LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 6, 2 October 1907, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

About fifty men will start work on the roads within tile jurisdiction of the Karori Borough Council to-mor-row. • .

.Mr. M. J. Reardon, secretary to the General Labourers' Union, visited Petone last night in connection with the formation, of a branch of the Union. It is understood that from twenty to thirty mombers havo joined.

A large gang of men is to start work on the final stage of the Sea-toun-Miramar tramway track 'next week. The secretary of the General Labourers' Union states that from 50 to 100 men are required.

Loiterers in the vicinity of the Post Office yesterday morning were treated to a thrilling, though' impromptu, lmck-jumping performance. A couple of men were driying a mob of what the American calls "mustangs" to the wharf, and halted at the water trough to treat them to refreshment. There must have been something invigorating in the drink, for, instead of cooling their ardour, it induccd a visible spirit of friskiness, and they started to cavort around merrily. One young colt became particularly lively, and pitched his rider headlong into the dust. Not content with this, the horse galloped right over his prostrate body. Peoplo rushed forward in alarm, fully convinced, that tlic young man was seriously injured.' But ho escaped without a scratch.

Speaking at the annual smoke coilcert of the St. Thomas Football Club last night, ono of the members of tlio Managoment Committee of the Wellington Rugby Union stated that over £250 had been spent in improving the Miramar grounds this season, and still clubs grumbled about the rough state- of some of the fields. It is stated that the seven first-class new grounds at Miramar next season. The Ground Committee of the Union has also several other playing areas in view.

Among _ tho Labour members of both Souses there is undisguised feeling regarding Mr. J. A. M'Cullough's suspension. An endeavour will probably bo m'ado to secure his reinstatement, and then, probably consideration will be given to the regulation undor ■ which" Mr. M'Cullough was dealt with. It is recognised, however, that this is a problem beset with difficulties, and one that will not bo easily solved.'Th are should be an interesting discussion when the matter is introduced into the Houso. .

The office of the Secretary of the Navy League is regarded as a general inquiry agency for anything pertaining to the world's navy, and somo odd inquiries are frequently made. A typical letter was read at yesterday's mooting of the League. The communication ran as follows:—" I should like to inform you that a boy named : is not on any account to be taken on board H.M.S. Pioneer (PAmokura), or-any other navy ship, as his mother does not want him to do so—and oblige his mother. The boy here named left Wanganui for .Wellington by 0110 of the steamers on Saturday, about which his mother knew nothing." >

When the Rev. J. J. North told a fairly detailed story to the Council .of the Churches oil Monday evening, touching the internal conduct of club where gambling was alleged to bo carried on, and referred to his authorities, the Rev. Dr. Gibb'broke out irf an ecstacy of enthusiasm for his friend's detective talents and fulnessof information, "i was telling Mr. North this evening," ho declared, " that he is becoming a vory father confessor of all the gamblers and bettors. It is astonishing tho information he amasses. I don't think there is a betting man in the community who would be able to win so often as Mr. North if he were only to supply the information he amasses in the way the 'bookies' apply it, but happily lie'is on the right side." A Christchurch minister of Mr. North's denomination, and, liko him, an inveterate enemy of gambling, has boasted that ho could make up a book with any bookmaker.

"Bishop of Wellington" was a title to which exception was taken, at first tentatively, then sadly but firmly, by a member of tho Council of Evangelical Churches, when it was proposed to suggest co-operatijn with that prolate in a certain matter last night. He did not think thai that term should go forth, from the Council. Let it be Bishop Wallis. "Oh, let the other go," Dr. Gibb advised. "It is tho I'resbytory of Wellington." (Laughter.) The other romained steadfast in his objection. Dr. Gibb oxplained that the titlo was tho usual one, that it was employed by Dr. Wallis with the greatest modesty, and that it would savour of discourtesy to avoid using it, however niuch thoy might admire their friend's strong clinging to tho old principles of nonconformity. Unconvinced, but .unable to persist against this mingled raillery and entreaty, the objector waived his point, which he found none to hold with him, and a motion which contained tho title was adopted without further sign of dissent.

