LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 208, 28 May 1920, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A further enso of varioloid varicella (mild smallpox) was reported in luvercargill yesterday.—Press Assn. Whilo working in the No. i hold of tho steamer Port Nicholson on Wednesday, a wharf labourer named Eobert Lensliiniui, aged about 35 years, was seen to collapse. He was taken to the Wellington Hospitnl, where ho died at 8.30 yesterday morning. Ho leaves a widow and two children. Deceased was « member of the Watcrsido Workers' Union. Ho enlisted for service and went into camp, but returned to the waterside last year. The funeral is to take pluce at 2.30 to-morrow afternoon, and no work will be done on tho wharves after midday. Is that barron waste known as Ward Island capable of tminff beautified? The question was briefly discussed at last night's meeting of tho narbour Board, when a letter wa9 rend from the Greater Wellington Town-Planning and Municipal Electors' Association, seeking financial assistance towards treeplanting on the island, Tho letter mentioned that tho Government was willing to grant a £ for £ subsidy up to .£SO on private subscriptions raised for the project, and tho suggestion was that pohoutakawa should be- planted on tho island. Members of the board were in-

clined to be sceptical over tlw matter,

Ward Island being described as a "waste in a frightfully exposed position." It was mentioned that some seven or eight years ago an attempt hnd been made to raise trees on the island, but they did not thrive. The. matter was referred to tho Harbourmaster for report. At a "welcomo home" to Roseneath returned soldiers last night, Dr. A. K. Nowmau, M.P., mentioned that only Mi soldiers hnd returned to New Zealand blinded. He had expected a far larger number, but this was the official figure, Tho conferenco of. Dominion hospitnl boards will open in tho New Zealand Farmers' Institute, Feathcrston Street, on Tuesday next, at 10.30; a.m. Mr. W. G. Riddoll, S.M., gave reserved judgment in the Magistrate's Court yesterday afternoon in the case of Mrs. Athlea Lock against Miss J. K. Leahy and E. B. T. Richardson and Co., land agents. The plaintiff claimed to recover the sum of J!25 paid to Richardson and Co. by way of deposit on the sale and purchase of a freehold property in Wellington. The plaintiff alleged that tho contract was not proceeded with because Miss Leahy was unable to cany out tho terms. The Magistrate nonsuited tho plaintiff on tho grounds: (a) that the agreement was not stamped, and it should have been, and (b) that tho Court had no jurisdiction, because tho question of the decision of the contract was involved. Costs £2 2s. were allowed tho defendants. At tho hearing Mr. D. M. Findlay appeared for the plaintiff, Mr. J. Scott for Miss Leahy, and Mr. E. P, Bunnv for Richardson and Co.

The following is an extract from a letter dated May i received from the Colombo Commercial Co'.. Ltd., Colombo, bv the Farmers' Co.-op. Federation of Now Zealand. Ltd.:—"Tea. market—Owing to declining quality, prioes for medium and common grades have fallen considerably. Good tea, on tho other hand, continues to receive strong support, and, generally speaking, quotations are being maintained. Heavy supplies of on undesirable character are' anticipated during tho next two months, and at present it looks as though such tea will prove practically unsaleable." Some of the advantages of vocational training for undischarged soldiers were apparent yesterday in a display (for sale) of baskets, bags, and leather goods, etc., made'by the inmates of Trenchant Military Hospital. The workmanship Is really admirable in the baskets for marketing, ladies' leather bags, and dressed leather boudoir slippers, and as the men get all the returns from the sale of tho goods, it was gratifying to notice that trade was brisk. The display—which is in a Willis Street shop, is a good advertisement for the training the men in hospital are being given. Many inquiries have beon received as to the identity of "Fritz," who has contributed to tho sketch exhibition a collection of interesting war sketches. The artist is Mr. Herbert Fitzherbert, a son of the late Mr. William Fitzherbert, who resided for many years at Lower Hutt. Mr. Fitzherbert, who has adopted art as a profession, is now living in England. "As illustrating the sad neglect of parents for their children's teeth, n litftlo patient is attending the department who. at tho tender age of fourteen, has had every tooth in his jaws removed on account of extensive caries—an old man at fourteen," reported tho head of tho dental department of tho Wellington Hospital to yesterday's meeting of tho Hospital ami Charitable Aid Board. It was poinded out at tho meeting of tho board that treatment at the dental branch of the hospital was open to any of the public who choso to make application to the dental surgeon.

Defence Headquarters hold several sports. medals which were won in England nnd France by members of the N.Z.E.F.. and which have not yet been claimed by the owners. Those who havo not received their medals should communicate with "A" branch, Headquarters, New Zealand Military Forces, supplying particulars of their names and regimental numbers, so that their claims to the medals may be established.

