LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 12, 9 October 1918, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald,' Acting Postmaster-General, gives a reminder that parcels for Sew Zealand soldiers serving in Imperial units, that is to say, not in the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces, or for New Zealand sailors in the Imperial Navy, may bo posted to the care of the High Commissioner, who will see that they are sent forward to. destination, attending to any Customs requirements. The difference already announced stands: Parcels for Now Zealand soldiers in the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces do not require Customs declarations, the others do.

The steamer Mararoa, when she sailed for Lyttelton yesterday afternoon, was a very full shin. Nearly 500 soldiers of the returning drafts went south, and so that all of the men for the Westland, Canterbury, and Otago districts could be accommodated the Union Steam Ship Company was yesterday morning forced to stop booking passages for civilians to travel by tho ferry boafc yesterday. _ Some inconvenience was felt by this, but seventy passengers who had previously booked their berths were taken.

Advice has been received from Featherston Military Camp that 89,128 Private James Purdie, of A Company, Forty-eighth Reinforcements, died there at 8.30 a.m. yesterday, the causo of death being cevebro-spinal meningitis. Deceased was 42 years of age and married, his next-of-kin beiiiff his wife, Mrs. A. Purdie, Chilman Street, Fitzroy, New Plymouth.

In the last couple of days between 750 and 800 toldiers hack from the Avar have arrived here. On Monday afternoon about 150 men who had seen service in Palestine returned, Yesterday Draft 176, comprising 30 officers, two nurses, and 571 other ranks, was disembarked. There are among these men a small number of soldiers who are on duty furlough. A few are on special leave, recommended by Military Service Boards, for urgent business or family reasons. This first detachment of long-service men to return comprises "six officers and 55 men. The officers are:—Cant. Robert Irvine, Wellington ; Lieut." A. G. Guthrie, M.C., Havelook North; Lieut. R. L. Wilson, STokitika; Lieut. D. W. Canliam, M.C., Wanganui; 2nd Lieut. C. M'Cusker, Blenheim; 2nd Lieut. E. M. Gilmour, Baleluthn. Most of tho detachment are Main Body'men, and some of them have been wounded several times. Almost all of them were withdrawn from tho firing line in France', and left tho front on August 1. The length of their stay in tho Dominion is 28days, and they aro on full pay. _ It is unflerstoad that the men consider the leave too short.

At least half the members of the Ministry are expected to be in Auckland on Saturday. Preliminary consideration is to be given to the work of the session of Parliament at full meetings of Cabinet in Wellington next week.

There were 181 influenza cases in hospital at Trentham and Featherston yesterday—7o at Foatherston and 111 at Trentham. The number of now admissions to the hospitals yesterday morning was nine.'

Tho Fire Brigade received a call Mo last night to a boardinghouse, 139 T.iranaki Street. The fire had a good hold when tho brigade arrived, but was extinguished. Tho' building and contents were severely damaged. The house was owned by Mr. Firth, of the Albion Hotel, and occupied by Mr. Hoavey. In escaping from tho burning building, Mrs. Heavey was severely burned about tho Load and arms, nnd had to be removed to the Hospital.

The Defence Department has now arranged to issue railway warrants to soldiers who ere taking leave from the camps in order to vote at tho Taranaki by-election. It was believed that Section 220 of tho Legislature Act, forbidding the payment of cost ci conveyance of voters to a polling place, made the issue of such warrants illegal, but the Defence Department is now advised that the payment can bo made by the Government in the case of the soldiers. Practically all tho Taranaki voters in the camps have- applied for leave in order that they may be in tho electorate to-morrow.

The Governor-General of Australia (Sir Ronald Munro-Ferguson) had generous praise for some New Zealand troops who passed through Sydney recently. "I am especially glad to wish God-speed to a gallant detachment of New Zealanders, whose conduct in every military district in Australia has been admirable throughout," he said at a send-off gathering. "In Perth, as in Sydney, the men of your countryhave been received as friends and brothers. But ties have been drawn more closely together in the hour of common danger. You have sent your men regularly as required, and New Zealand s example is one which any country may be proud to follow. I wish you good fortune, great glory, and a safe return."

