LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 131, 27 February 1919, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A notice issued by the Government under tho War Regulations authorises the compulsory closing of hotels within a ten-mile radius of my port in New Zteknd Oft tho dfty of the arrival of a ship conveying troops from overseas. The power formerly applied only to the four chief ports.

In regard to the suggestion that the regulation compelling members of the Public Service to- retire on reaching the ago of (!5 should be enforced, it has been pointed out that in several instances Mich members have been asked to remain in harness beyond the retiring age owing to the pronounced shortage caused by tho exigencies of tho war, and that in sudi cases it was provided that these officers should continue on for the period of the war and for six months after. As the period of the war will not end until peace is signed, it is on the cards that such men, who have obliged the Government by "carrying on," will not need to retire niuch before the end of the present year.

Seven years ago when the new General Post Office block fronting ; Featherston Street came into occupation it was thought that the building would provide amplo accommodati-m for twenty years to come. With only one-third of that time expired the Pest and Telegraph Department finds itself pushed for room, and before very long tho need for a further extension of premises will have to occupy the attention of th» authorities. In the original plans of the new portion of the G.P.O. a five-story building was provided for, but one story was "cut out on the score of expense. The structure was so built to take another story should the necessity arise.

"There is every indication that the aomo of our activities will be reached durin" the course of the next eighteen months," states the Eelief Committee of the War Belief Association . of Wellington. i Press Association message from Christchurch states that the Hospital Board lias l)een informed .by Mr. J. H. Innes, of Palmerston North, that Mrs. Zillah Fairhurst has bequeathed the sum of i:10fl0 to the Christchurch Hospital. At a largely-attended puMic meeting at Foxton on Tuesday night, the Mayor presiding, the School Committee's action in accepting an offer of a second-hand piano of German, manufacture-Was discussed. At tho c6nclusion, the committee's action wa9 but the committee was urged to substitute a BritisQ instrument, if the difference in price was subscribed by the public, as promised by two committeeinen. A petition calling upon tho chairman of the committee to resign was not endorsed.—Press Assn.

Overcrowding in Auckland schools was discussed at length by the Education Board hist night, says a. Press Association telegram from Auckland, when Dr. Eeekie eaid that about a fortnight after tho reopening of the schools tho children began to develop alt sorts of ailments. 'J'his was entirely due to overcrowding. The board decided to telegraph to the Direotor of Education requesting him to attend to the matter as quickly as possible.

Mr. Harold Gregsou, the niusic judge at tho competitions, was impressing on budding pianists the fact that there is no royal road to instrumental successit demanded constant and assiduous practice and study. Apropos of this he said that a man once called on an American teacher and expressed the wish to learn tho cornet. "How long," asked the wOlildbe cornetist, "will it take me to become proficient on the instrument?" "If you practise steadily you may gain a measure of proficiency in twelve months, replied the teacher.' "Gee!" said the inquirer, "that's no good to me! I've got a ]ol> for next Tuesday!" ■

At the conclusion of the vocal duet class at th'e competitions in the Town Hall yesterday afternoon an entirely unexpected competitor appeared on tho stage, advanced to the footlights, and •breathed forth a stanza which aroused t'ne keenest interest and much applause. The intruder's voice was somewhat muffled and there was a tendency to neglect tho use of the nasal cavities, whilst accentuating the use of tho tongue. There was no sign of nervousness apparent, and tho performer's appearance was peculiarly British. The judge (Mr. Harold Gregson) awarded the stranger the maximum points. It was a bnncllo bull-dog!

Plans have been prepared for the a teration and extension of the Salvation ■VrmyV Citadel in Vivian Street. luey provide for nn enlargement of the mum hall and the provision of large classrooms in a'new section of .the will 'front Jessie Street.

