GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16261, 11 July 1918, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

We have received 10s from F.L.B. for our Serbian Fund.

Two recruits enlisted in Christchurch vesterday for active service. They wero G. A. Taylor, Prebbleton, farm hand, ago 20, and A. T. Lund, 40 Norwich street, Linwood, age 19.

A Wellington telegram states that the Graves Registration Commission has undertaken to provide, whenever possible, photographs of tho graves of New Zealand soldiers buried in Franco. These photographs will be despatched to nearest relatives as soon as they are received in Wellington.

This evening a mass meeting will be held in tho Choral Hall. Tho Mayor will preside. Addresses explaining tho National Efficiency Board's recommendation in favour of the total prohibition of the liquor trainc will be delivered by Dr. Chilton, Mr James Keir, Mr A. S. Adams, the Rev. R.. S. Gray, and Mr J. B. Struthera.

"A case of botter late than never!" declared the Bishop of Wellington on Monday night, in speaking of an occasion on which ho had confirmed a very old member of the Church. "During the past year," he said, "in a remote country parish, I had the very great pleasure of confirming a man at the ago of ninety. It was strange to see that old gentleman walking up with the others, but he walkod as firmly and sturdily as any of them." The Bishop said that he did not consider that this old gentleman had not been in all his life a member of the Church until he was confirmed, but he had certainly been "a little lato" in taking advantage of that privilege.

In civil life frequent warnings have been given of the danger to health resulting from expectoration in public places, and by-laws have been made forbidding the habit. _ .Yet it continues. Apparently some civilians have carried the practice to camp with them, but under the strict medical supervision obtaining with the soldier communities the same freedom to spread and cause annoyance will not be jjermitted. A paragraph in Trcntlism routine orders is brief and to the point : "Attention is called to the fact that spittcons aro provided, and tho disgusting habit of - indiscriminate expectoration is to ceaso. All officers are directed to immediately check this breach of orders on every occasion."

A considerable amount, of business is usually transacted at the monthly meeting of tho executive of the Patriotic Fund, but yesterday there was an air of unrest amongst the membors. The chairman (Mr H. Holland) threw light, on the matter by suggesting that the big football event of the year would commence within the hour, and ho suggested that the meeting be adjourned in consequence, particularly as there was important business- on tTlo agenda paper, and tho. attondance was a small one. However, one member hold that the bus'ness should fro on.

and the memWs brinerinf up the most important matters moved for permission to thorn over till next Tricetinrr. Tbis was Granted, and the remn?"3er nf fVio business was transacted well within half an hour.

During their journey Home ? tho 34th Reinforcements in common with all the later bodies to leave New Zealand, conducted a journal, and a prizo of 10s was offorod for tho best namo suggested for it. The winning idea, that of Private Tarr, was a very original one. His suggestion was that the paper, which was intonded to bo a link between the members of the reinforcements and those at home, should be called "Tho Link," and he also submitter a cloverly thought out cover design appropriate to the name. Tho threq pictures on the cover are enclosed by three links of a chain, so arranged that thoy form the number .of tho troopship. "100." The first naturally looks like the figure 1. In the centre one is a photosrraph of the troopship, and in the third is a snapshot of the scene on "Wellington wharf as tho ship is leaving, tbe link between tho men's future and their loved ones. The idea is certainly an artistic and a novel cne. and the book is decidedly well named.

The appointment of an inspector of hospitals, to supervise the business side of the administration, just a,s there Is an inspector on the medical side, is proposed by the Minister in charge of hospitals, the Hon. G. W. Russell, who was in Auckland at the week-end. "Xlr Russell said on Saturday that it would be the duty of this'officer to visit each institution to see that practical business management was introduced into every department of hospital control. Tho Minister anticipates a great improvement in administration of the services of a suitable man are secured. Mr Russell said the appointment of a Departmental architect was also being considered. Quite recently accounts amounting to several thousands ot pounds came before tho Department for work done for individual Boards, and it was anticipated that if this work were done in future by a Departmental -officer a great monetary saving would I e effected. The Minister said salary drawn by the Government architect. who was responsible for all the public buildings in Now Zealand, was £750 a year. The principle had already been established by the appointment of Mr Anderson, chief engineer cf the Ponrua Mental Hospital, as advisory engineer to the Public Health Department, and his services wore available to all hospitrl boards.

