LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 206, 26 May 1920, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Supplies of the memorial plaques whioh tho War Office are distributing to next-of-kin of those who fell in tho war aro now being received by Baso Records. Tho plaques aro made of copper, sin. in diameter, and are circular in shape. They aro simple, yet artistic in design, each' plaque bearing the woirds: "lie Died for Freedom and Honour." On the front .there is a representation, of Britannia holding aloft a laurel wreath, and in the foreground is a British lion. Tho regimental number and 1 liamo of the deceased' will be engraved ou each plaque on a space provided for the purpese.

"Tho Dominion for a long time," wrote the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) to tho annual meeting of tho Wollington Chamber of Commerce yesterday, "has enjoyed phenomenal prosperity, but there are indications that we have reached the maximum of high prices, and in 6ome of tho most important products a fall has already taken place. Unforteiatoly tho strain of finance to meet the largo public undertakings does not decrease in common with lower prices, and it behoves all who have the true interests of tho country at heart to redouble efforts to minimise the effect of tho apparent pending change." The increase in the cost of living (or the cost oiiiigh living) is closely connected with the amount of work done bj the community as a whole, remarked fr.r. G. L. Marshall in tho course of his ad.dress at the conference of tho Wellington Provincial Fanners' Union. Until supply has caught up with demand, the world over, the cos"t of what we require will not lessen, and the best and quiokest way to straighten things out would bo for overybody to set to and work, with renewed energy, getting the best results for the hours worked for tho mutual benefit of i»H> '-H l6 "' ess wor ' c am l moro nay" system can only result in making it more difficult for the population to love in comfort.

Henry Farrell, residing at .RoseMath, was last night admitted to tho hospital suffering from, injuries to his hands and face. He was stated to have been hurt by a minor explosion at the Miramar gasworkß. Late in tho evening the hospital authorities reported that his condition gave no eauso whatever for anxiety. Some amusing sidelights wero thrown on club football at Porirua nt last night's meeting'of the Rugby TJnion. Ono correspondent wrote to the effect that he would not referee in a game at tho villago under any circumstances, as recently he was "frightened off the ground by two Maori women" and had to "go for his life." A'membor of tho union recalled that in a certain match at Porirua one of tho players took advantage of a fight that was in progress on the ground, and stealing away unobserved scored a try. Another letter received by the union last night complained of'the state of the Porirua pln»iing ground, which was likened by the correspondent to a "slaughter yard." The union decided to instruct the Porirua Club to put its field in decent order.

"In connection generally with the mattor of payment for services, I believe that the class in the community which is suffering most at the present time is the salaried class," said the chairman (Mr. M. Carr) at the annual meeting of tho Chamber of Commerce yesterday. "I think," ho added, "nil municipalities, public bodies, and business houses, if they have not already done so, should take into serious consideration tho conditions of employment and tho remuneration of their salaried men. Most business houses have dono so, but if any have not I commend this suggestion, to their immediate consideration." The Hon. B. H. Guthrie visited tho Farmers' Union Conference at Ecilding yesterday afternoon, and met with a hearty reception. Ho congratulated tho union on the steps it had taken on behalf of the producers, and assured them that any suggestions made for bettering tho stato of things in tho strenuous times they were now passing through would have tho best consideration of tho Government. The City Council adjourned in committee at 11.30 last night until 7.30 p.m. on Thursdav. when the questions of tho new tramway fares and 6taff salaries will be considered. During the evening a letter was received from the office staff asking that, in view of tho advance in the cost of living, a bonus of .£SO bo granted in addition to any increase in salaries which the council may decide upon. "That a bonus of 6s. per week be paid to the workers at the Municipal Milk Dopartinent, in accordance with the decision of the Arbitration Court," was a clause in tho Milk Committee's report approved by the City Council last evening. Councillor W. H. Bennett stated that the council had no alternative but to pay the bonus, as this step would bo in conformity with the recent pronouncement of tho Arbitration Court regarding bonuses. Artistically tho beauty of bronze statuary is accentuated by the effect of weatnler rather than otherwiso, and in tho Old World it would bo considered i sacrilege to "clean up" or paint a bronze I statue, which hmppened to be showing those tender greens which scivo to enhance the curves and folds of th 6 statue. Wollington appears to have other ideas, as Alfred Drury's statue of Queen Victoria in Kent Terrace was given a coat of brown paint in honour of the visit to Wellington of the Prince of Wales,

