LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 182, 28 April 1919, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Four more natives who took leading parts in tho Tecent not at Baro'tonga wore brought to Wellington by the mail steamer Palobna, which arrived on Saturday, to servo their sfsteuceel ■A Press Association -niessago from Chnstchurch states that a secret ballot is being taken to-day by tho Lyttolton watersip-e workers on tho question of accepting tho employers' offer of 2d. per -War increase. Tho restrictions upon tho posting of newspapers to tho United States of Amorioa have now been withdrawn, and papers may be posted in the usual wiy at any post office. Tho resolution advocating that power bo extended to local todies to contribute moneys from their funds for permanent war memorials, whioli was passed recently by the Tauranga Council, was sup- ' ported by the Mount Albert Borough Council at its last meeting, states fhe Zealand Herald." In discussing the resolution, the Mayor, Mr. T. B. Clay, said that Mount Albert, a largo borough, should be in a position to erect a sound and lasting war memorial. In order to do so, the council should have power to draw moneys from its own funds to supplement a public subscription. The fact that no nominations were received for borough seats on the Thames Hospital Board is described by the Mayor of Thames as a protest against the attitude of the Minister and Department of Health in regard to the influenza epidemic (states an exchange). Everyone had risen to the occasion, said the Jl'ayov, except the Department. The Hospital Board worked night and day for about eight weeks, and the Board of Health voted fifty pounds. The Minister refused to sanction this grant unless given a detailed statement of personal expenditure.

Some remarks explaining the position which hiid arisen in connection with the curtailment of racing in 1917 'were made bv the Hon. G. AV. Russell, Minister of Internal Affairs, to-day. Mr. Russell eaid that when the curtailment of racing was made in 1917 on account of the war, the Question was raised as to the assistance of those clubs which had suffered financial loss by those which had' not. There were two classes of clubs which had. suffered—those "that worn prohibited from holding meetings, and those whose meetings were reduced. The matter was discussed between the two branches of the sport represented by Sir George Clifford, president of the Racing Conference, and the Government. The principal question was whether the clubs that continued their meetings and made a profit should assist those that were unable to pay their interest on their mortgages and to maintain their courses properly. The question as to how this was to be done was left to the Racing and Trotting Conferences. The Government made no suggestion whatever. It was intended that a club which had lost profits through the curtailment of racing should be .assisted, or that there should be a general distribution of profits by clubs that continued race meetings. The only question was whether the clubs that were unable to pay their way should be assisted.— Press As.*n.

The shortage of slaughtermen which is said to be seriously hampering the meat industry in Canterbury, is stated to be largely due to the fact that during the war period tho annual migration of Aip tralian slaughtermen to New Zealand for the season practically censed, and that tho outbreak of influenza this sen6dn prevented the slaughtermen of the Commonwealth resuming flie pre-war practice. There has also been a considerable increase in the number of cattlo and sheep slaughtered this season, as compared with previous years. It is anticipated that with the establishment of normal conditions there will bo amnio labour available for the ensuing season.

It is announced in Chrislchurch that negotiations between the associated meat companies of New Zealand and tho New Zealand Freezing Works and Related Trades Industrial Association of Workers have resulted in a definite agreement as to wages and goneral conditions. The departments all'ected cover tho whole of the companies' employees except engineers and other trades. Although old awards have not in some cases expired tho agreement as regards wages take 3 effect as from April 7 last. The alterations in wages and general conditions mean a substantial improvement to workers, particularly to lower-paid workers. The now agreement has been made for two years and will come into force as regards general conditions on August 31, 1919. On making ' inquiries trom representatives of tho workers it was ascertained that tho manner in which they were met has given satisfaction, and that tho negotiations were characterised by the best feeling on both sides. The following firms in Canterbury aro bound by the agreement: Tho New Zealand Refrigerating Company, the Canterbury Frozen Meat and Dairy Produce Export Company, Thomas Borthwick and Sons, and tho North Canterbury Sheep Farmers' Cooperative Freezing Export and Age-noy Company.—Press Aeen.