The Auckland "Star's'' correspondent, writing with reference to the recent eruptions at Rotorim, reports that the opening from the lake in Frying Pan Valley is now 80ft wide. Owing to the heavy pressure, there was considerable danger in making tho small outlet for the -water to escape; dynamite was used' first, but the material being too loose, the charge exploded without sufficient force. Guide Warbrick's men then removed material from the bank to relieve the pressure. The water from Frying Pan Flat Lake is emptying itself into Lake Rotomahana, which it has raised I2J inches. At the height of its overflow it was 80ft wide and 30ft high, and proved a magnificent sight to those who were privileged to see it. The level in Frying Pan Flat has been reduccd by 40ft. The bank holding in this great body of water at first was from 10ft to 12ft in thickness, composed of a clayey substance impervious "to water. The twin geysers, so called because they generally play together, are still showing great activity, and have every appearance of having come to stay. A cliff overlooking tli9 new geysers', 200 ft hifih. rffords a splendid vantage ground for visitors to see tho thermal action of the flat. Some of the shots are just about as high as tho hill. The upheavals are most awe-inspiring, for a mass of debris and water, some 80ft in diameter, is heaved bodily into the air with terrific rumblings, just as was the case with. Waimanjju in its heyday.

In the* Banking Returns, supplied by a Wellington correspondent, and published by us on Tuesday, the headings "Circulation" and "Coin and Bullion," towards the end of the article, were transposed; the figures appearing under "Coin and Bullion" should have appeared under "Circulation,'' and vice versa.

A meeting of the Charitable Aid Committee set up by the Trade Unions, was held last evening to consider the Charitable Aid Board's enquiry and report regarding contract funerals. Mrs Mathieson presided. Tho report was adversely and it was resolved to appoint a "deputation to wait upon the Board in tho matter, and to securo tho presence of witnesses of a certain funeral. Messrs A. Lightfoot and H. Jutsum and Mrs Mathieson were appointed the deputation.

"Following on a report in the papers to the effect that the Defence Department have taken over the Chalmers ward at the public hospital, your committee recommends that the Council write to the Spreydon representative on the Board, asking if it is correot, and, if so, will there be any reduction to 'ocal bodies on the maintenance account?" ran a clause in the report of the Finance Committee received at last night's meeting of the Spreydon Borough Council. The recommendation was adopted.

A united service of intercession was held in tho Trinity Congregational Church last night. The Rev. George Moore presided. Prayers were offered up by the Rev. Dr. Erwin and the Rev. J. J. North. Tho Scriptures were read by the Rev. Mr Hunt, of Geraldine, and £he Rev. P. N. Knight gave an address on "The Divine Weaver," taking his text from tl.-o Book of Job, chapter 9, verse 25. A solo, "Let Us Have Peace," was sung by Mrs Smith. Mr S. C. Owen presided at the organ, the choir of Trinity Church led tho singing.

Probably owing to tho unusual weather conditions in tlie country, it was found impossible to obtain a quorum for tho monthly meeting of the committee of the Canterbury A. and P. Association yesterday, and the meeting had to be adjourned. This is the first time in tho memory of tho secretary, Mr O. B. Pemborton that a quorum has not been available during the seventeen years he has been with the Association. Some of the members who were present said that such a thing had not occurred for over thirty years.

A small number of ratepayers and residents in the inner lighting area gathered in the Waimairi County Council Chambers last night, in response to an invitation by the chairman of the Council, to discuss matters in reference to tho completion of the local electrical scheme. Mr J. A. .Uren was voted to the chair. Mr S. A. Staples, chairman of the Council, addressed the meeting, after which Mr Allingcon moved: 'That this meeting approves of the action of the Waimairi County Council in raising a loan, and requests them to take a poll, so that the electric system may ue relieved of its overdraft." The. motion was seconded by Mr R. Pugh, and carried unanimously, A vote of thanks to Mr Staples concluded tho meeting.

