LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 283, 19 August 1918, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The Defence Minister (Hon. Sir James Allen) has received cable- advice that a hospital ship en route to New Zealand has reached a tray port, and reports "All well."

Sportsmen returning from tho roc.es at Christchurch by the Maorj on Saturday night took up a collection for the Mayor's Patriotic Fund, tho sum of .EG Cs. 3d. being realised. The collection was made by Mr. Phillips, of tho Grand Hotel.

By noon to-day tho milk vendors of Wellington are to say definitely whether they proposo to work in with the schemo submitted to them by the City Council, through the chairman of the milk committeo (Mr. Ci 8.. Norwood), or otherwise. Tho issue is a perfectly plain one. The council has definitely stated its intention of assuming a monopoly of the milk business in the interest of the health of the .public, but. in creating a monopoly they desire to do a fair thing by the milk vendors, and offer them tho trade of tho city—to be worked economically on the block and coupon system —for a period of two years, tho profit for which period is estimated at ,£2-t.flOo. Tho council proposes that (he vendors should form themselves into a company tn tnko over tho distribution of the milk from the immicinnl clearing station. An alternative to tho compnny idea, is tho system of nuking direct contracts with v'endom Theso issues have been put to tho vendors, and answers have to bo furnished by noon to-day.

The largo Auckland pleasure yacht Viking hoj been purchased bv Mr. L. C. Johnson, of Sydney, from Mr. Ernest Davis for pleasure purposes. The Vilcine is the largest yacht in New Zealand waters. She is fiflft overall, and has won mah7 .priwsi. She wss usH for two seasons by Lord Islington. Mr. Johnson i"l<»!<l<: lo sail the Yikins 1o Sydr»y. Tho Viking is a. yawl of SO tons. She whs built at Auckland in 18S2.

The steamer Aorere, which has been acquired by the \ Eastbourne Borough Council and fitted up as a cargo carrier, made a trial trip ov the harbour on Saturday afternoon. The vessel left the Queen's Wharf at 1.30 p.m., after light refreshments had been partaken ot, and cruised about the harbour for three hours. Before returning to town she made a call at Eastbourne. The, trip was entirely satisfactory, and the afternoon being a beautiful one, was enjoyed by all who took part. Everything went oil' almost without a hitch, the exception being a slight collision with the wharf as sly was bertlrng at tho end of tho trip. All the damage, was a few broken boards of the bulwarks at the stern. Tho cause of the collision is attributed to tho stiffness of the engines, after so long a spell of disuse. The Aorere will probably bo put into commission about Wednesday, when she will take a cargo of coal across to the eastern side of (he harbour. i In the Magistrate's Court on Saturday Mr W. G. Biddell, S.M., delivered reserved judgment in tlio case of Patrick Griffin, licensee of the Gresham Hotel, and Albert Brown, barman, charged with supplying and selling/liquor after hours. Tho Magistrate said thoro were estennating circumstances. The system ol haviii" a list of boarders was a good one, but it bad failed on this owasbri. Griffin was convicted, and ordered to pay costs 75., and Brown was convinced and fined.'los. mid costs 7s.

The City Corporation have removed a great danger in erecting new steps between the'northern end of Prince Street and Clyde Quay. Formerly tho wooden steps thero were very sleep, and were without any secure hand-grip. Yet children have on occasion been known to bring perambulators with infants down this perilous way without a thought of the consequences of a fall. The new steps-eighty-five in all with two laJ.dings—aro of solid ironbark timber. As the take-up above has been thrown-back, and the foot of the steps brought right out to the building alignment of Clydo Quay, a.much better grade has been secured, <ind galvanised iron piping I'Ulwa a fine side-rail from top. to bottom on both sides. The steps in Prince- Street are being improved, and, at the toxbnr»li Street end, stout concrete walls aro being substituted for tho old faces of rotten rock.

At Morowell, in Ausltnlia, (hero are extensive deposits of broivn coal, from which it is claimed that motor spirit, benzine, illiiiAiiiatinii oil and paraffin could bo profitably extracted. The seams arc stated to run from 150 to 2ftO feet in thickness. Owing to tho difficulty in securing supplies of motor spirit, atten■lu'jp deposits. which may result in the development of an important industry,.