A private cablegram received in Wellington states that Squires (champion of Australia) was " knocked out" in t-lie nineteenth round by Sullivan (of America). The match took place in San Francisco.

It is understood that at the meeting of the Wellington Master Bakers' Association to-morrow, tho price of the 21b. loaf will be raised to 4d., owing to tho recent further rise in the price of flour.

An inspector of tho Automatic Weighing Machine Company, who visited Masterton, tho other day, showed our Wairarapa correspondent a handful of leaden discs which ho had taken from one of tho ; Masterton instruments. Tho inspector said the yield that day for tho town was larger than usual. The practice of foisting spurious coins upon an unsuspecting weighing machine was also much : ri vogue in Dunedin. Wellington tho most payable seaport town; Palmcrston the better outside of tho four centres. Mast-erton's -average contribution was ISO coppers a month. Tho company had about 450 machines in Australasia, and each machino cost £30. Some 'machines wore erected in New South Wales sixteen years ago, and were still in good working order. It was some years, however, said the inspector, before a machine paid for itself in New Zealand.

The returns for September show a total-rainfall of 2in.. 92 points. During the month there were fifteen wot days, and the heaviest fall was oil the 12th, with 82 points. The maximum temperature was 63, and the minimum 38 degrees.

Included in tho nine motions that Mr. Fletcher moved at the Harbour Board- yesterday was one to the effect that order papers bo sent out several days before each meeting. "At present mombors don't know what ;s going to .be discussed until they arrive here," he complained, "and not even- superior people can give an intelligent expression of opinion at such short notice." Ho also protested against what he described as the " remarkable censorship" exercised in connection with the Press.

" Tho more tho public know of what is going on here the better," said the Hon. T. W. Hislop at tho meeting of the Harbour Board yesterday, during a discussion as to whether the order papers should be sent out before tho date of meeting. He went on to deprecate tlie policy of adhering to old and worn-out methods because they had been in existence for so many years, and urged tliem to accept new and enlightened ideas. This drew a word of appreciation from the chairman, who congratulated "such an old Conservative" as Mr. Hislop on his broad and liberal views.

" We don't want to be reminded of .the bad old days—of the days when special constables eho wharf with drawn batons," observed -the chairman of the Harbour Board yesterday during a discussion. "Tlie closing days of; 1890 were unhappy ones; wo don't want to be reminded of the great strike."

" When notices of motion are sent out beforo the date of a meeuisa. a great deal of log rolling often goes ?n 'among tho general public, and many proposals have been upset that way,' 1 said Mr. Beauchamp at the Harbour Board meeting -yesterday. "And so long as I am a member of this Board, I am not going to agree to a battledore and'shuttlecock arrangement with, public agitation," ! he added.

According,to a ruling given by the chavrina of the Harbour Board yestorday, the secretary—or any other momber of tho staff—cannot, in accordance with a strict interpretation of the rules, give an opinion or reply to a question, unless there is a unanimous request from the 1 members. This caused some surprise, and Mr. Beauchamp said ho " questioned it." "I have given my ruling—you can question it by giving notice of motion if you like," replied the chairman.

Messrs. James M'Kerrow (President)., Fulton, Sladden, F. I. Ledger, Strauchon, and the Hon. G. F. Richardson wero presont at a meeting of the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors yesterday. Mr. F. 1/ Ledger, of-Nelson, who was recently appointed a member of the Council -of t-ho In-stit-ute, was welcomed by tho President and tho Hon. G. F. Richardson. Mr. Ledger, in reply, stated that his appointment had resulted in a distinct increaso of interest in his district. Tho annual -general meeting of tho Institute is to be held in the Chamber of Commerce on Friday, October 25.