Mr. Leslie Macarthur, projector of the Solar salt works at New Brighton, "f received tho following telegram from the Parliamentary Industrial Commission at Dunediil •-"Secretary Treasury advises that on February 14, Minister of Imance approved authority to raise .£30,000 capital. Marine Solar Salt Works. Industries Committee understand,-, trom jSlinHβa of Marine no objections by his Department now to issue permit, and from Attorney-General that he is willing to issue certificate." It is pointed out by Mr Macarthur that the original application was made for issue of lease at New Brighton in June. 191? (nineteen months afo), and that conditional permission kns thus been very tardily granted to allow of "tins practical effort being made (without any Government assistance) to save the annual drainage from the Dominion's finances of Over .£IOO,OOO, heretofore paid to salt importers for necessary supply of this essential factor in numerous trades, manufactures, agricultural, commercial and. domestio ments throughout the Dominion. — Lyttelton Times."

Women motor-cars thieves and women l>iu"'krs have been a source of considerable trouble to the police during the past few weeks (soys a London paper). Many thousands of women learnt to drive motor-cars during the war, and among them were wives and sweathearls of pro-fn-sioiml thieves, who saw on opportunity of increasing facilities for carrying out daring robberies. Motor-cars stolen while left unattended in the street have been used" extensively to carry large quantities of cloth, costumes, furs, cigars, and cigarettes taken from warehouses and private houses. . It is now known that in some instances the motor-cars have been stolen by women drivers. In one case three hairpins wefe found in a roadway in the West End on the spot whence a car.had been stolen, and the evidence el'owed that a woman had been seen to turn- the starting-handle. In doing this the hairpins had dropped from her hair.

Considerable interest has been aroused throughout New, Zealand anion* people suffering from rheumatism by the news that the injection of anti-influenza serum is said to have effected complete cures for rheumatism. Already people _. have consulted medical men in Wellington with a view to presenting themselves for treatment by inoculation, but the local doctors are sceptical as to the truth of the reports, and invariably they have decided to await more definite and authentic news as to the effects of inoculation on rheumatism before using the needle.

Newspaper proprietors and master printers,' numbering ever 100, spfrnt an enjoyable hour yesterday on the Duchess, which was engaged to steam round the troopship Zealandic, and those on the latter vessel were accorded a hearty wel-come-home on behalf of the Press of the whole Dominion. Vociferous che;ving on both steamers signalised the spontaneity of the joy on one side mid the warm welcome on the other. The Duchess carried a large streamer with the words "New Zealand Newspapers Welcome You!" During the hearing by the Arbitration Court yesterday of tho application of the Wellington CoaohworkeaV Union for certain amendments to the existing .award under the War Emulations Act, Mr. Arthur Black (Rouse, Blaik, ;■::(! Son) stated on behalf of tho Wellington Coachbuilders' Association that 4/ hands were employed in the city factories, and 41 of these men' wCl'6 receiving Is. Sd. per honf-=-2d. per hour .above the mvard rate—and that 'if 2s. per hour, as desired by the worker.?, was granted by tho Court the extra co=t to his firm for Hie sniiic output would amount, to between -WOO and .£80!) per year. Mr. .Tohn Bett (Belt nild Bayly, l/d., Pal:ner?ton North, also gave evidence to the effect I hat lio journeyman coachworker in the employment; of his firm received less than 13s. per dav, and in. addition to this a yearly bonus was paid. Hβ contended that throughout the Dominian wa;.:('s wero paid according to merit and ability, and that, a minimum wage of Is. 6d. per hour wns fufficiently high for men, a. large proportion of whom wore rot competent at tho best class of work. Base Records advise that the troopship Port Melbourne, with returning draft No. 219. will arrive in New Zealand on March 5, not March 15, as previously stated in these columns.

. Maoris that live on the shores of Lake Taupo, according to. the liev. H. J. Fletcher, a Presbyterian missionary, are suffering injustice from the Government. Some iOO yenrs ago, lie told the Presbyterian General Assembly, a Maori standing on the shores of the lake saw shags flying from a cliff to a part of the lake about seven miles oil', and returning to the cliff. He concluded that they were catching fish and 1 taking thein to their young. The. theory was tested and proved, and at the shags' fishing place there was discovered a new shallow, about ten feet deep, in which large numbers of the kokopu, or native trout, gathered. It became a recognised fishing ground for the (ribs , . Rainbow trout, liberated in the lake by the Government's officers, have devoured the kokopus. The Maoris, deprived of that food supply, took some of the trout, and were prosecuted and persecuted. They owned the lake, Mr. Fletcher said. It never had been nought or confiscated by the Government, and they should be left m peaceful possession. He added that the Ureweni Maoris had other grievances, for 'tvhich he felt there were good grounds.

