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Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2333, 15 December 1914, Page 5

-.'■'. According to a correspondent Central Otago: is experiencing' a period of weather combining- conditions practic- ,. ally unknown in former years. There has been no warm weather, but nover- ■ theless. the country, until -early last week, was drying up under a succession of heavy gales. Early last-week splen-' did mild rain was experienced, but with one exception the latter part of the week was cold and squally. The . 6mall wool-men commenced shearing a few weeks ago'under-favourable conditions, but just as.the work is Jbecoming general the unsettled weather has caused, an. interruption. Growers are scanning the sale reports with feverish anxiety, and appear to hold the opinion that the opening sale will return good prices, and are bustling the clip along, but in this they havo to gamble with the weather. Mr. T. E. Sedgwiok is due in Australia this month by the Demosthemes, in cbarge ,of a party of hoys who are to take up work on stations. He is taking out lads under 18 years of ago this tune, so as not to interfere with the work and requirements of Lord Kitchener. Mr. Sedgwick exprfots to be in New Zealand about Christmas, and he has in his mind a soheme for work being found in Australasia for widows of men killed in the war, women probably with two or three young children. The Labour Department is inviting nominations for an employers' representative on the Court of Arbitration. Tho .new representative- will fill the position which Mr. W. Scott is vacating. Nominations close on January 11. "Although the war is far from ended, I think the time is at hand when the Chambers of Commerce, Stock Exchanges, and other similar associations in the Overseas Dominions should begin to voice their opinions as to the terms' whioh should be' demanded from our enemies before peace-is consummated." Such was a statement made by tie chairman of the Auckland Stock Exchange, Mr. 6. A. Buttle, at the recent annual meeting 'of the Exchange. This opinion was criticised by the president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Bart. Kent. In expressing his.-, disapproval of Mr.' Battle's views, he said he. hoped the Chambers of Commerce ,of. New Zealand would, refrain from discussion on such a subject. "Our plain duty,',' said Mr. Kent, "is to go quietly and firmly forward, doing everything we can to encourage our trade and manufactures, and soleave to the British, Frenoh, Russian, and Belgian Imperial authorities what, terms of f peace are practicable and- what are not."

Four German members of the baTque Irene, were arrested on arrival at Bluff last; night, says a Press Association telegram from Invercargill. They proceed to Somes Island to-day. On Boxing Day the Union Steain Ship Company's turbine steamer Maori will run an exoursion to Picton, leaving tha Queen's Wharf at 7.45 a.m. sharp, and <. arriving back in.port; at-7 p.m. '. . The concert given l by Madame Melba • at Healesville early, this month proved a'great success. ,In the- intervals -the . singer auctioned flags, which brought 1 . from £10 to £20 apiece, and then there . was a walking-stick made of Australian wood, which was sold for. £11. Amid much laughter, Madams Melba made a .special appeal for. the Russian flag when 'she put this for sale. \ "The poor people have got so many Germans to feed nowadays," .she told her audience. The ' proceeds of the concert,- which amount /to about £180, will go to thd Red Cross •■•'.■-•Fund;. : . .' : ! ; By _ Vhe mail yesterday J Christmas greetings ' were ,• received - from the directore of Messrs. James Spicer and Sons, Limited, paper merchants, Lon- ; don, and these we heartily reciprocate.