The results have been announced of somo of the prize essay competitions arranged by the Navy League for school children. The winner at tho Mitchelltown school -was L. Culverwell, and at Khandallali W. M. llyburn,. At Wellington College prizes wore awarded as follow: —Sixth form, F. West; fifth form, A.- B. Sievwright; junior forms, T. J. S. Jones and F. E. Gooder equal. The subject for the collego was <( The British Navy in' tho time of Elizabeth," and for the State schools a series of questions 'wero' put regarding, the Navy during the Stuart period. There are still the results from twelve schools to come in, the examinations being hold about the present time. Tlie prizes aro to be presented on the evening of Trafalgar Day.

The number of Chinese arriving in Wellington for the quarter just closed was twenty-olio. The number leaving tho port was twenty-three. In July nine came in and fourteen went- out, in August twelve arrived and four left, and in September five departed.

The" children taking placo in the "Mother Gooso" pantomime rollicked gailjvby the seaside at Island Bay for a fow hours in yesterday s sunshine, and no one who saw thcin could doubt that the trip was heartily enjoyed.

Mrs. Ethel R. Do Costa, LL.B. (nco Miss Ethel R. Benjamin of Dunedin), after practising tor some years in that city, has commenced practice as a barrister and solicitor.in No. 6 Nathan's ttuildings, corner Grey and Featliorston Streets, Wellington. Mrs. Do Costa lias the distinction of being uia only lady practising ac tlio Bar in lino Dominion. Inteiuhng clients can depend on prompt and careful attention at Mrs. Do Costa's hands.

