GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16433, 29 January 1919, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

Tho auction announcements of H. Mat son and Co., National Mortgage and Agency Co., H. B. Sorensen, Charles Clark, W. E. Simes and Co., R. S. McKcnzio and Co., Harman and Stevens, and Anderson and Palmer will be found on page 11 of this issue.

A spocial general meeting of the Christ's College Old Boys' Association will be held this evening at 8 o'clock.

A meeting of the General Committeo of the Poor of Great Britain, Ireland, and Belgium Relief Fund will be held in the Art Gallery at 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday, February sth, to pass tho balance-sheet; to decide on closing tho fund, and to decide on the disposal of tho balance in hand.

According to information received from Nelson, raspberries and hops are lato this year, and the raspberry yield will compare very unfavourably with that of last year. Although hops were in bloom at this time last year, this year they are not fully grown. Stone fruit is reported to be very scarce, ivhile, on the other hand, the apple orchards, especially round Upper Moutero district, are flourishing, and ,i plentiful yield is promised.

A Press Association telegram from Wanganui states that the commiftdo appointed to enquiro into certain statements made by Mr Bayley, tho prohibition lecturer, at Palmerston North, find that they were made on infnrmntion supplied to him by a returned officer, which he believed "to be true. At the same time the committeo feel that Mr Bayley committed a grave error of judgment. In a letter to the committee, MiBay ley expresses regret, but says tho responsibility for spreading the incident beyond Palmerston must rest on other shoulders.

The importation into New Zealand of French motor-ears was montionod at Auckland on Saturday by M. LeclercqMotto during a conference between members of tho French Mission and tho Chamber of Commerce. Would there bo the sumo chance of selling these goods in New Zealand now as before the war, he asked, or had America permanently captured the trade? "The trade should be just as good here now as beforo," replied Mr R. Burns." "Tho French cars which came here before tho war had an oxcellont reputation, and there is no reason, if your agents come out here, why the trade shouli not again bo developed."

"When people in need of a wash steal a cake of coap we do not mind very much," remarked a Wellington chemist to a reporter the other day, "but when a £2 camera is stolen a different view is taken." Pilfering in .shops, liko sneak-thieving on the waterfront, is very much too frequent in Wellington, and probably all New Zealand towns, and, like waterfront pillaging again, is difficult to detect. The chemist who complained of fcho loss of the camera, a folding pocket model, stated that each time n rearrangement of goods displayed on show cases was made some, articles were missed. The camera, contained in a box, had lain'on the shop counter for some time, but one day last wed; when it was desired to show it to a customer, the box was ' opened and found to be empty.

Mr Walter Dowie, of No'rthJEast Vallov, Dunedin, has receivod from Sir Douglas Hai<* an autograph acknowledgment of the receipt of two pairs of socks, knitted by himself, which, after he_ had completed tho knitting of 200 pairs of socks for tho troops, he forwarded in August last to the Fiold Marshal. In his lotter to Mr Dowie, Sir Douglas Haig pays a high tribute to the New Zealand division. Writing on Novembor sth, ho says: "Please accept my very host thanks for the two pairs of beautiful 60cks which you have so kindly sent me, and which have just arrived. I am greatly touched by your thinking of me at this time, and I appreciate your thought all the moro as you como from tho Kingdom of Fife. The New Zealand Division is a great credit to you all. You must feel very proud of the splendid fellows you have sent to Europe to fight for all we hold most dear. I am personally very proud to have the division fighting under my orders, and I can't tell you how my heart goes out to your grand fellows; they are such thorough men in every way."

