LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 291, 4 September 1919, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

In tho process of the demobilisation of military forces raised for the. war, the clerks engaged for work in certain branches of the Defence Deparfnfent are being demilitarised. Some of them havo been dismissed, and others still employed have passed as temporary employees under the control of tho Public Service Commissioner. Mr. Poland asked a question on behalf of these men in the llouso of Representatives yesterday. He said that while they were receiving military pay they had been paid every fortnight". It was some flvo weeks sinco they had come under the control of the Public Service Commissioner, and they had not yet received any pay, nor did they know how much they were to receive. He suggested that nt least tile men should bo told how much they would receive, ilr. Massey said that he was not fully nware of the facts. He could readilv understand that the men were under a'hardship, nnd that they should at least know hoiv much they were earning. The matter was really one for tho Public Service Commissioner, and a communication on the subject would be sent to him. The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) is asking the citizens to co-operate' in a general clean-up week in Wellington, commencing on Monday next. Citizens are requested to root out nil rubbish from every nook and cranny in their houses and outhouses, anil means will he taken to collect it. A liberal uso of disinfectants would also not be against the laws of hygiene. The WeiCington Repatriation Board contitiues to receive applications from physically fit discharged soldiers for assistance iu cstablijhing fruit and confectionery businesses, and in setting up as billiard saloon-keepers. Discussing the mattei with a Dominion reporter yeterday, the District Repatriation Officer (Mr. C. W. flatten) remarked ; that tho board would not consider the putting of lit men into such non-essential businesses as those described. "To put a soldier into businesses of this class," added Mr, Batten, "is considered to bo the uiist resource of the Department in its effort to repatriate discharged men." A proposal tlint provision be made to allow wives of soldiers the right to voto <il: the next general election notwithstanding that tho law may not have been complied with as regards length of resi<!cnce,in New Zealand was made by way of a question by Mr. S. (.r. Smith, M.P., in the House of Representatives yesterday. Following up its street corner clipping policy, tho City Council resumed tho property on the corner of Buckle Street and Kent Terrace (until lately occupied by Mr. R. A. Wilkinson's motor and cycle works). A few days ago tho premises wero vacated, and at the presenti time tho building is being demolished in order that the corner may be. rounded off, and leavo a greater margin of roadway'ior traffic and the tram tracks than exists at the present time.. Steel wheels on tramcars complain in tho form of a penetrating "squeal" when they are aske<l to tako a curve too acutely, and tho ' cciier now bsing eased has been known as one,of the acknowledged "squealing" places in the system. Another is the junction of Cuba Street and Vivian Street. There again tho City Council

lias resumed tho corner properly (occupied. by Patrick's draper's shop), and sooner or later steps will be taken to culi off the corner of the building and push back the sidewalk so as to permit of an easier curve for the tram rails. An excellent display of apples is at present to be seen in the window of Aleasi's. AVhiteoiube and Tombs, Lambton Quay. The apples are of splendid quality, and , reflect much credit upon the Jlildura 'and Glewbrook Orchards, Nelson, from whence thoy came. _ There ar<

also displayed numerous prize certiiicates awarded ! at tho -last Palmerston North Show, tho lloyal .Horticultural Society's medal, and Messrs. Bhmdell Brosi', special prize, as well aa some < splendid photographs of the orchards.. Messrs. Whiteoinbo and Tonrbs's display i of books on gardening and fruit culture i are also of interest. The display is | made in the interest of the lilenbrookMildtira Orchard . Company, the tormulion of,which is creating deep intercut in this city. The rectangular form of the House of ttopreseuuitives — wUowuig.' teiuliuoliai Untisli lines—provides for tho most awkward and inconvenient outlay. of members' benches possible, for it places some members tli.e whole length of tno big chamber away ll'om Mr. Speaker. Mr. W. C. Chalfieid, thQ Wellington architect, who has been , called on to 'advise as to tho seating of tho Chamber, has submitted a new plan to the House Furnishing Committee, which provides, without any structural alteration, for the; arrangement of tlioV seats in a semi-ellipse, on the lines of the French Chamber of Deputies. ' This he does very smiply by shifting tho Speaker's chair from tho end of the Chamber to the centrp of the noVtliern wall, and arranging the seats in the 1 form of an amphitheatre radiating lroin jitr. bpcakcr. tins reduces the distance of the Speaker to the most distant member front 52 to 35 lent. The House Furnishing Committee at present have the new plan under consideration. On good authority it is stated, says a special correspondent of the Auckland "Herald," thrj; between Taumarunui and Taihape tho accumulated timber amounts

