LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 277, 19 August 1919, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Wireless intimation from the Somerset is to the effect that the vessel, which has returning troops 011 board, will arrive at Lyttelton to-morrow morning.

A radio message received from the master of the Mamari yesterday' by tho Shaw, Savill and Albion Company stated that lie expected to make port at Auckland at 8 o'clock to-night.

Two very extensive, groups of sun spots have, according to Mr. G. V. Hudson, entered the visible disc of the sun since Wednesday last and aro now favourably placed for observation. It seems more probable, says Mr. Hudson, that these spots, exceptional both in size and activity, were responsible for tho auroral displays and magnetic disturbances experienced ki.it Monday than tho spots which were then actually visible a,t that lime, and which were of quite ordinary dimensions. The aurora referred to in the recent cablegrams was clearly seen at Ivarori last Monday night, and had it not been for tho brilliant moonlight it would no doubt have been very generally obsorved.

Speaking nt last night's meeting of tho Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association, the district organiser, Lieu*'en-ant-Colonel. G. Mitchell, expressed tho opinion that the Returned Soldiers' Association should stand clear of party politics. Ho was perfectly convinced that if tho association decided upon political action it would be soon split up. There could tie 110 objection to returned soldiers standing for Parliament, for if they had sound viows they would receive the support of Iho returned men, but for the association to enter into tho political arena a* a separate party would be, 111 his opinion, a mistake.

Tho employees of Iho theatres are asking for signatures to a l "'petition to, be presented to tho Prime Minister which asks for a repeal of tho Public Health Amend 1110111 Act, 1913 (which requires the theatres to close during 'certain hours), 011, tho grounds that 50 per cent, of those so employed liavo been thrown out of work, and that it is not in the interest of public health, <ts the present arrangements entail the congregation of largo numbers of pcoplo during the restricted hours the theatres aro allowed to open.

Our Greytown correspondent states that the General Manager of Railways lias granted Greytown one train per week, principally for goods.

Tlio cost of the military occupation of Samoa to March 31 last lias been ,£405,774. Tho biggest item in this expenditure has been pay and allowances ol troops, .£205,193.

Tho membership of the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association continues to increase rapidly. At last night's meeting of the assooiation, tho chairman, Mr. J. D. Harper, stated that the association now numbered 6000 members.

A nan was knocked down by a tramear nnd seriously injured, in Cuba Street, opposite t'ne imperial Hotel, last evening at about 6.20 p.m. He was taken by Constable Stewart to Dr. Mackin's surgery, and Dv. Mockin found that his skull was fractured. After his injury hud been attended to the man, still; unconscious, was taken to tihe hospital. There was nothing by which the injured man could be identified, but ho was clothed as a working man, and ho appeared to bo about 45 years of age. At a la to hour last night the hospital advised that the injiued man was still uncpnscious, and had not up to then been identified.

Speaking of the high cost of distribution as against that of labour, in the course of an address before the Wellington Industrial Association last. evening, Mr. C. J. Ward (a boot manufacturer) made tho surprising statement that tho cost of labour in bootmaking was less per pair to-day than it was 18 years ago. "All the advance in prices," he 6aid, "is due to the cost of material, distribution, and transport. So tho economies effected in the factories have been thrown away, for you all know what you have to pay for boots. The award then (18 years ago) was; I think, i! 2 os. 6d.; now it is i! 3 Bs. 3d., yet tho cost for labour is less per pair. The cost of distribution 'is mainly due to the middleman—tho hands tho goods go through—the bhipping, the railways, the salesmen. Those arc the charges that increase tho cost of living more than the cost of labour in manufacture."