The weather at Purakanui proved very boisterous during the Easter holidays (states the correspondent of tho Dunedin "Star"). Visitors wending their way homewards on Tuesday found it very hard to force their way across the flat, owing to the wind, which blew with hurricane force. Boats were seen to have been blown upside down, and the farmore' haystacks suffered considerably. The local grocer and general carrier'had a very trying time. Shortly after depositing a load of luggage at the railway station, the wind, which by this time had reached a dangerous force, completely turned his wagon upside down. Willing hands soon unloosened the horses, and it was found that, <)jeyond a broken polo and the tilt reduced to matchwood, no serious damage hnd been done to tho body of tho cart and the horse?. Luckily, no one waa near the vehicle at the time. Later the driver (Mr. John H'Connochie) was-, violently struck by a portion of flying\ timber, but beyond a nasty bruise on the elbow 'he escaped injury. Mr. J. Reid, one of the candidates for the Mayoralty, was asked the other ovening at one of his meetings what attitude lie proposed to adopt, if elected, in regard to tho reception to tho Prince of Wales. Mr. Reid indicated that he believed the Prince was a decent sort of ii chap, and, that beiij;: so, he would, as Mayor,, give him tho sort of reception that any decent chap would get. "There has been too much of this going with hat in to the Government," said Mr. Dalhousie at the annual .meeting of the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association. "It is quite time we gave up asking the .Government to give us things," he continued, "and tell Sir James Allen that tho position is nonreversed, and he is no longer our master." (Applause.) Continuing, he said he was quite prepared to admit that the fault for this did not lie so much with tho Auckland cxecutivo as with the cen(ral executive. The later should. bo given greater stimulus from the local body than it had received in the past. Tho hearing of the claim for prize money in connection with tho sinking of the German cruiser Breslau a year ago recalls a characteristic act by the Naval Censor. The Breslau was driven into our minefields by the plucky action of two destroyers, the, Lizard and Tigress, and some comment was" evolced by the suppression of tho namc3 of their commanding officers. It transpires that tho Lizard was commanded by Lieutenant N. A. Gustavo Ohlenschlager, whose namo bo shocked the censor that he decided to suppress it, and this, of course, involved tho suppression also of the Tigress' CO., Lieutenant-Commander Nevili. Had the censor troubled to look through the Navy List lie would havo found many names' finite asexotic.asthat of the captain of the Lizard borno by officers of unmistakably British origin and of the highest professional attainments.

Addressing a meeting of soldiers' wives in Melbourne last week, LieutenantColonel Sir James Barrett, a Melbourne doctor, said that it was not the fault oi officialdom thoro was not a terrible .smash inijtigypt after the landing at Gallipoli , . Not a hint had been' given to the medical staff that terrific casualties were possible. It was owing to two officers that tho smash was averted. General Birdwood told him that it was probable an effort would be made to land on Gallipoli, and, if so, there would be fearful casualties. Lieutenant-Colonel Barrett told Surgeon-General Williams and General Sclheim. General Selheim undertook the risk of giving permission for the expenditure of thousands of pounds upon stores against a possible need. Ho was willing to face the penalties of not referring to Headquarters. First, the prevention of chaos was due to tho General having the courage of his opinions, and not worrying about con6eo,uencee. Tlicro wero 5000 casualties bfought in the first day, and thereafter about 500 daily for about eight months. One councillor at Devon port, who lives further away from tho council ofiices than .any other membor, has tho record_of never odco during n period of four years been late for a council meeting, states the Auckland "Star." "Tlio legarthy and iuertia of the Government in dealing with permanently disabled men is nothing short of a national scandal," said Mr. JJalhousio at the annual meeting of the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association. This scandal, he must admit, had to be apportioned to some extent on.the sliouldcrs of all present. The matter should have beon kept strongly beforo the Government ever since the disabled men had been coming back. Ho held that tho association could have been more active in this matter than it had been.