I A soldior, who has been "missing" for two years, and has been mourned as dead, turned up in Sydney recently, and was met by his brother, who was on the Central Railway Station in the hope that ho might obtain some news of the missing man. The brother, who is nn Anzac, was anxiously scanning tho faces of the returnod men when another returned soldier askod him if he were there to meet anyone. ''No,'' replied the Anzac. "My brother was posted as missing a long time ago. and since my return I meet every hatch of lads that come back, and if' there are any from his battalion I always ask if they knew my brother, or had heard any details of what occurred to him. There's a chap now," he added, pointing to another, "who is from his battalion. I must —Just then the soldier in the car turned his face. "He's alive," shouted the Anzac, and despite a wounded leg, lie made a rush for the car which was about to move off. Leaping on the footboard, he threw his arms round the neck of tho soldier. The iatter, after a momentary start of amazement, flung his arms around the Anzac drawing him into the motor as it movwi off. Both men were still vigorouslv embracing as the car passed out of sight.

Harris Bros., auctioneers, have b«?n granted a land agent's lieen.se.

The annual meeting of tho Christchurch Citizens' Association was held last night. The proceedings as in the past, were not ipen to tho Press.

•V correspondent, "Weekly Patron," writes: "I go to Fuller's Oper,a House everv week usually> and I iv as surprised to see how far they e put bacix the" Is seats. I think they should have more consideration for poor people who have to count every shilling before spending it. as a lot of people only go to some amusement a week, and then they go to Puller's "

Yesterday tho Hon. IX Buddo received the'following reply to his telegram to the Minister of Public Works concerning the dnnger of the Waimakariri overflow".Matter of appointing a Commission to enquire into the state of affairs at north side of tho Waimakariri is having my attention, and I will communicate with you again in the course of a few days."

Our Dunwlin correspondent telegraphs that tho Conciliation Council: (Mr W. H. H>igger presid r ng) yesterday considered the claim of the Dunediu Theatrical Employeos' Union for increased pay. Tho Council settlc-d the hours of work for operators at 42 per week. The rate of wages for operators was fixed at £4 os per week. Tho holidays for operators were agreed upon at 14rlavs per annum at half-pay. Casual operators are to have 4s per hour. Overtime for operators was fixed at 3s per hour. As to ticket-sellers, they are to work 2S hours per week for 2os; ticket-takers and ushers 36 hours for 27s Gd.

The Commissioner of Taxes draws attention of taxpayers to tho notification appearing in to-day's issue that the du> date of payment of the income tax and special war tax is on Wednesday, Februarv stli. Additional tax "will accrue if the tax is not paid on or before February 26th. It should be noted, however* that individuals whoso surnames commence with the letters C. D, H, I, J, Iv, Mc. N, 0. P. T, W, wiTTnot receive their demands until some days later. In these cases a new due data will be fixed under section 127 and shown on tho demands. Additional tax will accrue twenty-one days thereafter.

Many of those pooplo who have been dotained m Wellington owing to tho enidomic and consequent dislocation of tfio steamer traffic, and who, after two months' delay are passongers by the Moeraki, are bound for Melbourne (says Monday's '"Dominion"). In view of 'the outbreak of influenza in that city it was not, without considerable trepidation that they left those shores on Saturday. Some openly confessed that it was tantamount to jumping "from the frying-pan into the fire." Those whoso business forces them to go to Molbourne will "probably find themselvos held up, or at least inconvenienced, by the proposed inter-State restrictions on traffic. There have been caso3 where people intending to go to Melbourne have, aif or two months' waiting, deeinoi it prudent to cancel their arrangement to avoid the possibility of being penned up in the Victorian capital.

