LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2379, 8 February 1915, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Malieno, which' arrived in Aucka land fromt Sydney yesterday, brought English (via Suez) and Australian mails, the southern portion of which will arrive in Wellington by the Main Trunk train this'afternoon. The Makura, with American and English mails, via Vancouver, is also due at Auckland, and should she arrive in time, the southern portion of these mails should reach here to-morrow. Tho Prime Minister states that sol« diers of tho Expeditionary Force in camp, who-are given leave to visit their relatives before their departure for the [rout, will bo granted return tickots at single rates. The Italian ship Eurasia, reported to be ashore on the Thames mud flats on Friday, floated off at night, and was towed to Auckland Harbour on Saturday morning, apparently undamaged.— Press Association. Tho Prime Miniate; stated on Saturday that the Government had received cabled advice to the effect that the Federal Shire steamer Suffolk will not be returning to New Zealand to load cargo as was expected. - The insulated cargo space on the Suffolk is equivalent to 120,000 carcasses. The Suffolk was to load here in March nest. .It is hoped that arrangements may be made for the Suffolk to adhere to her original loading dates in New Zealand, and correspondence is passing with, that end in view, [f the Suffolk is withdrawn, it will mean the elimination from tho quantity of insulated tonnage of about 310,000 freight carcass space, taking into account the loss of the Tokomam and the fire on the Nairnshire, which will prevent her returning to this country, in time to be of service. These two steamers between them would carry about 190,000 carcasses, and they would bo due here in May in' the ordinary course. Delegates representing the 45 branches of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants - have been elected, and will meet in Wellington on Monday, February 22, for the society's triennial conference. This ,is the first occasion on which the conference ; will be held ill the society's own freehold building, recently erected in Aitken Street. _ Mr. W. T. Wilson, of Palmerston North, president of the society, will be in the chair for the conference. About 150 remits from various branches, dealing with railway questions, tho cost of living, the method of electing delegates, and other matters are to be discussed. .The subject of the University Tournament debate to be held at Auckland on April 3 is: "Should the principle of an elective executive be substituted for tho system of party Government which at present obtains in New Zealand? Canterbury and Victoria College representatives will speak in the affirmative and those of Otago and Auckland in the negative.—Press Association. Over one hundred and fifty members of the New Zealand Shearers' Association have joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces. • On Friday evening, February 19, at 8 o'clock, a "Home Defence" publio demonstration in support of the National Reserve will be held in the Town Hall. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. J. P.. Luke) will occupy the chair. Mr. Walter Leslie is the Wellington' district secretary. In the last three weeks about two hundred shearers have left New Zealand for Australia, arid more are about to follow them. The shearing season here is drawing to a close. A native of Holland, who,' with his wife, came out to New Zealand by the Coriiithic, spoke, while conversing with an "Otago Daily, Times" reporter on Friday last, in eulogistic terms of his impressions of this country. "The climate is good, but I have not got accustomed to the cold weather," be remarked, with a smile. He greatly admired the patriotism of the Dominion; and his trip had served to demonstrate to him the power and influence of the mighty and scattered British Empire. When it was suggested that Holland might take sides against the Allies in the war he laughed the idea to ridicule. "No, no," he exclaimed, raising his hands to emphasise his contention, "Holland would never, never, go to war against Britain. When the;conflict commenced there was some feeling on the side of Germany, but since the terrible destruction of cathedrals and churches has been heard of, the Dutch Catholics, who are numerous, have' taken a very definite stand, antagonistic to Germany. It is estimated that from 60 to 70 per cent, of the Dunedin Rugbv players who were eligible for service have gone to the front. The Union Club alone have lost 25 of their members. The Otago Rugby Union have written to the various clubs asking to be supplied with ! the number of players who nave gone, and these figures should be interesting. Nothing definite in regard to _ the curtailing of Dunedin matches will be decided upon till the annual meeting of j the union.

all the Auckland cricket; clubs have contributed senior players to the Auckland section of the Expeditionary Forces. The "Herald 1 ' states that the Cricket Association is encouraging this practical sign of patriotism amongst players, and has recently issued a circular to the various clubs suggesting "the desirability of their members, who are unable to volunteer for service abroad, joining the National Reserve. It is confidently expected that there will be a good response to tills suggestion from cricketers. The Auckland City Council was recently asked to support a request from Tanpo residents to the Government that fishermen on Lake Taupo should be given permission to sell their 6urpiuß catches of trout. It was pointed out that if the consent of the authorities were gained, cheap trout could bo mada available to greater number of consumers than was the case at present, the Minister for Internal Affaire has advised the council that permission cannot be granted to the sportsmen at Taupo to sell 'their surplus catches. At the annual meeting of the Otago Law Society the following motion was carried: "That it be a rocommdation to the Council- of the New Zealand Law Society to solicit subscriptions irom the Bench and Bar of New Zealand tor a fund to be devoted towards the alleviation of the sufferings of troops at the front, the particular form which the aift shall take to be left to the Council oi the New Zealand Society after consuls tation Tvitli the Defence authorities. — Press Association.