LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2829, 21 July 1916, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Tho Defence Department wishes to inform tie public (hat tho II.M'.S. Rotonin is due frora London at Auckland today with 56 invalided soldiers .aboard. It _wa 8 originally intended that soldiers resident outside tlio Auckland province would proceed to Wellington with the steamer, but as tUo vessel will bo delayed Bomo days in Auckland it has been decided to send all soldiers for Wellington .district and the South Island by train. Information as to tho train on which the men will travel will bo published later, in order that tho ncit-of-kin mAy be able to meet them on arrival. Tho Prime Minister stated yesterday that the Government did not intend to introduco legislation to provido that all workers shall bo given a 10 per cent, advance in wages to meot the increased cost of living. MeasleS cases are not to be admitted for treatment at tho Wellington Public Hospital. The reason is that the institution would becomo overcrowded, and that more eases would be exclndOne who has braved the battle on the Western front (and who is at present in Wellington) pays a very high tribute to tho bravery and wonderful spirit of humour tha't is shown by the British"Tommy" under tho most tragic circumstances. To Continental people tho British aro considered stodgy and a triflo dour, but this war has brought out the singular fact that tho Britisher has tho liveliest sense of humour of any of tho nations engaged in the war. Ho loathes anything in the nature of morbidity, and avoids dwelling on tho tragic side of things. And, strange to say, said our informant, \it was always when things looked blackest that the humour of "Tommy" was at its best. He relates a story—which ho vouches to be truewhere a "Tommy" who had been captured said to his captor: "Well, old pal, I'm nabbed, but tho British did give you blokes 'ell yesterday." The German soldier (who understood English) reported this to his superior officer, who resolved to test' the loyalty, of tho prisoner, by ordering him either to be shot or Bwear allegiance to the ICaiscr. The "Tommy" at onco decided that it was best to "tako on tho Kaiser." After having done so, ho said: "Well, wot .am I now, that's wot I'd liko to know ?" "Oh, you're a German now!" said the officer. "Ho, is that so," replied Tommy. Then, with a glint of humonr ih his eve, added: "Say, the British did give us Germans 'ell yesterday, didn't they?"

"Regarding that clause in tho Wat Regulations Amendment Act which pro. poses to postpono all public elections next year, the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke), who was approached on the jioint yesterday, hardly cared to discing it, ns lie was so immediately oonceroed. As a citizen, and not in any official capacity ; ho said that lis could not but agree with tho intention of the Government. There were two good reasons why elections should not take place. One was that the Mayoral duties were so interwoven with war work in each city that it would ho n distinct economical Toss t.i run the risk of many changes that might occur. Then there was tho enormous cost of these elections. Outsido town hoards and county councils there were 110 boroughs and cities in New Zealand, and the aggregate cost of tho elections would run into about ,£IOO,OOQ. In tho caso of Wellington alone hundreds of pounds would bo saved that could with advantage be spent in other directions. There were disturbing elements in all elections, and it was wiso at such times ns tho present to avoid those elements if possible. It has been customary for tho Mayor's Patriotic Committee to place a supplv of apples on eaoh Wellington. How this is appreciated is evidenced in a letter which- tho Mayor (Mr. .T. P. Luke) has received from Capt. A. M'Diarmid, in charge of a draft which, left theso shores recently. "Will you please accept from me," ho says, "on bohalf of the officor3 and men under my command, our very smcero thanks for tho lino gift of apples placed on board the transport for our nso." At any time apples are appreciated, ho continues, but much moro so when tho sea is rough, such as liad been the case since leaving Wellington, and the men woro utterly unable to look at ordinary ship's faro. They had subsisted on apples. "As to the sacrificos soldiers make," says.Capt. M'Diarmid, "boliovo me, most of us realise that they are small compared with tlioso made by our women folk, who can only si.t behind and wait." '

■Up till Wednesday evening tho amount collected bj; the State school children of tho Wellington Education District for tlio Belgian children (tho Lord Mayor of london'3 appeal) amounted to ,£907 12s. lid. The list has not yet been closed. T'hero are many schools which havo not yet reported, that arc known to 100 still collecting. Tho school children of Pongaroa are issuing a little news sheet of an original charcater, which, is said to he selling freely in tho distriot.

