LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 449, 6 March 1909, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

On page- 10 of this issue will bo found an article of special interest to cyclists entitled •'Flashing bpokos"; page 13 contains latest racing news, and a report of recent Crown land sales: and on page 14 will be found law reports, tho annual report of the Musicalc Union, and tho meeting of the College Old Boys' Association. Nineteen building permits wero issued by I tho City Council during the past fortnight, tho total valuo of tho buildings being estimated at £10,784. Mr. G. F. Bullen, of Kaikoura, has forwarded a cheque for £25 towards tho initial expenses of the Wellington Presbyterian orphanago scheme, which is now under consideration. Tho paragraph in Thursday's Dominion in regard to dog tax defaulters has not been without its effect, for a largo number of owners have found their way to tho offices of the City Inspector and paid up the amount owing. Mr. Doylo has still a lengthy list. An inspection has been made of the sanitary plumbing and drainage of new buildings in course of alteration, and also of the work done in connection with the sewerago system at Kclburne and Roseneath. With a fow exceptions, everything has been found to bo satisfactory.

"It is a question of open your mouth aud shut your eyes and see what I will give you," said the Rev. H. Bull nt tho Methodist Conference yesterday, in reference to a matter in which it was proposed to ask tho quarterly meetings to givo a decision without first apprising them of all tho facts. "I don't believe," ho continued, "in shutting your eyes—or even in shutting your mouth." (Laughter.) "Brethren," came- an interjection, "that is not a bull."

The first meeting of tho new council of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday afternoon. Mr. W. G. Duthio was elected chairman, nud Mr. H. C. Tewsley vice-chairman. The hemp, dairy produce, trado terras, legislation and bankruptcy committees were set up. It was decided to communicate with tho Auckland, Christchurch, and Duncdiu Chambers, asking thorn to appoint delegates to not with tho delegates from tho Wellington Chamber in connection with tho forthcoming conference of Chambers of tho Erapiro in Sydney during September, with tho object of securing a visit of tho English delegates to New Zealand and arranging a programme. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded tho retiring chairman, Mr. J. G. Harknoss.

The "Kew Bulletin," in a recent issue, acknowledges the presentation to the Royal Botanic Garden of reports of the Now Zealand Lands Department dealing with tho Tongariro National Park and Waipoua Forest Ucserve. "Both reports," it says, "aro of a comprehensive and interesting character, and contain a mass of admirably-treated botanical information. Tho photographs with which they aro illustrated considerably enhanco their valuo, and aro deserving of high praise. These reports, together with tho previous report on Kapiti Island, form a fitting tribute to tho wisdom of tho Minister of Lands in New Zealand in directing that tho surveys should bo undertaken and in having placed tho work in the hands of Dr. Cockayne."

Teas grown in different localities liavo different characteristics, ami even tho tea from any particular garden is not tho earno in two successive seasons. Climatic olianses, differences of soil, exercise influences, and it is in tho art of tho tea blender to bring together the different teas and by combination to produce a particular flavour. Crescent Blend Tea is a choice combination of Ceylon and Indian Teas, and tlio- flavour never varies. All storekeepers, 2a. pot lb.

When last night's Wellington-Auckland express left Marlon it was oiio of the biggest trains which havo gone up the Main Trunk line. There, wero in all some fifteen cars, packed with passengers, including between two hundred and three hundred fire brigadosmon, bound for_ the. northern city to attend Urn demonstration thero.

Immediately following tho recent fire, Taihapo was visited by quite an army of Wellington commercial travellers, who practically booked up orders for tho replacement of tho destroyed goods, while still the embers were smouldoring. Such business enterprise is said to havo boon tho result of the keener competitive influence introduced between Wellington and Auckland by tho opening up of tho Main Trunk lino.

