GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16424, 18 January 1919, Page 8

GENERAL NEWS.

Tho auction announcements of Dalgety and Co., Claridge and Smith, Lawrie and Dalton, H. Matson and Co., Harris Bros., Tonks, Norton, and Co., W. E. Simes and Co., R. S. McKenzie and Co., Harman and Stevens, and New Zealand Loan and M.A. Co. will be found on page. 15 of this issue.

At the Magistrate's Court at Masterton yesterday Arthur Maltby, restaurant keeper, was fined £25 for keeping liquor for sale in a no-license district.

The ferry steamer Mararoa, wnicn arrived in port at 10.15 a.m.. yesterday, brought over 500 passengers from the North.

Tho effect of tho epidemic on tho tram business in Wellington was rather startling (says a Press Association message). Tho four weeks ending December Bth show a loss of £5559. For several days the cars ceased running, and on other days the services were limited. Tho passengers carried in tho period dropped from 2,603,246 to 1,511,246.

The "Bluff Press" reports that the men who handled the cheese loaded into the liner Kent have nearly all become victims to "cheese" rash, caused apparently by tho blue mould on the cheeso getting into tho pores of the skin while tho men were in a heated condition. The rash is lumpy in charactor and rather irritating. This is tho first time such an experience has befallen the local watorsiders, but a similar occurrence has been recorded at Wellington when the men handled cheese that had been in store for a long period.

An Auckland merchant received a pleasant surprise on Wednesday morning in the shape of a cheque for goods supplied on .February 29th, 1888 (says the "Star"). The purchaser had saved the account for thirty-one years, and forwarded it with a cheque for £17 10s. The covering letter was as follows: "When 1 left Auckland in 1883 I owed you £7 that I was unable to pay. This I have pleasure in forwarding you with 5 per cent, interest." The recipient remarked: "It was in 1888 that the Kaiser came to the throne. There has been a lot of history made since then. We had a bad visitation towards the end of the year, but it would be a grand thing for business men if paying-up bad debts became endemic."

A question which continues to conpern returned soldiers throughout New Zealand is the basis of superannuation for those who join the service of the State or local bodies that have superannuation schemes. For example, at a meeting of the committee of the Wellington Returnod Soldiers' Association held on Wednesday evening, it was stated that a Harbour Board employee, who had been- wounded at the front, was unable to be certified as fit to participate in the Board's superannuation and insurance scheme. The man had) joined the staff of the Board, and \va3 able to do, apparently, the duties allotted to him, but because he had been wounded he could not be certified as physically fit. The committee to send a deputation to the Board, with a view to suggesting that the regulations might be relaxed in the casA of returned soldiers who joined the Board's staff.

The Mayor of Auckland (Mr J. H. Gunson) proposes to make certain suggestions to the City Council at its next meeting with the object of obtaining the jmblic opinion on the subject of a suitable war memorial for the Auckland province. Mr Gunson suggests that a prize should be offered for the best memorial scheme suggested, and that aftorwards a vote of the people should be taken to decide which suggestion should be chosen. He also contemplates calling a public meoting to discuss the Bubject of a 'war memorial, which he hopes will be one representing the combined effort of the whole province. The question of a peace memorial was raised at the Auckland Education Board on Wednesday, when Mr J. P. Kalaugher, supervisor of manual and technical training, suggested that no better peace memorial could be devised than one which would not only commemorate the deeds of our New Zealand troops, but would also by providing increased oducational facilities be of lasting benefit to the present and future generations. With this object lie urged that the Board make representations on behalf of educational institutions when the question of memorials was being considered Dy those who were leading the movement.

A remarkable incident is recorded in the Melbourne "Argus" of December 23rd last. It roads as followsA bo tit nine o'clock on Saturday evening the outer section of the cage containing Mollie, tho orang-outang, in tho Zoological Gardens, was seen to be on fire. Fortunately Mollio was lot out of the cage by her keeper before she received much injury, beyond having 6ome of her hair scorched off. Tho fire was toon extinguished with the help of the brigade. Then the animal had to be looked for in tho dark. Eventually she was found on the top of the cockatoo houso, and after much coaxing she came down and went towaids tho stables, but the sight of the firemen scared her. Sho took refuge in tho oak trees by the flamingo pond. The ovorseer (Mr ukie) sat down on a seat under the •trees with some bags, and in about an hour Mollio crame down and sat alongside him and covered herself with the bags. They sat there while the keepers procured a strong box and placed it near. The overseer then put some bags in and told Mollie to yo in. She promptly did so, and was secured. It is probable that some foolish person had given Mollio a box of matches, with which she had set her bags alight, as sho strikes all tho matches she gets. There was no sign of fire at half-past seven o'clock. It is interesting to noto that the fright Mollie got made her find her voice. It was the first time she had uttered a sound for about fourteen yoars.

