LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 156, 21 March 1918, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Mr. Clement Wraggo, ill a' forecast issued yesterday, says tliat boisterous weather, with considerable flooding, is not improbable over all parts south of Christchurch. —Press, Assn. The phenomenal rise in tho tide was noticed in Wellington on Tuesday, in common with other places. At Seatoun the water rose to within a foot of the decking of the wharf, and at Karaka Bay the waves were washing over the decking of the ferry wharf. Some anxioty was felt about the effect of the tido, combined with tho gale, on that part of Soatoun which faces tho foreshore, and which has suffered somewhat severely by erosion, during the last fo\r years. Tt is satisfactory to note that the filling of rock used in front of Mr. Black's residence and other properties prevented any further serious damage being done, whilst tho wall which extends eastward from tho Scntoun wharf, and is also protected by rock filling, was quito unaffected by the storm. A. tnio instance of patriotism. was related by Jlr. J. S. Or, of Tnrnrlnle, nt a patriotic meeting at Napier. He told of two settlers who had struggled hard and were established on Hawke's Uii.y land. One- day they heard of the way in which the Huns weio treating women and children, and one of them left his land in chargo of tho other and went to the front. Soon artorwnrcis ho was killed, and tho other followed him and also lost his life— or, rather, gave it for his country's nuke. The land is now in tho hands 1 of tho Public Trustee.

Tim veil of niy.stury surrounding tho disapptmnice of Mr. A. J. Thompson, nf Uio stall of the Dunpdin Magistrate's Cniirt, was happily lifted to a certain extent on Monday evening by tho discoverv of Mr. Thompson at Tomnliiuvk. About 6 o'clock, states tbo "Otago Daily Times," it;- was reported to tlio Anderson Ba/ constable that tho miesiiiy man had .been! found on the verandah of a week-end cottage at Tomahawk. Mr. Thompson was found t<i bo in a very weak and emaciated condition, and was convoyed by motoroar to the Dnnsdiii Hospital, where thero seems every prospect that bo will mako a good recovery. He was able to converse quito rationally, but ap paired to be suffering from serious loss of memory. For tins reason, and also because of his weakness from lack of food, he was unablo to give any connected account or explanation of his movements since he disappeared on February 17. "Employers' Associations are' organisations for fighting the workers," said a delegate at the annual conference of tho Industrial Corporation of New Zealand. "They havo no other function, and they aro not concerned with development and the organisation of industry." This view was combated by a Canterbury delegate, who said that the Christcliurch Employers' Association, since the last annual meeting, liad set itself to establish relations with the workers and to promote a better understanding between employers and employed. A committee had been appointed to forward the movement, and it had been found already that the employers and tho workers had many ideas in common. "Tho Christchurcli Employers' Association did not always take up that attitude," said a delepate. The* Canterbury representative admitted that it had not. Tho Tramways Department hns been advised that the "booster" required for the Constable Street hill to boost up tbo power on the eastern side of the bill, is being forwarded from America by the next steamer. Over three years ago an orrler was placed in Eng-land-for the "booster," but war work intervened, and the order could not be fulfilled. Some time airo an ordrr was placed in the United States,_ and tho "booster" was about to be shipped when the United States Government stepped in and commandeered it. Now the local tramway authorities are tolerably sure of delivery. The "booster" will give a bigger margin of power for use on the suburban lines east of Constable Street. An extradition order was made by Mr. W. G. Biddell, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court yesterday, against John Howie Chappcll for deserting bis wifo at Torronsville, Smith Australia, on September 1, 1917. Chappell will be pent to Australia by the first outgoing steamer jinder escort of a police officer from Adelaide, who arrived earlier in the week. An elderly woman named Elizabeth Mary Wilson went to the police station on Tuesday evening, and aslccd to be taken in charge, as she had had nothing to cat and had nowhero to sleep. Tier request was complied with, and yesterday morning she appeared in the Magistrate's Court, before Mr. W. G. Riddel], S.M., and was charged with being an idle and disorderly person, in that she had insufficient visible means of support. Sho was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence when called upon on condition that she became an inmate of the Salvation Army Home for a period of six months. Tho Wellington Education Board yesterday passed a resolution expressing regret that the Minister of Education recently "mado invidious comparisons between the rates of salaries paid to the secretary of the Education Department and the secretary of the Education Board." Several members said that they regarded it as a duty to protest against the- Minister's utterance. Passengers on tbo express from AVellington had a particularly uncomfortable journey after leaving Taumarunui iu tho early hours of Sunday morning, says the Auckland "Star." A. goods train in front of the express "broke down near Ongarue, and the fast train bad to stand for over two hours on the high country, surrounded by a heavy fog, until the goods train could be moved on to a side-lino. Paseengers not abundantly provided with wraps had a very cold time while the express i was standing with stenm down. Eventually the express arrived at Auckland three hours behind time. An inquest was held yesterday afternoon by Mr. W. G. lliddell, S.M., into the circumstances of the death of Charles Lett, aged 81, an old-age pensioner, whose body was found flofiting in tho harbour off the Thorndon . Esplanade on Tuesday morning. The evidence called showed that the deceased had enjoyed good health, but was not strong" mentally. Sometime ago he had been an inmate of a mental hospital. A verdict was returned that deceased met his death by drowning, self-inflicted, while suffering from a fit of mental depression. . The chairman of the Wellington War Relief Association stated yesterday that ho understood that the matter of 6oldiors' uniform allowance was about to bo rectified by tho Government—an allowanco of £5 or so to buy clothes with was to "be made to discharged men.

