GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16256, 5 July 1918, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

The Minister of Defence has been advised that the 38th Mounted Reinforcements and the Third Raratongans havo reached a port of call, all well. It is expected that a steamer which is due at Wellington on Sunday next will have on board a European mail, in addition to American mails. Another steamer which is expected to reach Wellington about Tuesday will also probably have on board a quantity of American mail matter. Garden Notes will be found on page 4. James Watson Chapman and Nellio Caroline Chapman, trading as J. W. Chapman, of Ashburton, fish and poultry salesmen.-have filed a petition in bankruptcy. At least three Canterbury men—two belonging to Christchurch and one to Lyttelton—took part in the historic attack on the Gorman submarine base at Zeebrugge. At the meeting of the Navy League Inst night it was decided to circulate amongst the scholars in the Sixth Standard in tho public schools in North Canterbury the account of the attack written by Lieutenant Hancock, which was published in "Tho Press" on Wednesday last.

"If the war continues/' remarked Bishop Sprott' at the Anglican Synod at Wellington on Tuesday, "we shall havo further temporary vacancies in the staff of clergy, as, of course, the supply of chaplains to the new reinforcements must be maintained, and also, alas! the places of those who may be permanently disabled for active service supplied. I know that I can confidently rely upon our people in parishes whoso clergy may be called away as chaplains, loyally to stand by tho Church in this time of stress."

A magnificent royal head was lost to a party of visiting stalkers last season (says the "Oamaru Mail"). They were on the Dobson block, and had been following this stag for some time. At length it was decided to take a long shot ; as a result of -which the stag fell. Upon arrival at the spot it was found that it had fallen over a precipice, and that the antlers wero completely ruined. By roughly piecing them together it was found tnat they measured 50in across the spread. A royal with a spread of 45in was subsequently obtained.

Smoke and steam, were seen to be issuing from Mount Ruajpehu on Saturday morning, says the Ohakune correspondent of the Auckland "Herald." People at Waiouru saw smoke arising in the early hours, while from Ohakune a volume of steam was observed. The position where the steam was rising is north of the Matterhorn, nearly halfway between thero and the centre of the mountain, and those who know the topography of the vicinity ore of opinion that it is fiom the hot lake at the top. Ruapehu is at present wearing its midwinter mantle of snow, and is very heavily coated down to the snow line.

The soldiers' letters which are coming into Base Records in connexion with the History of the War show a wonderful spirit of optimism (savs the Wellington "Post"). The daily perik of the war are usually described in quite a matter-of-fact way. There is no complaining, but a note of satisfaction pervades nearly every letter—tho prido of those who know that thev are doing their duty, and feel that nothing else matters. As an instance, the day after landing at Gallipoli, a soldier-writes: "All day long men are coming in bleeding like stuck pigs, and laughing over it, and cursing the Turks." The slang philosophy of the battlefield may be summed up in the postscript to one letter: "Tell them at home not to worry. Although there are some tough times, I wouldn't miss it for quids, and if by chance I kick the bucket you will know it was worth it."

An ex-member of the Christchurch. Flying Club, in conversation with a reporter yesterday, suggested that as a stand-by ic«ans of communication with the power-house at Lake Coleridge pigeons should be employed. He thought that the club would be only too glad to co-operate with the Public Works Department in this matter and arrange for the periodical exchange of birds during the winter months. The staff employed at the power-house could look after, the pigeons at Lake Coleidge and the club could arrange for thie necessary exchange of birds. The distance between the power-house and the city could bo covered by a pigeon in an hour and a half, and the establishment of a pieeon post would be most valuable in the event of the recurrence of the present state of things, when delay has resulted from the interru]jtion of ordinary irothods of communication with Lake Colendgo. J

The Wairewa County Council announces that the Christchurch-Little River road is unsafe for traffic along Lake Forsyth.

The Cheviot County Council notifies that the Waipara road is closed, there being a big washout on the Cheviot side of the Hurunui traffic bridge.

At the monthly meeting of the executive committee of the Canterbury Employers' Association, held on Wednesday (Mr A. F. Drayton, president, in the chair), a report was received from Wellington stating that the opinion of the Solicitor had been obtained on the question whether an industrial dispute could be filed before the expiry of the date of the award in the trade concerned. The opinion was to the effect that a dispute cannot be deemed to exist until the currency of the award or agreement has expired.