Tho funeral of the lato Foreman A. L Davis took place yesterday. Tho cortego left the Central lure Brigade station at J2.30 p.m., the motor engine bearing the body being preceded by 60 firemen in lull uniioiiu, representing tho City, Railway, Addington, Sumner, New Bngnton, Woolston, Kaiapoi, and Rangiora Fire Brigades. Six senior members of tho City Brigade acted as pall-bearcrs. Among those present wore tho Mayor (Air It. Holland), Cr. A. Williams, and many friends of tho deceased. Wreaths were sent by the chairman and members of tho Fire Board, the officers and members of the Fire Brigade, Mr and Mrs Hunsley, Mr and Mrs Parkes, Mr and Mrs G. liiug, AI r L. Iveigh. and Mr and Mrs Toms and family. The service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. C. A. Fraer.

A letter was recoived by tho executive of the Canterbury Patriotic Fund yesterday, from the Minister of Defence, stating that arrangements woro being made to provide all undischarged Boldier in-patients of hospitals with the bluo hospital uniform, and that every endeavour was being made to secure a sufficient supply. Out-patients could not wear such a uniform, but tho question of a distinguishing badge for them was being ; considered. Mr H. B. Soronsen commented on tho fact that tho uniforms were not favoured by soldiers, but ho hoped they would be brought round to another point of view. Mr J. Coe remarked that a request that tho uniforms should be supplied had come to tho Governmont from the recent Returned Soldiers' Conference at Auckland. Mr F. Horrell said that soldiers in hospital were under military discipline, and their objections were really nonobjections' at all. The letter was received.

Yesterday morning indications were discovered ab the JNornial School of tiie stay of a mysterious visitor during the previous nigut. Drawers and cupbuaids were found. ransacked, but only about 7s, mostly in coppers, had been taken, although money totalling some £15 was on the premises. The sum stolen was part of an intended contribution to the Lady Liverpool Fund. Tho thief was evidently mild-mannered, for only one receptacle was broken open—a cupboard with a glass front. The intruder mado himself comfortable in the staff room, as was evidenced by a pile of disarranged cushions on a coudi, and partially burnt fuel in the fireplace. That the sojourner was an ingenious as well as very 000 l customer is disclosed by the fact that he placed a tin kettle at a bend in the oorridor leading to his temporary quarters, thus providing a novel, if somewhat crude, alarm system. In the early hours of the morning he went on his way, probably rejoicing, with the janitor's overcoat in liis possession, ns well as the stolen money.

"The Link," the troopship journal of the 34th lteinforeemenLs, is a remaikabJy good production. Jiach magazine of tins kind tliat comes to hand would appear to be just a triiio in advance of its immediate predecessor, and as more than a score have come berore "ihe Link," it may readily be understood that the latter is a paper of very considerable merit. As its editorial remarks:—"lt is not compiled in any pretentious spirit, nor does it aspire to literary or journaiistio eminence. Simply we endeavoured to make it a lasting record of the Thirty-fourths, and to create a new link with Home." Be that as it may, "The Link" is a masterpiece from both a literary and an artistic point of view. As far as caricatures and sketches are concerned, "The Link" stands out well in front of all its predecessors, and Privates G. Tarr and Vivian Smith, and Bugler Marcus King, liavo contributed to it some efforts which even the Sydney "Bulletin" itself could not excel, while the photographic illustrations are excellently produced. In roading matter, "The Link" is quite as original as any Reinforcement paper that has come to hand. Excellent verse, both serious and humorous, various well-written special articles, containing particular reference to soldier life, numerous original jokes, and a budget of news relative to the journey of the troopship and the life of those on board, help to swell the many columns. The editor of "The Link" was Sergeant-Mai or D. J. Gtiiney. late of the "Lyttolton Times" editorial staff; another Christchurch man, Sergeant C. M. Cnrrati, was its business manager, and 2nd T/ieutennnt K. De M"nus. a member of the commercial staff of "The Press" before he went away in the first place with the Main Body, was its secretary. On the whcfle, "The Link" is a paper which will be treasured for a lifetime by every member of the Thirty-fourths.

"In purchasing the now sito for tho Boys' High School in Straven road," said Mr H. D. Acland, a member of tho Board of Governors, at tho annual reunion of the Old Boys' Association last night, "we have taken the precaution to secure an aero across the river, so that our boys, when bathing, won't offend the virtuous old men and ladies of seventy."

A monument to the memory of tho late Rev. Frank W. Isitt will be unveiled. in the* Linwood Cemetery this afternoon at 2.30. Special cars will leave Cathedral square at 2.10 p.m. Members of the Canterbury Prohibition Convention, which will be sitting during the day, will attend the unveiling ceremony.