Yesterday's river report was as follows- Waimakariri North clear Waimakariri South discoloured, Rakaia dirty, Rangitata flooded, Opihi clear, Wai'taki fishable.

It is announced that owing to circumstances connected with shipping, over which tho New Zealand Government has no control, the departuro of tho German prisoners beinc repatriated, who were to have sailed from Wellington this week, has beon indefinitely postponed.

Mr E. Parry. Chief Government Electrical Engineer, and Mr L. Birks are at T>resent making a "tour of tho South Island, investigating the possibilities for a comprehensive hvdro-elec-tric power scheme for the South Island, to link up with the Coleridgo power scheme. Mr Birks is not expected back in Christchurch for some days. -

\n instance* of Gorman misuse of tho Red Cross is auotcd in a letter received bv Mrs .T. H. Smith, Waitara, from her son Fred, who has been fighting in France. "Thero is one item I must not forget,'' he says, "and I would not havo believed it had I not seen it myself. That was a Hun, with a (white band and big red cross on hisarm, lying dead over a "machine-gun—killed on the job. There was absolutely no mistake about it. The gun was in'a fine position, and he had a whole pile of empty cases alongsido him. No he was the cause of numerous casualties before ho was put out."

Something in the nature of a rarity —a white kiwi —has been discovered at Tahora. The bird was run down and killed by dogs at tho rear of Sir J. Robson's mill. At first it was thought to be a fowl, but investigation proved it to bo a kiwi. The skin was removed and shown to several Maoris in Hawera, and all stated it was the first white lciwi they had seen. Tho specimen will bo forwarded to Professor Drummond, Wellington. The Hawera Natives were very enthusiastic over tho find 1 , and offered £10 for tho skin, which was declined.

"I notice in the daily papers that Mr Atkinson, at your annual meeting, was of the opinion" that returnod boys would not take the same interest in sport as before. lam glad to say that my experience in this town has been that they are taking a much more active interest in swimming than before the war. As an instance, I have four returned soldiers on tho Hamilton Amateur Swimming Club Committee, and over 20 ordinary members who are returned boys. Sevonteen of these in pre-war days nover came near tho baths. I am certain that if every enticement is given them, the returned boys can be roped in again." Extract from _ a letter received at last night's meeting of the Council of the New _ Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, from the hon. secretary of tho Hamilton Swimming Club.

It is expected that tho near future will see the establishment of direct wireless communication between Australia and Great Britain. In October last a definite connexion was established, and Sir Joseph Cook, Minister for the Navy, was able to send a direct message by wireless from London to Australia. Even before this date (stales the Melbourne "Age") radio stations in Australia had been picking up long-distance messages tapped out from wireless stations in Germany. While it has been possible,, however, under the most favourable conditions for Australian radio stations to pick up long-distance messages, tho present wireless plants in Australia are not considered powerful enough to send out messages that would reach as far as England. But this is a matter that timo will rectify, and there is no doubt that before very long the commercial world will bo making daily use of wireless as a means of communication between tho Commonwealth andl the United Kingdom.