to 14,€00,000ft., and it will take 50 trucks a day for three months to clear the Main Trunk lino of the ever-growing stocks. Beforo the whole accumulations have been removed the wool carting season will have commenced, and it is anticipated that the.wool Teturns will be'lo to 15 per cent, higher than last ywr. It is evident thai* the railways in this part of the island will soon havo a busy time in dealing with the surplus traffic brought about by the restrictions. In a recent paragraph alluding to the work done in connection with the -improvements of the acoustics of House oi' Parliament, so'io credit was given to Professor Clark (now in America), whereas he was associated with Mr. W. C. Chatfield of Wellington, who reported to tho House Furnishing' Committee both jointly and separately. There was a large attendance at tho property auction salo held by Messrs. J: 11. Bethune and Co., at their rooms, Teatherston Street, yesterday afternoon. A property at Seatoun, comprising freehold land with a frontage of 40 feet to Marino Parade by a depth of 153 feet with three-roomed concrete thereon, was sold to Mr. Sydney W. Smith for J;505.. A freehold property in . Nairn Street, comprising land containing an area of 34.2 perches, with the 8-roomed dwelling thereon, No. 6 Nairn Street, was Sbld to M-r. M. A. Carr for <£2300. The second .Pan-American Aeronautic Convention and Kxlnbition was held m Atlantic City, N.J., from May 1 bo Juno 1 last, when the famous American seaside resort was invaded l£. all those interested at all in the future aeronautics in America. The, convention consisted of

the reading of papers and discussion* thereon, aerial shows and. aerial contests, ami social functions. An idea of tilio range of new thought covered m the papers may bo gathered from a few of the titles to Uio papers or addresses presented, as follow: Aerial i'oiest Patrol.'' "Latest Developments in Aerial Warfare and Adventures in Aerial Warfarß, \ aluo ot Aircraft for Advertising I)}' Day and NWit," "Aerial Exploration," "Progress in° the Art of Piloting Aeroplanes," "Aerial jurisprudence—Aerial Laws and Regulations of Ail* Traffic," "Aeronautic Engineering Problems," "Problems of Flying at 35,000 feet and over and their Prospective Solution," "Flying Boats v. 'Hydro-aeroplanes for Sport and Transportation," "International Medical Standards for Aviators in War and Peace." Evory Saturday was givon over to aerial contests and 'races. There were prizes of a substantial nuturo offered for the aviator who mado the best record between Uiis-lon and Atlantic City (or the reverse 'Yirl. .Detroit to AtHilic City, Akron to Atlantic City,,and Toronto (o Atlantic City. Tlio sum of 25,(100 dollars was offered for a Irons-Atlantic flight. The Post anil Telegraph Appeal Board commenced its sittings in Wellington yesterday afternoon. Mr. P. V. Frazer, S.M.,' is the chairman of tho board, and tho other members aro: Messrs. A. T. Markmann (Departmental representative), C. C. Camp (Postal), and S. A. Ogilvio (Telegraph),. Mr. li. M'Namnrn, supervisor of staff, appeared on beliaffl of tho Department. Tho ljoa-rd, whilo sitting in Wellington, will deal with individual apnoals in respect to dlassiiieatioil, and tho Wellington sitting is oxpected to occupy about threo weeks. Yesterday's proceedings were not open to tho Pross.

