LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2825, 17 July 1916, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A wireless message received from Captain Collins, of tho Moeraki, last evening, stated that a heavy south-westerly gale had been responsible for delaying tho vessel on tho run from Sydney to Wellington. Consequently she will not arrivo in port till JO p.m. to-day. The Moeraki is carrying an English (via Suez) and an Australian mail.

Heavy weather has delayed the Maitai on the lattor stage of her journey from San Francisco to Wellington. She has an English mail, via America, ou board for Now Zealand, and will not arrive here till 10 p.m. to-day.

So many members of tho Houso have been stricken by influouza and. severe colds during recent weeks, that a fairly general opinion prevails that tho chamber is far from healthy. Advantage haa been taken of the opportunity offered by the adjournment during the weekend to have the chamber fumigated. t It was sealed up for this purpose on Saturday ovoning, and it is to be opened thi6 morning. It may bo mentioned that tho chamber was fumigated before tho session opened.

Referring to a silly rumour which occupied tho attention of Parliament for some minutes reoently, a lady residing in Wellington, in a commendable spirit of fairness, writes to the Postmaster- • General as follows: —"I see in The Dominion this morning that there aro rumours going about to the effect that newspapers sent to soldiers aro not being forwarded, but are destroyed. 1 should like to toll you that I havo been Bonding the "Auckland Weekly" regularly to a trooper in the Sixth Reinforcements. Ho tells me he gets tho papers quite regularly—somotimes five at a time, and then, of course, thero aro weeks when they do not come, but he gets them eventually, and thinks he has had all I havo sent him. He even got them, and his' letters, when ho was tit Gallipoli, excepting those that wont down that timo some of our Now Zealand mails were lost. I think, considering tho enormous mails that must be sent each week to tho front, that the Postal authorities have a very big work, whioh they carry out splendidly."

As the Woodvillo train, which left Lambton at 7.50 a.m. on Saturday, was within about a railo of Pctono tho "eccentric . rod" of. the engino snapped, causing an abrupt halt. Temporary repairs wero effected, enabling tho train to reach Pctono at a very slow pace. Another engine was procured from Lower Hutt, and tho journey was continued, aftor a delay of a littlo over half an hour.

A "conscientious objector" has given .£250 to tho Hawke's Bay War Fund.

At tho inquest concerning tho death of Private John Boss, 41, who died on board tho steamer Manuka some days ago, when nearing Now Zealand from Australia, Dr. Gilmer gave evidenco to the effect that death was due to double pemunonia, doublo pleurisy and pericarditis, and Mr. D. G. A. Coopor, S.M., Coroner, entered a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony. Private ttoss was a member of tho Sixteenth_ Boinforcoment, and a native of Victoria. Although Sir John Findlay, K.C., and Mr. C. P. Skerrett, K.C., havo gone to Palmerston North to take part In an important legal action there, the further hearing' of the case in which L. F. Wallis aud Co., Ltd., of Wellington, nve suing tho Dominion Motor V«hicles, Ltd., for .£9875, damages lor broach of contract, will bo resumod at the Supreme Court this morning at 10 a.m. before Sir "Robert Stout, C.J., under the direction of tho junior, counsel ongaged—Messrs. F. E.- Potherick for the plaintiffs, and D. M. Findlay for the defendants. . ■ :

At the weekly moeting of tho AntiConscription League (Wellington), tho following, resolution was passed: "That wo emphatically protest against the prosecution of Percy T. B/obinson, secretary Of the Flaxworkers' Union, on a charge of sedition. If union officials are not pormittod to carry out the wishes of members on a Bill before Parliament, without being -übject to suclya charge, then tha gravest possible daugor will confront the people of Now Zealand, when such a Bill becomes an Act. We therefore protest against the violation of free speech and free thought, as being contrary to every form of democracy and subversive to the best interests of real progress."

In reference to a paragraph which appeared in 'The Dominion on Saturday morning, we aro informed that,, prior to Councillor Palmer handing in a motion in regard to the amalgamation of Onslow with Greater Wellington, Councillor W. Appleton had already lodged a notice of motion, as follows: "That a special committee, consisting of Councillors Budd, Bowden and the mover, be set up to fully consider the question of amalgamation of tho Onsloiv Borough with Wellington City."

They can be very casual . in the, Islands (writes a Tonga resident to a friend in Cliristckurcli). When tho liquidator of tire D.H.P.G. (the great German firm) took charge of the cash in the office at Nukualofa 'recently, he bundled the bullion in a handcart, requisitioned the services of two flat-footed Solomon Island "boys," and set oft' to tho Government Treasury, there to store ■ the wealth. Tlie procession moved doivn the roadway, aud an idler under the palms inquired of the boys: "What name?" "Money, belongum Germany bel'oa, he stop," grinned tho Solomons.

"New- feller mnrsteiy belongum Britannia. lie come, topside, inukum plenty talk, catcbum all.shilliu. Ho savec too 111'uch* Mine thiukit, mora better I ealutum new feller boss oue tfme. He too strong. Ale belongum Britannia, this time, all'dam time." And the . procession moved cu apace.