The annual meeting of the New Zealand branch of the Empire Press Union was held yesterday afternoon. Twenty were present, and Mr. G. I'enwick (chairman) presided. The report and bal-nucc-eheet were adopted, after a little discussion. A resolution was passed agreeing to raise the subscription to the parent union to J5 instead nf j>3 per full member. The proprietor of the "Mercantile Gazette" was elected a member. The chairman and the present committee were re-elected.

An interesting find of human bones was made at Whangaref on Friday while excavations were being made in Water Street (says the "New Zealand Herald"). Close to the surface of Iho ground the fegments of two skulls and some leg bones were discovered, with more fragments in sight. Mr. W. Eraser, C.E., states that the bones are those of a Maori woman and girl. That they were of some rank is shown by the fact that tho bones were painted with the imperishable red ochre which the Natives used to preserve the remains of persons of importance. The interment evidently dates back many years.

"It has teen saidthat the farmers are only concerned in keeping dov.n wages and preventing strikes," said Sir. J. Hoddie, president of the provincial executive of the Auckland Farmers' Union, at Wliaiißnrei Inst week. He thought he knew as much about the wishes of the farmers as most men, and ha declared this not to be- the casi). As a result of long years of observation he found the farmers had greatly improved and hod a different outlook. As a result of the war and the epidemic they had come through a feelinpr of brotherhood and sympathy with the "bottom. dog" had taken ita place in the heart of the farmers 10-dov, and he was sure if it came to a settlement of wages they would meet the other side half-way—"New Zealand Herald."

"Are there any undue profits being made lietween the farmer and the consumer:'"' asked Mr. W. A. Veitch of Mr. Richard Evans, who was tendering evidence regarding wheat-growing to the Parliamentary Industries Committee in Christclulrch. "Do you want mo to tell you straight?" inquired Mr. Evans; "well, it goes in labour.: every penny of it." Expanding that statement, he explained that the cost of distribution was a big factor in determining the final price of bread. "I don't know where you live," this to Mr. Veitch, "but you likely wouldn't carry a loaf of bread home in a Maori kit-bag." "No, he wouldn't." put in Mr. <3. W. Forbes. "Then," concluded Mr. Evans, "it's costing, under present conditions, to deliver every 41b. loaf. That's what puts the price up."

"If Britain had. possessed 200 of its subjects with an intimate knowledge of the Russian language, the debacle on the Russian Eastern front would never have occurred,"- declared Professor H. \\. Segar at a meeting of tho New Zealand University Senate. Ho stated that this fnct had been officially admitted by the Minister of Education in Britain, and was evidence of lion- Britain had been handicapped during the war through Jut previous neglect of the teaching of modern languages. Wherever an Englishman who could speak Russian had been on the Eastern Russian front, marvellous results had followed, and' difficulties and misunderstanding!) had been swept aside. The trouble was that the supply of these linguists was not sufficient. Another fact which had been brought out by the internment of Count von Luckner, of the Seeadlcr, at Auckland, was that once this notorious raider had been intercepted by R British warship, but that its crew had successfully posed as Norwegians. There was no one who interrogated tho raider's crew from the. warship who was qualified either by a thorough knowledge of Norwegian or German to pick the deception. A case which was characterised us an instance of Departmental "red tape" was l>ei""i lit Hamilton last week, when F. J. Maxwell was charged with travelling on the railway without paying his faro. Evidence was given by the guard that defendant boarded a train at Tauuiaruhrii, and when asked for his ticket said his new annual pass was waiting for him at Hamilton. The train left at two minutes after midnight, and his old ticket, which he produced, expired at midnight. A booking clerk stater! that the new ticket arrived two or three day's before the old ticket expired. Mr. M'Diannid said he thought it was monstrous that the Railway Department should institute proceedings in a.cnse liku this. Defendant had h«n travelling on the line for three or four years, and was well known. He did all that was possible to g?fc his ticket in tune, and yet was proseouted. The justices dismissed the case under Section 92 of the Justices cf the Peace Act as trivial.