Iu theso days of universal suffrage and lady members of local bodies, there is a belief that the matriarchal system is more advanced than tho patriarchal g-s----tern, observes an exchange, continuing: Professor J. Macmillan Brown told the members of the Canterbury Women's Club the other night that (he matriarchal system came first, and that in almost every country in which it was establiiicd it marked a low and primitive standard of life. In 99 out of 100 tribes that had the matriarchal system, the position of women was very low. In North-eastern India there were two matriarchal tribes where women had a high position, where, in fact, they "bossed 11 |he whole concern,'men having no rights whatever, and being merely common servants in their families. The reason for the matriarchal system in , those tribes was the women owned oil the property, which always was inherited by the youngest daughter. With those and a few other exceptions, tribes that observed mother-Tight wore far behind the tribes of Polynesia, for example, which observed father-right.

Lovers of dogs won a small victory at the meeting of tho Dunedin City Council on Wednesday, states the "Otago Daily .times." The General' Committee recommended that a remit should be forwarded to'the Municipal Conferenco suggesting that the Dog Registration Act should be amended, so as to provide for an increase in the maximum dog tax to £1. The committee made the proV posal in the -hope that a heavier tax would act as a deterrent to the keeping of does within the city limits. Councillor Gilkison strongly opposed this increase of the tax, and moved that the recommendation , should be referred , back to the "omniittee, A short discussion ensued, tho opinion being expressed by certain councillors that the existence of large numbers of "curs" about the. city streets constituted a positive nuisance. Finally, on a show, of hands, Councillor Gilkison's motion was carried, and the recommendation was referred back to the committee.

A new award has toon filed by the Arbitration Court, Christehweh, in connection with the South Canterbury timber yards, sawmills, aud coal yards employeos' dispute. The award deals nt considerable length with hours, overtime, holidays, and i ages of all the workih'3, and embodies the '•Mommendations of , the Conciliation Council. The new award will onerato from "March 1, 1919, to March 1, i921.-Press.Assn. Local bodies at Inverca-rgill celebrated tho centenary of the Independent Order of Oddfellows on Friday evening last, several hundred being juosent. The New Zealand executive was ieprosented by the Grand Treasurer, ,\nd Messrs. Deans and Ritchie. The Mayor, Mr. Stead, spoke on behalf of the c.Hizens rtnd kiu<ked societies. The function was a great success.- Press Assn. Two young Chinese were charged at i:lio Annklnnd Police Court with haying entered New Zealand without having paid the poll tax or passed the education test. They wore 'emnnded till Friday next without bail, tho chief detective stating that very important queries were being made with respect to the entry into the Dominion of these men.—Press Assn.

The Ghristcliureh "Press" states:— The principnl of the Rangiora High School reported to last meeting of tie School Board that Base Records had refused an application from Mr. B. Beatty, a. returned soldier, who had been appointed a teacher at tho '-chool, to have postdated his railway privilege warrant. The refusal had serio'usly upset the examination arrangements. After considerable discussion the following resolution was •passed:—"That tin's. Board of Governors emphatically protests against tho inconsiderate attitude of the Minister of Defence in refusing to post-date for ten days tho railway privilege warrant of a returned soldier and a ijember of the staff, which refusal lias occasioned to the soldier concerned and the school tho greatest inconvenience, and ceriously handicapped the work of the «holars." William Lippin, the boatswain of the Union Company's 'argo steamer Karitane, had a sensational experience and narrowly escaped losing' Ins life during a gale off the Tasmnnian coast. The Karitane, which arrived in Sydney on April 14 from Dovonport, ran _ into a terrific westerly gale after leaving the Mersey bar. The storm was accompanied by hurricane squalls and heavy seas, and whilst battling against the elements Hie steamer shipped a tremendous sea. It came without warning, and swept the boatswain, who was talking on deck", over the side. Fortunately, the man managed to catch hold of the skip's rail as the steamer lurched, and in this dangerous position ho cluug for bare life, and called for assistance. The accident was witnessed from tho bridge, ai.d, despite that the decks were constantly deluged by. the seas, willing hands rushed to the side and succeeded in hauling the boatswain on board again. According to advices fiom England a number of well-known Now Zealand iitiil"tes, who have been on active service, i"re at presnnt undergoing training in England with a view to selecting a team to represent New Zealand at various tournaments during the next few months. Tho team will compete in Bugland and Scotland during next month, and early in June, altorwards touring America prior to returning to Ne.w Zealand. Two local athletes with Dominion championships to their ciedit-H. AVilßon (410 yards hurdle champion) and J. Wilton (4#) yards flat ohampion)-are likely members'of'the team, while G. P. Keddell. hurdler, is also nentioned as a probable competitor. In inters to relatives in' ■Wellington, Wilson and AVilton men-' tion that they are being nut through steady training. These two athletes performed creditably at rhe last. Dominion (Jhampionship -Meeting.

