LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2437, 16 April 1915, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

' It was his wife 1" declared a woman •oudly from the public enclosure at the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning. Everyone looked round at the interruption of the case then*" being heard. The woman, however, simply waved her hand, smiled triumphantly, and repeated her remark. "It was li'is wife! Then a burly constable approached the disturber, and politely but firmly led her from tho Court. "But it was his wife," came a gentle murmur from the distance, as the constable and his charge disappeared.

A. 1 ress Association telegram from Dunedin says:—At a meeting of the Otago Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association a resolution was passed authorising a letter to be sent to the New Zealand Council urging that steps be taken to arrange races for the men encamped at Trentham on lines' similar to those conducted by the Southern Counties' Association, England, in connection with the War Office, for troops training for the f

At the City Council last night Councillor R. Flotcher asked the Mayor was he aware that the son of the Town Clerk,-who resigned from the City Council staff some years ago, had been taken back as a permanent member, at a salary of £156 per annum, a higher salary than some pf the other officers of more lengthy service. Tho Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke): "The Town Clerk is away, and I do not want to say anvthing while he is away that I would not say while he was present.' I want to say that if there has been any injustice done it must be remedied: As far as Mr. Palmer's 6on is concorned there is no reasou why he should not by on the staff as well as anyone else. There has been some misunderstanding, and I believe there may have been some injustice done. I think that if there has been any, when we make any inquiries, it will be remedied." Councillor Hindmarsh thought that if there was any vacancy the oouncil should be informed. The Mayor : "I think that in reference,to appointments as much publicity as possible should be given."

A fine collection of shields and other trophies graced the room in which the Suburbs Bifle Club farewelled Rifleman C. J. Fisher last evening. This year the club lias done' exceptionally well. At the Wellington Rifle .Association's meeting, the championship, the Licensed Victuallers' Cup, and the long range aggregate were all won by H R. Hunt. At New Plymouth, Hunt won the championship, and the club was r.econd in •the teams' match. At Bulls, J. L. Turner won.the championship, the club Won the teaims' match for fdur men and the teams' match for eight men. At AVairarapa, the club did fairly well;and at Christchurch the 300 yards, COO yards and 600 yards aggregate was won by H. Boon, and tho club won the teams' matoh.

"Do I understand that at the mooting re the milk question at which you presided it was deoided that there 'would be no increase in the price of milk tliis winter?" was a question asked the Mayor by Councillor R. A. Wright, at last night's mooting of the City Council. "That was the agreement they entered into, most emphatically," said the Mayor.

Briefly and emphatically expressed: At the Court yesterday morning, a, dusky-skinned individual, in hearing a charge of drunkenness read out to liiin, simply grinned. "You are charged tliat you were found drunk in Manners Street," repeated the Clerk of the Court. "Now, do you plead?" The "plea" was another expansive grin from the dusky one. "Perhaps he can't speak English," remarked the Magistrate. Tlien the Court orderly walked up to the accused, looked at him, and bellowed: "You were drunk yesterday." _ "Yes,"_ replied accuscd promptly, with a terrific smile that outshone all his previous efforts. "Con-

victed and discharged," replied the Magistrate, with an expression that allowed that the dusky smile had been contagious.

The official opening of tho Falmerston Old People's Home waß performed yesterday by the Hon R. Heaton Rhodes, in the presence of a large assemblage. The home is uno of the largest and most, up to date in tho Dominion. Silver keys wore presented to the .Minister and Sir James Wilson (chairman of the Hospital Board), as mementoes of the occasion.— Prosi Association.

Tile Reserves Committee of the-City Council have authorised the Curator of tlio Zoo to arrange ail exchange of mallard ducks and keas for 6ome Tasmanian devils, > with a Tasmaniaa collector.

The Deserves Committee reported to the council last night that the Superintendent of Reserves and the City Engineer have conferred with the representatives of the Rose and Carnation Club, in' the Zoo grounds, in connection with the proposal to form a rosary ab sucll spot, and they are of opinion that the site selected is unsuitable for the purpose. The officers have suggested another site, and the committee are awaiting an estimate of the cost, in order that the question of providing a sum on next year's estimates mav bo considered.—The report was adopted.