The Hawke instruments vhioh havo been procured for the Wellington Patriotic Society's Brass Band are at present on view in the Bristol Piano Company's window, togethor with an enlarged group photograph .of the band.

At last evening's meeting of the Miramar Borough Council the Mayor '(Mr. P. Townsend) took the opportunity of welcoming the new member of the council.

,Mr. P. T. Moore, iccently . a Labour candidate for Parliament, informed tho Wellington Hospital Board yesterday that "a man getting 10s. a day can afford to pay' hospital fees." Laxity by the board in enforcing payment was "simply onoournging them to squander their money."

"You must bear in mind," said the chairman of tho Hospital Board at last ovening's ' Hospital Conference, "that tho Wellington Hospital and Charitable Aid Institution is a little village in itself. There arc fed and clothed there every day 700 pcoplo."

Tho question of granting its employees a war bonus has beon considored by the Wellington Hospital Board, and the decision is:—"That tho wages of tho employees (non-resident) on tho staff of the board bo augmented by an additional 6s. per week as a 'war bonus' during .the period of the war from .Tuly 1, 1916." It is considered that this increase will cost tho hoard -E9GS in twolve months.

Mr. B. H. G. Burn, Mayor of Knrorl, who was recently appointed to a seat on tlio Wellington Hospital and Charitable Aid Board took his Beat at tlio Doard mooting yesterday, for the first time. On "behalf of the board, tlio chairman oxtended Mr. Burn a welcome.

Shakespeare's .best philosophy is printed oil cover of "Tlio Thinkers I'avoiivito" writing tablets (registered brand), splendid value. Best for everybody. Ask stationers and storekeepers.—Advt.

Tho Proprietors of "Dosort Gold" Tea do not claim that "Dosort Gold" Family Blend ut'ls. 9d. is equal to "Desert Gold" 2s. grado, but Kuarajitco it to be tho Best Valuo .it Is. 9d. in Now Zealand.—Advt.

Tho Primo Minister has received Ihi following telegram from the president of tho Greymouth Port Waterside Workers' Union:—"We, the members of tho Greymouth Port Waterside Union, endorso tho action of the Government in passing tho National Service Bill. Wo consiilcr_it the best and fairest method of reacmng eligiblo persons who should servo their King and Empire—(Signed) Jawcs M'Giuley, President." It was reported at yesterday's meeting of the Wellington Hospital Board that tho Scarlet Fevor Hospital is full, and that the infantile paralysis cases now number only seven, all being free from infection. Five of them have been transferred to the Children's Hospital, and the other two (adults) to the General Hospital. Thoy are all doing well. A sitting of tho Conciliation Council was held yesterday to hoar the jewellers' *nd watchmakers* dispute. Mr; J. R. Trigjjs, Conciliation Commissioner for southern districts, presided in the absence of Mr. P. Hulley. As tho Wellington Union had only cited Wellington employers, instead of employers in tho "Wellington district, an objection was raised by the employers. Argument was heard by tho Commissioner on tho point, and subsequently ho adjourned tho dispute till August 24. The objection raised by tho employers was that the wliolo of tho employers in the Wellington district should have "been cited, and till this was done tliey were not prepared to go on with the case. Meantime, however, if a new Conciliation Commissioner is appointed to take tho placo of Mr. Halley, who is now a member of tho Board of Trade, it is probable that tlio dispute will bo heard earlier than tho date fixed by Mr. Ti-iggs. l Ail inquest was held yesterday afternoon by Mr. D. G. A. Cooper, District Coroner, conccrning tho sudden death of Mrs. Elizabeth Stewart, aged 68 years, who resided at 27 Edinburgh Torraco, Newtown. After hearing tho evidence of Dr. Gilmer and other witnesses, ft verdict was returned that deceased mot her death on July IS "by heart disease. Tho Minister of Internal Affairs (tho Hon. G. W. Russell) stated; in tho House yesterday that the dosiraWHty of introducing legislation dealing with.opossums is under, consideration. In an interview yesterday Mr. Skinner. Commissioner of Lands for Canterbury, stated that the Land Purchase Board had been endeavouring to arrange for the purchase of land for the use of returned soldiers, but though quito a number of places suitable-for such settlement had been offered the board had been compelled to refuse them on accouut of the value set upon them—Press Association. Six pages of the current week's Gazette are dovoted to tho enumeration of goods that are prohibited from being exported from.tho United Kingdom. Among tho goods mentioned are becswaii bicyclcs and parts, blankets, heavy boots, buckets, camphor, candles, carbon,- cartridges, celluloid, a long range of chemicals, kinematograpli films, cotton of all kinds, electric lamps, explosives of all kinds, 'field glasses, fibres and flax, gramophone and other sound records, metal 6, oils, photographic films and plates (exposed or otherwise), rags, steel rails, sparking plugs, woollens, etc. Certain alterations in the boundaries of the Upper Hutt Town District aro notified in this week's Gazette. The alterations also affect the Hutt County district. Contributions from a great many novel sources have reached the treasurer of the Navy 'Leaguo Fund during the last few weeks, says the Auckland "Herald," .but perhaps the most novel was that of £1 10s. forwarded from a country district, with the following letter:—"This sum represents the amount of damages pud me recently by a man I was compelled to sue for continued trespass of his pigs upon my property. I have great pleasure in handing the amount over to your fund."

