LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 235, 30 June 1919, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Some complaints have been made by peoplo who are disappointed at the late arrival of the transport Prinzessin, now due to reach Wellington at noon to-day. The local agents explain that the failure of the ship to reach port on the date originally fixed last week was due entirely to bad weather, which naturally could not be controlled. The Prinzessin is a light ship, and so is more affected by adverse weather than would be the case of she had a full cargo. The delay was announced as soon as the vessel got within wireless range, and made a report as to the probable dato of her arrival.

Wireless advice has been received by the Defence Department stating, that the trarsport Tahiti (Returning Draft No. 2GI) is due at Auckland on the morning of July 3. Cable advice has been received from Colon stating that the Maranm (Returning ■ Draft No. 26-1) will arrive at Auckland on or about July 15 or 17.

A severe earthquake shock was felt at Taumarunui at 4 o'clock oil Saturday morning, and a lighter shock half an hour later. Another heavy shock was experienced at 8. In some cases loosb articles were shaken from shelves.

A sensational experience befel a party consisting of Messrs. P. Ralfe, A. Chapman, D. M'Cord, Miss Ralfe, and Miss M'Callum (HaweraJ at Matau, in the Upper Waitara (states an exchange). They intended crossing the river, 50fl. in width, by cage, and four being seated, tho fifth' member of tho party jumped in behind,' but tho extra weight was too much for tho rope,. which parted before the journey was completed, precipitating the whole of tho passengers into tho river 47ft. below, fortunately there was deep water at the spot, and not one was seriously .hurt. Italic succeeded in saving tho two women, and the other men, although unable to swim, managed to scramble out, all eventually reaching the opposite side; bruised and wet, but glad to "bo on dry land again. One of the women had her clothes practically all torn off her, owing to being caught 011 a snag in tho liver when eh. felU

Tho Mount Cook policc last night reported the deatli of Mary M'Paddou, a middle-aged woman' who, about a month ago, took over a bourdiughouse at 33!) The Terrace., It is stated that deceascr. nail a sudden seizure yesterday Morning. ami succumbed about three 0 clock 111 the afternoon. Haemorrhage ot the brain .s supposed to have been Iho cause of death. Relatives of the deceased reside un the West Coast. An intjnesl will be held this afternoon.

Following upon rcprcjeiuationn by the Bay's Bay Ratepayers' Association, tho Wellington Harbour Board has agreed to place a shelter shed on the Day s Hay wharf, at a cost ol .£'3oo.

The City Council has decided lo extend the Waterloo tramway tracks as jar as the foot of the Ferry Wharf, provisionally 011 the Railway Department waiving the condition stipulated when tho proposal was previously placed before tliein. That stipulation was that the City Conncil pay the wages of a railway employee, who will act as a signalman, using hand signals, at the crossing. Tho council agree, that the section ot track mentioned is olio that should be laid down as .soon as circumstances permit, and most of the passenger' traffic between the two islands would he benefited thereby.,

At a special meeting of the Upper Hutt "own Board .the following resolution was passed"That tho Upper Hutt Town Board suggests that the Governme'nt railways be closed down on Tuesday in peace celebration week (Children's Day), and so encourage the public lo stay in their own districts and take part in the local celebrations, also to afford 'the railwayrnen the opportunity of taking part in the peace celebrations.".

The hon. treasurers acknowledge the receipt of the undermentioned amounts towards the H.M.S. New Zealand Entertainment Fund:—Murray, Roberts, and Co., ,£25; Levin and Co., i.'25; A. S. Paterson and Co., .225; Bryant and May, Bell and Co., ,£lO 10s_.: Smith and Smith, Ltd., <£5 os.; G. F. Pearce, £5 55.; lan G. Duncan, jfca 55.; Herbert Seaton, 55,; L. Blundell, Xo as.; Clias. Begg and Co., <65 as.; Alex. F. Roberts, £3 as.;-J. H. Bethune and Co., .£5 as.; Harrison, Ramsay, Ltd., 55.; H. D. Bennett. Ltd., C. A. Griffiths, £2 25.; R. 11. Simpson, ,£2 25.; Chas. A. Fletcher, ,£2 25.; J. P. Maxwell, J;2 25.; William Ferguson, £2 25.; James W. Jack, .£1 la.; J. "Myers and Co., Ltd., .£2 25.; Charles Haines, £2 25.; J. J. Reich (Union Clothing Co.), .£3 35.; I?. D. Hanlon, £1; Meek and von Haast,; £2 25.; S. Geo. Nathan, <£1 Is.; Baldwin and R-ayward, JCI Is.; Cathie and Sons. Ltd., XI Is.; E. C. Cachcmaille. £2 2s. Total, .£163.