A shipment of Australian fruit arrived in Auckland by the Port Lyttelton, and was promptly auctioned. The keenest demand was for cherries, of which 178 cases were received. These were sent from, the Orange district of New South Wales, and were of good, sound quality. Tney were put up in small 121b casesj and were extremely well packed, showing a desire on the part of the growers to market their fruit in an attractive manner. This fruit sold at from 21s to 25s 6d per case. Tho oranges were also in fine condition, and, considering the lateness of the season, brought good prices. The fruit, in cases of from 12 to 15 dozen, sold at from 24s to 32s 6d per case, and although this is lower than the prices ruling early in December, it is considered very satisfactory for /the growers. Passion fruit of fine quality brought from 21s to 25s 6d per box of from 12 to 15 dozen. There was keen competition for pineapples, which are packed in cases containing from 16 to 24 pinps, according to size. Roughs and Ripleys sold at from 225. to 245, and choice Queens at from 26s to 30s per case. Lemons, which were fresh and firm, sold readily at from 28s to 35s per bushol case. So far, says a writer in the Melbourne "Argus," the Postal Department has no information to suggest the early resumption of theTnail service from Europe via Suez, which in pre-war days afforded the most rapid communication between Britain and the Commonwealth. It will probably not be long before mail steamers are ordered to take the canal route regularly, and when the resumption is made.the time occupied in the conveyance of mails will no doubt be shortened by the use of the Gre&fWestern .railway. At loast a day will be saved by the overland carriage of matter which previously has been brought by the mail steamers to Adelaide. Meanwhile a slightly fastor service should be possible via America. More frequent and less circuitous sailings across the Atlantic, now that war conditions have ended, will appreciably affect Australian mails. A promise of bettor things was the recent mail by the R.M.S. Ventura. Some of the letters brought by that vessel and delivered in Melbourne on Boxing Day had been posted in London on November 12th, or, as one Australian soldier termed it, "The day after the night before,'.'. referring to the armistice celebrations in London. From the timo of posting to delivery iu Melbourne these letters were 45 days on tho journey, which is tho fastest delivery for many months. Occasionally mails from Australia via America nave reached London in 41 days. For four yeaTs in succession, the Institute has held its annualmeeting under the shadow of war. Now that the shadow is passing away it is fitting that we count tho scars the war has given us (stated tho annual roport of the Now Zealand Educational Institute). The list is a lonrr and grievous one —and, let it be added, glorious. When the war commenced in 1914 tho mle of tho male teaching staff of New Zealand, from, university professors down to pupil teachers and probationers, and including Native school teachers and inspectors, contained less than 2200 names. From that staff, with its additions in the interim, the enlistments up to Dcwmlwr 31st, 1917 —n year ago-;—numbered exclusive of those rejected on mesical grounds. These fellow-teachers or ours have received pounds too numerous to be reckoned of, honours not a few, and not less than 150 of them have, as they would have said, "Gone West. It may be taken as an axiom that tho character of tho teacher is reflected in l tho quality of the product of his school, and it is not too much to claim that a great factor in the building of tho splendid reputation of New Zealand s soldiers has been the kind of teaclvng they have received in the schools. \\ c, who have not been called upon for service, will in a little while have the privilege of welcoming our fellow-workers back to their homes anu to their schols. The welcome to our "returning brave will be cordial and hearty, but it should not cause us to forget the sympathy duo to tho relatives and friends of those others of our fellows who w'll return no more.

Messrs Pyne and Co. announce « clearing sale on behalf of Mr E. Reid at Spotswood on Tuesday next. V Wellington telegram states that the demobilisation of the Military Service Boards is gazetted.

For closo upon two months no new supplies of oranges or bananas have reached Christchurch. By the Moana, which is expected to arrive from the Islands at Wellington to-morrow, it is hoped that suppl«» wiU reach this city during next week. Once tho man with the camera may stroll round the wharves and take "snaps" of the many oversea vessels at the various Now Zealand ports. Information received states that, as all restrictions havo been removed regarding the photographing of these vessels, persons may uso their cameras as in pro-war days.

•V Hawera correspondent recently saw a wasp that had fastened on to a spider twice its own size. Tho spider, evidently, had been stung, as it was comatoso. It was dragged backward over vcrv rough ground for four or five yards. The wasp then released its hold for a few minutes, and seemed to «cout in order to discover its bearings. When it _ was convinced that it was on the-right .track to its nost it rushed back to the spider, which was dragged into crevices under a large stone, and both disappeared from view. The wasp seemed to make light of the task of Ge ttin 6 the spider to its home.

Referring to the reported death of tho Maori prophet Rua, Colonel T. \\. Porter of Wellington, writes to tho Wellington "Post" : "The Maori name of tho prophet before he became head of the Ringa-Tu cult, as successor to Te ICooti Rikirangi, was Ruatopu Ivonana. On the assumption of tho prophetic role he was re-christened R^j l " , (Rua: Most Holy Hophzi-bar). Tlhis name was taken from tho Book of Isaiah, ch. 62, verso 4- "Thou shall no more bo termed forsaken ; neither shall thy land anv more bo termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hophzi-bar (M.v 3>elight) and thy land Beulah: for the Lord delighteth in thee, and thy land shall bo married. Rua was shortly to have divulged tho secret burial place of his predecessor, To Jvooti, which still remains unknown. The Atua (God) was to disclose tho whereabouts of the tomb to Rua when the people assembled. '

Colonel Chaffey, Officer Commanding tho Canterbury Military District, returned to Christchurch yesterday morniurr from "Wellington, where a conference of officers commanding military districts and departmental officers was held this week. Colonel Chaffey informed a "Press" reporter that the conference had done nothing else but discuss demobilisation questions. Several vessels, he said, were expected here shorlty with returning soldiers, ana the conference arranged matters so that tho process of demobilisation will be proceeded with expeditiously as soon as a vessel arrives at a port. Luckily, through the restrictions upon wireless being now removed, tho authorities woujd know a day or two before as. to a vessel's exact arrival. Captain D. M. Robertson, A.A.G., who also represented Canterbury at the conference, did not return to Christchurch yesterday, having gone to Nelson to inspect that group.