A holo in Dunedin's commercial armour has, it soouis, been swiftly penetrated by a Wellington javelin. Tee Dominion's correspondent at Duncdin advises that as a result of the boycott by Fijian fruitgrowers of Dunedin fruit brokers (on account of what the planters considered oxcessivo commission charges, 10 per cent.), a Wellington (inn recently commenced business there, having obtained the Dunedin agency for Fijian bananas. This firm charge 1\ per cent, commission. Thero is considerable perturbation in the Mabel district, in Southland, • concerning tho doings of an eccentric man with a revolver. It is stated, says tho "Southland Times," that the man fired three shots, nono of which took effect, at some residents as they wero at work, and then mado away. Search is being mado for him by somo residents and tho polico, but at latest reports no capturo had been made, though a discarded pair of boots and a jacket containing three razors and somo revolver cartridges wero discovered. Questioned in regard to financial matters by an "Ashburton Guardian" reporter, the Prime Minister said ho would mako a statement after tho end of tho financial year from tho public platform. "In tho meantime," he continued, "1 am not saying anything to anybody on tho subject." Hβ also refused to give anything for publication in respect to tho Lands and Agricultural Departments, and declined to state whether ho would continue to hold those portfolios till tho end of this year's session. It was his intention, however, to speak on the land question from tho public platform, but ho would not do so till aftor ho had dealt with finance. Thero would bo no licensing legislation this year. There are some peoplo who realiso tho necessity for mission work, and do all in their power to advance it. Ono of these was in evidence at tho Methodist Mission gathering last night, for tho president of tho conference, Rev. Thos. Fee, announced, beforo tho collection was taken up, that a cheque for £100 had just been handed to him by a donor who wished to remain anonymous. Tho money was to bo allocated half to Home Mission work and half to tho Foreign Mission. The donation, he said, was an annual one, and ho wished that a few more Methodists would contribute in simi-

lar manner. Tho total collection for the evening, including the cheque, amounted to £115 17s. 6d.

Tbe reason why imported flowering plants aro so widely cultivated, and our native flora neglected, has often been unsuccessfully sought. The mattor was referred to by Mr. G. M. Thomson, M.P., at a flower show in Itoslyn (states the "Otago Daily Times")- Ho remarked on the fact that at very few horticultural displays was to be seen an exhibition of nativo flowers, and said that this was surprising, as Now Zealand's flowering plants included many tlwt produced magnificent bloom. Anyono who, when inland, climbed to a height about 4000 ft. above sea-levol would find flowers'of exceeding delicacy and beauty. He said ho would like to see the culture of such plants encouraged to a greater extent than was tho caso at present. A prominent, officer of the Government, who was a woU-known • sprinter in his younger days, is still confident of his ability to maintain his old standard; and as tho result of an argument with his colleagues has undertaken to cover ■. the distance between tho Union Steam Ship Company's offices, in l''oathorston Street, and tho Tramway Hotel, Newtown, in 16 minutes. Tho early toilers beheld a strango sight on Thursday morning, as the figure of the oldtime sprinter,' accompanied by his trainer, flashed past them on Jervois Quay. Tho event, which is causing considerable interest, is to take place at six o'clock this morning, in order to ensure a clear course, free from trallic. In the Bruce licensing electorate thero aro 10 licenses, which, under tho No-Licenso vqto carried at tho last local option poll, will lapse in Juno next. The number of licenses in Bruce before the electoral boundaries wore altered was 11, but the inclusion of Lawrence, Blue Spur, Evans's Flat, etc., added eight to this number. In the Taiori electorate under the old boundaries there were 12 licenses, but tho extended boundary has added live to tho numbor, making tho total 17, and under the arrangement come to between the trado and tho No-License party, it is understood that two of- this number will bo refused. This makes a total of 21 hotels and accommodation licensee which will go out in Juno in tho Bruce and Taieri electorates (states the "Otago Daily Times"), and if the possible reductions of three in Chalmers, three in Dunerlin SouUr, and 10 in Dunedin, are carried into effect, thero will bo an abolition of' 37 licenses in the h'vo.electorates named. Speaking at tho Methodist Mission gathering last night, Mr. ■Yung-Hang Hwang, Chinese Consul-General for New Zealand, referred to the opium queetion, which China has set herself to grapple with. Ho said that China was grateful for the sympathetic feeling. which had been expressed by certain sections of tho community. But China had to put an end to the traffic herself; sho could not invoke outside aid, and sho was determined to put an end to the traffic in 20 years. Somo of tho high officials who enntinuod tho use of opium had been removed, others had been degraded j the opium shops had been closed, and the cultivation of tho opium poppy had been stopped. China was trying to end tho use of tho drug by force, but she lacked spiritual help, which was even more important. If tho peoplo had tho sin and curse of tho trade brought homo to them by Christianity they would put tho ovil down with an energy much greater than tho forco of tho Government.

