LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 257, 24 July 1920, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A represonlative meeting of wholesale and retail traders, convened by the local Employers' Association, was held yesterday in the Chamber d Commerce to discuss the provisions of the Board of Trade Act, and to consider proposed amendments of the Act submitted by Christclnirch traders. The resolutions and amendments adopted by a meeting in Christchnrch were heartily approved, and delegates were appointed tu attend a. Dominion conference of trades representatives to be held in Wellington in the near future. A chcque for .£25 has been received by Mr. K. Newman, M.P., from tlio Ifongotea Co-operative Dairy Co., Ltd., as a donation towards the N.Z. Sheepowners' Acknowledgment of Debt to British Seamen Fund. An increase in the price of pastrycooks' goods, which, it is stated, averages less than ono penny per lb. on the output, has been decided -upon by .the Wellington Master Pastrycooks' Association, and will take effect from Monday. The sugar question is said to be mainly responsible for the increase. Small goods (ordinary) which have been sold at one penny each are to be H each, and the fancy lines will advance from lid. to 2d. Block cake will also be dearer, but buns will not. Apart from increases in the price of sugar (100 per cent.), other essentials of the pastrycook have considerably increased. An interesting estimate was obtained of some of the increases over a period of ten years as follow:—Eggs (yearly average), from lid. to 2s. 3d.; butter, from Bd. to is. (kl. per lb. (with another rise pending); flour, .£ll 105. to .£l7 10s. per ton; dried fruits, Id. and fid. to Is. and Is. 6d.; sugar, £15 15s. to JM7 10s. per ton. The Conciliation Commissioner (Mr. W. Newtonl w.ill leave Wellington on August 2 for Reefton, on business con-. necte<l with the Eeefton coal miners' dispute. ' ■ ■ Much enthusiasm is being displayed by Senior Cadets in connection with Hie special course of instruction in physical training which is at present being given at the group offices in Buckle Street. The classes, which are taking place nightly from 7.15 to 9.30, will conclude this evening. Last evening the lads were addresed by Captain Brocks, M.C. An inquest was held yesterday afternoon by Mr. W. G. Riddell, S.M., into the cause of death of Edward Bloomfield, a waterside worker, who died suddenly on board the Paparoa on Wednesday evening, after finishing work. Bloomfield had been engaged trimming coal, and immediately lie came up on deck he collapsed, and when picked up was dead. Dr. C. M. Hector, who made the postmortem examination, stated that death was due to haemorrhage of the lungs, and the Coroner found in accordance with the medical evidence. Mr. P. J. O'Rcgan 'was present representing the widow of the deceased, and Mr. K. Kirkcaldie represented the Blackball Coal Co.

Tliree Judges of the Supreme Court— the Chief Justirc (Sir Robert Stout), J[r. Justice Edwards, and Mr. Justice Simyesterday heard argument on a, case stated bv the Native Land Court for then 1 ' opinion. The questions Their Honours were invited to consider were points of law that arose in the hearing by the Native Land Court of an application for partition of the Mawhera Block (or Greymouth Native Reserve). The Court reserved its decision. The City Council decided on Thursday e\c-iiing: "That' tenders be invited (at the expiration of the present lease) for a three-years' leaso of the. pavilion at Day's Bay, tho council to reserve tho right in the schedule of conditions to maSe a charge to the grounds should they so desire." Councillor J. Hutchison thought the council should manage and run its own pavilion, and moved accordingly. The clause was carried by H to ■1. Councillor Hutchison only receiving the support of his Labour confreres. Provision is being made for tennis courts at Lyall Bay in the City Council's estimates for the current year. This evening the Victoria University College Debating Society intend holding a debate which should prove of considerable interest. The contest will tako the form of a debate between the Social Democratic Party and the College Debating Society. The Social Democratic Party will be represented by Mr. P. IVaser, M.P., and Mrs. Staples, while the speakers for the College Club will be Mr. W. Slioat, 8.A., and Miss A. Harle, B.A. The-Reserves Committee of the City Council have decided that the use of tho Basin Reserve be granted to the Wellington Football Association, with tho right to charge for admisisoii, on the undermentioned dates:—July 21,. Canterbury v. Wellington; August 7, Poverty Bay v. Wellington; August 2S, Wanganui v. Wellington. An area of land at Roeeneath is to be acquired as a site for a new fire brigade station. At the next meeting cf the Hospital Board, Mr. P. T. Moore will move: "That in order to carry out tho medical superintendent's extensive "l/uildinjj scheme, cheap money is imperative, and that the Hon. Minister of I'inanco (Mr. Massev) be asked- to- take immediate steps to establish a Slate Note Issue Department, so that local bodies can obtain advances at rates of interest no greater than the per contum tax liich bankers now pay the Government, for the right to issue legal tender paper money."