Writing to a friend in New York Mr. P. JJenwick, Thomas Cook and Son's agent fit Jerusalem, dwelling on post-war conditions in the lioly City, said: "In appearance Jerusalem is just the same. Its walls and buildings did not suffer bombardment. Since the British occupation it certainly has been attacked—by the scavengers—and with good result, for one can now walk through those fascinating narrow streets without experiencing any of the old disagreeablo odours. The streets are well policed, better lighted, and there is a feeling of security. Water has been brought a distance of twelvo miles to the city, and stand-pipes aro set up in different places, whero water can ba obtained free. Westerners will lwrdl.y realise what a blessing this is to the inhabitants, who, before the war, had to rely on cistern water (or the man with the skin bag). . . . The mosciue of Omar is guarded by Indian soldiers, but tho old cheikhs continue to show visitors around and expect ihe customary 'baksheesh.' Before tho war it was considered an event to see an automobile on tho road, but now cars aro rushing about everywhere,"

Mr. Allen Wilki?, tho actor-manager, now in Auckland, has announced his inIcution of producing such excellent, plays during the season as "She Stoops to Counuei'," "School for Sc'""lnl." "lli"die Wake-." "Candida." "Trilby." "The Midnight Wedding," nnd "Camille."

A southern paper say* 'hat lb" 'Diggers' I'ierrots contemplate making' a business tour of the Dominion on .being demobilised.

Tho hearing of the divorce suit of Howard Harold Armstrong against Gertrude Armstrong on the ground of desertion, was concluded yesterday afternoon. and His Honour the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout), who heard the case, reserved his decision. Sir John Findlav. K.C., with him Mr. J. Morrison, appeared for the petitioner, aud Mr. jr. Myers, with him Mr. Hogg, of Masterton, for tho respondent.

The following resolution was passed at the last meeting of (he Lower Hul.t Branch of the New Zealand Labour Party; "That: the Lower Hutt Branch of the New Zealand Labour Party, considering' as it does that education must be tho most important item in any scheme of national reconstruction, enters its emphatic protest ngainst the financial starvation of tho l'etone Technical School, and, further, in view of the fact that capitation grunts are duo to the board since 11117 (combined with the revelations recently made by Mr. I'irani concerning tho maladministration of the Education Department), this branch is of opinion that such maladministration warrants immediate and searching inquiry."

"Ob-:cene language has been used at theiu Rugby matches, and the union has asked the police to assist in patting down this sort of tiling," remarked Aeting-Sub-lnspeetor Eimerson at the Magistrate's Court yesterday, when two brother.-, Lesiio l'otfer and Harold Potter, ft stf'dicr, appeared before Mr. E. Page, S.M. Leslie Potter was charged with having used obscene language, and Harold Potter with having obstructed two polico constables. Mr. Emerson said that when Leslie Potter was being arrested at tho Athletic Park on Saturday afternoon for using the language complained of, the. other brother interfered and attempted to take him away from tho police ofliccrs. Harold l'ottor said that the trouble arose as the result of ho and his brother having had a "bit of an argument," but w'lien ho saw the police intervene it was only .-natural that he should go to his brother's assistance. At the time he did not reause the seriousness of the olfc-nce. He admitted that they both had had a few drinks. For using obscene fonguaga Leslie Potter was fined .£3, in default seven days' imprisonment, and on the charge of obstruction Harold Potter was fined the amount of .£'s, in default seven 'Jays' imprisonment. Each defendant was' given three days in which to find the money.

The question of the associate editorship of "Quick March," tho official organ ot the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association, formed the subject of a lengthy and at times Uieated discussion at last night's meeting of the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association. It was reported'that Mr. L. S. Fanning, tho former associate editor, had resigned, and it was decided to recommend to tho executive of the New Zealand Association that favourable consideration bo given to tho application of Mr. Clutlia Mackenzie, who announced his intention of being a candidate for the position.

An inquest was conducted by the Coroner, Mr. W. G. Riddell, S.M., yesterday concerning the death of Mrs. Emily Guinivere Battersby, 33 years of ago, at her residence, Harold Street, early on Saturday morning. Evidence was given that deceased collapsed just prior to child-birth, and that death was due to haemorrhage. A verdict was returned accoulingly.

The-State schools of Wellington will reopen this morning after tho second term holidays.