Mrs. Broadhcad, of Wanganui, has received word that her brother (Corporal Victor .Anderson), captured with tho Otagos, is still missing in Germany and his whereabouts cannot yet be traced, It appears that in April of last yeijr 2M of the Entrenching Battalion were captured and taken prisoner by tho Gormans. . In August Mrs. Broadhead's people received a iioto from her brother, written on a very dirty piece of paper, to tho effect that ho was well and "still going strong." The letter had the Wurtpinburg Btamp-mark on it. Since then no furthor information has been received from him. The High Commissioner was communicated with, and ho has replied to the effect that overy step would be taken to ascertain tho missing corporal's whereabouts. A cablegram has now boon received from tho Base Records Office that of tho 201 captured UOO have been accounted for, leaving four still to bo traced.

The position of , women is placed fourth by Professor Maemillan Brown amongst the characteristics that distinguish the stages of human evolution urul culture, says Die "Lyttelton Times." He places capital first, education second, and liberty third. In explaining this to the Canterbury Women's Club, he saidthat all those characteristics wore interdependent. Capital was necessary for women's leisure; education was necessary in order that they might teach themselves and their menfolk the relationships of the uexes, and' liberty was necessary because- without liberty the position of women could not be raised. He placed capital first, ho said, because without it there could be no progress and no civilisation, in fact, nothing human. 'Karl Marx set forth the- theory that capital was the 'devil; but without tho help of that devil Marx could not have written his book, and his followers could not have propagated his views.

Now Zealand football teams in the Egyptian aud Palestine areas are ' upholding the reputation of the Dominion, according to the news brought back by tho men on the transport Kaikoura on Saturday (says an exchange). When the vessel left Egypt a tournament to (lecy.e which team should go to England to take part in the inter-regimental games there was just about concluded, and there was little or no doubt that the successful team would be one from the Auckland Mounted Rifles. This team had met and defeatod various Australian, South Afrioan, and English fifteens, and had also had 11 very close tussle with the team from the Wellington Mounted Eifles,.winning only by three jjoints to nil. Tho men ateo stated that there had been keen competition for supremacy among the teams at tho base. The New Zealand Details' team, however, had defeated all corners, and had won a massive silver cup valued at about £70. This cup is to be brought back to tho Dominion and presented to the New Zealand Rugby "Union for competition among the secondary schools arid colleges.

"The crux of business lies in profitsharing; I believe in it absolutely," said Mr. Charles M. Schwab, the American Steel King. "Moreover, I believe it will ultimately settle the whole labour problem. Look at Andrew Carnegie. He is the most successful profit-sharer in this country; he gave his employees half of his profits in bonuses. My rule in buildin;? up a business success is: Don't engage a man of great reputation to do it; get a young fellow who has his reputation to make; he will givo you his best, undivided effort. When I took hold of the Bethlehem Steel Company for tho second time, after it had collapsed, I selected as my partners some fifteen of tie young fellows right out of the works I said to them, 'Now, boys, let's go to it. What I make you make.' One of the fifteen was -working nt a crane, getting 75 dollars a month. Now look at him. He's earning a million a year nnd over. 1 mean Eugene G. Grace, the president of the Bethlehem Steel Company. He's fifty times the man that I am. Yes. I mean that. All I did was to select lsim. He did the rest."