Five .members of the crew of the TTnion Company's steamer Kckiri, which is alongside the Miramar Wharf, were removed to the Hospital yesterday morning suffering slightly from influenza. Tho vessel is being thoroughly fumigated. A curious case of_ how the mind can on occas'on triumph" over the body, was mentioned at a meeting of the South Canterbury Hospital Board the pthe l ' day (states the Christchurch "Press ). A resident" of the country wrote to tho board complaining that he had sent his wife to Timaru Hospital with a poisoned hand for treatment. The resident medical officer (Dr. Fraser) had operated on the hand and discharged the patient two days later. She left that day for her home by train, but on the journey slio had to be tfikeu off tho trail* and placed in a private hospital, where a doctor had been .called in to operate again on her ha'llcl.' The husband desired to know why an operation at a private hospital was necessaiy after his wife had been discharged from thepublio hospital. Dr. Fraser said the explanation was that tile woman was suffering from hysteria, \and not from it poisoned hand. Her temperature was normal, and though he had operated on her hand twice (expecting to find pus there, on account of the intense -pain of which 6he complained), he could find nothing wrong with it. A letter was received from the country doctor who had operated on the hand after Dr. Fraser, stating that ho too, diagnosed the uise as one of hysteria. Ho found no signs of pus, but allowed the patient to think that he had done so, and after this she had recovered. Tho board accepted their medical officer's explanation as quite satisfactory.

A novel suggestion for solving the problem of housing was propounded by tho Mayor of Christchurcli (Dr. H. T. J. Thricker, M.P.), at the last meeting ot tho C'ity Council, reports the "Sun." Dr. Thacker's scheme, in brief, was to get tlio Government to sanction a municipal lottery, with tickets at 55., 10s., and JCI, the proceeds to be spent in buying land and erecting houses, for occupation by the winners of the sweep. Dr. Thnckor said that he intended to bring it under the notice of the Government in the course of the present session of Parliament. ' lie referred to the fact that lotteries were not . unknown at church bazaars, mid the totalizator was by the Government. JTe proposed that tho pri7.es should not consist of houses alone, but Hint there' should be other prizes, by which the holders would be entitled to n chance'in the. next loitorv. "In a community which can find ,£1(10,(10(1 fo" n race meeting, there ought to be no Trouble over such u lottery," said Dr. Timelier. "It would encourage the peop'e to put their money in!o siimeDiing substantial." The money would not be Inst, us w.is the case on the totnlisnto". Tim suggestion did not inspire any comment.* from the councillors.

Mr. G. Mitchell (Wellington ' South) stated in the House of Kepresentalives yesterday that loss had been caused ti< some soldiers by the withdrawal of a section from the ballot after it had been advertised, and after the men had spent money in travelling to inspect it. The Minister of Lands (Mr. Guthrie) replied that lie knew tlio case. A mistake had l)eon made and ho had arranged already that the money spent by' the men should be, refunded.

It having been roported by the fishermen at Half Moon Bay, Stewart. Island, that a stranso large white bird had taken up its quarters in tlio north-west arm of Paterson's Inlet, Messrs. C. llazlett and Jules Tapper, two koen naturalists, set sail to investigate (says the "Southland News"), On cruising about in the vicinity they discovered the bird, which proved to be a specimen of the rare and beautiful white crane. The bird was of snow-white plumage, and appeared, to havo no mate, and apparently was fairly tame, wading about seeking its food, and taking no notice of the intruders. Messrs. Hazlett and Tapper also saw a blue heron, which has taken up its abode at tlio Neck. They also report that at all spots visited the weka or woodhen was their first visitor, and apparently these birds are on the increase. In the bush a couple of the fnst-disap-pearing native robins were seen.