A Press Association cable messagefrom Melbourne states that the price of Saturday's issue of the daily papers tiiero has beeu increased to twopence.

A deputation of members of the Education Board is to wait upon Iho Minister of Education (Hon. ,T: A. Hanan) at noou lu-day with respect to an important suggestion or proposal which hits been made by Mr. J. S. Tonnant, Director of tho Teachers' Training College. So far about forty young men in trainin;,, for Iho teaching profession have left the school for military duties. Owing lo the general unsettling which is hound to result from the change of life thus forced upon these student-teachers, there is a well-grounded fear that some difliculty will bo experienced in getting such lntn lo resume their training. That is generally the position throughout the Dominion, and tho outcome, if something is not done, will be the dropping of men out of Ihe teaching profession altogether—n contingency to be devoutlydeplored. Mr. Tennant has suggested (hat special iiduceinents should l>e offerred such men who return, and are capable of taking up teaching pursuits, i« resume- their studies. .His proposal, in brief, is to place them in schools nt once, at a minimum salary of, say, «Cl5O a year, whilst the staff of the 'Mining College would do its best to forward the young men's studies by giving special in the evenings. This, it is thought, would offer a more promising future to a young man with teaching ambitions than the- prospect of going back to tho 'flaming College and getting JESO a year only.

The Tβ Awaniutn sub-provincial branch of the Farmers' Union has expressed to the Auckland Executive its objection to the action of the Dominion conference in recommending the curtailment of racing during tlio period of the war. The objection is contained in a resolution passed by the branch. It questions tho propriety of the conference in permitting the introduction of a subject that is so highly debatable, and points out that it does not directly affect agricultural interests. Further (says the "Auckland Star") it. expresses regret that this question \va3 not submitted to the branches, of the union before the Dominion Executive allowed the question to be considered nt its conference. The letter was referred back to the branch, calling attention to the fact that the debate at the conference was on a remit from another province, and not from Auckland.

A. remit from the Taneatua branch of the Farmers' Union, asking the executive to urge the Government to ooiv.-uler.; tho railway construction between MuMa ami Opoti'ki, was considered at AiwkUiiul ou Friday, and it was decided that the executive strongly urge the •Oovirsiment to settle a land purchase officer in the district, in order to compile the settlement of the Urewera country. It was stated that the Natives are willing to sell, and that when this railway is completed it will open up t>. larje tr.-.ct of country. It was further decided tl-at the Executive Committeo should urge the matter upon the Minister of Hailways, the Hon. Mr. Herries, in his rest visit to (Auckland.

Tho practice of paying for hawks' beaks will be discontinued by the Auckland Acclimatisation Society i'rnm tho end of the present month, owing to lack of funds. Tho secretary reported to tho council that during the past month 2920 beaks had been sent in, for which tho society had paid J571 10s. In , June 1545 were received. He anticipated that tho. total received would reach over 8000 at tho end of tho month. A resident of Wairamaj-ama, who attended the meetins, stated that a eetiUr in his district had caught fifty hawks in a simple, trap made by wire netting. The council : decided to have a number of the traps ; made and distributed among affiliated societies.

There is almost a firewood famine in Nelson, and the quantity that can be purchased at one time is restricted to a shilling's worth-for kindling purposes. Amongst the causes of the shortage are the scarcity of labour and the continued wet weather, which prevents the getting out of supplies. It will probably be five or six weeks before firewood will again bo plentiful in tilie town.

A workshop for the manufacture of 6chool furniture and apparatus is to bo established by' tho Canterbury Board of Education. The board for ninny years has imported tho greater part of its school furniture, such as desks and forms, much of which came from Canada. Tho necessary machinery for the workshop has been obtained, and it is hoped to have a suitable building erected shortly.