According to Mr. C. J. Ward, who returned from Australia on Monday, the Manufacturers' Association there is conducting a live campaign in favour ■of locally-made goods and against importations ■ almost of any kind. They have initiated a wonderful advertising boom throughout the Commonwealth', and it was reported that tho Government had given tho association advertising space in connection with railroads and stations,

tramways, etc., of the value of i)G6,OGO per annum. A feature in this campaign was tho coloured show cards, cloverly written and designed. Of a selection brought across by Mr. Ward, one represents a map of tho world with Australia centralised, and lines radiating) to the countries from which the Commonwealth imports most freely. Tho amount so spent in ten years renched .£626,000,00(1, mid the card abjurra the public to " Slod this tragic wasto " Another card displays two large Austra'im cheques, one "Pay the workers of countries for wages, £18,000,000," tj« "Other "Pay tho primary producers of "thcr countries, i!CG,000,000." The two _ cheques totalled equal the amount paid for imported goods.during one year.' Still anothor card strikes a patriotic note. It pictures Australian eolulers defending tho gangway of a troopship, and it exhorts thoso, whom these boys protectfrt, to buy Australian goods only, so that overy man will get a job. The mombers of the City Council aro to visit the Karori district on Thursday, Juno 3. "Lately we havo been honouved by the risit of tho Prineo of Wales to our shores," staled Mr. G. L. Marshall, president of the Farmers' Union, at the opening of t\o annual conferenco «i Feilding yesterday. "All classes of the comiuinity,- except, perhaps, some of the extremo Labour Party, joined in giving him a splendid reception, .\nd his visit has dono much; to foster the spirit of loyalty amongst us, and 'specially, I hopo, amongst the children.. The Fmipirt. Ie indeed fortunate in having so able and gonial a Prince as Heir to thy Throne.' - Provision is to bo mado in tho city estimates for improvements to the approach to Wilton's Bush, The work is to bo carried out when labour is available. Tho continual blocking of Jorvois Quay by vTaific awaiting an entrance to the wharf with goods for shipment was discussed at tho City Council meeting last evening. It was due to tho vessels not beinj; able to take tho cargo offoring with sufficient dispatch. The counou docided:—"That tho Wellington Harbour Board bo asked to provide accommodation for vehicles proceeding to and irom the wharves, in order to prevent pveI sent congestSixa itf traffic in jsrros)

Reserved judgment was delivered yesterday by Mr. W. G. Riddell, S.M., in tho case of H. 11. Wrny v. tho Now Zealand Express Co., Ltd. Tho plaintiff claimed the sum of X 8 for damage and breakages to furniture and other goods caused during tho cartago of tho said goods from 1 Dannevirko to Wellington. Judgment was given for tho plaintiff for the full amount claimed, with costs totalling iX 'is. (3d. At tho hearing Mr. A. Dunn represented tho plaintiit and Mr. D. R. Hoggard the defendant. The Magistrate's Court will he engaged this afternoon in hearing tho cases of four men who nro appealing against their names being included in tho Defaulters' List. The appellants wero previously dealt with by court-martial under tho provisions of the Military Service Act. and if tbeir appeals are not uphold they will forfeit their civil rights for ten years.

For the convenience of trainees who, owing to their occupation, have difficulty in attending evening parades; "casual parades will be held at tho Garrison Hall, Bucklo Street, on Tuesday and Friday each week at 10 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. Sir E. J. E. Hanson Ims sent to tho Dominion three copies of the late Earl Roborls's book, entitled "Forty-one Years in India," one of which is to be awarded annually to the best cadet in this district. These books are offered as the William Robert Friar Memorial Prizes. Sir R. J.' E. Hanson is the lion, secretary of the Imporial Cadet Association in England, and ho states that these memorial prizes will be issued in each year. The method by which the best Cadet in the district will be selected will bo by awarding points on the following basis-.—Attendance at evening parades:, For each attendance, one point. Attendant at half-day parades: For each attendance, two points. In regard to the recent Eoyal military review at Newtown Park, the following communication ha 6 been received by group headquarters from the officer commanding the district, Colonel C. W. •Melvill. C.8., C.M.G., D.5.0., N.Z.S.C.:"His Eoyal Highness has asked me to stato how pleased ho was with all tho arrangements made, and how impressed he was with tho bearing, turn out, and steadiness on parade of all ranks." Last evening the City Council agreed with the recommendation of the City Engineer that tho burying of dend horses, etc., be permitted at the Lyall Bay sand-hills in an area of land east of Eoss Street, south of Coutts Street, and north of tho sower reserve. The Public Health Committee, however, were of opinion that a digester or incinorator should be procured for the purpose of disposing of tho carcasses, and that burying should be adopted as a temporary measure only until the necessary plant can bo procured.

