LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 235, 28 June 1919, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

During the period between June 23 and .Tune 2G there were twenty-nine influenza cases in the Dominion, of which two were pneumonic and three severe, one of Ihe latter—a case at Kaukapaka, ill' the Auckland district—being fatal. There were six cases in Ihe Auckland health district, seven in Wellington, six in Canterbury, and none in Olago.

The delay in the arrival of the troopship Prinzesrin at' Wellington has caused considerable inconvenience to relatives of returning soldiers, who were notified f.lirft the vessel would' arrive on ~1 une 25. On arrival in Wellington they were informed, that the ves-el would not arrive until Juno 29. This intvnl: to many waiting about Wellington for a week, which involved considerable expense. .There were a number of King Country people waiting- about for Ibo arrival, including .Mr. W. T. Jennings, JI.P., whose son, 'Lieutenant Jennings. M.C.. I'.A.F., is on the vessel. Complaint bus been made that the responsible' an. thorities did not notify relatives tliiit the -vessel would be <i. week late, as the information \v<vs availaMo by wireless.

The Health statistics for the week ending Monday, Juno 23, indicate lhal. diphtheria is the principal infectious disease prevalent in the Dominion. Of this disease there were SI cases, of scarlet fever 51. influenza 39. and. lethargic encephalitis S. Of this last-named and newest complaint,one case occurred in Tnranaki, one in Wellington, three, in .North Canterbury. and one in Southland.

Tn a letter to Sir .Tames Allen, Sit William Jlirdwood writes:—"That .New Ziealand has' been able to keep division up to strength, and even more than up to .strength, is-, a very great achievement. which is probably not appreciated by those who do not know all the d'fliculfies involved."

One hundred and,fifty Australians have enrolled for service in .Russia, and sanction for the enlistment of another 200 has been withheld owing to the fact I hal. they havo dependants iu Australia (says ( a' cable message to the Australian papers). A Victoria Cross officer has joined as a lance-corporal, and others as privates.

Wo have heard many stories of the Western front ill which the courage, initiative, and resource of peer and peasant nil played a notable part, and no doubt many more havo yet to bo told, but it i» characteristic of tho-modesty and self, effacemen lof our Eoy.il Family that one describing tllo bravery of tho Prince of Wales has only now been allowed to leak out, and that,, we are sure, against the express wish ot the Prince himself. Too, little (says "Westminster," iu the_ "Western Mail') has been said or written of the Prince's work across the water. There oro those who think that ho was kept far behind the firing lino, and never carno under shell or gunfire. Such is fur from being the case. Over and over again ho was in the danger zene, and somo day the Grenadiers 'may tell the story of the Prince's escapade wlen ho went over tho top and did his share like n real hero. To the consternation c,f tlie General Staff, he was found miss-, ing ono afternoon, and their consternation was the greater when they learned that he had joined tho Grenadiers in one of their periodical attacks and gone over tho top. Similarly on the Italian front, the Prince was over and over again in the thick of the fighting, and it is to be regretted ■ that for many reasons publicity has not been given to theso exploits.

The T,owor Hutt Borough Council has been informed that tho Wellington' Hospital Board cannot accede to its request for information regarding—(l) The names and addresses of each patient ' from the borough dealt with at the Hospital. (2) The actual expenditure incurred in connection with each case; and (3)' the actual amount, collected from each patient; also a detailed'- statement of tho same nature as the above dealing with cnaritable aid. The chairman (Air.' I: 1 . Castle) said that it was practically impossible to supply fiuch 'information. It would involve an immense amount of work, which was quite unreasonable in view of the fact that the total r-mounl: expended and collected had been supplied to the Borough Council.

Detective-Sergeant Andrews ".ast evening arrested a man on a charge of embezzling the funds of a city, firm. The amouiu alleged to have been misappropriated is J220.

'In accordance with a recommendation mado at the annual meeting of tho Victoria Bowling Club on Thursday evening tho directors.are taking into consideration the erection of a permanent memorial in the club's grounds to commemorate tho deeds of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and the peace they so gallantly helped to bring about. In speaking lo the suggestion Mr. .Taanes Keith gavt* some valuable hints as to Hie site and the nature of the memorial, describing very interestingly masterpieces of sculpturo commemorating deeds of bravery in various parts of the world, including the Captain Scott memorial at Queenstown. The directors intend to give the matter their earnest and immediate attention. The officer in charge of the Gkuny.ee Street Employment Bureau staled yesterday; that during the past week the-burean had assisted 27 persons in all. It had placed 21 in Government employment ami three in private employment. For the remaining three it had secured a reduc. lion iu railway fares. There was a pronounced shortage of tradesmen iu the Wellington district. Only one tradesman, in fact, had applied to the bureau m tho past fortnight, and he .had been placed in employment immediately. Unskilled employment was difficult to obtain in the city, but easier to obtain in tho country.

