LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2634, 3 December 1915, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Firemen caused a delay of fully half an hour to the Mararoa's departure for Lyttelton last evening. It was pay day, and some of the stokehold crew had teen ashore, and were evidently disinolined to allow the Mararoa to sail on time. At 8.15 p.m. the vessel was still three short of her -usual crew, and there appeared no immediate chance of them turning-up. Ten minutes later it was decided to send the Mararoa away, and she left one man short of her complement according to the ship's articles.

At noon on Monday the Prime Minister is to receive a doputation organised by the War League to ask for amendments in the War Pensions Act.

The refinement of German cruelty and the hatred by the Huns of the English is well illustrated by the story told in London by one of the recently-returned prisoners of war, ''I have been a prisoner in Germany ever since I was captured at' Mons," said thip man. "I have been in four German hospitals, and tho Germans ■ were only ■ actively cruel in' one. v The "medical treatment is good, tut we had a good deal to put up with in the way of 'pin-pricks.' For instance, we were not allowed to smoke, though the Russian and French prisoners were permitted this luxury. The Prussian officers who visited us had a pretty trick of blowing whiffs of cigarette smoko in our faces, and asking as they did so, 'Wouldn't you like a "fag"?' One day I broke the rule, and smoked a cigarette given me by the man in tlic next bed. I never did it again, for the punishment was bread and water for .three days. I drank the water, but no one could have swallowed tho broad, so it meant living' on water for three days. My smoke was not jvortli that. It was 1 a dearlybought cigarette!"

Information has been laid against _ a Civil Servant for allegedly making disloyal utterances, and- the case will occupy ,tho attention of the local Magistrate to-day.

Amended regulations under the Education Act relating to the issue of good attendance certificates are gazetted.

The New Zealand Club is holding a luncheon at the Y.M.C.A. rooms to-day at 1 p.m., When Oapt. D. Munro will, be the chief guest.

Messrs. M. Carr, of Wellington, and R,', W. Shallcrass, general secretary of the New' " Zealand Sports /Protection League, wero present by irritation at the Gala Day in Dannovirke held on Wednesday last for tlVe purpose of raising funds for wounded soldiers. They report that tho gathering was a very successful one, and a very comprehensive programme was carried out. The total amount raised during the day was about £200 '.| of which the mock court produced almost one-half. This should lie almost a record for one sitting of the court.

Now regulations under the Beer Duty Act are published in this week's "Gazette."

A few days ago the Government authorised a loan for a considerable sum for the erection of a cold storage plant and shed for the storage of fruit at Mfit'Ueka.

Fire brigade matters were much in evidence at a meeting of the Miramar Borough Council last eveniug. It was a night of presentations, and - several members of the Miramar Volunteer Fire Brigade were present in consequence. Councillor Underwood, who is vice-president of the brigade, presented that body with a hindsomo challenge shield for competition. In doing so he paid tribute to their good work. Councillor' Stone, captain, received the trophy on behalf of the brigade. The annual report was also presented. The t Mayor (Mr. F. Townsond) congratulated the brigade on its good work. Incidentally he mentioned that had it not been for their services there would no doubt have been ten houses loss in the borough to-day.

Mr. J. T. M. Hornsby, M.P., Las oeen advised by tho Public Trustee that Carter's Estate, at Carterton, with an area of 1900 acres, will lie subdivided and offered for sale by auction on renewable leases of 20 years' duration. Mr. Hornsby has submitted a scheme to the Public Trustee calculated to extend the usefulness of the bequest of the late Sir. Carter, and an Empowering Bill will be introduced during the next session to give effect to the proposals. We invite officers to inspect our Officers' Kit Bags, in good strong khaki and brown canvas, 9s. 6d. and 12s. 6d. Geo. Fowlds, Ltd., Manners Street.—Advt.