Writing , to his father. Mr. James GilI'Hiur, of Winton. from Walton-on-Thames. Dr. John B. Gilmour says:—"T speilt the afternoon (October 22, 1918) with Dr. Acland, fitting artificial limbs on leeless men. It is truly astonishing how these men get aloim, and what they can do. For instance, there was a dance in the hospital last niirht, and some of the men were footing it with the best. Tho wooilen artificial kg is undoubtedly a wonderful contrivance, and a. man with le? right off at thfe hip joint, and with no stump at all. can get "long quite well, even without a stick. The men are rill quite viewed with themselves, and are. a verv cheerful .crowd, wonderfully bo It takes some time to get a leg fitted and 'worn in; , and a man lies to 1)» nerfectlv satisfied with it before he is allowed to t'm off. Most of the lens are American, hut the one most in favour just now is of British manufacture, and there is a prreat run on it. The chief trouble at present seems to lie to M skilled men to turn them out.

In delivering judgment in tlie mnle vocal nuartet at the competitions in the Town Fall yesterday afternoon, the judge (Mr. ilnvold Greeson), in referring to Hip value of tlio perfectly-bn anccd pianissimo, said that it reminded him of a etorv concerning an instrumental nuartet. During a soft passage the piano was playing altogether too loud, anil the violinist, to check Hie piftiusts exuberance, whispered. "Pianissimo! Pianissimo lie blowed," returned the pianist, "I'm here to enjoy myself!

The Wellington Harbour Board met last night. Present: Jjossrs. <J. L. Danfell (chairman), Captain (J. M Arthui, Messrs. M. Cohen, B. A. Wright M.P., E. I). Sinclair, A. Ml'arlane, J. b. Cobbe, W. Cable, J. G. Harkneas, and It W. Welch. The board dealt with the monthly reports and other business. The Minister of Public Works (Sir William Fraser) has nrranged to go to Shannon this afternoon. To-morrow lie will visit the sito of the proposed waterpower installation- with the Chief Llec tiicul Engineer (Mr. fairry). .He « to bo entertained at a diimtr at hhnnnon tomorrow evening. Tho Minister mention, ed yesterday that a beginning had been made with the construction ui the road to the silo of the power station.

Tho following vessels will bo'.within ranee of the Wellington Kadio Station to-day :-M4inari. Uiiapehu, Osl'ordshn-e, and the ferry steamers. ■

At the Dunedin Conciliation Council yesterday tho agrc-ement made in Auckland in 'tho drivers' dispute was ratified, ■with tho adjustment of certain clauses to meet local conditions. A remit from Auckland agreeing to strike out meat and freezing works was also re.tified.— Press Assn.

At a. meeting of the Christchurch Hospital Board yesterday, a letter was received from Dr. Vnlintine stating that the Minister of Public Health had decided that a special certificate of thanks be presented to persons who rendered valuable voluntary aid during the influenza., epidemic, and Esking for the names of those to whom they should be issued. The board passed a motion expressing the opinion that the whole thing was utterly undesirable and impossible.—Press Assn.

Various portions of the Auckland city district, which have been tho subject of discussion in connection with the recent epidemic, were visited by the Epidemic Commission yesterday The Commission will continue the hearing of evidence today.—Press Assn.

An action in which J!5800 is claimed as damages sustained through alleged misrepresentation in connection with an exchange of farms "vas opewil at Auckland nt the Supreme Court before Mr. Justice Cooper yesterday. Tho plaintiffs were Thomas Brown and William Brown, farmers, formerly of, Opotiki, and now of Te Awamutu, and the defendant, Joseph Thornes, formerly a land agent, of Auckland and Hamilton. The deal was negotiated by the defendant's agent and 13030 is claimed as the difference between the values of the two properties concerned, together with ,6800 expended by plaintiffs on the property exchanged. The case is proceeding.—Press Assn.