There was a good attendance of members of the Hotel and Restaurant Workers' Union at tho annual meeting of tho union on Monday night. Considerable dissatisfaction was expressed with tho recently-made award lor tho restaurant and tea-room section, members expressing the opinion that the rising cost of living was making tho Courts awards obsolete before they wero issued. The executive was instructed to go into the question of drafting claims for n new award for the workers employed in the hotels, and to call a meeting at an early date, for the purpose of considering its recommendations. The annual report and balance-sheet were adopted, and the olection of officers for tho ensuing term resulted as follow:—President, Mr. H. Lees; vice-president, Mr. T. Gilmore; secretary, Mr. H. O'Malley; trustees, Messrs. J. M'Gow and H. Lees; treasurer, Mr. AV. Galloway; Executive. Committee, Messrs. G. Clarkson, A, Martin, Mrs. Lawlor, Mrs. Wyan, and Miss Watson. The thirty-fifth annual general meeting of tho Wellington Acclimatisation Society will bo held in the Chamber of Commerce, National Mutual Buildings, Customhouse Quay, on Monday next, at 8 p.m.

The proposal to hoist people up to Wellington Terrace by means of electric elevators is not yet finally disposed of. Tiio City Council were recently approached by a syndicate of property-owners, who were willing to tale the risk of installing such means of vortical transit in return for certain concessions in connection with the running of the lift. The council decided last evening:—"That consideration of an application for permission to install an electric passenger lift between Boulcott Street ana The Terrace, by way of the Church Street steps,'be postponed until the council cornea to a decision regarding improved access to the further side of Kelburn and the districts beyond." In tho Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, before M>r. E. Pago, S.M., seven individuals wen? charged with drunkenness. Five of these- were first offenders. Ellen Rogers, convicted of her second offence, was fined 10s., with the option of 18 hours' imprisonment. Thomas Lowry, convicted of his fifth offence, was fined £3,, and a prohibition, order was issued aaginst him, to be effective for a poriod of twelve months. For damaging fittings- in a police cell, he was fined JBI, and ordered to pay 12s. Cd., the amount of the damage. On the recommendation of the Tramways Committee the City Council decided last evening:—"That the land at tho corner of Kent Terrace and 'Ellico Street, belonging to the Tramways Department, and which tho council resolved to sell by auction., be sold without tho right of i subdivision." A young lady was riding a bicyclo along- the main street of Ilamilton the other day, when she was knocked off by a dog. She had just reiovered Iter equilibrium when sho was bumped into by a motor-car. Tho driver began- to ppologise, but the girl, much incensed, cut him short with the remark, "1 don't mind being knocked dowalby'a clog, but I object to being upset by tho tin-can at its tail!"

The City Council agreed last evening that i£2sobo provided on tho estimates

for improvements to be carried out at the Town Belt at the head of Pirio Street, in order to permit of same being used as a children's playground. The question of State publicity was referred to by the chairman of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, ilr. M. Caw, in his address to memhora yesterday. The question was, lie said, ono that should havo our immediate and earnest attention. During the period of war and the year following, the'commandeer by the Imperial Government assured us of a certain market for our staple products, and, owing to the effects of war, competition with other countries had been diminished, but the world's great pastoral and dairying countries would soon be reviving, and rivalrywould be koenor than over. State publicity, both within the State itself and on its behalf abroad, had become necessary. Following business custom, the State should prosecute a vigorous advertising campaign now when our markets were secure, not waiting for any possible falling off in the demand for our productions. Tho means of doing this were many, and Should bo entrusted to a Publicity Department under the control of the New Zealand High Commissioner in London, as well as in New Zealand, so that Now Zealand might lie thoroughly advertised m all parts of tho world, to ensure a continuous demand for our products, as well as to induce increased population, which was greatly needed in this Dominion.

