials, wnich be dealt with until the conclusion of the war. "In connexion with thjs latter question," ho added, "it is ouite certain in my mind that any suggestion of one national memorial, 'say, in the capital, will not adequately meat requirements. The temper of the Auckland peoplo probably will be found to be such that i~"<ie suitable local memorial will bo insisted upon."

A laughable story of how a young man was "beaten" for his half-share in a bottlo of whisky was unfolded before Mr T. A. B. Bailey, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court yesterday, when the said young man was arraigned on a charge of stealing a bicycle. The accused stated that he and another man had entered upon an afternoon's conviviality—in fact, they had got very drunk. Accused did not know his companion. All he knew about him was that towards evening they bought a bottle of whisky between them, which the companion carried when they left th 6 hotel. Passing a shop in Tuam street, at the door of which was a bicycle, tho stranger was evidently struck by a brilliant idea for securing tho whole bottle. He suddenly announced that the police wero "after" accused for drunkenness, and ■urged him to jump on the handy bicycle and make good his escape. This accused, in his inebriated condition did, while tho companion made off with, the liquid 6poil in the opposite direction, and was never seen again. Accused was so drunk that lie fell off the bicycle several times while covering two or three blocks, with considerable damage to iiis person. His final fall resulted in the approach of a constable and accused's arrest for drunkenness, a process which was attended by depreciation in the value of tho constable's overcoat, for which offence accused was now serving a short term of imprisonment. Further investigations by the police disciosed the manner in which tne accused obtained the bicycle. The Magistrate said that he would have to convict accused of theft, but let liim off with three months' probation.

The Board of Governors of the McLean Institute met yesterday afternoon, the Mayor presiding. Jhe chairman said that the sum of £125 would be required to provide improved hre escapes at Holly Lea. It was resolved to repair one ladder, and to let down others in the meantime. .With regard to a demand by tlie Hospital and Charitable Aid Board for payment of expenses incurrod by one of the Board's employees at Quamby who was attended to in the Infectious Diseases Hospital, the Board decided that ic could accept no responsibility. A novel point was referred to m the Finance Committee's report, in which reference was made to a letter received from Mr Henry Laing, Papanui, and Messrs Duncan, Cotterill and Co., relative to certain large forest trees growing on the Holly Lea property. Air Laing claimed that tho trees overhung his property, and tho roots extended over HO feet across his property, vry considerably reducing tho value of ,t, and causing much annoyance and damage. for vhich he held the Board strictly responsible. Ho gave the Board notice that unless it took immediate steps to relievo him from the damage within a month ho would take legal measures to indemnify himself for both past and present- damage. Mr Harper, chairman of the Finance Committee, said the point was one of considerable importance, and strangely enough, though there were plenty of cases referring to overhanging branches. ho could find no record*of or-> in which roots were involved. The Hoard agreed that if it was possible to en-f-Trce the cutting of roots fnwl lhe probable subsequent ki]lir-_; of trees) which came on to one's property from adjoining ones, it might be very serious for the city. The matter was referred back to the Finance Committee.

The following figures furnished by tho Government- Statistician show the numlnjr of alitus who have been registered in New Zealand up to the loth _ inst: — Europe: Austria-Hungary 112(5. Belgium 59. Denmark 581. i? ranee S9, Germany 750. Greece SI, Italy 226, Netherlands 53, Norway OtW, Portugal 10, Russia 500. Spain 3*5. Sweden 471. Switzerland 2(so.'other 40. Asia: China IS3O, Japan 8. Svria 142. Africa: Egypt 3, other 5 America: Argentine 7, Bra7.il 2. Chile 1. Mexico 1. United States 401. Uruguay 1. Totals : Eurono 46(59. Asia 19S0, Africa S, America" 413: grand total 7070. Want a Truss? Let Loasby ft you. Large assortment just lanoe.l. Why suffer? Come and "ask Loasby about it." Advice and medicine, 3s 6d; children, 2s. I The week-end sale of home-made food supplies at the Red Cross Depot, Cathedral square, will be in charge of the ladies of th 0 Manchester street Rod Cross Depot, who will have a largo supply of home-made cakes, pies, fancy bread, poultry, etc. ''No Rubbing" laundry help. ''Golden Rule" soop, "Golden Rule" candles, "Golden Rule"' writing tablets. Winning on their merit,-.. Royds Bros, and Kirk. Ltd.. wholesale agents for "No Rubbing" and "Golden Rule." 5 The} - are clearing the whole of this season's model hats, of all descriptions, black included, at 3s lid. 5s lid, and 7s lid. bargains truly, at Armstrong's Stocktaking Sale to-day. 1 Tennis Goods. —New stock of rackets just- opened. Driva, S.N.D.. . Tate, Ruby, A.D.P.. and Slazenger's—all best grade goods, also few new tennis i alls. Lewis and Anderson, Ltd., Cashel street. 6 Eye Strain. —Persistent headaches arc in most cases the result of muscular eve strain. Have your eyesight scientifically tested by Walter J. Watson, D.8.0.A., London, of Watson's ''Jewellers" Limited. Glasses are only recommended when absolutely necessary, and .arc prepared in neat and becoming rimloss designs. (5 Heavy reductions arc ruling in the dross department at Armstrong's Stocktaking Sale. -10-inch plain and fancy voiles Is yard, slightly soiled sateens GJd, block stripe voiles, 40 inch, Is (5d : regimental stnpo silks, llJd yard; 40 inch white piques, Is, Is Od yard ; 3-1 inch tussore, Is lid, 2s t>d. 2 Special attention is given boys and girls in the teaching of elocution by Mii-s Kiore King, L.L.C.M. (Elocution), London. To speak correctly, pronouncing vowe] and contsonant sounds properly, is included m the primary lessons. The training is of special advantage in thus teaching proper voice production and good English in childhood's early years. Full particulars from Miss King, Warwick House, 52 Armagh street west. Telephone 148. 8594 Sit for those New Year portraits today. Do not put it off any longer—and be sure they are made by Steffano Webb, Petersen's Buildings, High street. Tele. 1989. 8 HIGH-GRADE ENGLISH CLEMENTTALBOT, 5-S EATER, £160. We have for immediate sale a 12.22 h.p. u-seater Clement-Talbot motorcar. Has been exceptionally well kept, and is well worth inspection. Tyres almost new. Complete with full road equipment, including spare rim. Price £160. Adams, Ltd., 219 Tuam street. 8704