Many New Zealand Eoldiers who have returned from Egypt will (says an exchange) learn with regret of the deaii of Mrs. Ferdinand C. l'erels, at Holiopolis, Cairo, from typhoid fever, . on January 7 last. The kindness shown by Mr. and Mrs. Perels to New Zealanders while in Egypt will be remembered' with gratitude by those who oamo into contact with them. They constantly visited the hospitals and convalescent homes, and wore well known to the sick and wounded. Mrs. Perels's remains were followed to the grave by ,a detachment, of New Zealanders from the Aotea Home. A swordfish with a broken sword captured at Russell on Friday has been proved to be the one which rammed the launch Virginia on February 19. Upon examination it was found that tho original sword, about 2ft. in length, hud been broken almost exactly in half. The fish weighed 2671b., measured .10ft. 3in. from the tip of tho sword to the tail, and44in. in girth. The fish is to bo preserved. It was stated at yesterday's meeting of the Education Board'that tho money which tho Department had decided to grant towards the erection of the Seatoun School would ho al)out £400 less tlian tho amount required. Several members said that the action of tho board was not generous, and it was resolved to protest against tho inadequacy of tho grant. It is the intention of tho Wellington Education Board to hold a meeting shortly to considor matters concerning tho improving of tho education system. At yesterday's meeting of tho board it was stated that Mr. J. S. Tcnnant, principal of tho Training College, had drawn up a- report which included suggestions as to the treatment of teachers who had gone to the front beforo they had completed their .courses. The subject dealt with by Mr. Tennant wilt bo ono of tlioso set down for discussion at tho meeting referred to. Tho policy of "go steady during tho war," adopted by the new clwivman of thc'f>mont County Coimril. has resulted iiTtlio overdraft (£9(TO boing the lowest it has ever boon since the council wiis a council. The ratepayers of Feilding have sanctioned a loan of £7000 for the purpose of making additions to tho electrical plant of the town. Tho voting was 111 for and 19 against. Brisk domand continues for "NO BTJBBTNO" Laundry Holp in Is. packets, nlso for "Thinker" Brand Writing TabL lets.-Advt.

An interesting addition to tho collections at the Dominion Museum is tho sextant manufactured by the German prisoners of war on Motuihi Island, and used by them on their voyage to the Kormadecs. Tho instrument is not scientifically accurate, but considering tho conditions under which it was produced it is a remarkable piece of work. . Tt* arc' is divided to road to one-half of n degree, and a screw Vernier, a refinement not found in tho older types of sextant, has been added to give minute readings. This finer adjustment, however, cannot greatly add to the accuracy of the instrument, for as the half-degree divisions on the arc are inaccurate, the Vernier reading would, probably, increase the error. Many sextants have "constant" errors, which can be allowed for, but the errors in this instrument vary at different angles, and consequently tho instrument could bo depended on only to give a fair approximation of latitude. Further refinements are provided in adjustments to the horizon-glass and movable, mirror, n small lens-, and a ground-glass shade to aid in the reading of tho Vernier scale and three ruby darkening glasses to counter the glare of the sun. Tho only part which appears to have been hastily constructed is the eye-piece—the cylinder of the pressure pump of a primus lamp adapted to a use its original makers never intended. Various parts of a primus lamp have also been used for some- of the smaller parts of tho instrument.