Yesterdav afternoon. Sc-rgcant M'Jlolm and Constable Hunt, of the Mount Cuolc police, arrested a wharf labourer and a woman on charges of having .stolen ten pairs-of silk stockings, three pairs of gum boots, and six pairs of ladies' shoes.

Major A. E. Lemon, of the 120 th United Stales Infantry, on a recent voyage from France, was (the "Pall Mall Gazette" reports) eeriously- seasick. To restore his equilibrium he packed both cars with sierile gauze. Nurses and others, including somo who were very ill. tried ihe same method, and were relieved. Major. Lemon lias asked the ('invcrnnieiit io retain him in the service a short, time longer to enable him to pursue his discovery.

The Wellington Hospital and. Charitable' Aid Board ha* 'been advised that the Government cannot agiv'o 16 ihe payment of a special subsidy on account of, expenditure already, incurred in Hie mv.'.t' of a. recrudescence or the influenza epidemic.

The Wangnnui' "Herald" understands that local dealers intend raising the price of coal'next week by 3s. per ton. Tho coal shorlage is being keenly felt in A\anganui., During several periods recently tho Stale coal office has had as many as £00 unsupplicd orders on the boofcj.

The skirl of the pipes will be heard, in the Town Hall Concert Chamber to-night. The Scots of this cily will forgather to lay the foundations. of a society worthy of the race. Addresses will be delivered by prominent Scots, and the pipers and dancers will be there in full strength. Vocal items will also be rendered, and a talented ringer of Scots ballads will make her debut before a ■Wellington audience.

The Social Welfare Committee of the Wellington Hospital and Charitable Aid Hoard reported to the Ixiard on Tluusday that during the month of 31 ay financial assistance amounting in the Aggregate to was afforded to 108 widows and three widoweis and, Through them, to "2OH children. 'J he aggregate amount so disbursed in March (four weeks) _wa.s JJT'W, and in April (live weeks) *tt)7l. A depuration representing the Wellington Citizens" Peace Celebrations Committee waited on the Acting-Prime Minister yesterday afternoon to make to l-.an two pioposals concerning the peace celebrations shortly to be held. The first_ of their suggestions was that in connection with the souvenir to be issued by the committee His Majesty the King should be invited to write a foreword for the. book. The second was that in order to stimulate enthusiasm, which threatened to languish on account or tlit- uelay in the celebrations,' thero should be brought to the -ljominion contingents of overseas troops who have taken part in the war. The suggestion ( was that troops might be brought from Gaiiada, Australia. South Africa, and India. Sir .Tames Alien could hold out little hope of the requests being granted. With 'regard to the lirst proposal he said that he wouid certainly have to submit the proposal to His Excellency the Governor-tienerai, and ho had grave doubts as to whether. Gov-ernor-tienerai would agree to submit the request. As to the other proposal he' said that he feared it would mH be practicable, owing to the lack of time available, and tiie difficulties of transport, lie promised, however, to submit matter to his Colleagues.

Few people are aware that a portion of the body of Captain Cook is to be found in the Sydney Museum. In a lecture a few days ago Dr. Storie Disson exhibited an arrow tip reputed to have been made from part of the leg bone of that; famous explorer.

The business of the Land. Board hits increased enormously of. recent months. Not very long .'i;ro it was usual tu iinisn up the monthly' business in one or fit most two days, but Ihe present month s work -occupied three days, and in addition members. had to sit on Thursday evening and last evening.

Several speakers at yesterday's annual conference, of the New Zealand Automobfle Union >.u'ged that all vehicles 'should carry rear lights. It was also contended that bicycles should bo compelled to have red discs, affixed, eo that the'danger of running into them at night; lime would not bo .so great.- Air. C. M. Banks, one of the .Wellington delegates to - Ihe conference, said that half tho lurries in Wellington did not cany (aillights, and on a recent evening lie had hud a. narrow escape from a collision owing to this cause.

The Matro'n-in-Ohief of the Army Nnrf-'ing Service has been informed l>y tho Wellington Hospital Board .that it will reinstate sisters returning from active service at tho salary 'tliey would have' received at tlw present, scale had their services on the stall been continuous, ■ provided that—(at Application is mode lb Ihe board Within nioiith of. their return'. lo New Zealand'; and ib) they ar'n able to take up their duties within three months or 'such return. The 'Hospital Hoard litis requested the City Engineer lo put. the road in order at the entrance gates as soon as possible, .o.nxl also to attend to the. drainage ut the bock of the. Hospital laundry.