Tho Auckland "Star" of Tuesday , has the following paragraph in reference to the "clean'up" of Auckland city:—''The decision of the Auckland City Council to p.dopt the suggestion of the Minister of Public Health to hold a 'cleaning-up week' throughout th'S city as a precautionary measure on sanitary grounds, will commence on Wednesday, Mid will continue until the following Tuesday (inclusive). Throughout this period the council will provide extra services for the removal of rubbish. Spoken to on Tuesday on the subject, thfl Mayor said the co-operation of all 1,-itizens vas earnestly desired. Householders were requested to clean up their properties and particularly underneath houses and all places where rubbish was likely to accumulate. The co-operation of the community was also particularly teqnired .ilnn? 't ho waterfront and adjoining areas. Business firms were asked to renovate their premises by removing stocks where possible, and where stocks were down to small dimensions, remove to other portions of the buildings, with a viewto cleaning out vermin. This would, no doubt, involve a little labour, but in tho interests of the health of Die community it was desirable to l.ave a thorough cleansing-out-period during the week set apart. Tho assistance of the council will be available for the removal of rubbish, which'may be put out on ordinary days of collection. _ The inspectors' will focus their particular attention upon the closely-built areas, including the rear of restaurants, shops, and stores. If any practical result; are to be attained for the benefit of' the municipality, the full co-operation of the citizens 7 generally was asked by the City Council."

Visiting newspaper and printing trade delegates are, by the courtesy of the City Council, being afforded an opportnnity of viewing the city and suburbs from the observation car to-day.- . The car leaves the Post Office at 9.30. At the invitation of Mr. W. L. Meek, the delegates are visiting his residence at Lower Hutt this afternoon. The party ..leaves the l'ost Oflice at 2.30 p.m. per motor, and return at 5 p.m." In' Iho evening a lecture by Messrs. George Fenwiek and F. Pirani, two of the Press delegates to England and France, will be given in the Masonic Hall, Boulcott Street, at 8 p.m. Tickets have been issued to the visitors and the staffs of <:he local printing offices.

The geese whoso extraordinary behaviour saved Rome, a≤ every schoolboy used to be supposed to Know, had their successors in the geese that, throughout Belgium and Northern France, nissed, screeched, and ctherwise behaved strangely when the Germans were com ing. but were not yet visible. Some day perhaps a book will be written, if it has not been'written already, about the behaviour of animals and birds during the war. It will, no doubt, include the parrots that were placed on the Eiffel Tower and, until they got used to whatever warned them of something coming, betrayed the approach of distant aeroplanes, lu the north of England the keepers' of game preserves report that the pheasants were uneasy and alarmed whenever ships were firing in the North Sea; and it was also noticed in many places that cats, chickens, and ducks were aware of distant battles or the approach of enemies." The cause remains unexplained, but a likely explanation, remarks the "Christian Sciencii Monitor," seems to be that birds and niiimaU are more susceptible than men to air vibration caused by guns or the whirring of aeroplane juopellers. Where the sounds were near ai d frequent they soon got used to them and paid no further attention.

The lady, resident of Tiuakori Road who has been'missing from her home for some days had not been heard of last night.

The fact that it pays to advertise is recognised by tho new manager of tho Eastbourne Ferry Service (Mr. S. S. Heath). On Sunday next Welliugtonians making tho trip across to tho bay on the Duihess will be- "snapped" by the moving-picture man. The various picturesque spot* in Day's Bay and Rona Bay will tlso be photographed, and tho film—lo,oooft. in all—will be exhibited in every part of New Zealand, to remind folk'in , other , parts that there is such ft place «s Eastbourne, and that it is .worth visiting. As far as Wellington is concerned! Day's and Eona Bays increase in popularity each summer, and last Sunday over'3ool) people were carried to the other side of the liartour by the Eastbourne Borough's steamers,