• The Firo Brigado received a call' at nine minutes past five last evening to 39 Hanson Street, a houso owned by Mrs. J. Merry, and occupied by Mr. P. G. Ward. Tho fire was extinguished ofter a little damage liad been, (lone to the front - bedroom. Children playing with matches was the cause of the outbreak.

Messrs. iW. H. Skinner, Robert Macaulay, and James Sealy havo hcen appointed Commissioners to classify pastoral runs in the Canterbury land district.

Tho current Gazette notifies that 19 residential sections in the Wilford Settlement, Petone, are available for lease at ground rentals set forth in the notice. The Wilfqrd Settlement is situated one mile from the Petone Railway Station; This week's Gazette notifies that the Wairarapa and ' Huntervillo Patriotic Associations hare been incorporated un--1 dor the War Funds Act of 1915. Daylight saving in London is thus referred to in a letter received in Dannevirkc. ,r VVc are saving daylight at this end now. 'It appears to go vtry well. Six o'clock men now have to start at five, though tho clock show 6 six, having put her on an honr. By now it does nof appear to be a bit different to old times, and you wouldn't know, only it is hardly dark when bed-time comes around. I think it is a capital thing myself, though it is bad for courtships. It is just 9 p.m., and the sun is shining brightly.' Of course the sunset is at 8,23 on tho longest day a month hence, k> 1 suppose' we shall see sunshine at 9.30 hero ]>y the cud of the month." Tho following candidates have been nominated, in connection with the byelection of the Petone Borough Council, to be held on July 27:— J. P. Gaynor, nominated by B. W. Short, A. Marsden, Anna Wakelin, Elizabeth Corson, and others; E. A. Hartley, by J. E. Carey, D. M'lntyre, J. Wakeham, and C. H. Beynon; T. Moseley, by John Hyde, G. D. M'Ewen, J. 11. Carter, J. Jackson and others; S. J. Ncwlaud, by A. C. Wright, Thos. Potts, J. W. Sharpe, J. Cotfon nnd others; A. J. Skinner, by G. Heathcote and D. S. Powell. "I have been on a shift from 3 a.m: until 10 a.m.," writes a Wellington soldier from the front in France. "With the rising of the sun at 3.30 a.m. all Nature awakes gloriously, and yon imagine what tho walk to and from tho trenches must be. We are in the country, and all the flowers aro in full bloom. There are stacks of wild violets and primroses to perfume one's pathway across tho fields. ■ You would never dream that war, with all its attendant horrors, raged only a mile or two away. A remarkable thing, too, is to see tho women and children of the village in which we aro billeted going about their business as usual, though half tho pkco has been knocked about by shell-fire, and is still within range of the Bosches' big guns. The other night about 11 o'clock we bad a gas attack. It was very slight, however, and was not followed by an infantry attack, as is usual. You should havo seen us standing to'attention at midnight with our queer-looking gas-hel-mets on, and in full marching order in the little courtyard of our billot. All the inhabitants of tbis town, from babies upwards are provided with gas helmets, and there are alarms all over tho place, so that in the'eviint of an attack everyono will be awakened. Tho smell of the chemicals (in the gas) almost chokes you at first, but you• soon get used to it."