An interesting suggestion with regard to the utilisation of the surplus.potato crop was made by a. member of the Canterbury executivo of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, when discussing tlio potato embargo (says the Christchurch "Press"). Mr. W. A. Banks said that the probability o£ a shortage of flour in the Dominion before next" season's wheat crop came in had made it imperative that economy should be exercised, and he considered that the making of flour from potatoes should lie suggested to the Government. Mr. W. H. Mulholland referred to ' the possibilities of a dried-potato industry, and said he thought eo-operativo action si.ould be taken by the growers, with whom the salvation of the position rested. _ The waste of potatoes was, lie thought, almost criminal. Mr. G. Slieat thought that i;iou by the growers in the direction nf finding means to deal with the present year's crop, would perhaps stimulate the Government to fresh efforts to get the Australian embargo lifted. It was finally resolved, on the motion of Mr. W. A. Banks, that the Government should lie asked to consider the question of erect' ing mills for the purpose of _ making potatn flour, or to deal _ otherwise with the potato crop in the interests of the producers,

There was quite a little "breeze at Thursday's meeting of_ the City Council over a proposal brought forward by the Tramways Committee, that Mr. W. Grenfell should act for the council in connection with the electric linesmen's dispute. Councillor J. H. Hutchison took sti'Giiij exception to the secretary of the nellington Employers' Association being retained as counsel for. the city, and saw that liis engagement by the City Council would serve to engender bitter feeling. Why could not Mr. W. H. Morton or Mr. Cable, or Mr. Lauchlan appear for tho council? Tho Mayor said that these disputes were becoming so frequent unci demanded so much time fiiat important officers could not be spared to attend to them. Tho time was not far distant when the council would have to employ a man permanently to do nothing else than attend to these disputes over wages and hours. The City Engineer and other officers liad more important work to attend ftp. Councillor P. Fraser also spoko against Mr. Grenfell's appointment. On the motion to appoint Mr. Grenfell being put, it was carried by votes' to 4 ■ (tho. minority votes, being those of the Labour members of the council).

Like the thrifty housekeeper, the retail shopman has been forced through a shortage in some lines that were obtainable iii good supply iu pre-war Ciay.« to adopt economic methods to meet the changed conditions. The latest case to come to light is that of an Auckland suburban baker, who requires customers to' bring along their own paper. The customers have, perforce, accustomed themselves to this provision, and it is now no uncommon sight to see them waiting in the shop with the'necessary coverings for their requirements.—Auckland "RUv."

The Now Plymouth Borouglv Council is authorised by notice in the Gazette to use additional water from the Waiwakaiho River for the purpose ot generating electricity,, and to, extend electric lines Avithin. the Tflranaki Count).

According to the Dunedin Star, there are further evidences that farmers in Stago and Southland aro responding to the request to prepare for wheat-growing oii a more extensive scale. A considerable quantity of wheat will be put in this vcar. The demand for seed wheat ib appreciably greater than for 6ome seasons past. In the circumstances at as satisfactory to learn that ample supplies ot a I three main varieties of seed wheat v elvet, Hunters, and Tuscan-are available th-roua'h the Dunedin 'brokers, though stocks of velvet-enr and othor fancy varieties are exhausted.

The present shortage of benzine and kerosene recalls the.fact that when oil wells wero first worked in America it caused uneasiness in tho minds of Tho devout. The result'was that a petition was presented to. Congress in the early days which is illustrative 1 of the trenu of thought at that time. _ Tho following is an extract from this interesting petition: "That, various persons ill drawing petroleum from the. bowols of the earth are checking the 'designs of the Almighty, who had stored it there undoubtedly with-a view to the.last day. when the world shall be dostroyed.'

About three weeks ago attention was drawn to a dearth of biscuits on the local market, it being noted that the stocks of some grocers were completely denuded. Since the price of sugar lias advanced by 100 per cent, there are biscuits for all—at a higher prico.

It is said that Mr. Charles. Abbott, a well-known resident at, Opotiki, owns a pig that acts exceedingly capably and with the utmost staidness in the capacity of the working dog. This animal has been brought up with other animals on tho farm, anil early gave signs of advanced thoughts on the difficulties that beset its tender youth. All resideuts round the Opotiki district now aro in no way astonished to see this clever hog trotting gaily out to bring in the cattle Irom distant parts of tho farm. It. will also round up sheep and horses with all the ability and assurance imaginable. : Sanction was sought for the' erection within'the Newmarket borough' of- a house of pise do terro (says the "New Zealand Herald"). The walls of such houses are constructed of rammed earth, an old principle, which is being revived in many parts of tho world. The applicant stated' that he hoped to demonstrate the possibility of buildings of this typo being erected in all distr'f.ts, moro particularly where skilled labour is not procurable. The Mayor, Mr. C\ Leek, Biud that though the erection of such a building infringed the council's regulations. he could seo no harm ill tho experiment, and if it proved.a,success the system might be extended with beneficial results. It was stated that the system had already proved successful in England and other countries. Several members expressed the opinion that there was a likelihood that tho system would revolutionise building methods, and that it would bring down Tim cost of materials. Permission for construction was granted.