Authority has been grunted to the Citv Engineer to dispose of such portion as is considered advisablo of the material utilised for street decoration purposes during the visit of H.11.H. tho Prince- of Wales to the city. Tlift hearing of tho shipwrights* dispute ■which was commenced by the Conciliritu" 1 Council on Monday, was resumed before tho Commissioner (Mr. W. Newt<»> ,\vesterday. The proceedings are being wnducted in private throughout. "TV congratulations ho extended to tho Wellington Rugby Union and others conce-.-jwO for their arrangements with j-efevHwi. to the football match held at the Park during the visit of II EH the Prinoo of Wales."—Resolution' passed at the City Council Inst ovening. In the Magistrate's Court at Christchurch yesterday a prohibited person was charged' with entering licensed promises during tho currency of n prohibition ordor tho premises being tho booth at Addington Trotting Ground, for whioh ft conditional license had been granted by the Licensing Committee. Tho police asked for tho Magistrates ruling as to whether 'a racecourse booth conotitilted liconsod premises. Tho Magistrate; (Mr. 0 E M'Carthy) reserved his decision, stating' that other magistrate had hold that roohTWhs w«ia not ltoecwd pr«-nJaea.-'WW-TiiWn.

Representations nro to bo mndo by tho City Council to the Railway Department to remove the raihvny lines in Lower Feathcrston Street, Customhouse Quay, ami Jervois Quay.

Councillor W. 11. Bennett stated at last night's meeting of the City Council that the Milk Committee, was importinga Bowser petrol pump, which (lie committee suggested should bo taken overby tho City Engineer and eroded in some place where it cnuld lie used by all tho council's motor vehicles. Tho proposal of tho committee was approved. Tho following clause appoarel in tho report of tho By-laws Committee to the City Council last cveming:—"Tho committee desiro to draw the attention of tho council to a roport received from the Chief Traffic Inspector with reference to oxcessive hours worked by taxi-cab drivers employed by the proprietors of a city garage, and to point out-the danger to tho public by a continuance of this practice. Quite recently an accident to a taxi-cab was attributed to the abovo cause." Councillor M. F. Luckie, referred to an accident which had occurred to a motor-car through thfe driver having gone to sleep at the wheel; tnd it was found on inquiry that tho man had been employed ten and twelvo hours en tnd. This had been corroborated by another driver who had appeared before the committee, and also by an examination of the men's time-sheets at the parage. Tho clause was adopted. "That an amount of .£35,433 Us., being tho council's contribution to tho Wellington Hospital and Charitable Aid Board for the year 1920-21, bo paid," was a clause in tho roport of the Finance Committee to the City Council last evening. Roadors will, of course, understand th*\t tho contribution is. that of Wellington city. On tho motion of tho Finance Committee, the City Council decided last ovening: "That the Wellington Motor Car, Horse Drivers, and Stable Attendants' Industrial Union of Workers bo informed, in reply to their proposal ro garding wages and conditions ot soryico of drivers employed by tho corporation, that the council has already settled these questions with tho Municipal Employees Union, on which union tho drivers employed by the corporation aro represented, and that the question cannot be again reopened." The Mayor stated that there was a difference' of opinion between some of the municipal employees and the recognised union, If the agreement entered into by the council ran counter to the views of some of

tho employees, then the latter should settle the differences between themselves and their fellow-workers. Councillor P. Eraser stated that there was a possibility that the Municipal Employees' Union would bo refJised registration. The Mayor replied that an assurance had been given that registration would not bo refused, but, even if it were, the conditions agreed to by the council could be granted to any other union which might' be formed.

That returned soldiers are 'grateful to those who sent parcels to them at the front was shown uy the fact that several large pieces of bacon were-sent to a lady in Devonport by a returned man who had taken up a piece of land in the backblocks of the King Country. The donor asked that they might bo distributed among a few of those ladies who he mentioned had taken an active part in patriotic work. In a footnote he added that it was the first bacon ha -had ever cured, and its quality had exceeded his expectations, so he hoped it might prove a useful gift, in these days of 'iigh prices, to a few of those w-bto helped the "diggers" in their dark days when they needed help.—Auckland "Star."