Several people were disappointed to find the Defence Stores closed lor somo hours during tho middle of the day yesterday. Tho Defence Department has been advertising. tho sale of blankets left over in stores, and they are being bought, freely, but there were those who wasted time and tram fares In visiting Buckle. Street yesterday only to find t.iio stores closed lrom 12.30 p.m. until 3 p.m. Judging by the number of applications for finaiicial assistance which tho Wellington Repatriation Board receives, the fishing industry appears to hold out inducements of untold wealth to some discharged soldiers. However, from the* information which it lnvs received concerning men who have been given grants to acquire fishing requisites, the board is of opinion that it is very risky for an inexperienced man to adopt fisjiing an his means of obtaining a livelihood. "Tho only man who can make a livinj; at fishing round about Wellington," remarked the District Repatriation Officer (Mr. C. W. Batten) to a Dominion reporter yesterday, "is he who has had years of experience, possesses thoroughly up-to-date equipment, <yul has launches designed for tho purpose." Mr, Batten deolarcd that the board was not inclined to encourage men to go in for fishing unless they .were absolutely reliable, and had had experience of the grounds 0:11 which they proposed to fish. Mr. P. Frnsor (Wellington Central) has; given notice in tho House of Representatives to-ask the Prime Minister if ho will introduce a motion in favour of "self-determination for Ireland," and :if 'not, whether lie will give facility for tho introduction of such ft' motion. A Press Association in.essa.ge from InvereaTgill states that a slight shock of earthquake' was felt there at, 1.10 p.m. yesterday. The Maori mombers of Parliament havn recently had then* fame increased by a chronicle in an official dispatch to tho iV'ow Zealand Government from the British Government. Some little time ago Mr. Massey was asked by. the Maori members to send to Lord Milner, Secretary of State- for the Colonies, a copy of the Treaty of Waitangi, with the object of having this document' one© more placed on record with tho Imperial authorities. Lord Miliar has officially acknowledged receipt of the document. A Press Association telegram from Nelson states that a general meeting of tho Nelson Branch of the Returned Soldiers' Association adopted resolutions strongly supporting Ihe national executive's demand for a Royal Commission to investigate tho whole question of war funds, and opposing any alteration of the constitution of ihe association to admit of political action. A project is on loot to establish a canning factory in Middlemarch (states the "titago Tillies"). It is proposed io can rabbits during the winter season rind mutton during tho "off" or autumn season. It is estimated that at least 250,000 rabbits will bo available from the Strath-T'aieri alone. The promoter Las matters so far in hand as to bo practically assured of the formation of a company by local capital. - The Otn.go Hydro-Electric Po'ver Committee has received, a. very gratifying responso to t'lio request for financial assistance towards the cost of preliminary work (says the "Otago Times"). There have ibeen.very few instances in which t

ocal or other public body lias refused o assist a scheme designed for the good >f the whole province. The executive has >een pushing on with the. matter, and its conclusions, will be submitted to a [till 'meeting of tho committee in tlm near future. Mr. Statliam (Dunedin Central) gave notice in tho House of Bcprcsent.aV.vcs jesterdny to ask tho Minister of Lands whether lie will this session brjnß down legation to amend lhe Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act so that the widows.