Councillor T. • Forsyth, at Thursday's meeting of tlio City Council, drew attention to the state ol' Dixon Struct between Cuba Street' and the municipal milk station, which, lie said, was little moro than a tpmgmire ns tho result of tlio recent rains, whilst in fine weather the dust nuisance was intolerable. Ht could quite understnml how it was that dust got into the milk at tho opon station 'after st'oinjj the clouds of d.irt that aro6e from this street. The council had promised to attend to' the street six years afro, and tin amount lmd been placed 011 the estimates for the work. It lmd appeared every year since, but nothing was ever done.

Notice is given in the Gazelle that a l»nus of UIl per lb. wi'l be paid nn tbi' production of IIIO.OIIOII). of jrond marketable lelm-led (|iiiL*l;xilvci*. live Imm all impurities, from any mine in New Zealand, provided Inn :■! !i"i-l tinehalf of the nuan'ily k pi'mlnced More September 30, l'.l-U, and !hc remaining half, belore March 31, l'J-3.

"If it is considered necessary to liave a clean-lip week onco a year, why can't wo clean up every week Risked Councillor T. Forsyth ut tlio City Council meeting on Thursday nigh'.. He could not see why any discrimination should bo made as to what was household rubbish. He argued that rubbish for destruction should bo any class of household refuse; in the interests both of health and cleanliness 'this should be done. 1 If it took another two or thrc« carts all the year round, let the council get them, instead of allowing rubbish to. accumulate for the annual clean-up week. Ho would probably' bo told that there wero legal difficulties, and 'that certain by-laws would have to be altered. "For heaven's sake." concluded Councillor Forsyth, "get rid of all this red tape, and got down'to business I"

An aeroplane carrying mails lor towns in the north of Auckland left the city shortly after 8 o'clock on Wednesday morning (states tlio "Herald"). Dr. H. W. Clcarj', Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland, was a passenger. Calls were made at Ilelonsyille, Pouto, Te Kopuru, Dargaville. and Oniapere. Opononi, inside the Hokianga Heads, was reached at 10.55 a.m., but owing to slight engine trouble resumption of the journey was delayed. ■

The whitebait season has commenced unusually early this season, and supplies have ten on sale in Auckland for about a fortnight past (says tho "New Zealand Herald"). Most of the consignments are coming from the Lower Waikato. The season usually begins in August.

Motor-cyclists recently waited on (lie City Council to protest against the proposed by-law prohibiting pillion-riding. At Thursday's meeting of the council. Councillor M; F. Luckie said that a London paper had'come into his possession which contained an article showing that, insurance companies absolutely refused to insure pillion-riders. That, ho thought, i was the best answer to the Motor Cyclists' Club. From the article statistics were quoted as 'to the number of accidents in the case of pillion riders, side-car passengers, and solo riders, and the evidence was against pillion-riding as being easily tho most dangerous form of motor cycling.

Extracts from the report of the caretaker of Kapiti Island are contained m the annual report'of the scenery preservation branch of the Lands Department. "During the year 1919," states the caretaker, "197 ; goats and two cata were destroyed on the island. The total number of opossums trapped was 2397, and the sale of the elfins realised 4:760 15s. 2d. As the total expenses were .£213 15s. 2d., o. profit to the Department cf XSG7 resulted. I have noiv finished my cjksorvations of overy gully and spur cn Kapiti,' and find that about 140 acres on the north of Tnlpiro and 200 acres south of waterfall must bo trapped this winter. Owing to the unseasonable spring and ea.riy summer live bird-teed 'is again very scarce; even on the fcaraka trees the berries did not reach maturity. Tuis are greatly reduced in numbers, also whiteheads and fantaiJs, but still numerous enough for all the feed tilers is for them. On the other hand, bellbirds and robins sli'ow a very noticeable increase. A few.years agu'robins were 'seldom-, seen! at present they are ill evidence everywhere. Blue he.rcms are also on the increase; wekas are v.ery numerous; pigeons, lcaW, parakeets, etc., are numerous. Kohekohe, ma hoe, pas-sion-flowers, and fuchsia are all showing signs of recovering from the damage done to them by tlio opossums.", .