Attention was drawn at the last meeting of the Auckland City Schools Committee to a recommendation made to the Otago Education Board bv the local District Health Officer (Dr. Farris) that all school children _ should' be given gargle drill twice daily, with the object of preventing the spread of diphtheria and other diseases. Mr Lilly said that he had obtained a report on the matter from Dr. Pabst, -who recommended thati the scheme l>e tried; the headmasters of the schools were also favourable. It would be necessary, he added, to see that each child -was provided with a mug, and to instal apparatus for giving a plentiful supply of hot water. The oost of the gargle solution, however, would be very small. Some doubt was expressed by one of the members as to whether all the children could bo taught to gargle, as experience showed that even adults in many cases could not learn. The mugs would also have to be kept clean, and many would probably get broken or mislaid. A sub-committee was set up to enquire further and report to tne next meeting.

Describing the recent big blaze in Roberts's Hotel, the "Sydney Sun" refers to an amusing incident of the fire. Mr Roberts (the owner of the hotel) had a pet Queensland talking parrot (says the paper). Rushing to the scene, he decided to\ rescue the bird. He rushed to the floor where_ it was/ secured the bird, and carried it downstairs. The bird had two pet phrases: "Do you want to come in?" and "Would you like a glass of milk?" All the way downstairs it screeched these questions, and when brought into George street and given to tho care of f*ie of the housemaids, it continued these cries, varying its entertainment with a tuneful rendering of "Love Me. and the World is Mine." A few of its feathers were scorched, but the bird appeared to revel in the excitement. Mr Roberts took the loss of his hotel philosophically, and when the fire had reduced most of his premises to ruins he seemod to find consolation in the rescue of his parrot. "I have lost £20.000 or £30.000," said Mr Roberts, "but I've saved the bird, and that is a very happy thought 1"

For the third year in succession, the directors of Vacuum Oil Company Pty., Ltd., paid their permanent employoes in Australia and Now Zealand a bonus at Christmas equal to one month's salary for a complete year of service in Islß, or a pro rata sum in the case of those employoes who have served less than 12 months. Tho company instituted these bonus payments as a recogniticn of the loyal service given by the employees. Tho company, which has a reputation for welfare work amongst its employees, has mado provision for pensions being paid to aged employoes. It has also nut into oporation a plan under which the dependants of doceased employees receive financial grants, the amount _ boinjr determined bv the length of service and the position that was held by the deceased employee. A largo number of the company's staff in Australia and New Zoaland enlisted for active service. Many of them received full salary from tho company, during the whole period, whilst others woro paid the difference between their military and civil earnings. The position of every employee who enlisted, has been kept open against his return, notwithstanding the fact that in nearly overy instance extra assistance has liad to be engaged to carry on the work.

The practice referred to in the annual report of the Educational Institute, of putting questions on education to Parliamentary candidates was mentioned by Mr W. D. Bayloy, a Canadian visitor to the conference at Wellington on Tuesday night. "You should go further," lie said. "You should havo somo teachers in Parliament." Tho teachers should get control of the education system. "They tell us that the Minister and the school boards are at the head of the system, but we are at the heart. Wo can tell more in a few minutes about the needs of the child! than any Minister who has been elected on a party vote and has to be given a portfolio. Of course. I aih referring now to my own country. Your Minister here lives up to his professions." Mr Bayley said that he had an interview with the New Zealand Minister for Education and expounded to him all his rebellious views. ■ And the Minister simply said, "I like that." He told him that in the arithmetic lesson he would leave i;rofit and loss for a time and teach the children something about the post office —something of tho idea of the service, so that they would know that there was something else than working for profit. "And he said, 'I like that.' I «on't know how his colleagues would like it." (Laughter.)

A framed picturo of Gallipoli and Palestine views worked in tussore eilk has been presented to tho Returned Soldiers' Association by the Rov. S. Lawry.

Members of the South AYaimakariri River Board intended paying a visit of inspection to the Board's reserves on the upper portion of the river yesterday, but owing to the rain it was docideu to postpone tho visit till to-day.

All officers of tho Royal Navy, Royal Naval Roservo, and Royal Naval V olunteor Reserve who are at present on leave in New Zealand, and not yet reported themsolves to tho Naval Department of the New Zealand Government, are instructed by "Gazette 1 ' notice to do so forthwith by letter, enclosing the original correspondence authorising the leave.

