GENERAL NEWS.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16725, 7 January 1920, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

Tho auction announcements of Jones, McCrostio Co., Tonks, Norton, and Co., P. 3. Nicholls and Co., George Anderson and Co., Dalgety and Co., W. E. Simes and Co., McKenzio and 00., New Zealand Loan and M.A. Co., Charles Clark, Harman and Stevens, Farmers' Saleyards, H. C. Smith, and H. B. Soronscn will b© found on pago 11 of this issue. Thirteen cases of influenza were notified in North Canterbury during tho week ending Monday, December 22nd, while in tho Ashburton and South Canterbury areas there were three and four cases respectively. Thero wero also thirteen notifications of measles in tho North Canterbury area. Petitions for divorce to the nnmber of 65 were filed in tho office of tho Supremo Court, Christchurch, last year. Of these, 19 hare yet io r bo heard. Of the remainder, 19 petitioners obtained dec roes absolute, and 2f decrees nisi, whilst 3 petitions were dismissed. Following on petitions filed in previous years, 22 decrees absolute were made, and ono decree nisi. Two petitions for judicial separation wero also filed last vear, but have not yet been heard. Yon young ladies are well dressed, in fact, too well dressed," commented Mr S. E- McCarthy, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, when three sisters were charged with various thefts from the Christchurch Hospital, whero they had been employed. "Thero are many women in this town in much better positions than you are who cannot afford to dress as you do with the present prices of drapery and soft goods. You <lae*rvo to bo taught a severe lesson." The three accused were not imprisoned. but restrictions were placed on their liberty for the next twelvo months.

Yesterdays river report was as follows : I'akaia dirty, Waitaki ftshable, Rangitata dirty, north branch Waitr.aka.riri clear, south branch Waimakariri discoloured. Opihi clear.

Thr. Sumner Horticultural Society will hold its first shew to-day. in tho •Sumner Town Hall. Over entries have been received, and tho show promises to bo a decidcd success.

_ A civic reception was accorded tho New s-outh W ales State orchestra at Auckland yesterday. Speaking on bohalf of the Government, Sir William Herrios said the Government was v. a tolling with trreat interest the experiment made by Xow South Wales in establishing a conservatorium, of which the orchestra was the natural consequence.

Entries for tho Canterbury Horticultural Society's annual Sweet* I'ea Show, which takes place at the Art Gallery on Friday, closed last night. Tlio entry was a good one, especially in sweet peas and carnations. A splendid ontrv was also received in the decorative classes. The show wi'l bo open to tho public from - p.m. till 10 p.m. Entries for the annual cottage garden competition have I>c.?n postponed till the Mth inst. •

Tho Canterbury West Coast nnd Otago men from the troopshin Rimutaka arrived at Lyttelton bv tho ferry steamer Maori at 11.30 a.m." yesterdav. Major Fleming was in chanre of the southern draft. There were 78 men for Otago district, 33 for Christchurch and suburb, 1- for South Canterbury, 12 for Wostland, and 11 for Nelson. Tho Canterbury draft inclnded two nursingsisters. As usual, the Christchurch and suburban men were eonvcycd to their homes by members of tho' Canterbury Automobile Association.

Tho Conciliation Council sat at 10 30 n.in. and al 7 p.m. yesterdav, to continue tho adjourned hearing of tho disput between the Journalists Industrial T'nion of Workers nnd tho Christchurch newspaper proprietors. Mr W. H. ('Conciliation Commissioner) presided. Tho assessors were: For tho proprietors—Messrs P. Selig (Christchurch Press Company). A. g7 Henderson (Lvttolton Times Company) and E. C. Iluio (Canterbury Publishing Company). For tho" UnionMessrs W. W. Dunsterville, A. Dickson, and G. Brown. After somo discussion upon the counter-proposals submitted by the emnloyers. it was decided to refer the dispute to the Arbitration Court. On tno motion of Mr Huio. a vote of thanks v,'rs accordcd the Commissioner for presiding.

The trend of policy in the Home universities on the question of whether Latin and Greek should he retained as compulsory subjects in educationei courses, was di.st-usscd last week bv Sir John McFarland, Chancellor of" the Melbourne University, who has just returned from a visit to England (says tho Melbourne "Argus"). The Chancellor said lie did not think there would bo so much insistence by the universities in future on those students passing in Latin and Greek, who might advantageously study science subjects instead, having regard to their proposed business careers. But educationists in Great Britain, he emphasised, are more alive than ever to tho need of combating the danger of the humanities being pushed out of their proper placo in the scheme of learning, through tho efforts made to eliminate them from courses of training whero they aro now essential. At Oxford and Cambridge, he said, tho authorities are impressed with tho feeling that the greatest service thev can render to the Empire educationally is to bo done by encouraging graduates from all parts of tho Dominions to take post-graduate courses there.