There was a largo attendance at the annual meeting of the Wellington Manufacturing Jewellers' Industrial tion of Workers on Wednesday night, when the following officers were elected: —President. Mr. J. B. Heck; vice-presi-dent. Mr. A. Rhump; secretary, Mr.. T. S. Abbott; treasurer, Mr. W. Haycroft; trustees. Messrs. Abbott and, Holloway; committee, Messrs. J. Renkin, A. Sargison. A. E. Morrison. The retiring secretary, Mr. J. P. Moar, was accorded a heartv veto of thanks for his past services. The balance-sheet showed a satisfactory credit balance. Tho representatives of employers and employees in the motor mechanical trade met in Wellington to settle future terms of employment, and arrange a Dominion agreement Tho representatives present were:—Employees: Messrs. R, P. Baxter (Auckland), A. J. Rico (Dunedln), J. W. Watson (Wellington), P. Griovo and G. Dickson (Christchurch). Employers: Messrs. James Black (Dunedin), J. 11. Perry (Feilding), W. J. Cullen (Auckland), H. J. Ranger (Christchurch), and J. P. Cousins (Wellington). An agreement was reached, but the details are not yet ready for publication. A petition to the Mayor and councillors of Miraraar is in circulation in Seatoun and Miramar requesting that a poll of tho electors be taken on tho proposal that the Borough of Miranmr be united with the City of Wellington. Mr. "Will B. Matheson, of Rongomni, has presented to the National Art Gallery a fino example flithogra.phic) of tho work of Muirhead Bone, whose masterly drawings are attracting tho attention of tho art world .at tho present time. Thn work in question, teg-other with several ether examples by tho samo artist, which have beon lent by Mr. Matheson, will bo on view in the side room of tho Art Gallery, Whitmore Street, until the close of tho present exhibition on Saturday next.

Tho lato Hon. R. Rendall Johnston, of Feniton Court, Devonshire (formerly of Wellington, and a member of the Legislative Council), who died last !November, left estate valued at ,£157,842, net personalty being ,£131,931. The testator gives £VX> a year to his kto manager, Charles 15vans, .£SO to Cecilia Partridge, and, if in his employ at his death, an additional JCSO; .£IOO to his gardener, George Rodgers. In 1851 Mr. Johnston was captain of the Cambridge cricket elevon,' and his eon, Major P. R. Johnston, is the well-known cricketer. The latter served during the war with tho Oth Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, and in the middle of 1918 ho was mentioned for valuable war services. At Palmeraton North yesterday (reports tho Press Association) Archibald Ililson Bergersen, charged with failing to parado for active service, was sentenced to eighteen months' hard labour. Herbert Garfield Currio, similarly charged, was sontonced to two years' imprisonment. Subseqiiently a period of six months was remitted in dime's favour. An Opotiki Press Association telegram states tnat a poll cm a. proposal to raiso .£2500 as tho borough's share in a joint borough and county loan for tho purpose of erecting municipal ohambers was takon on Wednesday, and resulted in tho proposal being carried by 78 votes to 64. The Teason for the Email majority was that a number of ratepayers desired to have a town hall afiibodied in tho scheme.

There aro 3GG patients in the hospital at tho present time. Apropos the ahortago of coal in the Borough of Petono, the Mayor (Mr. J. W. M'Ewan) forwarded '.ho following telegram to the Priiuo Minister (Eight Hon. W. F. Massoy) yesterday:—"Approximately 80 tons of coal recoivod this month by tho council and dealers for domestic purposes. Amount totally inndoqunto for population of 8700 people. Minimum requirements per month, HSO tons. Public feeling very strong. I appeal to you. to afford relief." Word has been received in Westpoit from Mr. Barnott. M.P. for Temuka, that a South Island Parliamentary parly will visit Wcstport immediately prior to the opening of Parliament. A correspondfJit states that already seven ■ members havo promised to mako the triu, and Mr. Barnett thinks this will he swelled to ten or twelve before tho date of its taking place. The purpose of the visit is to find out why there is such a scarcity of coal on the market, when coal abounds on tho West Coast. It is intended to stronuously urge completion of Bullcr (Jorge railway as a menus of opening out a field that should be easily worked., A visit is also expected from tho Prime Minister before Parliament opens.

In view of the protests mado at a meeting of Wellington women regarding tho cost of living, tlio Undor-Secretnry for Industries and Commerce has in"ited tho president and tho executivo of (ho National Council of Women to meet tho Board of Trado and discuss tho position at first hand. Tho conferenco probably will take place next week. The Wellington Price Investigating Tribunal has visited Mastorton and inquired regarding about 24 complaints of high prices. The tribunal has arranged to visit tho Hawke's Bay district next week, and will sit in Hastings and Napier. The Board of Trade 1b communicating with tho heads of tho cement manufacturing companies throughout New Zealand with a view to _ arranging for the more equitable distribution of cement throughout the Dominion. A deputation headed by Mr. G. L. Marshall interviewed the Minister of Public Works (Hon. J. G. Coates) yesterday, afternoon to ask for the erection of a new post office at Marten. Tho present ]x>st office, which is 23 years old, was stated to bo inadequate to tho needs of the district. Tho deputation suggested that the site (of tho post office 6hould bo changed. The Minister premised to send nn officer to Marten to prepare .a report. Tho deputation mentioned also tho demand mado by the Postal Department for contributions from farmers towards the cost of rural deliveries. Tho Minister promised to look into the cases mentioned, but indicated that tho payments could not bo abandoned. The suggestion was made by Mr, P. T. Moore at yesterday's meeting of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board that massage work should be taught to all nurses at tho hospital. Massage work, declared Mr. Moore, was very simple, and was nothing more than tho old method of "laying on of hands."' Members were inolined to bo amused at Mr, Moore's description •of tho work, and one member facetiously suggested that if healing by laying on of hands became popular and without price, the hospital" would not receive very much in the way of fees. Tho medical superintendent (Dr. P. Randall Woodhouse) disposed of Mr. Moore's argument by saying that massage work was far more intricate and

