LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2876, 14 September 1916, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Reporting from Samoa, under dato September 11, on tho health of tho garrison, Colonol Logan 6ays that Sorgt. J. W. Butler is convalescent; Privates R. Knox, W. S. Roid, and G. Bowkcr aro suffering from carbuncles.

A very valuable, and from a motorist's point of viow important, work has just boon carried out on Ohiro Iload, between Brooklyn and the sea. Not far below Brooklyn township was a very awkward corner in the road, a sharp anglo that ohtirely cut off a viow of tho road ahead. This' cornor, opposite Mr. Shortt's cottage, has long been the bauc of all motorists, as it prevents tho careful driver utilising the down grade to its fullest advantago at that spot. Sorao little time ago it was found necessary to replacotho old wooden storm-water culvert with a concrete ono, and whilst the men wcro at that work, the road at the danger point mentioned was widened by about 20 feet, which mean's that an extensive viow of the road ahead has been created, considerably lessoning tho risk of accidont.

"When asked in Dimcdiu whether the Board of Trado was likoly to deal with tlio alleged timber combino, members stated that no dofmito complaint had been made, but that! a commission from tho Government had been received by tho Board to go into certain phases of the timbor question, and it was probable that members at a later date would visit Dimcdin in furtherance of, this inquiry, and would deal with any additional complaints then.

The Auckland Labour Representation Committee has disapproved tho appointment of representatives on tho Exemption Boards under the Military Service Act, and passed a resolution affirming anti-conscription views, which is rather remarkable in view of tho fact that a deputation of trade unionists in Auckland recently suggested to the Hon. James Allen that Labour should bo given representation on tho boards. It is stated that there were fifty to sixty persons present, and tho decision was made chiefly on tho ground that the meeting was asked to submit names, and wore not given a free choice of representatives.—Press Association.

Tho work of improving the Basin Rosorve—the Cinderella most valuable of the City's reserves—has at Ipngth been put in hand, and as the result 'a considerable alteration in the general aspect of tho grounds will bo shortly apparent. The first part of tho work done has been the removal of tho long tonguo of fenced-in garden that extended out into the ground be- c low the caretaker's cottage (the lower fence of which formed part of the long entrance barrier). This triangular strip of garden formed a screen to prevent people viewing tho grounds from Buckle Street, but otherwise served no useful or ornamental purpose. Both the garden;and tho slanting asphalt pathway beside it have been removed, and the neatly-turfed bank has been extended right down to the path near northern gates. A start is to bo 'made shortly with the orcction of the now inner fence that, is to divido ilia plantation that surrounds the basin from tho playing area. When that is dono the outer fence will ho removed altogether, and in 'its placo will he a low-6et concrete kerbing that will not prevent anyone seeing^what is growing in the plantation. The new inner fence at the Basin Reserve will consist of a closely-boarded paling fence, with reinforced concrete posts set twelve feet apart. The posts arc to be cast on the ground.

In tho Supremo Court yesterday, before Mr. Justice Chapman, a case was stated by tho Waikato-Maniopoto District Maori Land Bonrd in the matter of the leases from Rangihuia Kingi and others . and To Marohoa to the Mokau Coal and Estates Company, Ltd. The question at issue was whethei tho renewal of certain leases without tho necessary written noticos having been given invalidated the loaßes. Mr. P. S. K. Maoassoy appeared for the Maori Land Board, and Mr. C. P. Skerrett, with him Mr. A. Kennedy, represented the Mokau Coal Co. After hearing argument, His Honour reserved his decision.

A meeting of tho Advisory Board of tho Federation of- New Zealand Patriotic War Relief Societies is to be held in the Chamber of Comntbrce at 10 a.m. to-day.

Mr. T. B. Spcnce, manager for Messrs. Bloomficld Bros., Whatatutu, Gieborne, when in Hastings last woek, called on Mr. Lanauzo re date of llawke's Bay ram fair, which is fixed for Ist and 2nd February, 1917. Mr. Spence mentioned that he has had great results from E. Eglinton's Eomney rams, notwithstanding that they havo been grass fed only. Ho has sold MOO cull two-tooth ewes for dolivory off the shears next November at 305., from Eglinton's rams—another record for Eglinton. Eglinton holds the Dominion's record, at Hawke's Bay fair, 1911, when ho sold 279 flock rams, averaging 71 guineas. Mr. Eglinton never sells privately. Tho rams are coining as usual to Mr. Lanauzo for tho j'air.--Aavt.

There is no doubt that people like to praise anything which pleases them. One of many letters of that kind says: "We find that Desert Gold Tea is tho best of all teas in Now Zealand, and will alwnys uso it." Prove Dosort Gold's superiority iu your homo.—Advt,

The New Zealand Natives' Association have on hand a scheme for erecting a building as a memorial to "our boys" who have died or beeii killed whilst on active service. A rough outline of tho scheme has been given to somo of the officers and men, and they are, tho secretary of the association states, onthusiastio over the matter. A meeting is to be held in the Natives' Hall ou Friday, when the details of the scheme will bo given.

"Buy some war loan certificates," stamped on letters posted in Wellington is the latest devico of the G.P.O. to encourage the people to invest in tho war loan.