"The sooner this city and district becomci a metropolitan area and the work of the Hospital Board is brought undei the control of the. City Council, the better it will be for the people, * remarked tho Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) at last night's meeting of the City Council, when the question of tho Hospital Board levy was being considered. "1 am not casting any reflection on the board, but I wish to say that tho people who raiso the funds should control their expenditure. Wo cannot have satisfactory administration while there is divided authority." The City Council's contribution to tho Hospital and Charitable Aid Board for the year 1920-21 is .£35,433 lis.

A proposal has been madei'to establish a company for the inauguration of a fly- ' ing-boat service between Auckland, Gisborne, and Napier, and :o extend the service around the coasts of both tho North and South Islands should circumstances warrant (telegraphed tho Gisbomo corrfr spondent of the "New Zealand Herald' recently). The matter was' brought forward by Mr. Charles Matthews, chairman of the Cook County Couunil, who introduced Major S. E. Adams, who ib visiting Gisbomo. Major Adams rerved in th*. Eoyal Air Force in France, r and subsaciuontly in Egypt. He u assoc.ated wit.-i Captain Seabrook, of Auckland. Major Adwns stated tltot tho proposed flying-boat-service was quite practicable. .Already a similar servioe had been inau. guratcd along tho coasts of England. If the service proved a financial success w England as a hobby, then it should be on the East Coast, whero such a servioe was a necessity. Tho proposal was to utiliso a super-marino flying-boat similar to that employed'on passenger flying services, ar Home. Tbl3 boat was capable of carryins a pilot and three passengers, and was able to fly iSO miles without replenishing its petrol supplies. Tho distance from Auckland could be covered .in 21 hours, and from Gisbome to Napier in about an hour. The machine was capable of landing in practically any sea. After inejecting tho conditions locally he w satisneo! that a landing could bo effected safely in the bay, and the machine could either "taxi" up to the X. ti bridge or passengers could be ferried ashore by launch. The conditions at Napier we™ also favourable and at Auckland were ideal. The machines are fitted with a 160-horse-power Beardinore «ngine, which is located in thfe 'planes above the heads of tho passengers, the, latter brans accommodated in seats in the boat it, self. Major Adams considers the service could carry mails and passengers dail , and the machine would be- capable of filing practically all tho year round„ Ba cd on the present taxi fares overland beteeen Gisborne and Napier, the service would pay handsomely. Tho Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association has arranged a. meehng of limbless men to bo held in the club rooms on Friday next at 8 p.m. J-'« r eomo time past "tho hmbio' has considered he has not been- getting a square deal, and this meeting is called with a -view to straightening matters. Gene a Richardson, who has always shown such keen sympathy with these men, will be present. Important matters concerning pensions, allowances, and repatriation will be discussed,'and the men concerned are urgently requested to attend. ■ Councillor L. M'Kenzie pointed out at last evening's meeting ot the uty Council that tho council was being placed iu an invidious position, owing to not being allotted a greater i amount of cement for necessary works, it naa to bo remembered that with the mclusicai of Onslow and Karori they had now to look after a largely-increased area, ana they required more cement to cope with ' necessary works, and he,hoped that the controlling powers would see it m tnat lißht. ; '

For the purpose of making a protest against the shortage of coal m the borough, a mass meeting o, railwaymcn was held at the Petone Workshops at noon yesterday. The Mayor of Petqne (Mr. J. W. M'Ewan), who had been invited to attend to explain tho position, said that the council had asked that the coal dealers should adopt the same method as tho council, that was, supplying coal in hundredweight lots. TheArequesfc had been refused by tho Coal % Trado Committee on the ground that it would add to the price. The council was selling in hundredweight lota at a rate cheaper than that at which dealers were selling larger quantities. If the coal wcro disponed of at the eamo rate as that at which the council was selling a saving to tho people of J! 1400 would be effected. Mr. M'Ewan gave some comparative figures, after which he ma/.e reference to a dealer who was alleged to be selling coal at ss. por cwt, and stated that it had been decided to report tho matter to the Board of Trade, with a view of having proceedings taken. One of tho audience mentioned that tho people who had supported the niunioipal coal yard in tho past were now being victimised by dealora. A resolution was unanimously passed urging the poopla turough the agency of their councils to bring pressure to bear upon Parliamentary representatives to give their support to the request that Parliament give prior consideration In the House to all busr-es-) affecting domestio problenu.