Writing from the hospital ship Mnheno, "somewhere at sea," to Mr. Girling Butcher, the secretary and orsran-iner-of the New Zealand Catholic Federation, Chaplain P. J. Mrnoguo says: —"I feel it my duty to thank the New Zealand Catholic Field Serviee Fund for the crant banded to me before sailing. By means of it I have been ablo to help tile brave boys under my care in many different ways. I also thank tho Catholic Field Service Fund for the comforts and writing materials' They are in great demand, and for them the boys are exceedingly grateful. The boys we are carrying from . to Blighty express themselves grateful to the New Zealand Catholic Field Service Fund for the "lift" on "Tho Long Long Trail. , Trusting that all is well in dear old New Zealand."

The Victoria College Council decided last night to authorise its Tutorial Committee to take control of tho preliminary classes organised by "the Workers' Educational Association. The chairman (Mr. C. Watson) said that tho, preliminary classes scfrved as feeders for the tutorial clnssis, and if tho council's committee hacf control it could see that thoroughly efficient instructors wore appointed and suitable lines of study adopted. .

The barebacked mounted race for infantry officers at the Featherston Camp sports yesterday, which was exciting enough in itself, produced an unexpected John Gilpin, as the mount of one competitor broke away from a false start and raced down the straight of the Tauherenikati course amid cheers. The rider stuck.to his horse with one hand on its short mane and the reins in the other without in any way checking its pace. At the turn horse and nder rolled over. The officer quickly jumped up and caught tlie snorting animal. Then, when the race was over, he mounted again, just as John Gilpin did, with the intention of cantering back to stables. But the horse had other ideas. He laid his ears back and went for his life, back towards the starting place, and the rider, still with a- hand on the horse's withers, once more provoked a storm of applause from tho lawn and grandstand. A staff officer went after him, a long distance after him. Pursued and pursuer became smaller and smaller, till in tne distance they tfere galloping silhouettes. No one expected tho runaway to last, but he did, and soon was approaching the home turn again. A number of officials rode out to intercept him. One grabbed for tho horse's rein. The horse dodged like a polo pony and came thundering on, evidently good for another round, though'the rider looked very weary. "Suddenly a staff officer spurred up, seized the rein, and gave it a twist, causing the runaway to break his stride. John Gilpin fell off, and a-ppeared to be among the horse's hoofs for a, second. Then he' lay still while his furious mount was cleverly pulled up. It.proved to be only a, severe shaking.that the rider had sustained, and he was able to walk away amid cheers.

A short time ago the Wellington War Relief Association wished to vote a sum of money to the New Zealand War Contingent Association fbr tho entertainment of fit men in London, but the question was raised as to whether it was within the power of the Wellington Association to vote money for such a purpose. The idea of the entertainments is to keep the men off the streets of London and away from the temptations of that city. The question ■was referred to Mr. 0. P Skerrett, K.C. His opinion was that the association's money could.be so spent. At a meeting of the association yesterday several members spoke in favour of roting money for the entertainments, hit Messrs. A. B. Atkinson and J, Lewis thought that it would be better to make a special appeal to get tho money. Finally it was decided to grant £175. Tho majority in favour of this course was one.

The contributions of local bodies to the Workers' Educational Association were mentioned at last night's meeting of the Victoria College Council. The chairman (Mr. C. Watson) said that somo local bodies had already made grants in support of the classes established by the association. It was highly desirable that these contributions should be made through the Collogo Council, since in that case the council could collect a pound for pound Government subsidy. The council would undertake that the grant and also the eubsidy should be spent in tho district which had provided the money. A circular letter embodying these facts had been prepared and'members suggested that it should be sent not only to local bodies, but also to largo public companies. A motion to this effect was carried.