With some modifications the scale of fares recently submitted by the taxi proprietors of Wellington to the Bylaws Committee of the City Council are likely to be adopted in the near future. The new scale, which increases the charges pretty well all round, is calculated to be such as will let the public know more precisely where they are in regard to taxi charges than has been possible for them to know in the past. The committee will probably brin" down a recommendation as to the Tiew°charges at the next meeting of the council.

Circumstances of an unusual nature attended a case called before Mr. F. V. Frazer, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court yesterday, in which a young man named Cornelius Herbert Ashby was charged with assaulting Marguerite Wood on Monday. Acting Sub-Inspec-tor Emerson stated that defendant was a porter at the Carlton Hotel, and on Monday he wont into the. room occupied by the woman Wood and intimated that ho intended "to do for somebody." An alarm was raised, the police were, summoned, and on tho ' understanding that the woman would sign tho charge Ashby was arrested. The charge was not signed, however, and when the police returned to the hotel to seek furthor particulars and to get an explanation they were informed that it was not desired to press tho matter further. Ashby informed the Bench that ho had been drinking heavily and did not know what be was doing. In fact ho had "gone mad." On the application of Acting Sub-Inspector Emerson a week's remand was granted.

Pick your Summer Straw whilo our stocks are large. Boaters, Bs. Gd. to 18s. Gd Toyo Panama, 10s. 6d. to 255. Geo. Fowlde, Ltd.-Advt.

While undergoing an operation at the Public Hospital a single woman named Margaret (J. Hendry succumbed at 10.10 a.m. yesterday. The deceased was 39 years of ago, and resided with her mother at 16 Glenbervie Terrace. No difficulty was experienced in administei'ing the anaesthetic, but while tho operation was in progress deceased suddenly collapsed. Every endeavour was made to save the woman's life, but without avail, and she died in a few moments. An inquest will be held by the Coroner, Mr. W. G. Kiddell, S.M., at 4 p.m. to-day.

The Director-General of Medical Services (Surgeon-General R. S. F. Henderson) stated yesterday that, the Defence Department had decided to commandeer St. Saviour's Orphanage at Timaru for use as a convalescent home for returned soldiers. The building, which was recently erected by the Church of England, will provide accommodation for about seventy men. _It stands on high ground on the outskirts of the town, and has pleasant grounds attached. The climate of South Canterbury is considered very suitable for the treatment of convalescent soldiers.

The circumstances attending the death of Mr. John Nimmo Thompson, late of 2 Carrington Street ; who was found in a state of collapse m Pearee's boot shop, Jtiddiford Street, on Monday morning, were investigated by Mr. W. 6. Riddell, S.M., Coroner, yesterday morning. Deceased was 45 years of age, married, and was manager of Pearce's shop. Evidence was given to the effect that early on Monday morning deceased was. seen sitting on a chair in the shop in a helpless condition. Dr. W. Kmgton Fyffe, who conducted a post-mortem examination on the body, said that death was due to haemorrhage in the pericardium, caused by the bursting of an aneurism in tho aorta. A verdict was returned in. accordance with the medical evidence.

The hon. secretary of the Navy League acknowledges receipt of the sum of £56 ss. 9d. from Mr. Culford Bell as the result of tho recitals recently given by himself and his pupils in aid of the Navy League funds.

It was announced at the meeting of the Wellington Bowling Centre last evening that the concert given under the auspices of tho Hutt Bowling Club iu aid of the Red Cross Copper Trail would yield not less than £350.

"Jerusalem is the filthiest city I have ever seen," said a seasoned New Zealand trooper who has seen many Eastern cities and towns.. "I can't get the smell of the place out of my nostrils. It comes back every time I think of the Holy City. There is no attempt at drainage anywhere. The people just throw their rubbish out 'in tho streets, where it is worried by mangy dogs and mangy children. Ugh! Don't talk to me about Jerusalem the Golden. I'm afraid it's upset a lot of the Sunday school ideas wo had about the place. The Garden of Gethsemane is all right, but it doesn't hold a candle to the Botanical Gardens here (in Wellington). Tho Kaiser's church on the-hill is one of the best things in the place. Since we got hold of Jerusalem some improvements have been made in tho district, mostly in road construction. A splendid r.ew road has been made between Lud and Jerusalem with the nid of native labour."