The quarterly meeting of the Wellington Co-operativo Society was held in the Trades Hall on Saturday night. Mr. Read, president, referred to the good progress of tho society, and drew attention to tho fact that over 100 now members had been admitted during the last few weeks.f Tho report and balancesheet for tho period were discussed and adopted. At the conclusion of business the recent action of the. waterside workers, causing a redirection of coal supplies where they wero more urgently nee'ded, was commented upon, and it was resolved, in this particular matter, that the waterside workers had rendered a signal servico to the residents of Wellington, to say the least, and tiiat this decision be conveyed to them in writing. At a meeting of the Thoriulon branch of tho Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, held yesterday, the followiug resolution was unanimously carried:— "That this meeting wishes to express its congratulations t6 the' waterside workers in their action iu refusing, to tranship coal to the Admiralty boat, and thereby earning. the gratitude of tho whole community."

Tho City Council has adopted the report of the Reserves Committee; covering a report from tho Director of Parks ana Reserves with reference to the formation' of croquet lawns at Kelbnrh Park. That official recommended that three greens bo formed at ICelbur'n Park to bn used as municipal croquet lawns. It is proposed that the various clubs shall have fixed hou.rs of play, and each will pay an annual rental for the nso of same. No one club is to have a monopoly of all or any of the greens. The committee is providing in this year's ostimatw foi" tho work,, which is estimated will cost J2SO. The report was adopted.

For some years the iaxi-stand in Dixon Street, immediately to the west of the Cuba Street intersection, has been considered to ho inconvenietly placed. In view of tho heavy traffic that section of Dixon Street carriei-— heavier than ever now owing to {ho central milk station having been located in that thoroughfare—it. has' been decided, on the recommendation of the motor inspector (Mr. Drake), to remove the < stand to the other side of Cuba Street—in Dixon Street east —which will bo eqijally convenient for the taxi-drivers and not so inconvenient tp traffic.

A protest against musical selections .from, the works of Mendelssohn and Handel being included in tho forthcoming citizens' peace thanksgiving service, was made Iby tho -Auckland city organist, Mr. . Maughan Barnoit, 'in a letter received . at its last meeting of tho Peace Celebrations Committee. It was stated that the Choral Society had decided to render the "Hallelujah Chorus," from the "Messiah," and "How Lovely are the Messengers,'' from "St.: Paul.f "German music seems so absolutely out of place in connection with tho functions concerned," wrote Mr. Barnett, "that I am not prepared to accent any responsibility for the inclusion of these two items.". Members of the committee seemed iwmewhat taken aback by Mr. Barnett's objection. Mr. C. Hudson, Mayor of Mount Eden, said the "I-lalleluiah Chorus" had beon sung for many years on occasions of rejoicing, no. matter whether the composer had German blood in him or not. As a matter of fact, Handel was a naturalised Englishman, and his name had been a "household*, word" in English homes for over- forty years. The suggestion that the music of two of the world's greatest composers sliouild thus bo barred was most, trifling. The committee did not regard the German origin of the composers as a seriou l ; matter, and authority was given for the purchase of the music required for the rendering of the items in question.

The rebuilding of the Mount Eden bonfire, prematurely burned on Sunday nigbt, has been decided ujpon by the Peace Celebration Committee (states the "New Zealand Herald"). The decision was not entirely unanimous, and the passing of the resolution was preceded bv some discussion and adverse criticism of tho suggestion that tho project bo maintained. Finally, however, a motion (hat the fire be rebuilt, and that the Mayor of Mount Edeu bo requested to attend to the arrangements, was carried, it being understood th«» the engineer was to go ahead with the rebuilding, but without-assembling his material until a week before the given date for lighting.

Mr. H. Buddie has been appointed to act for. the City Council as valuer for some city leases shortly to come up for review. His appointment is made necessary by the illness of Mr. C. B. Morison, K.G., who always acts for the council in these matters-.

Private Thomas Bently Brown, describ. Ed in the published list of military defaulters as a farm labourer, of Ranfurly Street, Hornby, states that he enlisted in Ghristcliurch, left New Zealand in the Seventeenth Reinforcements, joined up with the New Zen,'and Division in France on January 3, 1917, served through the war without being wounded,' and returned to New Zealand last week by the Maunganui. He is taking the necessary stops to seeure the removal of his name from tho defaulters': list.—Christchuroh "Preiis."

A mechanical fire-escape is to be secured for the use of the Municipal Fire Brigade. This modern appliance for use in saving life in largo buildings, wherethe ordinary means of egress may be cut off by fire or smoke, is in use iii all big cities, and is considered an absolute necessity here there are hotels ranging from five to twelve stories in height. The increasing height of the buildings in Wellington, with what may be expected in the not far distant future, makes it expedient for the Municipal Brigade to be equipped with such an appliance.