Some alterations have been effected recently at the Supremo Court in connexion with the lighting of the Bench. The two upright lights which stood one on each side of tho Judge's desk have been removed, and in their place two lights have been installed almost overhead. This should be a great improvement, as the upright lights were in tho way when the Judge had occasion to address either the grand jury or the common or special juries.

A uniquo fraud has been perpetrated) on a general agent carrying cn an extensive business in Sydney (reports the "Sydney Daily Telegraph"). A few days ago a man offered him a consignment of olive oil, and tendirod a sample, which the agent examined, and found ts be of decidedly high quality. An agreement was come to, under which tho agent was to pay an open cheque for £1750 on delivery of tho oil. When the consignment was delivered several cases were leaking, but the leaking oil was of the quality shown in tho sample. The agent accepted delivery of all save the leaking enscs, and paid over tho cheque for £1750, which was promptly cashed. The cases on examination were found to contain merely water.

An excellent definition of the term

"mess"—an important one in tho dictionary of a soldier—is contained in a

humorous article in "The Link," the journal of the 34th Reinforcements.

"For a soldier to write home," says the writer, "stating that ho belonged to such and such a 'mess,' might, without some word of explanation, create any impression but the right one. A 'mess,' as a civilian understands the term, implies muddle or chaos, tho state of things resulting from incompetence ; but used in the military senso 'mess' signifies the soldier's first duty to himself —the partaking of nourishment. . . . All know and appreciate the wisdom of old 'Nap,' who immortalised tho axiom that an army fights on its stomach. They also know that 'charity begins at home,' and ro they combine theffe two polden rules, happily with excollcnt results."

Membors of the Wellington School Committees' Association wero addressed by the Minister of Education (this Hen. J. A. Hanan) on Monday. In the course of his remarks, Mr Hanan said that one of the most efficient factors in securing proper education was tho teacher, and it was in the interests of all that the best intellect and talent should be socured for the training of the children, whatever inefficiency might be tolerated in craftsmanship. It was indispensable that the nation should have the brainiest men and women as teachers. He was sorry to find Government Departments were offering more inducements to boys to enter the Public Service than could be given by the Education Department. He thought that was wrong. Un the efficiency of the schools largely depended the efficiency of public servants. The Government Departments were attracting boys and girls to tho detriment of the teaching profession. Recently an _ increased sum had been given by Cabinet to offer bettor inducements to young people to enter the profession. Subsequently an increase was. given to youths to enter the Government Service, and this had nullified the action of Cabinet. In the course of a speech at the annual reunion last 'evening of tno Ciiribtcliurch Hoys' ±tigu t&iiiooj Old Soya' j Association, the headmaster of tno ! sciiool, Mr C. E. Bevan-JJiown, referred j lirielly to tho coming change in tho site of the school. "J. 1 or mo, alter 34 years at tiie school, it is rather an ordeal to have, towards tho end of my career, to face the iact that the old school, or, rather, tho buildings, will soon be changed, and tho old rooms but a memory. A new site has been secured, and more commodious buildings will bo erected. Of course, the prosont site cou»d not be surpassed for convenience; it is right in the centre of educational Christcliurch, but the school has, during the last fow years, been increasing in numbers to such an extent that.the present buildings cannot copo with the expansion. But, after all, though I hope the old buildings will not be left m my time, yet the real school is not jn the buildings, however dear they may be, but in the heartj the love, and the affection of its members. What I hopo most is that tho old buildings may last long enough to bo packed with returning soldiers, so many of whom have written to me that thov look forward to the day when we shall all meet again in the old school. God grant" that that day will come soon.''

Appeals to eligibles in Australia have to be made in differents ways. Wellknown public men such as Sir Ernest Shackleton, Captain Carmichael, M.C., and Lieutenant Marks, R.N.V.R., have from the platform _ called, upon young men to enlist j politicians have app aled to the patriotism of the manhood of tha nation; and hundreds of officers all over the Commonwealth are daily, from recruiting platforms, urging men to join the colours, now that men are so badly needed. It has been recognised by the New South Wales Recruiting Committee (say s the "Sydney Evening News") that there is another form of appeal which can only reach certain men. This is the personal appeal—the quiot chat by a returned man. who knows what soldiering is, and who can answer all a prospective' recruit's questions and dispose of his arguments without getting heated or losing his dignity. A small numbor of recruiting sergeants, all returned tnen, who have seen active servic« been added to the recruiting staff, and they talk to th© men in tho street, in the warehouse,' on the racecourses, and sports ground: in fact, wherever young men are to be found, and put the case of Australia's urgent need for tlieir services to them in a quiet but persuasive manner. The scheme has cmly been in operation eloven days, but tho results so far have been most encouraging—totalling 184 recruits passed as fit. ~*