Tho conference between the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke), the chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board (Mr. C. E. Daniell), and the.General Manager or Railways (Mr. E. H. Hiley) on the subject of the proposed new reclamation at Thorndon, which was to |hovo taken place yesterday, will bo held to-day.

While taking ;m order at the house i>l a customer, Frederick Lee, in Hungerford Road (off Ha-ughton Bay Road), about 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon, a. grocer's assistant named George Waite, employed by Mr. iiSmith, grocer, .of Borhampore, saddnnly dropped dead. Dr. .Jacobsen was' summoned, but as he-could not. give ft certificate as to the cause of death the deceased's body was removed to the Morgue in order that an autopsy might be made. The deceased was 43 years of age, and resided . M -lb Stanley Street, Berhampore. He was married and had one child. When he left for his work in tho.morning he was in good spirits, and die! not appear to be unwell. It is understood that ho had been classed C 2 by a military medical board. An inquest will be held.

At last night's annual meeting of the Wellington Uwn Tennis Association, it was decided to place on record the association's high appreciation of the services rendered by Mr. 1). Murray Keai) during the nine years ho had occupied, the position of hon. secretary. Owing to health reasons and pressure of business, ! Miv 'Kean found it necessary ito intimate that ho could not allow himself to be nominated for a further term of office. Several speakers stated that it was owing to Mr. Kean'e untiring, efforts that the,association found itself in the prosperous condition it was at the present time. Regret was expressed that Mr. Kean had found it necessary to relinquish office, and the hope was expressed that he would be speedily restored to health. In reply, Mr. Keau said that he had been largely helped in his duties by good committees and good chairmen. The association was growing, and he felt sure that after the war the membership of the clubs affiliated to the association would number at least 3000 or 1000. Mr. Kean concluded by stating that he would always be happy to do all in his power to forward the interests of the game of tennis. Mr. R. A. Howie was elected to the position of secretary in Mr. Kean's place, and it was resolved to present Mr. Keon with a bonus of 25 guineas as a token of appreciation of his services to the association.

The question as to whether the parties to the present controversy; in connection with the proposed national liquor poll petition will be allowed to enter the New Zealand military camps to carry on active canvassing, or hold public meetings, has been decided by the -Defence authorities. The 6.0.0. has issued instructions that permission to sign petitions in camp in regard to the liquor question will not be granted, and meetings on the subject will not be allowed to take place in cam]). Such innovations, it is considered,. will greatly interfere with discipline, training, and routine, particularly when it is understood that at no period of training is a whole camp off duty at one time. No objection, however, will be taken to sending literature into camp through ordinary mail chaimels. If a national vote is taken, arrangements can be made to take the poll at camps and at the front. The parties interested in the proposed poll have asked the Defence Department to supply the names of men at the front, but tins cannot be done, owing to the constant transfer, sailings, leave of absence into and out of hospitals, etc. Even the general roll can give no reliable information as to a man's whereabouts at any time. A roll of men in New Zealand camps would be equally unreliable, but should a general election or referendum be decided upon, the usual roll will he , prepared. To produce ft special roll for the purposes suggested would entail excessive work to l-o again and again revised to meet the changes of incoming and outgoing drafts.

"The Church of England Military Affairs Committee havo cabled a further sum of £3000 for the erection and upkeep of tho following Church Army, huts in the battle areas:—Whansarei County, Mount Eden, Northern Wairaa. Hauraki, and Cambridge. These, with huts already erected, make a total of seventeen Church Army huts, subscribed for in this Dominion, to replace some of tiioso destroyed during the German advance in March last, while considerable amounts have i.lso been remitted for the support and upkeep of them.

Some interesting evidence was given at a meeting of creditors in the bankrupt estate of the licensee of a hotel at Aratapu. ' Bankrupt, in a sworn statement, stated that in April, 1917, he purchased the lease of the Aratapu Hotel for £1000 subject to a mortgage of £1200. The business paid till six o'clock closing eame into operation, but after that the takings fell off to the amount of about £20 a week. The Austrians being taken away from the district by the Government also affected the business detrimentally. He had made' efforts to sell without success. The official assignee said.lie proposed to carry on the business until a purchaser could , be obtained.