gome - interesting comments on tho ciuestion- of street dangers tvero made by Mr. W. Beawchnmp-Pfatls. when speaking at tho conference of the, delegates of the. Automobile Union yesterday. "While chore is no'doubt that'there are many persons on the roads who'do not. observe 100 closely the ordinary courtesies of the road." Air. Beauclianip-Platts said, "1 here are also' very many thoughtless pedestrians. No motorist wants to meet with accidents, .and I think that' the pedestrian' is equally -to''blame villi, the motorist iu very runny cases. lam per-sonally-of opinion that'lhe normal pace of traffic, requires quickening (within reasonable bounds)., and standardising* Only, by such means will you relieve congestion. ■ If traffic has to inovo only at 'premotov'' speed wo shall have our streets blocked all day; . No traffic regulation. is complete, nor is it equitable, that does not take into consideration ' tho pedestrian. ' Ho' is really tho starting point, and at present lie can, if ho so pleases,-saunter at will upon the road, to the detriment of vehicular traffic. If he must cross tho road, I think that, at iall crowded • places, lie should be rerun red to do so at right angles, in. the shortest time, and at defined places." Another factor which' Air. BeauchampPlnlls thought would lielp to minimise street'accidents was to alter the pedestrian rule of the road; At present vehicles had to keep to the left, and pedestrians to the right; He I bought that was quite wron'g, as it tended to cause confusion and resultant accident. All traffic regulations should be uniform.

Sir Douglas Haig has:sent the follnwinpr letter of appreciation to the British Y.Jf.C.A.'"The conclnsion of my period of command ill France provides a fitting occasion on which to renew the warm expression of my gratitude to tlie Y.JI.C.A. for the splendid work carried out by their , organisation during more than four rears among the troops eerving under 'me, No difficulties or dangers have been, too great fur them to overcome in their .endeavours to provide for tho comfort, entertainment, s:nd recreation of the men. The value of .their work has been inestimable, and I feel confident that it has been deeply, i.ppre-, ciated by all ranks. Now that .active hostilities are at an end and tho bulk of our armies have returned, or are ye-' turning home, I-hope that the activities of the-Y.M.C.A. will not cease, but Unit fresh fields may be found for their utility. and that they will meet with the public support to which their past record entitles, them."

The suggestion to construct a main arterial war memorial highway from Auckland to the Bluff was considered by the annual conference of the New Zealand Automobile Union yesterday. Mr. C. M'. Banks (Wellington) and JTr. W. S. Wilson (Ot.igo) moved and seconded that the conference support the proposal. Mr. Wilson thought that the route should he surveyed, and portions of Hie road carried out from time to time. The construction of the road would cost .£6,000,000. Mr. I'. S. M'Leau, of Napier, chairman of the conference, was of opinion that .the idea could be carried' into effect by improving the present, main roads. Eventually the motion was altered to read that the union Approve ni the construction of the memorial road by converting the present main arterial route into thoroughly good roads.

Several alterations in,, the tramways tiuie-table are announced! The Miraiaar service is altered between the hours oi (i.55 a.m. and 5.21 a.m., cars nun- running as follow:—Mirainar, depart G. 5.1, 7.10, 7.20. 7.51, 5.21; Lambton,. depart 7.11, 7.41, 7.50. In addition, the 4.53 ;-.m. car from Miramar will be delayed till 4.5!) p.m., Mondays to I'ridays, inclusive. The Kaiori line is only slightly affected, the car leaving Cotirlc-nay I'late for Jdinslon Street at 4.52 p.m. will ill future run 'through to the Council Chambers. An official notice appears in this issue.

The liopaki railway station improvements were brought before Ihe Hon. W. IT. Henies, .Minister of lUihvavs, at Wellington yesterday by Mr. IV. 'I'. Jennings, 11.1'. It was pointed oui: I hot the Minister had scheduled the work ns urgent, iu a letter fo the member eighteen months ago, and the settlers reasonably expected that some lesult would happen owing to that promise. The Minister replied that a number of untoward circumstances, apart from Hie war, had interfered with the work proceeding, and gave, instances of shurrago of staff. When the work was about to be undertaken llio numerous accidents and slips on the Main Trunk line necessitated removing the stall's from all points lo clear away the debris and repair the line. Ho further slated ho, would send a message to the General' Manager to expedite the work.

A man named Charles Hogati, who resides at No. 12 Glinznee Strec-ly was admitted to tlie Hospital la.?t evening surfcring from an injury to his lieail, caused b.v ;v fall from a staging to a ship's rtccu while he was engaged loading' coal.

Writing of Hawke's Bay, one would scarcely include snowballing among its winter sports, yet the heavy fall of snow at 'J'akapau on Thursday morning was accountable for a.good; deal of fun not unconnected .with thai primitive pastime. Looking from the windows of the NapierWellington express, the countryside was blanketed with snow as far as tiio. eye could reach, and when some of the passengers emerged 'from the coaches in the township named the youthful residents of the place greeted them with a fusilado of snowballs, driving some of" the less hardy back to the shelter of ihe railway coaches, "it was just, like.tlie English winter sccnes one reads of," said one traveller. "All the roofs of the houses had a thick thatch of snow, and the spire of a liltlo church glistening aoove it* snowy surroundings reminded one, of those dear old Christmas cards winch have long ago g:ven place to the revue girl picture postcard. 'The- most appealing'sight wan a. ,ang of telegraph linesmen battling in the snow with a bunch of wires, which had broken down under .the pressure of the storm."