of soldiers may have the benefit of its | provisions. j The Manga'nao scheme was mentioned j in the House of Representatives. yesjiter- I day. Mr. Nash (Palmerston) Rave notice | to ask the Minister of Public Works j whether he anticipated'being able to carry i the Mangahao power scheme to coniple- | tion within the time specified by Mr. : Parry—namely, three .years. _ .Local ; bodies, he said, were' unwilling to proceed with preliminary works necessary beforo reticulation could be proceeded with until they had definite information on this point.' At each 1 of the receptions tendered | to him at St. Albans, Linwood, and Sydenham Parks (says tho "Lyttolton Times"), Viscount Jellicoo made flattering reference, to the Advantages of tho Dominion as a place of residence. Speaking at St. Albans, he said he noticed that the' children of New Zealand all seemed exceptionally healthy. He him-1 self had five children, four girls and « boy. If he were twenty or thirty years younger ho would come out here to live. "I am not sure," said tho Admiral, "that' I am too old yet to' change my place of residence. If I do, go anywhere' to live out of England, I can (ell you it will be New' Zealand." At Sydenham Park, he said flint the people of England did not realise what a lot of people 'there. were in New Zealand— especially children. "I don't know nt what rate your population is increasing," said tho Adnrral, "but judging froiii the" children I Tiave already seen, it will not bo long beforo your country.will be too small to hold you all." "I am thinking of coming out here to live," lie added, "so leave a little room for me and my family." In the course of his remark's to those assembled to greet him at Linwood Park, Viscount Jellieoe said: "You have got « very lovely park here. We don't run to such parks in England, unfortunately. It is quite time, that three' or four million people came j ouit and settled here. 1 may possibly be one of those three or four millions," 1 he added, his statement evoking a great buret of applause. So far as can be learned (says an Otago uaner). there is not much extensive planting of fruit trees in Otago this season. exceDting in the Croiuvell district, and we hear that the Canterbury orchard owners n.ro also content for the most nart' with renewals rather than extensions. One reason for this shyness in planting is that tho supply of young trees from Australia is still barred, tho anneal' to the authorities by the iedern-. fion to lift the embargo not having as vet led to any response. Present indications siiffsrest tlmt the Cfy out for liberty to deal 'with Australian, nurseries will be revived and persisted in. Durinir the sittings of the Arbitration Court in Christchurch, His Honour Mr. Justice Stringer drew the attention of narties to tho fact that the Court was overburdened with work, and that there imist necessarily be some little delay in the issuimr and publication of awards and orders of the Court. Inquiries show that the work of the Court has been practically doubled by the legislation of Inst session, which gives parties to awr.rdb or industrial aereem'ents the right to apply at anv time during the currency of an award or an industrial agreement to have the same reopened as regards wages or hours. Full advantage has been taken of this legislation bv unions per.ernlly, mid nracticallv every award in New Zealand has come up lor review by the Court since the commencement of the vear. The staff of the Court consists of one—the Registrar (Mr. J. 11. Salmon) —and this officer has been working literally every night sin » this legislation came into force—Christchurch "Sun." The Now Zealand Government :in li>l3 Dassed an Act to provide for reciprocity in the administration of tho Pensions Acts of this country and tho Australian Commonwealth respectively. In the Loirislntive Council yesterday tho■ Hon. If. L. Michel cave notice of a question in which lie would'a§k tho Government whether it would consider communicating .with Australia in order to ascertain whether it: was the intention of tho Commonwealth Government to pass the legislation necessary to enable the Act of 1013 to become operative. In the ifouse of Representatives yesterday Mr. G. J. Anderson gave notice to iirfc the Minister of Knilways, whether ho would, when considering tlio best means of meeting the coal-shortage for railway purposes, (a) go into tho ailvis.ablenes's of purchasing existing or opening up new coal mines for the purpose 'Ol providing coal solely for the Department; (b) tho purchasing of suitable steamers for conveying this coal to distributing ports; (c) engaging workers) for .discharging tlih coal at the ports; and (d) placing all workers in this coal-supply branch of the Railway Department iipon the same basis as other railway employees, with superannuation and other privileges enjoyed by those engaged in the Depart- ' meat

"Wo get very sick of ' the tragedy we corno across in criminal work," remark-, ed Superintendent Kiely, of Auckland, I in his reminiscences of police duty in the early days. "Apart from the most thrilling cases, what we like to remember most is the humorous side of the cases wo coma across. I think the finest experiences I havo had have been with the vagaries of men in the D.'lY6. In my first few months in t:ho police I came across ail old chap wlio got into the D.T.'s about once every six months, but the fits didn't last long. He was living in a wliaro 011 the outskirts of tile town, and had a mania for collecting halfsovereigns, which lie kept in a matchbox. After one of his tantrums lie reported that his matchbox of half-sovereigns hud been stolen, and wo had <in awful job .searching and suspecting one person after another without getting a trace of the stolen gold. About nine months later (ho old chap got into another of his tantrums, and one day ho was sitting in the bar of the George Hotel, wlien he suddenly wolio up, looked around, and said, 'By Gad! I remember where 1 pit those half-sovereigns.' He . went straight to his.whare, dug up a brick in the floor, and found the matchbox of gold where ho had put it when he was in the D.T.'s nine months previously."

The Hon. H. L. Michel. M.L.C., yesterday rave notice of his intention to ask the Government whether it wns aware that the Gold Producers' Association of New Houtli "Wales, from July 1, 1018, (0 .Tune 30. 1919, had sold to Singapore and If oner-Kong 20!),G<(ioz. of gold at ,£4 1. r is. flil. tier ounce He" said that about 1 .Kfl.Oflfloz. of wild had been obtained in the Dominion during the last five years, and that amount had been practically rnmmnndeered for national purposes at .£■l per ounce, which made the price .£137.501) less thai; '.hat which could have been obtained had the gold been used for export purposes. Would the Goveminent allow the goklminers to obtain the full value of their labour by selling Hie cold in '.he open market, or wouldit be nrennred to consider favourably some other method of relief?