It has been decided that soldiers who have been discharged from the N.Z.E.I I '. and classified dentally "fit," anil who have since been rcaltestcd and admitted to military hospitals for further medical treatment of disabilities that are the "out" patients, 1m given dental treatment at Government expense, but, this will bo limited to tho relief of pain or realment of disabilities that aro the direct result of injuries received 011 service. It has also been decided tiiat when their disabilities warrant it, limbloss and other soldier jiatienls travelling bv rail or steamer may lie allowed firstclass accommodation at the discretion of the medical officer authorising tho journey.

Tho dispulo between' tho Greymoiith Harbour Board and the Railway Department is approaching a climax (says a Press .Association message). The board's request for a- statement regarding the expenditure 011 the Grey-Brun-ner railway has been ignored, and tho board is obtaining legal advice. A supreme Court action is probable. Great indignation is expressed. A public meeting has been called.

A Press Association message from Auckland states that-the police who are conducting a search in connection with tho Maori murder have advised Superintendent Kioly that they _ thoroughly overhauled every pa for miles around without result. They found no ono corresponding with the description given by tho injured Maori to whom suspicion might bo attached.

The Jfavy League conference, which was to have opened to-day. has been nostnoned until next week as it. has been impossible to ascertain what day Admiral .Tellicop would be able to attend the conference. The Wellington delegates to tho conference will be Colonel Campbell and Mr. K. Dnrreek, with Mrs. J. Tlni'lins representing the Ladies' Auxiliary.

A deputation from tho Lyall Bay School Committeo waited upon the Minister of Education (the Hon. J. A. Hanati) last evening regarding the need for extending the present school grounds and providing additional class-room accommodation. Mr. Croskery, who was tho principal speaker, pointed out that they were anxious to acquire a quarter of an acre of land adjoining tho school, and as far back as 191G had made representations to the Education Board. Ho understood that the Department had been approached by the board, but so far nothing definite had been decided. As showing the interests of the residents in tho matter ho stated that ,£SO had been subscribed towards the cost of purchasing tho additional area. Tho necessity for additional accommodation was most apparent. At present, tho Methodist Hall was being rented to accommodate pupils and tho headmaster was daily refusing to admit further scholars owing to lack of space. In reply to the Minister, Mr. Croskery said that tho proposal to erect a new school at Miramar would not, relieve the position. In reply, Minister said he would endeavour to visit the school and see the conditions for himself. Ho further stated that the price which was being asked for the land it was desired to acquire was considered too high, having regard to its valuation in 1914. In this connection he promised to have a special valuation made of tho property and would consider their representations when same was received with a view of submitting the matter to Cabinet. Mr. Hanan said he recognised tho growth that had taken place, in the district during the last few years and was fully alive *o the importance of providing school accommodation to enable the boys and sirls of tho district to receive instruction.

Circumstances of an 11111151131 nature wore revealed in a case called at tho Magistrate's Court yesterday, when Joseph George Abbott was charged with having absconded from bail at Wanganui, on August 14. All application mado by Chief-Detective Boddam that defendant be remanded to appear at Wangamii on Thursday was opposed by Mr. C. A. Treadwcll, who said that on August 11 Abbott was remanded to appear beforo the Supreme Court, at Wanganui, 011 August 25,, the charge against him being that 110 stole soma blankets from tiho steamer Armagh, 011 which 110 had been a steward. 110 was admitted to bail in the sum of ,£SO, and a surety was found. Defendant wished to como to Wellington to bo paid off, also to collect some further evidence in connection with the charge preferred against. hj.m. His counsel at Wanganui advised him that be could proceed to Wellington, and he accordingly did so. When bis surety heard that Abbott was in Wellington 110 became panic-stricken, and at once took notion to have defendant apprehended. Defondant, added Mr. Trcadwell, had no intention of fleeing tho country. Mr. Treadwcll asked that Abbott be allowed to slay a couple of days in Wellington in order to collect evidence for his defence. Ho could deposit .£lll as security, and as proof of his hona-fides, he was prepared to report to the. polio? every day. It war only the ignorance and extreme timiditv of tile surety that had led to Abbott's nrrest. The ohiof-iletoctive said ho preferred that defendant be remanded to iiMiv-r H Wau'ianui on Wednesday, instead of Thursday. The Armagh had sailed. but di'f"ud:int was not known to th" police, ard for that reason it was desired that he be kept in custody. Mr. Treadwell said that if the case wns adjourned until tu-day the proceeding* would no doubt be withdrawn. His Worship said that the matter should bo dealt with at Wanganui, and, although he wanted to be as fair as possible to defendant. 110 thought, he must agree to tho application of the police. Defendant, wns remanded to appear at Wanganui .to-mor-row.