Speaking at Napier recently, Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M., said that education may regenerate n nntioli. Denmark, after the war with Germany in 186-1, eccmed a hopeless case. But the Danes realised that their salvation must come not by arms, but by education and industry, ayplied to their meagre resources, and the result has astonished the world. Befora the present war they were able, to export millions of pounds' worth of cheese, butter, bacon and other farm products. A country less thim one-seventh the size of New Zealand can support 21 millions of people, besides exporting so much (o her neighbours. Thero seems to bo doubt that In a very short space now the Jnpaneso language will bo included iii the curriculum of Melbourne University (states tlio "Ago"). A report on the subject was recently received by tho registrar of the University, undor cover of a testimonial to an instructor in the language, from Major Picsse, of tho Defence Department, and was read at a meeting of the couucil of the University. Major Piesse, who wrote from knowledge of the method of instruction at Duntroon Military Collego and at Sydney University, expressed the view that it wns really, necessary to have two instructors—one. European and the other Japnnese-owing'to limitations on both sides. He paid a tribute to tho ability of Mr. a Japanese resident, and recommended him for appointment as an instructor 011 the Japanese side. Tho council already had in hand an offer from Rev. T. J. Smith, a Presbyterian minister, to teach the language, and, following tho recommendation of Major Piesse, it was sugsested that the Bystem might be given a trial by appointing Mr. Smith and Mr. Inagnki. Eventually tho council decided to ask the Faculty of Arts for a recommendation in regard to the matter. / In bis cvidonce during tho hearing of 'a recent case in the Warder's Court feavstthe "Alexandra Herald") Vr. P. W." Furkert, Chief Inspector Public Works' Donartraent. mentioned that he had placed a meter in his o\v;n dwelling house in Wellington to find out the quantity of water used by a household. Tho meter had been in existence for two years, and the readings showed that on an averagn 2000 gallons of water had been used per month for his household of six Dorsons. including the hosing of the garden. This works out about G7 gallons per day for six persons, oi V gallons per head per day. In the Philippines the. use of tobacco is universal. The native child acquires (lie tobacco habit as soon as it is able to walk. In the northern provinces especially it is fip uncommon sight (o see ii child fivo or six years old puffing vigorously at a bkj cigar. Tho women smoke quite as much as tho men, and commonly snioko cigars where tho men use cigarettes.

At; the top of a high wooded hill oil Lord -Clifford's estate, some- twclvo miles from Torquay, thero is an old Roman circular wimp, or fort, its thick rock-and-earth walls and deep trendies virtually intact. As an outermost rampart of tho ancient Eoman Euipjro it was always an impressive place. It is not less so today, though its aspect Has been etartlin'gly changed. ' As a means of tho vegetable supply for their Torquay depot, New Zealaud soldiers are cultivating >i portion of Lord Clifford's estate, winch includes the ancient fort. It is a rather moving thing (says tho London Star ) that after slumbering undisturbed ever since tho Romans occupied it as an outermost rampart of their Empire, it should awake to discover itself a war-lime vegetable garden in the. heart of a far mightier Empire, to whoso defence her wns hnvo coino greater distances than from Borne.

Sly-grogging and "dropping," bo far as Mastertou is concerned, appear to have died a natural death (eays the "Wairnrapa Age"). There has not been a police prosecution for a brcacli of the. Licensing Aot in this connection for many months. Whether this is duo to the increased price of the liquid or the vigilance of the police is not clear.

There's no better food than Doctors' Cream O'Groats. Mado in N.Z.—always pure and fresh. All Grocers,—Advt,

Jack .Tollneon, tho pugilist, who is now in Madrid, has expressed a desire to get into the American Army and fight for his country. "There is no position," ho says, "that you could ■appoint mo to that I would'consider.Job rough, or too dangerous. I am willing to fight and die for my country. I cannot offer any in ore."

In the. London "Weekly Dispatch,". Mr. J. B. Clarkson (of tho Wellington firm of Hope, Gibbons, Son, and J. B. CliU'tonn), who claims to be live Empire's most travelled man, having journeyed a million miles in the last fifteen years, publishes an article in reference to the Pacific possessions. He considers one of the most important questions to he considered at tho Imperial Conference is the future of the islands in the Pacific Oceim. He suggests the formation of a new Dominion—tho Dominion of the Pacific—to include the Crown colonies of Fiji, territories such ns British New Guinea, all the former German colonics, as well as many of the smaller groups. When, in Wellington last Mr. Clarkson advocated some such scheme.