,1 .1 . ■' "V, - with practice on' Basin 1 Reserve. Weather and other circum- > stances permitting, the championship •' watches will commence next Saturday. i Footballers will regrdb to learn ' that James Shore, at one time one of Wellington's best forwards, died at the Wanganui Hospital recently, at tho age of thirty-nine years. Ilia death (says tho " Taranaki Herald ") recalls to mind an unpleasant incident which occurred during his career. An old couple, Mr. and Mrs. Jones, were foully murdered one evening at Petone, and Shore wan soon by a man named Bosher to pass their homo some two hours later. Suspicion at once fell on him, and ho was arrested for the crime. He was tried at the Magistrate's Court, but the case went no further, there being insufficient evidence, and Shore was discharged, the main witness against him being Bosher, who was afterwards convicted of tho murder, guiltwh ile awaiting the carrying out of his sentence. Conversing with the Mt. Holds-' worth guide, a Wairarapa " Daily Times 11 reportor ascertained that there is every prospect of the moun- • tain enjoying renewed popularity as a tourist resort this year. The party ■ being arranged-for November 9 and 10 (Saturday and Sunday) promises ' to bo well supported,' and those who intend making the ascent will endeavour to carry out minor improvements to the track., The mountain house will be built as soon- as tho weather settles. When the floral season is on —from about December 20 to the end of January—a number of city trippers have signified their intention of paying a visit to tho mount. The Auckland "Herald" 6tatcs that when returning to Huntly last Saturday night by the late train from Auckland, a traveller, who had two flasks in his pocket, one containing wbisky.and the other spirits of salts, • invited two companions to a drink. Both refusing, the flask was replaced ■ in . the man's pocket unsampled. On being produced again, it was discovered that a drink had boon offered from the bottle which contained the spirits of salts, and the consternation of the one traveller was only equalled by the joy of the others at the fortunate escape. _ It was on the Miramar tram, and a man wished to pay fourpencp for tho fare. "Fares, pleasel" said the ' conductor. He produced a sovereign, which the conductor slipped into his bag; explaining with off-hand nonchalance that he would give him a coupon that would enable him to get the change ; at.the Newtown office. "Hi, give us .back me sovereignl" and excavating into his trousers pocket ho rescued a threepenny bit— - the ' fare was fourpenee! "Hi, Nicholl," said the believer in gold currency, "lend us a ' brown. 1 "- Nicholl lent it', though he swears lie never sa>v tho man before. But the conductor 'got his fourpenee without any unpleasantness. . In spito of tho wet night, there wati a good attendance at the ordinary monthly meeting of tho Petone NoLicense League in the Victoria Hall on Monday evening. Councillor W. Nicholson' presided, and after the ordinary business was over, a musical programme was contributed by the following:—Misses Battersby, Hartley, Leggett, Gray, and Oldershaw, and Messrs. Battersby, Clout, House, Tempest, and Gray. 'The 'accompaniments were played by Miss Battersby. tl'- was resolved,- on the motion of Mr- House, to make an early start with the propaganda work, and go out into the different parts of tho electorate and entertain and instruct the people with harmony and lectures. At the next meeting, which will take the form of a social, Mr. Byron Brown, of Otaki, will deliver an address'. A side-light was thrown on clerks l, wages during the hearing of civil cases at the Court yesterday morning. A well-dressed young man, twenty years of ago, who said he was engaged in the Government service, stated- that he was working for £50 a year plus Bs. per Meek lodging .allowance. ' Another clerk, who appeared in a debt case, said he had recently left a position in a shipping office, which position , was worth £1 per week. He informed tho Magistrate that he had . no means and no immediate expectation of getting any, bnt at the tima he contracted, the debt he had a reasonable prospect of meeting it. Dr. McArthur, S.M., gave the young man :i warning, and concluded"Look here, young man, some day you will find yourself in gaol. Take my tip for it." Externally the new wing of the Government Buildings is now finished. On tho top floor the examination branch of the Education Department has moved in to its now and comfortable quarters. Tho Audit Department, just below, will not have the same happiness for some time yot. The Treasury officials, on the first floor, may enjoy a new environment at the end of tho week, if all goes woll, and in the Valuation Department's future quarters, on the ground floor, the linoleum was being laid yesterday. Today should see tho first transfers of furniture, and to-morrow may find the staff ensconced: The new rooms are very bright and spacious. The Officers' Instruction Classes at 1 Mt. Cook were opened yesterday morning with an address on the general purpose of the classes by Col. - Robin,' Chief-of-Staff. During the day ■ recruit and squad drill, sighting- . practice aiid elementary skirmishing, were gone through. A lecture on " Firo Tactics" was delivered in the evening. The instruction staff includes : —Captain Lascolles (3rd Dra-. goon Guards), Captain Nelson (15th . Hussars), Captain Brown (Staff-" Officer, North Island Mounted Rifles), Lieut. Rogers (Staff-Officer, Soutla Island Mounted Rilles), and tho Staff-Sergoant-Majbrs of the Wellington Military .District. Good solid work is being done, officers of tho head-quarters and district staffs ovob <- taking up a rifle and falling in wiuM the squads. '

Tho " Wanganui Herald" reports a combine on the part of the local Chinese market gardeners, which has \ had the result of raising the price of vegetables by 50 per cent. . The following officers wero elccted at the annual meeting of the Petono Tennis Club: —President, Mr. 11. C. Kirk; vice-presidents, Drs. Perry and ' Ross, and Messrs. J. Horne and P. Wilkinson; lion, secretary, Mr. W. (R. Pee; assistant secretary, Mr. J. Scrapie; auditor, • Mr. Greatbatch; eommittee, Mossrs. Ellis, Wright, Pike, and Reynolds; ladies' committee,: 'Misses .Carter and Penney. Tho club, is in a satisfactory financial position, the balance-shoot. showing a .credit of £2 3s. 9d., .and.an excess of assets over liabilities totalling r £203. \ A tender has been accepted by the ' Publio Works Dopartment for .the construction of a new Courthouse at Kawhia. The amount is • between - £600 and £700. A property is to be acquired at .the corner of Ghiiznco and Leeds Streets ■ for the site of the new To Aro post Office.- Plans for the buildiing will be prepared forthwith.