At 5.45 p.m. yesterday Frank Howland, 10 years of ago, residing at Lower Hull', was admitted lo the hospital, suffering from .a broken leg, caused by being thrown from a linker's cart.

Yesterday morning at 11.30 a three-year-old girl, Mabel Thoniley, residing at Overton Terrace, Kilbirnie, was admit toil to the hospital, having been badly scalded about the body. Tile accident was caused through u kettle of toiling water falling on the child at 8.-15 a.m.

Ono branch of the work of the National Efficiency Board about which little has been heard was in the appointment of Soldiers' Property Boards of Trustees. At the time that the scheme was iirst announced it was generally agreed that the idea was a good one. Now the time has come when the results of the work of these boards can be examined, for soldiers who left their property in (ho hands of boards have returned. Sir James Allen lias received several letters referring to tho good work done by boards in tho msnagemer.i; of soldiers farms daring their absence, and lie has ample evidence that soldier farmers oil their return have been welt pleased Co find that their affairs have been so well managed. Ha showed a letter from one such rsturned soldier to a reporter yesterday, and in this letter the writer stated that he had examined the books of his farming business, and that lie was welt pleased to find that his property had been well managed in his absence. Sir James Allen said'that tie had letters of this sort from many other returned soldiers. The Kfiiciency Hoard had dono very good work in this branch oi activity, more work and bolter work than was generally understood by the people generally.

At one o'ci'ock to-day the members of tlie New Zealand Club «ro tendering a luncheon to the Right Hon. W. i\ M'assey nnd Sir Joseph Ward.

At'the meeting of members of the New Zealand Academy of Eine-Arts last evening Mr. 11. M. Gore, the _ chairman, stated that the Defence Minister desired to liavo 50 or CO pictures for (lie hospital at Trentliam. It was the belief of tho military authorities and of the doctors that pictures on the walls would have a good cifect on tho patients and help them towards recovery. Tho Government would take all responsibility for and caro of the pictures. Mi". Gore was able to announce that several pictures had already been promised.

It is pleasing to note, says the New Zealand Employers' Industrial Bulletin, that the profit-sharing principle lias recently found acceptance in several important business undertakings in tliis Dominion, and the directors of those concenis are to be congratulated upon the progressivo spirit which tliey display. . . . Tlieso examples of co-pnrtiicrship, profit and bonus sharing give a valuable load to other 1 New Zealand firms, anil point the way towards enlightened methods of recognising the human element underlying the wage contract. It is not contended that such schemes constitute by any means a full or filial decision ol' t.ho whole question of improving industrial relations, but they do most certainly involve important principles which must bo recognised and adopted if our local industries are to make the progress which alone can bring greater prosperity to a largo section of tho employers and workers of the Dominion. We> venture to again commend, this matter to the earnest consideration of employers in industries where employment is at present—or can become-permanent in its nature,. Tho principle of bonus-sharing may bo considered tho , first step; profit-sharing— 011 whatever basis may suit each business or industry—can follow, and' finally copartnership stands as a complete end unassailable success in cases wlicro if can bo reasonably and honestly adopted. To secure a full measure of active co-opera-tion between the business and its employees, and to bring about harmony, stability, and general progress and benefit for all, eomo recognition and some material incentive must be granted to the individual units which constitute the operative enterprises as a whole. Particularly in the earlier stages of the adoption of any plau of this nature, a sacrifice on the part of the omiiloying capitalists may bo involved, but this monetary sacrifice must, if the snlivme is honest in intention and sound-'.n principle, bring in the long run Iwnfft'-.B which can bo secured in 110 other way,