LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 97, 18 January 1921, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

'Che Postal authorities have received advice from London that a mail was dispatched for New Zealand per Athenic, which sailed on January 12, via I anama.

“There is no game in which rules are so systematically broken as in bowls,” stated Mr. C. Ashman at the bowhng delegates’ meeting last evening. He complained of “running’ up to the head, turning over bpwls, infringements which were seldom taken, to task by the umpire. “The onus in each case," he added, “is on the other players. If they complain they are ’bad snorts.’ The, president of the council, after hearing a request from Mr. Ashman for umpires for' each game, paid a tribute to th* work of the umpires during the present tournament. Further complaints of rules infringements were made by ether speakers. “Why don’t bowlers buy a threepenny book of rules'?” he asked. “If they did that there would be no need for protests.” “If we have to have an. umpire for each game, then the game loses its charm,” said Mr. N. Bell (Hamilton). “We have rules, true, but if a man turns over a bowl to see where it is, he puts it back in the same place. There are few ‘pointers’ in bowls!” The discussion ended without a resolution.

Birds build their nests in many unexpected places, but there are very few that would care to batch their eggs in the little hollow underneath a moving switch rail at a busy railway station. Yet a skylark has made her nest in such a place at one of the busy “points” at the Lambton goods yards, and yesterday, according to tho goods shed staff, hatched three eggs. Engines are shunting carriages, wagons, and trucks across the points all day. and. vet the bird has not been frightened away.

There was a brawl in Manners Street shortly after 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon, as a result of which Hireo stewards off the Pakeha were lodged in tho cells at the Taranaki Street Police Station. The trouble began when one of I heir number objected to being ejected from an hotel, his two mates coming to his assistance. During the melee it is alleged that one of the trio assaulted the arresting constable. The usual crowd quickly gathered, but the police soon got the situation in hand, and arrested all three men. They will appear before the Magistrate this morning, charged with obstruction and kindred offences.

In connection with the visit to New Zealand of Mr. Henri Segaert, ConsulGeneral for Belgium, for Australasia, any Belgian subjects residing in Wellington wishing to call on him can do so at tho office of the Belgian Consulate, Messrs. Johnston and Co., Ltd., Featherston Street, Wellington.

The Bank Clerks' Union, Sydney, has decided to issue a subpoena on the directors of the various banks to attend before the Arbitration Court to show how their incomes have been advanced during recent years. Mr. Sydney Smith, secretary of the union, said that it was desired by the organisation to compare the increases in salaries of the directors with those of the staff in the various banks. It had been, he said, also decided to call for the records showing increases granted to the directors and other leading officers.

Whilst in the middle of the Great Australian Bight, bound from Fremantle to Adelaide, a passenger on board the Karoola decided to send a reply-paid wireless message to the Railway Department in Adelaide, to reserve a. berth on the mail train. Special arrange meats are in force whereby wireless messages can be telephoned from shore wireless stations direct to the addressee. As soon as the message was received at the Adelaide radio station it was telephoned to the Railway Department in Adelaide. The reply was telephoned from the Railway Department in Adelaide to the radio station and then transmitted to the Karoola. The reply was delivered to the passenger immediately, 9 minutes after he handed in his message. This achievement is a record in Australasian wireless circles so far as the general public are concerned. w

The regulations requiring fruitgrowers to brand case© of fruit offered for sale are not being conformed to in many instances, and the Department of Agriculture will probably take steps in the near future to prosecute the negligent orchnrdists. When an orchard is registered a number is allotted the owner by the Director of the Horticultural Division, and this number must be branded on all cases of apples, pears, quinces, peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, cherries, oranges, and lemons offered for sale.

With regard to the statements made at a meeting of small storekeepers- at Dunedin on Saturday, that the legislation compelling stores to close at 6 p.m. was rushed through Parliament, the Secretary of Labour (Mr. F. W. Rowley) stated yesterday that the Bill amending the Shops and Offices Act was certainly presented in the late hours of the session. However, it went before the Labour Bills Committee, and interested parties had the usual opportunity of giving evidence before that committee. Dunedin appeared to be alone in protesting against the provision of the Act. At any rate, he had heard of few complaints from other centres. The Act was being enforced everywhere. There were some startling statements made at the bowlers’ conference last evening as to certain irregularities in tho condition of certain bowls, such as “thinness.” After some rather aimless discussion, a delegate provoked laughter by exclaiming: "Well, when a man makes a good shot, don’t blame the bowl! It's just the bowler’s happy knack.”

A special meeting of the City Council has been summoned. 1 for to-night to discuss tramway matters. The meeting is called upon the requisition of seven councillors, who opposed the recent increase in fares, and now intend to advocate the setting up of a committee of inquiry to take evidence and make recommendations, “with a view to securing economy in tramway administration.” Mr. F. IL Hayward, F.1.A.N.Z., has entered into partnership with Mr. A. Maurice Anderson, public accountant and auditor. Messrs A. F. Tonks, master baker, Thomas Rowell, master pastry cook, and George J. Clarke, local secretary, are leaving to-day for Auckland to attend the conference of the New Zealand Bakers and ’Pastrycooks’ Union of Employers. At the initial meeting of (he Korokoro Maungaraki Tennis Club the following officers were elected for the ensuing year Patron, Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P.; president, Mr. H. Fleet; vicepresidents, Messrs. AV. H. Long, Grant, Blacker, Davis, Mrs. Woods'! and Miss J. 11. Fanning; committee, Messrs. Fleet, Blacker. Davis, Mrs. Wood, and Miss Ridding; treasurer, Mr. N, Craig; secretary, Mr. N. Chivers.