scientific than was -the case years ago, and if all nurses were to bo taught massasio it would be necessary to. establish a special school.

In statins that he viewed Ibfc export trade as of secondary importance, a delegate at yesterday's conference of fruitgrower strongly urged that the people within the Dominion itself should be encouraged to eat more fruit. Under the present conditions, he said, it was impossible on account of tho lack of co-opera-tion among growers to foster a keen demand for fruit. It had been stated tlilat the New Zealand public consumed 1.(100,000 eases of locally-grown fruit. This could easily be increased fourfold, if the growers eliminated tho retailers and dealt direot with tho consumers. So long as the public had to nay fictitious prices their appetite for fruit would not bo stimulated. The Government 'should be approached for assistance in the forma? Hon of co-operative fruit-selling agencies in the different centres. The Government was associated with the production of fruit, and there was no reason why it should not be equally concerned with its distribution. Tile conference referred the whole matter to a special committee, which is to meet tho Departmental officers.

Mr. W. G. .Jliddeli; S.M., held an inquest at Paekakariki concerning the denth of Thomas Morley, a railway linesman, who was found dead with a bullet wound in the toad. Another linesman, who had been living with Morley, stated in his evidence that at 6.40 n.m. on Tuesday he left deceased in bed after civins! him a oup of ten. Morley'said he would bo going into town that day, but would be- back at 4 p.m. Wh'e.ii witness returned at 3 p.m. he found Morley lying dead in 'bed, with a bullet wound in his henil and a Winchester rifle beside him. Thp deceased was of a jolly disposition, and had never given any indication of his intention to commit suicide. Morley was U years of age. The Coroner found that Morley died from tho effects of a bullet wound in the head, self-inflicted.

■ Tho hospital authorities reported last night that the condition of Percy Hooker, the young man who on Wednesday was caught between two trams and injured about the head, gave no cause for anxiety.

A member of the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association, at the last meeting of that body, stated that his attention bad been drawn to the case of an aged couple who had been harshly treated by their landlord. The woman was GS years old, and the. man 67, and they were old-ago pensioners. The rent had been raised, and, as they wore unable to pay the landlord had the doors and windows of the house they rented taken out. The speaker said he had investigated, and found that tho landlord was a returned soldier, wearing the badge of tho association. Ho declared that a man who would do such a tiling as this was not fit to be a member of the organisation. It was decided that the executive should investigate the statement made, and that, if it were found to be correct, the retyrncd soldier landlord referred to Bhould bo expelled from the association.—"N.Z. Herald."

The high price of land in certain, parts of the North Island was the subject of comment by Mr. J. Boddio, provincial president ;of the Auckland Farmers' Union (states the "Herald"). In certain districts in Auckland province and in Tnramiki, ho said, prices ranging from v£loo to J3250 an acre had been paid for areas of from 30 to CO acres. These prices were held by many would-be advisers of tho farmers to bo dangerous, and likely to lead to disaster. The whole- question, however, resolved itself into what the land would produce. He recently had submitted to him two wellauthenticated returns from laud within 30 miles of Auckland. In one case a gross return of JiIOOO was made from 10 acres, and in the other a gross return of £U0 an acre was obtained. These, figures would appear to justify the highest price quoted for laud. \t was also beyond dispute that farmers with highly-improved daip herds and good land had obtained grow returns of from .£l7 to £27 an acre. Such results tended to how what could bo done on small holdings by intensive cultivation.

, A letter was read at last night's meeting of the Harbour Board from tho secretary to 11. R.H. the Prince of Wales conveying to the board tho sincere thanks of His Royal Highness for tho loyal address of welcome- presented to him.

A istoker 'who arrived at Lytteltolu ist in time to see JI.M.S. Renown steam -■it of tho moles has been in gaol. Ho just missed tho last train on the Friday night. The Mayor of Chrislchurcli cabled to Commander Rogers: "Stoker missed ship inadvertently, much distressed in gaol. Please authorise his release on parole. Myself responsible." The Mayor received a message from ' tho Renown at Melbourne last night authorising him to get tho stoker out of gaol, and that has 'been done.—Press Assn.