A question of salary was raised at tho annual conference of tho New; Zealand Institute of Architects at Wellington on Wednesday. The secretary of tho Institute mentioned that after paying office expenses ho had about lus a week for his services. "While I would be deeply grieved to sever my connexion with the Institute," he remarked, "1 could earn £4 a day as stoker on tho Maori." Tho argument was convincing (says the "Dominion"), and tho lnstituto approved of an immediate increase in tho secretary's remuneration.

Mr C. C. Empson, of Nelson, has received a cable message from his son, Signaller 0. C. Empson, M.M.. now attached to the Ist Canterbury Battalion, stating that he is leaving England for New Zealand in January. He has been staying with friends at Scarborough in a house belonging to a cousin, which was struck by a German shell in tho first sea raid. Tho shell stiuck the bathroom, which was attached to the house, completely demolishing it, just as Signaller Empson's cousin had stepped out of it.

At last night's meeting of tho Council of the Now Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, the Centre Reports Committee recommended that tno Wellington Centre be congratulated on its successful efforts on bolialf of patriotic funds, and that the Council commend to the consideration of other centres the efforts of this centre, that had resulted in the granting by the Corporation of free passes to the municipal baths to children who have swum a distance of a mile, and the setting aside of four froe afternoons each week for children. It was sta ted that the large number of schoolchildren's certificates gained was a commendable feature of tho work, as was also the great activity in teaching and coaching children. Tho recommendation was adopted.

One of tho matters brought up at last week's meeting of the Auckland City Schools Committee was tho offer by the Minister of grants to committees for cooking apparatus to give hot food drinks to children who had to travel long distances to 6chool. The chairman said that such an arrangement would do a great deal of good in the city schools, for unfortunately many children were insufficiently fed. The Rev. R. L. Walker remarked that it was true that) many children were underfed, and were sometimes sent to school without breakfast. He did not think, however, that food should be supplied for nothing, as to do so would liave a paupering tendency. Children at the free kindergartens, he understood, were supplied with lunch at a charge of a penny, and the penny was always forthcoming. A subcommittee was set up to consider thel matter.

Don't suffer -with Rheumatism. Try "Rheumatic Pebbles" for the relief and cure of Rheumatism and allied complaints; such as Lumbago, Sciatica, etc. Price, 2s 6d a box, three boxes 7s, from chemists or direct. Loasby and Co., Chemists (opp. Ballantyne's). 1

The wear and tear on table-ware is a problem that is continually cropping up in the household. There is no advantage in buying cheajy table-ware, for it is dearest tn the end. Silver ware and electro-plate of proved quality is always a feature of our stocks. Watson's, Jewellers, Limited, 695 Colombo street, Christchurch. 1

Akaroa, of which General Pau says, I was delighted with its beauty and 6cenery, the vfsit raado one of tho happiest days of my tour. 8

General Carrying of all sorts undertaken by J. M, Heywood and Co., Ltd. Their plant of , horses and vehicles is one of the largest in New Zealand. 6 Santa Claus urges everyone to sing their cheeriest songs now that the war is over and the flu flying quickly away. "No Rubbing" Liaundry Help- still obtainable from all grocers. Is a packet. 6 For Holiday Makers.—A very fine lot of Suit Cases, Kit Bags, etc.. is just now on oifer at Messrs Hastie, Bull, and Pickering's, Cashel street. A' Strong Suit Case of particularly good value is priced in two sizes at 18s 6d and 21s respectively. . 6 With the present shipping troubles, it isonly a pharmacy doing a big dispensing business that can bo relied upon to accurately dispense a prescription nowadays. We hold good stocks of drugs, and charge moderate prices. E. Cameron' Smith, chemist, 96 Worcester street (just off Square). , 58464—213 TO OWNERS OF TRIUMPH MOTOR-CYCLES. Wo are prepared to make liberal allowances on Triumph motor-cycles taken in part payment for latest model "Triumph," "8.5.A.," or "Excelsior" motor-cycles. Adams, Ltd . High street. 6 TO OWNERS OF B.S.A. MOTORCYCLES. The same offer holds good to owners of V13.5.A." motor-cycles. We can give delivery of the new "Triumphs" in February, "8.5.A." in a week or two, or "Excelsior" at once. Adam 3, Ltd., High street. 6 TO OWNERS OF EXCELSIOR MOTOR-CYCLES. Excelsior owners are also included. Prices of new model motor-cycles am: Triumph (4 h.p. 3-spoed), £125; B.S.A. (4i h.p., 3-speed), £110; Excelesior (7-9 h.p., 3-speed), £110. Lamp and horn included. Adams, Ltd., High street. 0