The restrictions on women wishing to leave Aew Zealand to travel through the danger zone are being rigorou3lv enforced, the Hon. G. W. BusselJ, Minister of Internal Affairs, stated Auckland on Saturday. He said that acting on the instructions of the imperial Government, tho Dominion authorities were issuing passports to »vorcen in cases of extreme urgency jni-7. liecfcntly, the Imperial Government had .imposed still stricter condiions in regard to one particular portion of the danger zone. Inferring to complain fs that had been made of tho large number of women whose names appear in passenger lists of outward-bound steamers, Mr Kussell said it was supposed that these were New Zealand wom«n who had obtained passports, whi!« others were refused. Ho explained that a large number of Australian women come to New Zealand in possession of passports issued by the Commonwealth Government. The3o women obtained passages on New Zeaiand steamers to cross th e danger zone, and it was natural that passengers from Australia, who wished to go to England or America by the quickest and safest route, should come to New Zealand to obtain their passages. The Dominion Government was not responsible for this, and it would not be practicable for the Government to refuse to allow Australian women,- who were in possession of the necessary documents, passages on steamers from New Zealand.

Captain Kel], of the Wimmera, in a letter to a ilobart merchant two weeks before tho loss of that vessel wrote: — "Wo seem to have a goodly Bupply of mines round this coast. Ido not seem to have lost any sleep through them, but maybe I will got an early rise one of these days."

The lack of support at present being shown to sports was touched on by Mr D. Redpatli at the annual reunion of the Boys' High School Association last evening. "We stand in jeopardy of losing what is, perhaps the best cricket ground in Australasia merely through lack of interest in cricket, and it is the same with other games. For goodness sake let us show as much interest as possible, and keop tho games and the grounds going for the boys at the front when they come back. Make your boys true sportsmen, and you will make true citizens."

All coughs, recent or chronic, in young or old, yield to Loasby'g Stop It. Grocers and chemists. - 1

The week-end sale of home-mado food supplies at the Rod Cross Sales Depot, Cathedral square, will be in charge of Mrs Alpers Sirs Molineaux, Mrs Slowman, and Sirs B. T. Reece, who will have on offer tho usual supplies of cooked foods and delicacies, etc.. 1 There are a good many photographio •obligations you have never paid. Call on Steffano Webb at once, 252 High streot, Christchurch. Telephone 1989. 0

Eyo Comfort—Those that require to wear glosses caji only obtain eye comfort by having their eyes tested and tho corrcct glasses fitted. Call on Walter J Watson, D.8.0.A. (London), Expert Optician, and get tho glasses you require mndo to order. " 1

It is ploasing to see so many thriftj wives paying spot cash—ls 3d—for a large packet of "No Rubbing" Laundry Help. "No Rubbing" does away with tlio old washboard slavery. N.Z. Farmers' Co-op. Association. 4

No ine likes moving, but the wor* can be made n-uch lighter if competent men are employed. J, M. Heywood and Co., Ltd., have them, and three up-to-date pantechnicons. Telephones 250, 1241, and 2174. 6

GOLD CAR TO LEAVE CITY SHORTLY. The famous Studebaker Gold Car will be on view at Adams, Ltd.'s Showrooms, High street, only a few more days. Those who have not seen it should make a visit to-day. It iB an automobile well worth seeing—the '•ostliest and most beautiful in the world. 6

WANTED TO SELL, FOUII NEAV STUDEBAKER CARS. We have ready for sale in our show rooms to-day one 4-cylmder Studebaker roadster, 2-3 scater, 'finished in curmine, £465; one 4-cylinder 5-soater Studebaker touring car with two auxiliary seats, finished in light brown, £465; one 6-cylinuer Studebaker roadster, 2-3-seater, finished in lemon yellow, £565; and one 6-cylinder 5-senter Studebaker touring car with two auxiliary seats finished m dovo grey. Adams, Ltd., Show Rooms, High street. 6