.Soon ate - the war broke out a change camo over the appearnnco of Soho, the most cosmopolitan corner of London, if not of tho world (says the Newcastle

"'Chronicle"). French and Germans predominated, but Italians, Spaniards, Turks, Greeks, and other Levantines were numerous. When war was declared, "there was a hurrying and scurrying tc join the colours, aud the place was for a tiino left almost entirely to tho women and ■ children. Soho ha?, however, been re-peopled, and is once again a Babel of tongues. Some of the French conscripts have returned, disabled for further lighting. to take lip again the control of the little businesses thoy had established, but 110 Germans liave como back. Belgian refugees have established themselves very largely in the locality, and with striking irony are occupying shops and earryinl; on businesses left by the fugitive Germans. Polyglot signs in the street are to bo met at every turn, aud tho restaurant or Italian "ristoranto" jostle with, tho English publichouse and cookshop. Equally exotic are the revelations of Continental' housekeeping aiul alimentation. Italian cookery, Kosher meat, French daiuties, Knssian dishes, aud "patisserie Belgiquo" are announced from tho many windows, but tho most startling shock to English prejudice is a "Bnchcrio Chewaliue," or "pardenbe Enhouwcry," which in plain English is horse-meat for human food.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Massey) lias roceiTcd the following telegram from Hear-Admiral Matsumnra,' commander of t.ho Japanese sipmdron, recently in Wellington "On tlio e've of our departure from New Zealand waters, .1 have the honour to offer you personally and to tho Government our sincere thanks for tlio cordial welcome and hospitality extended to tho squadron under my fomniarnl at "Wellington and Auckland. T iissuro you that we arc very sensible of tho kindness shown ns, and highly .appreciate all jjrrangemcnts made (o render our stay a pleasant one, and wo shall retain a wy agreeable recollection of our visit to Now Zealand."

It was promised tho public that the moon would riso eclipsed at about .5 o'clock on Saturday evening H did. It rose totally eclipsed by clouds of fog, which precluded any possibility of obscrvorfl noting the astronomical phenomena which wore going on behind tho veil. Yesterday morning the still heavy log dovelopcd into quiet steady rain, which continued throughout the daj.

The South Canterbury schools on July 10 collected J5168 17s. Ba. for the Belgian fund.—Press Association.

At the last meeting of the City Council in June it was decided, on the motion of the Mayor, that tho officers of the council be instructed to proceed at law against persons found playing golf on tho municipal links at Berhampore after that date.' Since then people liavo played golf on tho City links on Sunday, and it is understood have offered to accopt service, but up to the present the officials concerned have deferred taking definite action, probably on tho ground that the by-law concerned is not explicit as regards'the playing of golf on Sunday. It debaw people from playing football, cricket, and other similar games in City reserves on Sunday, and it may be argued that golf is not a similar game to cricket or football. It is understood that tho Sports Protection Leaguo will interest itself in tho case on the side of the Sunday golfers.

The Plimmer's Steps Privato Hotel Company, Ltd., has accepted tho tender of Messrs. Campbell and Burke for tho erection of a new three-story private hotel on Plimmer's Steps. The contract price is .E6OOO.

That tho powerful rays from the headlights of somo motor-cars are a menace rather than an aid to tho safety of pedestrians was tho view taken by Dr. R. H. Cole, Melbourne City Coronor, at an inquest into a motor fatality held a fow days ago (says the "Age"). It was mentioned in evidence that tho lights on the car under oiotico were of exceptional brilliance. The chauffeur admitted tliat they shed their rays over nearly 500 yards of roadway, but, notwithstanding tliis fact, a man was run. down and killed. Dr. Colo assumed from tlio victim's conduct that ho was dazed by the glare of light, and in this manner contributed largely to his own fate. Whilo sucli radiance assisted drivers, tho Coroner added, it was most confusing to persons even 100 yards in front, and 1 in his opinion there ought to bo some sort of prohibition against the use of blinding lights on motor-cats.