"Our place is always behind any ordinary firing line," writes Mr. F. H. Wilkinson, Y.M.C.A. secretary, from Egypt. '|Still wo had one or two of tho enemies' aeroplanes overhead on different occasions, and it was rather exciting to hear bombs exploding and tho rattle of tho machino guns, but although wo heard the whistle of the bullets fairly close, yet they did us no harm, and since then I think tho news is quite old to you now, wo successful}- destroyed' a number of the enemy's planes."

Tho velocity of tho wind in tho city last night was shown by the breaking of one of tho plate-glnss windows in tho drapery establishment of Messrs. Hood. Bros., Lambton Quay.

Sapper Arthur M. Vile, of Masterton, writing from Belgium, under date July 20, says:—"About a week ago I witnessed a really great bombardment: The 'Allemagxno'. took it into his head to smash up the Notre -Dame Chapello in Armentiores. The first shell landed right in tho centre of the magnificent building, and a continuous stream of shells was poured into and around it at three-minute intervals, for over three hours. After about two hours' bombardment tho tremendous spire fell with a crash. Wo were awakened by the first shell, as our billet was only 300 yards distant, and we speedily transferred ourselves to a safer part of the town, from where we witnessed the whole bombardment."

Nurse Isla Stewart, of Mastorton, writing from London on July 30, says: "While we were at Covent 1 >Gardon we met a drag-load"bf New Zealand wounded who wero picnicking under tho tree's and being entertained by tho New Zealand War Committee. A boy I knew, who has just got his artificial leg, was gotting along with two sticks. Ho hit his artificial Jog with a stick, and said: 'Now, what do you think of me, Miss Stewart?' Ho seemed so proud of himself. . . . At Rockhampton, whore tho limb hospital is situated, there are thousands of hoys awaiting their turn to be fitted. A Maori boy, who had lost both his legs,- and another New Zoaland lad, who had also, lost a limb, woro there learning the businoss for tho New Zealand Government. They aro to go to Now. Zealand to repair and refit limbs for the lad 6 in Now Zealand. It is a very Aviso niovo of tho Governmfeiit."

Last spring tho Wellington Acclimatisation Society liberated one hundred quinnat salmon viftrlings in the Hutt River, and during the past fortnight several quinnat havo been taken by fishermen in, Wellington Harbour. Those fish aro absolutely protected throughout the Dominion, and, when caught, at onco bo returned to tlio water. ' If the fishermen will do this, in a few years tho Wellington' Harbour will bo well stocked, as these fish have only lately been caught. Tho Wellington Acclimatisation Society does not wish to prosecute fishormon without warning. Mr. John Fuller, jun., a member of tho City Council, who has been resident in Sydney for ovor two months' past, and is at prosent in Wellington, comments upon the apathy of tho peoplo of Sydney ovor tho war. Ho statos that recruiting is not at all satisfactory, and expresses tho hopo that the peoplo of Australia will approve by referendum of compulsory service. Mr. Fuller is inclined to attribute the ■position in Sydney to the state of politics in Now South- Wales, where tho caucus was dictated to'by the executive of the Political Labour League, This made for insecurity all round, and general uneasiness on the part of the people. Mr.-' Fuller will visit tho various centres in New Zealand in tho interests of bis firm boforo he leaves again for Sydney at, tho end of tho month. .

The value of the . regulation which provides that persons requiring firearms or ammunition must secure a permit from the police was shown by an incident which occurred at tho Auckland Police Station.. A woman called at the station and asked Senidr-Sergt. Rutledgo, tho' licensing officer, for a permit to buy a revolver, saying alio required it for self-protection. Tho officer told her that she would havo to get a.'justice of the peace "or a police officer to identify her. Sho seemed quite rational and wont away. Later in the day she returned, and said sho could r.ot get. a. revolver anywhere. When again asked why sho required tho revolvor, sho, said sho wanted to shoot herself. . Sho was detained, and subsequently committed to tho Mental Hospital.

Tho secretary of tljo Wellington branch of the British and Foreign Sailors' Society has received from tho English headquarters of the' organisation an inquiry respecting the widows and orphans of men employed on naval colliers. Tho letter states:, "Lady _ Jcllicoo has written to lis, asking if we aro in touch with the widows and orphans of men from any of tho collier ships, as sho has a sum of money to distribute especially among these folk. Will you make an investigation in your locality, with a view to finding out any such, as wo havo promised her ladyship to furnish as much information as possible on this subject?" Mr. Nimmo is making inquiries, and hopes to be able to forward particulars to England at an early date.