Bitting in Chambers yesterday, Mr. Justice Denniston announced that a number of now rules of Court would appear shortly. "I should like," ho continued, "to take this opportunity of drawing the attention of tho monitors of tho local profession to tho matter. The now rulos deal mainly with Chamber practice. Provision is made for disposing of cs parto and consent motions without requiring the attendance of solicitors unless on notice. In applications for probate and administration, a number of the English rules havo been adopted, with others required by local considerations. Theso cover many points, non-attention to which is constantly coming before tho Judges, and which will now bo brought distinctly under tho notico of practitioners. I mention theso rules now bccanse, though they will not conio into forco immediately, it will bo well that all solicitors, especially those practising in country districts, should take tho earliest opportune ity of becoming acquainted with thorn. I understand that besides the Gazette, a number of copies will shortly bo procurable,"

Tho Rev. F. W. Isitt, general secretary of the Now Zealand Alliance, has returned to Wellington, after visiting Invercargill, Gore, JMosgiol, Dunedin, Oamaru, Timarii, and Ashburton. Ho conferred with workers in the campaign ns to the programme of the immediate future. Everywhere, ho told a "iiyttelton Times" reporter, ho found great hopefulness, and an impression thnt tho Government intends to deal justly with tho No-Liconso Party as far as the constitution of tho present Houso will permit. He regards the fact that the Eev. J. Dnwson, chairman of the executive of thn Alliance, has been set free by his church for nolicenso work for three years ns a matter of tho utmost importance to the party. Mr. Dawson, ho says, will continue to reside in Wellington, and will retain possession of his position as chairman of tho executive, but will aharo with Mr. Isitt the duty of conferring with tho leaders in the different electorates, and in generally promoting tho interests of the party in tho Dominion.

Tho Telegnph Office informed us lost night thut they had been rdvisod from Uroymoatu that connection with Westport had been cur off. It was supposed that the trouble had been caused by bush lives. The followers and players of winter sports will bo disappointed to learn that Kelbunie Park will not bo available as a playing ground for the coming winter. It will not bo until the end of Stay that the grass will have been sown twolvfl months, and this is considered by tho authorities too a period for tho ground to 1)6 used yet. The use of tlio Duppa Street ground this winter is also out of tho question. Local manufacturers have been circularised by Mr. H. V. Allen, secretary of tho Wellington. Provincial Industrial Association, on tho question of holding an industries week this year. Tho replies so far received indicate that manufacturers woro so well pleased with the results of Industries Week lastyear that they will willingly co-operate again in, a similar undertaking. The question will be discussed at a meeting of the Industrial Association next Tuesday evening. Khandallah is to havo a bowling club. At a gonoral meeting called by the Provisional Committee this week, it wns reported that an alluring site was available on advantageous terms, and suggestions were- made for raising funds. Tho meeting enthusiastically decided to establish a club, which will form a limited liability company, and the members of the committee woro appointed provisional directors, and authorised to go further with tho matter. There is every probability of some sixty members joining tho club at once, and it is hoped that the green will bo ready for play next season. Two members of tho committee were appointed to mako a personal canvass of residents this afternoon to obtain support for tho scheme. Evidenco was taken on commission yesterday, before the Registrar of tho Supremo Uourt, in tho case of Fitzgerald and others versus Martin Kennedy and others, an action for alleged breach of trust, and for accounts. Tho suit was originally commenced in 'Wellington, but by order of Mr. Justico Chapman was transferred to Hokitika, the trust property in question, and a majority of-tho witnesses, being at Grey> mouth. Tho commission was granted becauso Wellington, being moro than 200 miles from Uokitika, there was no power to compel tho attendance of the witnesses hero aC that town. Mr. Ostler, instruoted bj Messrs. Morison and M'Lcan, appeared for plaintiffs, and Mr. lilair for the defendants. Tho action will bo heard at Hokitika on .ilonday week, beforo Mr. Justice Cooper. At Waihi, on Wednesday, tho Hon. R. M'Kenzie unveiled a. memorial, erected by tho townspeople, to tho late Premier (tho Eight Hon, R. J. Soddon). Tho memorial consists of a lamp and drinking fountain. Mr. M'Kenzie said the late Mr. Seddon had started liia lifo among the miners, and always took tho closest interest in their affairs. Ho thought tho people of AVaihi had done credit to themselves in erecting tho memorial. Mr. Hugh Poland, M.P. for Ohincmuri, added his tribute to tho memory of Ms late chief, to. whom ho referred as_ a great man and a master mind. At tho instance of the Mayor, three cheers were given for Mr. and Mrs. M'Kcnzio, and in response tho Minister said that this would not be his last visit to Waihi. A meeting was held at the Trades Hall yesterday evening in connection with tho forthcoming weekly Labour newspaper. About forty delegates were present. Tho chairman (the Hon.- J. Itipjg) reported that he had interviewed 23 unions and tho Trades Council. Tho 23 unions, representing 7000 members, had agreed to take up 305 ono pound shares, and had guaranteed to subscribe lor 2500 copies weekly. Forty additional shares woro taken up by tboso present at the meeting. The name of tho company will bo the Trades and Labour Printing and Publishing Co., and tho following provisional directorate was appointed :—Ho;i. J. Rigg, Messrs. C. H. Chapman, J. M. Eenrdon, W. T, Younj;,' W. Noot, Snortinge, Kennedy, J. W, S. M'Dougall, and • \V.' Naughton.' 'It was decided to nsk Mr. A. H. Hindmarsh to accept tho position of solioitor to tho company, and Mr. C. H. Chapman to take offico as secretary. ■• . ■ ■ : ...