Jn order to overcome the nuisance created by the depositing of fish offal at the Island Bay Beach, the City Council have decided that proceedings shall be taken against any person offending in this , direction. The. Public Health Committee is making inquiries in order to ascertain whether it is possible to provide some means for the disposal of such waste products.

"That arrangements be made for tho return of the music loaned to the Municipal Orchestra by the Wellington Orchostral Society," was a motion carried by tho City Council last night.

A letter from the Hospital Board dealing with the dairy farm purchase question was referred to the Finance' Committee for a report by the City Council last night.

The Superintendent of Police is to bS requested by the City Council to issue instructions to the Police Force to sco that street hawkers do not obstruct the streets to the detriment of traffic.

Authority has been granted for the completion of the purchase of the plant and fittings at Hall's Turkish Baths, and for that purpose the City Engineer has been authorised to appoint a valuer to make a valuation of the plant and fittings.

"That the various applications for increase of wages from the general' labourers. destructor men, and waterwork fitters be held over/ for the present" was a resolution decidod on by the City Council last night. • .

The free use of the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall has been granted to the Victoria University' College for the annual Phuket medal debate, ou September 11. ,

The following tenders were accepted by the City Council iast night:—lion bark poles, J. \V. Wallace and Co.: woodwork for tramways, Stewart ana Co.; Ironwork for tramways, Messrs. iN'iren and Co.; two motor cycles, Sutherland and Hankiji; Fire Brigade uniforms, Excelsior Clothing Co.; boots, Hannah and Co.

A matter which has often been before the City Council was settled last night, when a report of the Finance Committee was adopted_ as follows:—"That they have reconsidered the request of the Maranui Surf and Life-Saving Cluo for the payment of the donation of £10, towards their funds in. connection with their gala held on the Lyall Bay beach last year, and have to recommend that the amount be now paid over to : the club."

Butter has risen one penny per pound, says a Press Association telegram from Ihmcdin. The retail price is now Is. sd.—the second rise in a fortnight. The rise is attributed to the abnormal demand for cheese for Army supply, and the consequent big advance in price causing factories to increase their efforts in the direction of cheese-making.

"I think a good recommendation to the next Outlying Districts' Committee would be that they should .promote legislation giving power to take over many of these private streets," said Councillor Buddie at last night's meeting of the City Council, during the course of the discussion on one of the many applications for etreet formation by owners adjacent to private streets.

The City Council in committee last night approved the principle of classification for the staff, and referred the matter to the incoming committee.

The Tramways Committee last night recommended to. the City Council that a report be obtained on the cost of connecting up tie tramway line at the Karori tunnel, via Plunket Street, and Upland Road to Glasgow Street, and thence temporarily to the present cable car terminus, and also that nenotia.tions be entered into with the Kelburn and Karori Cable Tramway Company for the purpose of obtaining their consent to bear a portion of such cost. Tho Mayor explained that the proposal was to esfablish two "lifts" similar to those employed in the Old Country, to raise tho people to the Teirace, Ihey simply wanted a leport, and the engineer would explain the nmtftr later. The recommendation was carried.

The Paymaster-General acknowledges in the Gazette of last night the reccipt of £20 conscience money (in notes) from some person anknown.