The Hon. J. Allen has Teceivecl the following letter, dated July 18, 1916, from the High Commissioner in London, Sir Thomas Mackenzie: "In continuation of my letter of the 4th instant, regarding tho delivery of correspondence to_ members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, I have to acknowledge the receipt of the undermentioned cablegram received hero on the 7th instant, reading as follows:— 'Your ' message June 26 mails for forces will be addressed London. Inform post office.' Immediately upon its receipt I communicated with Genoral' Richardson, and arrangements have now been made with tho General Post Office to deliver tho mails for tho New Zealand Forces immediately on their arrival in England to the liewlycstablished New Zealand base post office at Regent's Park. London, N.W. 1 1 trust that the postal arrangements now made will be entirely satisfactory." Nothing in shirts looks smarter than a, black and white stripe. Ouv sound material lines sell at is. Gd., 46. lid., and lis. M. Geo. Fowlds, Ltd., Manners Street—Advt. We say without fear of contradiction "No stubbing Laundry Help" is a positive boon to Housewives. Contains nothing injurious to hands or fabrics, yet washes all clothes perfectly clean} Local groqers—Advt. The Chevrolet bids fair to become tho favourite this season with tho motorloving public. Already one can seo' Chevrolet cars in all parts of New Zealand. The city man, tho farmer, tho traveller, and the lady driver are all fascinated with this beautifully designed French-American car. Little wonder, when one thinks that it can be purchased with "all its equipment in any colour or finish at prices from ,£255. For fnrther particulars, write or ring up THE DOMINION MOTOR VEHICLES, j LIMITED, 65 Courtenay Placo, Wellington.—Advt.

The Minister of Defence has informed tho Mayor of Auckland, says the "Herald," that it had been arranged that a portion of the Seventeenth Reinforcements should visit Auckland- and parado in tho city. The Department, however, has found that it is unable to carry out this arrangement. However, tiie Mayor has since received a telegram from General Sir Alfred Robin, Commandant of the Forces, expressing regret that no part of the Seventeenth Reinforcements could parade in Auckland, hut stating that every endeavour would be made to meet Auckland's desire in regard to a parade of a reinforcement draft at the earliest opportunity. Auckland now asks thai) the Eighteenths shall parado there.

"Is it a fact that men eligible for' active service are receiving appointments in the home defence, and are thereby evading military service?" was a question put to the Hon. 6. W. Russell, Minister of Internal Affairs, at a meeting in Dunedin. In reply, Mr. Russell 6-aid ho was not aware of it, but ho would communicate with the Hon. J. Allen, Minister of Defence, and ask him if such was tho'case. As far as he himself was concerned, he held that the only men who should 1)6 appointed in connection with our defence forces were those who were not eligible to go to the front.

.The following paragraph, appears in district orders issued by Colonel G. \V. S.. Patterson, Officer Commanding Auckland Military District:—"The Defence Department, will not pay for any light refreshments given to men —Territorials —on whole-day parades. As the Audit Department will not permit payment for the same to bo made from maintenance grant to units, the cost, if any, for the future, must be met by t D * men themselves."

Tito well-dressed Hindus, who recently arrived from Fiji, presented .themselves at the Auckland recruiting station, and offered their services in any capacity for the front. The volunteers ivero well-educated men, and had paid, their own fares from Fiji to Auckland. They evinced a keen desire "to enlist. At nrsfl tho applicants were informed that, under tho Defenco Department's regulations they could not be accepted, but in. view of their enthusiasm and fine physique arrangements were made for their accommodation at Narrow Neck camp. Both applicants, who are brothers, passed the medical test, and will go into training almost at once.

The Wellington Patriotic Socioty has a big scheme afoot for raising rnoro money for sick and wounded soldiers. The War Relief Association in a recent statement gave an indication as to the steady increase in the amount of work necessitating expenditure in connection with returned 1 men and their dependants, audi cordially supports the society's proposal to raiso moro funds. __ The full dotails of the schemo are not yet available for publication, but it is believed that it will provp ono of the biggest sohomes of its kind yet attempted m Australasia. It will culminate in February next, when a huge bazaar will bo held in the Town Hall, in which each stall will represent ono of tho allied nations.

Following is a copy of a lottor which' has been received hy> the Advisory Board of the New Zealand Patriotio War Relief Societies from the War Belief Association:—"l am directed to bring under your notice the inadvisability of allowing certain women to receivo allotment, children's, and separa* tion allowances direct'from the Dofenco Department, in ono payment each month. To quote a typical caso, a woman with five children, ages, say, one to eight years. It is gcnoially ascertamad that tho husband has been a drunkard and a loafer, and has worked week in and week out', averaging, say, 30s. a week, and giving his wife £1 at tho outside. Such women have never handled money, and, now that the husband is in camp . . ..■ or has left New Zealand, the woman receives £1to £13 in ono lump sum each month. It is almost needless to remark,that sho squanders the amount-within a week, often forgetting to pay tho rent. It would ho hardly fair to expect tho Defence Department to niter their arrangements, «in viow of tho tremendous amount of work involved, but it is quito likely tliat arrangements could bo made whereby, without persecuting the applicant, tho be received by a Patriotio Socioty or other body from tho Defence. Department in ono saimj and handed' over, to tho applicant each week. It might also bo advisable to pay such items as rent direct, instead of leaving the woman to handle all the cash. We have several oases on our books where the women are receiving three, times as much as they ever received before, and they aro not even paying tlieir rent. The Relief Committee of this association is therefore of tho opinion that tho matter should bo discussed by the Advisory Board.—(Sgd.) S. Wilis." This matter will receive consideration at a meeting of tho board to bo held to-morrow.