The gardening contributor of tho Sydney "Sun" has the following about a llowor which all Anzacs will probably remember:—"There is another small scabious which is easily tho best of all. This is the 'pincushion' of blessed memory. It is a tall grower, carrying long foot-stalks for each flower, and has a lilac colouring. The blooniß nro not large. Indeed, they aro rather on tho small size. This plant is new to Australians. It is a native of Capo Hellas Our soldiers found the sweet thing on tho rough hillsides, and were much taken with the colour and tho habit of growth. One sent seed to Mr G. A. Waterhouso, of Killara, who has been kind to tho small stranger for tho sacred memories which it holds within its heart. This scabious is in blossom to-day. It ia quite tho best of tho company. Some aro larger in size and moro colotiry as well, but to no other member of the family has tho great, garden god entrusted tho spirit and memory which has been given to this native of Gallipoli. Some day my small flower friend will bo widely grown on this continent. The homo of that scabious is sacred. It is thero that tho heart and hope of many a lonely Australian is sleeping." A writer in tho "Irish Statesman," published in Dublin, saya that ho was grentlv impressed bv a conversation that he had with two dairying authorities from Now Zealand who hnd been visiting many countries to cxchanco views on their special industry. "They told me," ho says, "among" other things, that in their countrv margarine was an unknown food; a population of a million people consumes moro than fourteen thousand tons of butter in a year — which means that tho average family of fire persons gets from two-and-a-half to threo pounds per week, in addition to a full ration of wholesome milk. This does not prevent them from placing on tho English market (and also on tho Irish) an equal amount of butter, as well as a vast supply of cheese. Now Zealand is one of the most remote countries in the world, but in technical skill and in contentment of living I fancy that it comes second to none. Ono of tho details which go to make no this pleasant picture is very significant; every national school in New Zealand, urhan as well as rural, has its own garden attached to it for the purpose of practical training, nnd prizes aro given annnallv for tho schools whose gardens aro best kept and most successful. Thcro nro a few schools in Ireland—in rural districts—which linvo such gardens, and there is plenty of evidence that they have produced a marked effect, on fanrii'i£C practice in their neichbonrhood. Cannot we learn a lesion from the Antipodes. and convert the casual exception into a general rule?" All sorts of things are described by indignant patriots as getting "their octopus grip" on Australia. But thcro is one octopus which seldom attracts any notice, though its tentacles aro growing in every direction. This is the Government stroke (says the "Sydney Daily Telegraph"). The latest "available figures show that there are now 23G.0H2 persons permanently employed by the Federal and State services. This standing army of Government strokers represents approximately one of every ten adults in Australia. In addition, there are 130.C00 drawing oldage and invalid pensions, and last year there were 52,000 claimants for the £5 baby honus. If there is any octopns now threatening to get its crip on the country and drag it under, it is, therefore, tlie socialistic octopus. The voting power of the Government stroke increase.? with every Act of Parliament l»v which a new department is created. Tilings only haro to go as they are going when, sooner or later, this* vote will take control of the situation. The State servants will be able practically to vote their own salaries, which tho productive workers will have to pay. At present this privilege belongs only to the political branch of the service, but when Ihe other branches grow and organise they will be able to draw up the log for themselves and the legislators as well. Tlio effect will be to make State billets more and more attractive, and turn people away from the productive occupations, which must multiply or tho community will perish. This "octopus is therefore becoming a very real tiling, and illustrates the evil of "over-government in its most dangerous aspect.

Recontlr two of the City Council's assistant 'inspectors received appointments under'the Public Health Department. Applications were ca'.lcd to fill the position?, nnd no fewer than 11? have been received.

Private William Payne, who was drawn in the second ballot, has been arrested at Lyttelton on a charge of deserting His Majesty's service, in that ho at Christchurch. on July 12th. 1017, absented himself from medical examination. Ho will appear before a district court-martial' in due course.

In a letter tVm London to a resident of Ualclutha. ->ir Thomas Mckenzie siivs: "As tor clothes, my v>!o went the other day to buy a mantle, and the lowest priced one in the shop was i'lCOj which she could not look at. For my own part, 1 had nut of! buying clothes for a long tirrc, :uit recently was obliged to buy two suits, one at 1 and one at logs, and -Ins for an extra pair of trousers. I have just ordered a dozen cotton shirts at l'3s enrh, and for lining the shoulder in a cat £-1 lfl> was charged. One wonders whether, if prices continue so high, the country will ever rgnin bo able to attain to commercial and manufacturing prominence. If prices do not c- 1 down, countries like Nov.- Zealand v.'ll be alfnrded the opportunity for developing industries for which they have the raw niateri il: indeed, the cost of living and conditions there arc far bettor than in tho older lands."