The gravity of an act of a well-known "Wild-West" showman is being considered by the Court of Appeal. On December 7 William M'Leod, who goes, by the name of Captain M'Leod, wasperforming as an expert. shot at _a "show" in the Waikato, and Leslie Wilson, a young man of the district, consented to sit in a chair while M'Leod shot the ash off the cigarette Wilson was smoking. M'Leod fired, and the bul'et went through Wilson's. cheeK. M'Leod was tried in the Supreme Couit for (1) assault so as to cause bodily harm, (2) assault, (3) causing actual bedib harm. The jury found the following answers to questions put to them: —Was the prisoner au expert shot P —"Yes." Did he fire at Wilson with the full consent of Wilson? — "Yes." Was the wound dangerous?— "No." Did Wilson move his he.ad after being placed in position by M'Leod, and before M'Le9d fired?-— ''Yes." Yesterday the Court of ' Apnea! was asked if upon these finding! M'Leod was guilty or any one of the offences charged against him. Tfie. Court is now taking time to. consider its answer. M'Leod was not represented at the proceedings, and the 'At-torney-General (Hon. A.. L. Herdman), who appeared for the .Crown, said thab the Case was one in which the public interest was involved. "Is it," he asked, "in the interests of the public that people should be permitted to go rvi'.inil the country holding shows at wL- rh they invite' others to risk uheir lives?"' It was remarked that had Wilson been killed M'Leod" would have been tried for manslaughter.

THE STUDEBAKER DELIVERY VANTWO ATTRACTIVE PROPOSITIONS. In the 25 li.p. Studebaker delivery van, equipped wit'' electric self-starter and full "electric lighting set, we claim to offer the best, value in commercial vehicles now offered in this Dominion. It is a big. lipndsoine van, beautifully finished. Tin: engine is powerful, simple, and absolutely reliable. The self-starter never fails. 1.118 electric lamps are brilliant,, mid great savers of time and money. The ; capacity of the van is about 15cwt„ and Rood? and driver are given complete protection against wind and wet weather. The wheels arc fitted with Michelin d&tnchabie rims and Michelin tyres, and there is a spare rim and tyre. The van sells complete for ,£345, and will giv» first-rate service over any roads under any conditions. We arc also offering vary che.lp, in order to clear, a 20-h;p. "Flan. flers' 1 delivery van, usual price .£295. This van i.< slightly shop-soiled, having beex used for demonstration purnosca, but 1« os good as new. It is a little smaller than the 25 li.p. van, and is not fitted with self-starter or electric lamps. It lias full road equipment, affords complete protection 'o ,driver and goods, is absolutelv Tellable and efficient, and is offered at a reduction ljelow usual pries. Photographs and full description on appiication. Adams, Ltd.. New Zealand Importers of Studehnkor Motors. Christchurch. Timani. WaDsanui, and Palmar* .Blou-ftortji.—Ady\,

_' The New Zealand, branch of the British Medical Association on Wednesday last, forwarded to the Minister of Defence a cheque for £1505 13s. 6d., being the amount collected to that date by its several divisions to assist in establishing a Soliders' Hospital.at Treutham. Siuce then the lion, general treasurer of the fund has received from the Southland division a second contribution, amounting to £123 4s. This brings the total collected by that division up to the'substantial sum of £323 4s. The additional amount, together with any subscriptions still outstanding, will be handed on to the Minister at a later a&te , ' Delegates of the New Zealand Freezing Workers' Federation are at present in 'Wellington holding their annual confidence, The proceedings will later he reported to tllo affiliated unions. During the lunch hour yesterday, Messrs. Read, Croskey, and Miirdock addressed, a meeting in Post Office Square, and urged a straight-out vote for Labour at the coming elections. The ticket of the Greater Wellington Town Planning and Municipal Electors' Association for the forthcoming elections, and the dates of candidates' opening meetings, are advertised in this issue. At St. Thomas's School to-night tho speakers will be: Messrs. Leigh Hunt, J. B. Jenkinsori, W. H. Bennett, and Wni. Cable. Chairman, Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P. At Mount- Cook Schoolroom : Messrs, G. Froet, H. G. Hill, Len. M'Keuzie, and C. B. Norwood will ipeak, the .chairman being Mr. J. Jodber. 1 Messrs. H. E. Anderson and J. G. jjmith. who have been announced as candidates for the KhandaJlah Ward of the Onslow Borough at the approaching election, state that while they are both strongly in favour of a gravitation water scheme, they do not at the present time commit, themselves to any particular scheme The usual farewell remarks v were made at the City Counoil meeting last night, it being tho last meeting of the present council. The meeting lasted t. 11.35 p.ru,, the\ councillors getting through a good deal of business.