An interesting sight was eeen at Rivorton a few (laj's ago, when at tbo mouth of the river a black cloud of lnutten-birds approached from the- bay. Tho "Southland Times" correspondent says that the birds wcro liko a swarm of bees. Thcro were forty acres of water with a bird on every square foot. This was from tho trnflio bridge to the bar, which is at least forty chains long by ten chains wido. They did not go abovo the bridge Ono of tho birda struck the battlements of the- bridge and fell back into the water. This seemed to bo sufficient to cause a rotroat of tho vast swarm. When they rose to retire they shut out tho view of North Riverton from tho south. Immediately after thoir departure the banks and beaches wero strewn with sardines, which tho birds squeeze the oil from and storo for tho purpose of feeding their young birds on tho islands. Tho "latch-key voter" is evidently making an attempt to get himself on the municipal roll in somo numbers, and it is stated on iho best authority that in some of the claims for enrolmcut tho statements cannot bo substantiated (states tho "Lyttolton Times"). This is due probably to ignorauco, but it renders tho claimant liable to a penalty for making a falso declaration. The "latch-key voter" can get his name on tho roll if ho pays a certain distinct suni for the rent of a portion of a building at the rate of not less than £10 a year. It was explained to ft reporter the other day that a man cannot paj' £1 a week for board and lodgings and saj that 10s. is for tho of a room and 10s ■ for board. There must bo a definite pay ment for rent, and it must have been con< timious for at least threo months before th( claim for enrolment was mado. Ninety <ut of a hundred houEos in Wellington aro "worm-eaten" to some extent, says a local architect. The trail of the borer is over them, ami the man who would be quite frco from its depredations must build his house- of jarrah. or some similar hardwood, if it is to bo of timber, and to do that ho must bo a millionaire. The borer has no respect fort mansions. Ten ver.rs ago it was discovered, with a shock, that ho was attacking Government Houso, and had actually commenced his depredations in tho best room of tho residence, upon fine heart rimu timber, which _ was then regarded as impregnable to bis assaults. \et tho borer is a contemptible enemy, so slow in his operations that Government Houso will probably see out this Parliament, if it does not last mucfc longer, and so weak that bis march can ho delayed for years by tho simplest of expedients. The architect before quoted states that many years ago, after ho had built a house for himself of good rimu, ho was disturbed to find half a down of the borers 1 holes in somo planke of the staircase, lit watohed them, but tho number of holes die' not increase-, and has not dono_ so to tlm day. Tho explanation probably is that this timber bad been iu contact with affected tirn* her, hut that tho borers which cot into tbo wood before it was removed and built into tho staircase wero not sufficiently numoroiu to thrive and multiply, and died out without doing further damage. But a low yoars later the architect discovered traces of the borci in his bathroom. Wools by week, the number of small holes increased at a surprising rate; eacli morning ho would sec little piles of sawdust alongside new holes, and ever,* few davs a now board would como within tin area of invasion. He therefore soaked the affected boards thoroughly with kerosene, with the result that not another hob r.ppaired for tho next iivo years. -Thon begar a renewal of tho boring, which ho promp'tlj chocked, for another period of several yoars, by a roiwtition of the soaking. He is confident that if be remained to watcli tho insect, it would not prevail against the houso for 40 years to come.

Messrs. Lovicn, Sliallcrnss ami Co. advertise, a, snle. of n few cases uf liloufC llamioli'lUe slightly damaged by water in Hie recent Toiifal'ii'o collision. The. sale, will lj« li«a111 on account of the insurance adjuster, and will lm held nt the. Ceulr.il Auction Kooms, Willis Slreot, today at 11 a.m.

If you are contemplating removing, tbo first thing you should do is obtain a quotation from ,1. Keir, 76-78 Jervois Quay. Uo has had many vears' experience in this class of work, and is in a position to pack, stnre, and remove, any description of furniture, lie also clears goods throngh Customs, and dispatches packages and parcels to any address in the world. Telephone No. USD. CSM