An interesting letter and plan were unearthed by Mr J. H. Rcny, engineer j to the Sumner Uorough Council, when looking up data in connexion with the proposed r.rw water and drainage scheme. The letter, which bears tlio date May 26th, 1574, is signed by F. WaUcfielil. The plan is in connexion with a proposed railway and wharfuig .scheme nt Shag Hock. The letter explains tho plan, and suggests that the awkward turn at Shag Jtock corner and also at tlio other corner could easily bo done away with. Provision is made for a railway lino to connect with tho Ohristehurch-Lyttelton railway, and the whole scheme, including station and wharfage, is estimated to cost .CIO,OOO. A memo, on the plan states that tho Shag Hock is under 3J miles from the niost eligiblo point for diverging from tho present Lyttelton and Christchurrh- railway. # The landing wharf would be nt a point just on tho north-west side of Shag Rock. Provision is made for Working thn openings between Cavo Rock and tho outlying rocks, thus forcing nil tho water found the rock on which the beacon now stands. The whole plan is set out in detail, including soundings at low water. Tho letter and plans become ospceiallv interesting at tho present time, because thev show that nearly fifty years ago a "Port Christchurch schenio was exercising tho minds of the powers that were then.

All the agony of Rheumatism can bo avoided ancl tho disease itself remedied by ridding the system of excess urie acid. For this purposo nothing is so good as liOasby's Rheumatic Pebbles, l'vico 2s Gtl a l>ox, nt all chemists and stores, or from Loasby and Co., Chemists (opn. Ballantyno's). 0

We circulate a supplement with this issuo for Messrs Armstrong, Ltd., tho leading Cash Drapers, detailing, to somo extent., the low prices set for their Annual Summer Salo. Whilst tiie prices of most things aro in tho ascendant, it will bo refreshing to find them in tho descendant for some time at Armstrong's—a careful study of the price list will result to the advantage of buvers. Tho sale commences at 10 o'clock this morning. i

" Characteristic," " distinctive," "true to life," are expressions wo hear by those who have their portraits mado by fSteffano Webb. We arc particularly successful with children's portraits. Petersen's Buildings, High street, Christchurchc. Telephono 11)S9. <j

To North Canterbury Farmers. Johnston and Son, Rangiora, are agents for Massey Harris and Co., Sutton's Seeds, Belfast Fertilisers, Andrew's Binder Twine, Littlo's Sheep Dip. Inspection invited. P.O. Box 1. 'Phono 4. 6

Armstrong's Arihiibl Summer Sale at 10 o'clock to-day. '2

"No Rubbing" Laundry Help has captured tlio women's vote—also ours. Kmcaid's, Ltd. 3

Notwithstanding an excellent Christmas "run" 011 their uniquo stocks, Messrs Hnstie, Bull, and Pickering nnnounco tho opening up of many attractive lines suitable for Now \ear nnd Wedding Gifts. G

Ring Drayton's Emporium for jam jars, lib size 5s 6d, 21b 7s 6d. Mason's fruit jnr9, all sizeß, 103 Gd, 13s 6d, lCs 6d dozen. Orders delivered promptly. 'Phone 2004. fl"

Pictures for presents. A choice selection at Gibb's Art Depot, Cashcl street, opp. Ballantyne's. 4

Nothing reduces tho letting or selling value of house or furniture so much as the ravages of wood borer. Exterminate it with Wheclband's Fly Exterminator. 519 Colombo street. 0 Armstrong's Annual Snmmor Sale, at 10 o'clock this morning. 8

January and Februory are our best months for sea bathing, ladies should see our stocks of Bathing Caps and Beach Hats. Colours to match any costume, nnd nriccs moderate. Tho Beach Hats are also idoal for motoring. E. Cameron Smith, chemist, 9G Worcester street. G STUDEBAKER REAR. AXLE CONSTRUCTION. Tho Studebaker roar nxlo on all models is of the somi-flonting typo, as adopted on the costliest ears. It is simpler, has fewer parts nnd is stronger than most axles. Tho nxlo shafts are of chrome-vanadium steel, inimuno from breakage. An especially notablo feature is that the differential gears are cut spirally, which not only give superior strength owing to their continuous rolling contact, but arc also extremely quiet and £. ■ e much better wear than straight-cut gears. Accessibility to tho differential is given by an extra largo plate at the rear of the axle See tho Xnias Studebaker, Exhibition at our Showrooms. Adams, Ltd., 152-154 High street. 15