A new tram for Sydney has been designed by the Tramway Department, and is at present undergoing trial. The car is designed to carry 70 passengers, and is generally lighter in design than the cars hitherto in use. One alteration is that of the life-saving gear. Instead of the old cow-catcher device, th'ere is a wooden tray, which, the moment tho front shield is struck, drops on to the rails, and would pick up anyone who happened to fall under the front of the tram, preventing him from getting under the wheels. Another new devico that is being tried is an excess speed alarm. It is a gong attachment to the axle, and can be set to register at any speed. When that speed is exceeded the gong rings and is a warning to the driver to reduce. Tho idea is, not as may be supposed, to run a slow tram service, but rather to even up the speed and conserve electric power. The device has not been in use long enough yet for satisfactory tests to be made. Writing from Lillo at the end of November, Captain A. B. Sievwright, of Wellington, says he had the pleasure ot meeting some business men ot tnat city. A manufacturer living in Liile, who had factories in Armentieres, visited his places as soon as he could after the Huns had been driven out. Everyone of his weaving looms had been destroyed systemateially by smashing them in a vulnerable part; his power engines had been dynamited, and his chimney stacks blown down. He was most bitter, and summed up what lie had. to say by exclaiming: "I consider the German nation is a reptile whicli has not yet been killed." It reminded me, said Captain Sievwright, of Shakespeare's phrase, "We have scotched the snake, not killed it." Then he concludes: "The peace terms will navo to be mado such as to give ample reparation to Belgium and Northern France, otherwise the criminal will escape, and will ultimately be in a better economic condition than England or France. There are some things for which reparation cannot be exacted, but nothing short of the last farthing possible will be sufficient." Captain Sievwriglit's views are certainly a rellex of every intelligent soldier's opinion on the question of reparation and indemnities.

On Saturday tho Akaroa County Council and tho Akaroa-Wainui Ho ad iioard met in conference to decide tho question as to who was roally entitled to the position of clerk to both bodies (writes our Akaroa correspondent). Twelve months ago the then clerk (Mr G. O'Callaghan) went into camp, tho understanding being that his place ' would bo open for him on his roturn from active servico, . and Mr W. G. .oiack, a returned wounded soldier, was appointed to the interim vacancy. Recently Mr O'Callaghan put in an appearance again and" looked for an early resumption of his duties; but it was pointed out that ho had never been on active servico; that he had not even left the Dominion. The point was raised that ho was not, therefore, entitled to consideration at the hands of the Council or Board, but that every consideration should be shown to the returned soldier, the present occupant ol the office. The conference wa9 marked by a protracted discussion that at times became unduly Warm. A motion, that Mr O'Callaghan be reinstated for a term of six months was lost, and a further resolution, moved by the chairman, to the effect that Mr O'Callaghan be reinstated unconditionally, was carried ou the casting vote of the chairman.

A torront of words was poured out by Mary MeKegney, an elderly woman, at the Magistrate's Court, yesterday morning, when sho was charged ivith drunkenness. She pleaded stronuouslv for "another chance," alleged that she was "not wanted at Aldington" (prison), and expressed willingness to go to the Female Refuge, and "never come before the Court again." She was telling the Court about having to "take a drop of whisky for her nerves," and other personal matters, when she was cut short, and Sub-Inspector Mullany asked that she should bo remanded for observation, as he thought she might not be mentally sound. "Indeed, he will do nothing of the sort—telling such lies!" loudly protested the accused. "They are just trying to work a conspiracy against mo between them and the ones up at Addington." The Sub-Inspector later suggested that perhaps she might bo given a chance to go to the Female liefugo. "I will never come before the Court again," repeated the woman. • • Well, I expect to see vou here to-mor-row said the Magistrate sceptically, : "but I will disehargo you." Th e * iC " j cused expressed her profuse thanks. but caused further amusement by defiantly making, as she strode from tno box, what was apparently a reference ™ ne Sub-Inspector. "He's quite as maai

Arrangements are in trsin for tho holding of Ambulance Day towards thj> end of next month.

Yesterday's river report was as follows :—Waimakariri (both branches), flooded; Rangitata, dirty, and in high flood; Opihi, dirty; Waitabi, very high flood; Rakaia, dirty.

The "Pall Mall Gazette" relates that Major Seton (who was shot recently by Lieut.-Colonel Rutherford), in 1912*. rode through a big bush fire in the Strathbogie Ranges to succour a woman who had beon bitten by a tiger snnkc. His horso was suffocated by smoke and burnt to a cinder. Major Seton crawled on nil-fours through the fire for the lp«t SCO yards, and saved the woman's life.