Mr. I'etcr Fraser. of tho Social Democratic Party, addressed an interested audience at the Alexandra Hall last evening, his subject being "The Coal Crisis— the Need for Nationalisation." Mr. Fra6pv stronprly supported the action of the men in fighting for ilie increase of 2fl per cent, in wages, which they wero asking, as bcine only a part of what such labour should get'. The sneaker advocated the nationalisation of the indn«t;iT. such a course being the. only practical way for the coal miner to get his c'nes, or what he considered was a fair thing.

At its'meeting on Wednesday evening next, the Victoria College Council will discuss tho question of taking joint action with the Canterbury Collese Council for the transfer of the Wostland ■ and Grey districts to the Canterbury University district. Formerly tlicse districts wero included within the territory of the "middle university district." of which Victoria College is the centre.

Mr. J.'E. Henrys, the well-known hahdicapper, has been officially advised that his second son, 2nd Lieutenant Stuart Henrys, N.Z.F.A., has been admitted to a hospital in England suffering from appendicitis. Lieutenant Henrys enlisted in the Main Body immediately after the outbreak of war, before he had .reached 18 years of age, and went into the Artillery Camp at Awapuni. Ho left New Zealand with the Main Body, and has. taken part in the fortune* of the New Zealauders over since—m Egypt, Galiipoli, iiiicl on the Western front. While oil service in Flanders he was selected to train for a commission, which ho obtain' I'd before he had reached his majority. Mr. Henrys' youngest son, who is. a medical student at Sydnej University, has just reached military age. He is returning to Not Zealand to enter the Flying School at Sockburu.

A farewell to Mr. f. V. Frazer, S.M., who, after seven years' service in Auckland, has boon appointed Magistrate at Wellington for the duration of the war, was tendered by members of the legal profession, Court officials, and others, in 'tho Magistrate's Court in Auckland on Wednesday last. There was a largo attendance. Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., presided, and with him on the Bench were Messrs. F. V. Frazor, P.M., E. D. Mcsley, S.M., and F. IC. Hunt, S.M. In reply, Mr. Frazer said ho had always thought that more could be made of the iViiee Court than as a place of punishment. There was room for constructive work, but he could have done little without the aid of the social workers of the '■ city. He bad endeavoured to work out a ■ sclicmo whereby tlio«e who were not hopeless were given a chance to reform., and so 1 far the .results were very promising. The lino had to be drawn at false sentimentality, and it would not do to keep tho idea' of punishment too mne.li in the background, as sometimes probation was not possible.

Tho Mayor of Auckland stated recently that the retention of superannuated men in the Public Service should be reconsidered by the .Government- now that returned soldiers were available for filling vacancies. The Minister in Charge of the Public Service (the Hon. G. W. Russell) states that this matter had been referred to the Public Service Commissioner, who had reported that only one (superannuated Civil Servant was employed in Auckland. Only twelve, including one woman, had been retained throughout the Dominion. At least eight of these were regarded as experts whose services were valuable at present. In these circumstances he regretted that, he could not give effect to the suggestion of Auckland's Mayor. - ' A statement was made at the Auckland Appeal Board on Thursday that while a member of the Seamen's Union could get exemption sine die, a quaiifiad home trader who did not belong to tho union was left to the caprice of the board. The Auckland "Star" says that the accuracy of this is denied by tho secretary of the Seamen's Union, who points out that tho statement carries the inference that any member of the union can get exemption sine die. This is jiot so. " A seaman can only get exemption if satisfactory proof is produced that lie is a bone-fide seaman, and, further, that he has a certain period of contiiuous service to his credit. Any appeal on behalf of a seaman is lodged by one of the secretaries of the three branches of the union, and appeals are only lodged on behalf of men whom they know beyond all doubt to bo bona-fide seamen with the requisite length of service.

The present public works policy of (he Government was criticised at a mating of the council of the Auckland Railways League held on Thursday, and it i< as resolved to circularise local bodies ; .n regard td the matter. It was decided to state in the circular that the leagae intended to organise a representative deputation, to bring before Parliament during the next session some' of the grievances that people living in' the north are labouring under, owing to the stagnation of public works. To wait u:itil after the war. before a vigorous wciks policy is initialed would be disastrous to tlio Dominion. Land settlement and the construction of roads, bridges and railways should Vjo pushed on strenuously to prepare for the return of our soldiers. Local bodies are to bo asked to appoint delegates to the deputation.