Tho contractors and committee in charge of the refitting of tho Antarctic ship Aurora are proceeding apaco with the work at Port Chalmers. Tho replacing of the planking and frames, and tho renewal of fastenings are among tho operations. A new rudder and rudderpost will also bo attached. The hullsheathing'is being stripped off, and tho important work of caulking, the vessel is being carried out as expeditiously as possible. Captain Stenhouso, arid all concerned with the relief ship aro very 'anxious to get tho reconditioning completed and to proceed to tho rescue of tho men of tho Shackleton expedition left in tho south. 1 It is felt that tho men may bo suffering great privations', and | tho urgency of succour is so great that tho Aurora cannot bo ready too soon to sail. To that end tho services of any available shipwright hands will be welcomed to hasten tho caulking and associated processes. A member of the crew of ono of tho Japaueso warships at Auckland' gavo tho scholars at the Bayfield School Tather a surprise on Monday. Tho class was engaged iu a singing lesson when tho visitor opened tho door and walked in. The singing abruptly stopped. Beaming with, smiles the Japanese courteously removed his footwoar. Ho then produced a camera and took a photograph of the class, after which ho put on his shoes, and, with a graceful bow, left tho room. News was received in Lyttelton on Wednesday that, the American magnetic survey auxiliary screw brigantino Carnegie (Captain Anlt), which left Lyttelton on May 17 in continuation of her scientific cruise in the Pacific, arrived at Pagopago Harbour, Tutuila Island, Samoa, on June 7, after a pleasant voyage. The movements of the vessel had been altered, and,, instead of- going through tho Panama Canal, it has been dccided that she is to sail to New York round Capo Horn. Tho Carnegie .was to leave Pagopago on June 17, and it is expected that she will reach Now Tork in September. A young man named Arthur Kelly was charged at Kaitangata. on Thursday (says the "Otago Daily Times"), on two. informations under the Coal Mines Act, with having in his possesion in tho (mine n. pipe and a box of safety matches. Inspector Green, of the Mines Department, prosecuted, and said it was imperative that the law should be observed in this relation, as the mine was at times full of gaseous matter. Defendant said that it was a mistake om his part, as ho was not aware that ho ha,d the articles in his possession. He was in the habit of leaving' them at tho mouth of tho irithe. The Magistrate commented on tho seriousness of the offenco, and imposed a fine of i£lo, with Court costs, 7s.

During the hearing of a case in the Auckland Police Court on Thursday, a soldier was giving ovidence in the witness box when he fell suddenly to tho floor. Tho proceedings ' were adjourned until later in the day. The soldier recovered, and explained to a "Herald" representative that .his seizure wtis due. to sunstroke sustained whilo fn Egypt. The seizures were frequent, ho said, and lie was only able to walk a short distance without resting. Later in the day he was allowed to sit while giving his evidenco.

: The representative of a Chxistchurch firm recently had ail amusing experience in the country. On driving up to a cer-; tain farm, in a motor-car he noticed a group of four or five young men engaged in "tubbing" a freshly-killed pig. As soon as the approach of the stranger was observed, they took to their heels, and scattered in all directions, leaving the pig at the mercy of stray dogs and cats. The agent was greatly puzzled, failing to understand why his arrival should cause such a commotion. His reception by the good lady of the house was at first also most discouraging. However, he decided to brave it out, and proceeded to explain his business, whereupon there was an instant improvement, and he was asked to come in and share the midday meal. Presently the men-folk were rounded up one by one, looking rather, foolish. It appearsthst the business man had been mistaken for a recruiting sergeant canvassing the district for the local Recruiting Board, which is evidently not a popular body in the neighbourhood in question.

A report issued by the Discharged Soldiers' Information Department covering the period up to Wednesday last show 3 that the total number of men 011 the register is 4990, of whom 3200 have "been disposed of. 11S1 cases are under action, and 606 are not yet ready for action. The number who lmve returned to military duty or work which was awaiting them is 1300. One hundred and six have drawn sections of land. At present on the Employment Wanted Register thero are 356 names. Six hundred and six men have not yet been discharged by tho military authorities. The nine unplaced men in the Wellington district tin* week desire employment as follow Light itork, 7; milker, 1; messenger, 1. Recently, because of the non-success of various contereuces with suppliers ami vendors, tho City Council, acting on the advice of I lie Mayor (Mr. J: P. Luke), decided to place the question of the price Of milk in Wellington before the Board of Trade. Tho official request has now l.p(>n received by tho board, and the City Council has sincc had a letter asking for an interview with the Mayor and tho chairman of the. Health Committee (Councillor Godber). This will, of course, bo given.

A wide circle of friends will' notico with <lcep regret in tlie Roll of Honour this morning the liarao of fiergt. Alfred A. M'Arlhur, as."missing, believed to be dead.'" Sergt. M 'Arthur wns a nephew of the late Dr. Jl'Arthur. 8.M., "Wellington. lie served some fifteen months at Samoa. ami wont to France with the Eleventh lieinforeemenls. lie was a promising officer in the Engineer Division, iN./'. Railways, and a,popular comrade among his numorous' young acquaintances. Dr. C. C. Farr,.of Christclinrch. honorary secretary of the New Zealand branch of "the Australasian Association for tlio Advancement of Science, has been officiallv informed that it is considered inexpedient to hold the next meeting of the association ii; January next. At the meeting in Melbourne in 1913 it was decided that the next meeting should be 'held nt Hobart in '1915. . On account of the war tho meeting was postponed until ]!)IG, and now it hna been postponed again, this time indefinitely. See our window full of well-made Shirts, 3s. I Id., or thrco for 10s. 6d. Geo. Fowlds, Ltd., Manners Street.—Advt. Wellington grocers are in great spirits over the success of "No Rubbing Laundry Help" for washing all clothos clean without rubbing or injury to hands or finest fabrics.—Advt.