Major E. E. Porritt has arrived in Wellington to take up duty as president of the special Medical Re-Examm-ation Board. This Board is goings to scrutinise the papers of the remaining C 2 men of the First Division, including men who have been discharged from camp. The Poard is to start its third itinerary at Auckland on 2-lth inst., and it will make a complete tour of tho Dominion. About 4000 men have to be examined. It is expected that the Board will be able to complete the examination of the First Division C 2 men on this occasion. Major Porritt, who recently returned to New Zealand on a hospital ship has had service experience to guide him in handling the C 2 cases.

Great heroism was displayed bv Mr J. Mulvenna, one of the A.B,'s on the Wimmera, who, with Mr B. Benson, another A.8., was lost as the result of self-sacrificing efforts on behalf of the pansenaers. Thf se brave men helped, to pet several of the boats out, lowering Ihem quite regardless of their own safety, and did not cease their efforts to save life when the boat to which they were allotted had been safely lowered. Mulvenna was a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and bad no relatives inNew Zealand. Benson, whose correct name is believed to be Berston, came from Sweden. He also had no relatives in New Zealand. It is the unanimous opinion of the survivors that the heroism and devotion to duty displayed by these two men cannot be praised too highly.

Some light was thrown on the returns from the fishing industry in a case vh'ch whs heard before Mr W. G. Riddell, S.M., at "Wellington, on Tuesday. A fisherran from Island Bay, when giving evidence, said that April and May were the two best months of the year for fishermen on_ the coast near the entrauco to "Wellington Harbour. The hapuka'was then in abundance, and the fishermen obtained their most profitable hauls of fish. The witness added that in April a four-line launch (a. launch that hn3 n crew of four men) made £200, in May £195, and £225 in Juno. Another witness said he was a member of tTifl crew of a sixliner, and during April three catches realised £325. 'Ihe benzino used cost £65, so that the net return for the month was £260. or £43 6s 8d a man. A four-line launch returned £130, or £32 10s per man for the same month.

All kinds of trusses at Loaßby's. Stocks getting short, and no supplies arriving. Purchase now. Loasby. 2

Formidable stocks of special bargain lots, remnants, odd lengths, odd garments of ail sorts and sizes, aro being ehown to-day, at Armstrong's Annual "Winter Sale. 1

There are a good many photographies obligations you have never paid. Call on Steffano "Webb at once, 252 Higli street, Christchurch. Telephone 1989. 6 What are Toric Lenses? They are lenses which are ground scientifically to fit the curvature of the eyes. They give wearers a larger field of vision, and are most becoming. Wo fit Toric Lenses for all sights. Walter J. Watson, D.8.0.A. (London), Expert Optician. 2

Men's Rea/Iy-to-Wear Working Suits 29s 6d, 355, 42s 6d; boxed suit of highclass, and equal to tailored, for wear and cut, 425, 45s 6d, 52s 6d, 58s 6d. Sale Bargains,. at Armstrong's—see them. 2

Soldiers' Presents. Wo are well well stocked up, and know exactly the useful and necessary articles. No matter what amount you are prepared to spend, we will give you honest value for your money. Ashby, Bergh, and Co., High street. • 3

A Is 3d packet of tho famous "No Rubbing" Laundry Help is sufficient for seven weekly family washings. Truly a wonderful boon. to every housewifa. Royds Bros, and Kirk, Ltd., wholesale agents for "No Rubbing." 5 Armstrong's Winter Sale, as the best medium for buyers, claims everyone's attention. 3 WANTED TO (?ELL, FOtJR NEW STUDEBAKER CARS. We have ready for sale in our show rooms to-day one 4-cylinder Studebaker roadster, 2-3 seater, finished in carmine, £465; ono 4-cylinder 5-seater Studebaker touring car with two auxiliary seats, finisned in light brown, £465; one 6-cylinaer Studebaker roadster, 2-3-seater, finished in lemon yellow, £565; and one 6-cylindor 5-seater Studebaker touring car with two auxiliary seats finished in dovo prey. Adams, Ltd., Show Rooms, High street. „ 6