;- The prison authorities wish the charge to bo hoard at the prison tomorrow." said Sub-Inspector Mulianv in the Magistrate's Court, yesterday morning, when Mary Sheedy was charged with "an aggravated offence under tho Prison Regulations," "Don't you believe what they say," exclaimed the accused, indignantly. "They are a lot cf liars. They kicked me black and blue, -md knocked my head 011 the floor". It is a wonder I am not silly •with all the kicks anil knocks I have had. I could call 011 Mrs Miller, the official visitor to the prison, to tell vou that what 1 say is true." The remand was granted.

Severe penalties are likely to be imposed on persons serving liquor to soldiers in hospital blue uniforms. The blue uniform was originally adopted in England to denote that the wearer was a hospital patient, and should not therefore be supplied with liquor. The military authorities now advise that under nermit a soldier in a military hospital may visit the city, but on no account must he be served with liquor in an hotel or anywhere else. This warning is given, as 011 at least two occasions recently soldiers from tne military hospital at Miramar North have secured liquor by some means or other, and have suffered relapses in health in consequence (says the "Dominion"). One man who had been suffering from shell-shock became violent, and had to be held down on the homeward-bound car, until handed over to the hospital authorities. Captain Levy, N.Z.M.C., of Wellington, has been appointed medical officer to the Miramar Military, Hospital.

Don't suffer with Rheumatism. Try "Rhoumaticj Pebbles" for the relief and cure of Rheumatism and alliod complaints; sucli as Lumbago, Sciatica, etc. Price, 2s 6d a box, three boxes 7s, from chemists or direct. Loasby and Co., Chemists (opp. Ballantyne's). 1 "Welcome Home." Signs and Patriotic Flags at Armstrong's. 1 A man is always pleased to get a gift of a match-box, a pouch, a good pipe, or a cigar-holder. We .have a special lino of gift goods for men that provides many suggestions for pleasing presents. Watsons', Jewellers, limited, 695 Colombo street, Christchurch. 2 The latest idea. In Ladies' Handbags Messrs Hastie, Bull, and Pickering are showing a choice selection, including the latest laced and tooled bags in several styles. 6 Santa Claus urgently requests housewives to make liberal use of "No Rubbing" Laundry Help, also pure "Golden Rule" Soap, to ensure cleanliness and a happy Ciiristmas. 3 Armstrong's Sale Bargains appear to advertise themselves. Tho astonishing values and extremely low prices are increasing business day by day. Fresh bargains make their appearanco ovory morning. , a With the present snipping troubles, it is only a pharmacy doing a big dispensing business that can be relied upon to accurately disponse a prescription nowadays. We hold good stocks of drugs, and charge moderate prices. E. Cameron Smith, chemist, 96 V/orcester street (just off Square). 58464 —213 Folding push-chairs, with reclining backs, so handy for trams, reducod price 435; on view at Drayton's, 765 Colombo street. 2 Nice neckwear novelties at next-to-nothing pricos. A shipment of smart stylish stuff for sacrifice at Summer Sale. Smart muslin goods, all shapes, at 6d, 10id, l s to Is lid ; crepe-de-chine I and georgette makes IOJd, Is, Is 6d, 2s (id, 3s ] Id, at Armstrong's, Ltd. 3 TO OWNERS OF TRIUMPH MOTOR-CYCLES. Wo are prepared to make liberal allowances on Triumph motor-cycles taken in part payment for latest model "8.5.A.," or "Excelsior" motor-cycles. Adams, Ltd High street. g TO OWNERS OF B.S.A. MOTORCYCLES. The same offer holds good to owners of "8.5.A." motor-cycles. Wo can give delivery of the new "Triumphs" in February, "8.5.A." in a week or two, or "Excelsior" at once. Adams, Ltd., High street. 6 TO OWNERS OF EXCELSIOR MOTOR-CYCLES. Excelsior owners aro also included. Prices of no// model motor-cycles are: Triumph (4 li.p. 8-speed), £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. 8