The use of the words "public accountant" or "registered accountant by persons who are not members of tno N"ew Zealand Accountants' Association is subject to legal penalties. At Auckland on Monday an accountant was charged under the Accountants Aec with having used the words ' public accountant" in conjunction with .his name in an advertisement inviting applications for the position of typist. It was stated that defendant had used the words inadvertently, and without any prospect of gain from so doing, but the Accountants' Society had instituted the prosecution in ordor that the provisions of the Act might be brought under the notice of the public. Mr. li. C. Cutten, S.M., agreed with a comment by defendant's counsel that a breach' 'which was inadvertent might have been met vritb a mere warning from the society; but as the law. had been invoked-ho Eaid he must impose a penalty. • Defendant was fined 10s. and 28s. costs

The extent to which America is in tho war was incidentally explained by Mr. Scotland, the New Zealand aviator, who has just returned to New Zealand. Speaking to a reporter of the Auckland "Stai," he stated that on going into a restaurant in California the patron is supplied as part of his light refreshments with a small Quantity of sugar wrapped in a little piece of paper It you go into a ctife," said Mr. Scot* land, "you are not given bread unless you ask for it, and then the bread is not the white bread usually supplied. It looks as though America intends w> hang to her supplies of flour. As a matter of fact, you cannot buy a pound of flour unless you buy a pound of some other food with it."

The institution of a five-day week in. some of the factories in Auckland is not a new thing in the industry or tho Dominion states a Dunedin newspaper. 4. bagmakiiig factory in South Dunedin, employing up to 20 girls,. has worked on this principle for the past 10 years. Tho girls commence work n.t 8 a.m., have three-quarters of an hour for lunch, and finish at 5 o'clock, lhe proprietor, who is a woman, states that the system has always worked satisfactorily, and that the girls appreciate it very much.

When the Conciliation Commissioner, Mr. T. Harle Giles, returned to Auckland on Monday morning, after a fortnight's absence at New Plymouth, on work connected with his office lie felt nnnoyed when ho discovered that ms telephone had been cut off because he had failed to pay threepence for which a demand had been sent during his absence, states the "Star."

Private Leonard C. Smith, of the Tenth Reinforcements, 54th Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces, writing to his father (Mr. J. J. Sniith, of the Christcluirch "Press" commercial staff), states that in tho recent battle in which shot through the chest, ho was one of the four survivors out d the whole company. After being in a French hospital he was sent to England by the ill-fated hospital ship Warilda. In his letter he gives a graphic account of the ruthless torpedoing of the hospital ship, over 200 <<f the patients and nurses being drowned. The bestial Hun, he says, continued to lire on the sliij), the attendants doing all in their power to get the wounded patients into boats. The "Warilda went down in about fifteen minutes. Private Smith was ajpin wounded in the leg from .the gun-lire, and the boat he was placed in being overcrowded, capsized, : and many of its occupants were drowned. After being in the water some time, lie providentially caught o rope thrown to him trom one of tho rescuing boats, and at latest was in Alexandra Hospital, Cosham. Portsmouth. Truly the "wild beast' of Europe, he says, will have many things' to answer for, not the least being tho wanton destruction of a hospital ship plainly marked with the Red Cross, etc., the majority of the passengers being helpless, through wounds, to do anything to save their lives. In Ms.letter he praises the-self-sacrifice of many nurses and attendants, who gave their lives to save as many patients as possible.

During his visit to Taranaki, Mr. T. Harle Giles, Conciliation _ Commissioner, had the satisfaction o!f securing full settlements of the disputes filed by the New Plymouth general' labourers, the timber workers, Taranaki bakers, and pastrycooks, and the Taranaki hotel employees. In each case substantial advances were granted _in wages, in addition to improved working conditions.

Privilege holders in connection with the General Assembly Library are requested to return all books on or before Saturday, October 12. Borrowers not complying with this notice will bo debarred from the privileges next recess. ' i

The Postal Department draws attention to the fact that tenders for various inland mail services should reach the Chief Post Office, Wellington, not later than noon on Saturday next. Lists of services arc available at all post offices.