In addition to granting J3IOOO or more, if required, to build a statue of Robert Burns in Auckland, Mr. J. M. Mennie, the well-known biscuit manufacturer in that city, has offered to elect a fine hall ami rent it to the Auckland St. Andrew's Society. He has bought a site for JjGOCO, and the building will cost n good deal morn than (hat. Tho council of tho society reported at a recent meeting that the idea of Mr. Mennio'a offnr was to help.build up a strong Scottish Society in Auckland, end this would entail :i bumting where all work could lie ni'operly undertaken and managed, and the society could be free from financial burdens. In this homo there would bo a permanent meeting-piano for members, and lectures, concerts, and socials could be held, besides which the younger members could lie trained in Scottish affairs, particularly the national music and literature. 1'ln? council appreciated this double offer very much., and already negotiations had been opened with Mr. 1"'. Vv. Pomerov, tho sculptor who executed tho Burns statue in Paisley and in Sydney.

Reports from the Cashmere Hills state that snow is lyijis a foot deep on the flat and from three feet to six feet deep in drifts, says ft Press Association telegram from Christehurch.

A Press Association telegram from Timaru states that coal is becoming short, and the. gasworks are borrowing from the woollen mills.

A special meeting of the City Council is to he held to-day to consider the estimates, and a. lengthy list of notices of motion.

Appeals for the removal of names from the military defaulters' list, issued on May 14, are to be heard by a Departmental Committee, which has been set np by Defence .Headquarters. Lieutenant d J A. S. JL. Gent has been appointed' the executive officer to tako action 011 the recommendations of the committee, as upprovd by the Minister of Defence. Any man whose name _ appears in the defaulters' list lias tho right of appeal.

Deer shooting on the Coast is becoming popular (silys the "Grey River Argus"). Tho Soutli Westlan<l country has been booked up for next season. Tho Haast, Landsborough, and Wills area have all been taken up by Auckland, Canterbury, Otago, and Westland stalkers.

A well-known Dunedin business firm wrote to the Committee of the Returned Soldiers' Building Fund 6tating that whilst they had no desire to indicate what line the people of Dunedin should fake in tho expression of their thankfulness on the signing of peace, they felt that money spent 011 city decorations would give only a momentary satisfaction and in no way assist the men who. long stood between us and the enemy, and without whose services there could have been no peace. For themselves, therefore, they preferred to inako a donation to the Soldiers' Club Building Fund, which they trusted would provide a. lasting monument of help and v usefulness and give pleasure .and assistance to many long after the festivities of Peace Day were but a passing memory. They enclosed their cheque for ,£25 as a donation to the fund. The committee greatly appreciated the sentiments expressed in the letter, and tho donation, and 'tho hope was expressed that other firms would follow so good a lead.—"Otago Times."

In emphasising tlie' very large amount of work involved in the administration of the Public Works Department, the' Minister, Sir William fraser, stated at Dnrgavillo the other evening that on the present Estimates there were 4000 roads nnd bridges. The Minister was expected by the public, he snid, to have an intimate knowledge of each one, and ho certainly had to answer correspondence regarding each one.

The "New Zealand Herald" reports: Players of league football, it was stated at a meeting of the Auckland Rugby League Committee, were being encouraged to go over to Rugby. The member described how a' player needed by his team had, ty'eon "rescued" from a Rugby ground before play started, a motor-car having been'sent for him. When it was asked how the Rugby Union could play those players u member declared that there was an understanding among .the Rugby teams that they would not protest against \the inclusion of a League player in the opposition fifteen.

A new tramway siding is to be constructed on Wnitoa- Road, between the tunnel and Moxham Avenue,' at Hataitai, in order to facilitate the handling of. passengers and parcels on the Kilbii'nio tramway route. .

Replying to a deputation recently, the Mayor' (Mr. J. P. Luke) stated that the tramway work of first importance (apart from power requirements) was the relaying of tho whole of the double track •along Lambton Quay. This track has been down ever since the electric tramway system was initiated, and in many places the flange was worn down rather badly.' The Tramways Department had not the rails in stock to do this big work, owing to tho difficulties in 'getting any kind of steel material during tho war period, but the order was placed; and it was anticipated that tho council wouM bo able to have this muchneeded renewal work done'before the end of the year. •

Wellington is., a oity of encroachments. Owing to tho 'configuration, of the city —particularly its oytlying areas—coupled with inaccurnte survey work, there are encroachments on the. public highways in all parts of tho metropolitan area. In the past the City Council has not paid a great deal of attention to tho matter, but lately property-owners encroaching on public streets have had their attention drawn to the fact, and have boen asked to give the City Council a quid pro quo for the use of such land, usually in,-tho form of a small iiunua'l rental. With its eye on tho rising expenditure all round, the council is now seeking to get a> little more reyenuo out of theso encroachments than .it has in the past, and there is some agitation over this action in several quarters, particularly in Hatnitai, where, in some cases, the use of such encroachments by property-owners is said to hava saved the city considerable expense, notably in properties which dedino sharply from a road, and would have to bo walled or fenced\ by the City Council, if the owner had not attended to tho matter. The propr.rty-owners of North Terrace, Kellrarn, have dfclined- to pay e'licroadhiuent fees demanded of them by the City Council, and the councillias now requested them to set back their fences to tho correct boundary liue —work a good deal moro costly than tho fees for several years would amount to.