■ The forthcoming New Zealand Institute Science Congress, which meets at Palmerston North from January 25 to 29, promises to be a successful gathering for all sections represented, judging by the titles of papers already received. In the biology section the first meeting will be occupied mainly by an address from the president, Professor Chilton, who just having returned from tho Pan-Pacific Science Congress at Honolulu, may he expected to touch on the biological sciences in their wider aspects. Perhaps the strongest feature of the papers which will occupy the morning sessions of the biology section, are the results of 'investigations in ecology, or the relationships of plants and animals to the surroundings. Under this head there is a paper on introduced trout, with special reference to their deterioration in the Rotorua district; a second on some mollusca, and a third, to be illustrated by lantern slides, on shore life in New Zealand compared with that of other countries. Other papers deal with inheritance in plants., thp economic aspects of certain insects, variation in marine animals, and the popular names of New Zealand plants. The preliminary programme of the conference, and other information, may be obtained on application at the Dominion Museum.

A suggestion crystallising a doubtful phase of “the rule of the road” was brought before the Otago Motor Club on Wednesday in a letter from Mr. F. Sundstrum. He pointed out that tho rple was very indefinite in the eventuality of two cars meeting at cross roads. Here there was always a feeling of uncertainty on the part of each driver as to who should give way. He suggested that a definite rule should be made throughout New Zealand that in the case of two oars crossing, the on© having the other ear ou his right-hand sidv should in all eases keep out of the way, or stop, allowing the other car to keep on its way. Had this rule been in existence and carefully observed in a recent accident, whereby a life was lost, he felt snre no accident would have occurred. Mr. Sundstrum enclosed a rough diagram setting forth the position. The chairman said that the suggestion was a good one. which had been approved by the club, and would bo referred to the .South Is land Motor Union as a remit for consideration.

The newly-acquired premises of the Wellington Returned Soldiers’ Association in Brandon Street, obtained under lease from the City Council, were opened for business yesterday. Two floors of the building are occupied, they are so arranged ns to meat the convenience of returned soldiers in an oven better manner than was the case at the building on Lambton Quay. All office business is now transacted on the ground floor, whereas in the old premises this was done, on the top floor. Attached to the offices, which are neatly panelled, and well suited to requirement, is the land and property bureau, likewise better situated for’business by being ou the, ground floor and facing the street. The business in this department is not confined solely, to returned soldiers, and embraces all the work connected with land and property transactions. In the arrangements on the second floor tho comfort of members has been catered for in a manner that should meet with general approval. There is a billiard room, refreshment room, lounge, and library, all making for a comfortable home. The two floors form a compact clubhouse, and in about a year’s time further room will be available by obtaining a lease of the top floor. The N.Z.R.S.A. and “Quick March” offices have been removed to 'Wright, Stephenson's, building.

Californian thistle has gradually attained a very strong hold in all parts of ihis district, says the Taihape correspondent of the Auckland “Star,” and this season there is scarcely a farm in the whole district which is not affected by the thistle. A few years ago the presence of the thistle on so many farms would have led to a large number of prosecutions under the Noxious Weeds Act, but during the past five or six years Californian thistle has not been regarded aa a pest, and there have bean no prosecutions under the Act. Most farmers have now come to regard the thistle as anything but a pest, except in cultivated ground, and one or two of those who were very strongly opposed to the suspension of the regulations relating to Californian thistle when the Royal Commission sat at Taihape some years ago have since been convinced that in pastoral country the one-time pest has its advantages. Most farmers now are of the opinion that a good crop of Californian thistle is almost as good as a crop of hay, as after the first two or three frosts a lot of feed is made available for stock. In one or two dry seasons, many farmers have regarded the thistle as a groat relief, as it saved their stock when no other feed was available. In cattle country the thistle never was regarded as a pest, but was usually looked upon as an addition to the feed. However, much as farmers may pretend that Californian thistle is a desirable growth, there are none who would willingly cultivate the weed in preference to grass, and one cannot help feeling that Californian thistle has so many friends merely on account of the exemption from prosecution so long as farmers can pretend that it is anything but a peat.

The middle of the Auckland stone fruit season has now been reached, and, as a very short crop is expected; both plums and peaches will be finished very soon. The continued dry weather has forced the growth of the fruit, and some late peaches have already been on the market. Many growers who formerly marketed 50 to 100 eases a day, can supply only about 10 cases now from the same trees. The ripe rot attacked the blossoms tliis season, and so spoiled the quality of the fruit. Middle-season apples are coming forward well, as are pears. Strawberries are practically finished, tomatoes are ripening rapidly, although it is stated that the blight which is in evidence on the fruit will limit the crop. The humid conditions prevailing this season have induced the development of “black spot” in pip fruit. Another contributing factor is said to be partial relaxation of the regulations regarding the sale of spotted fruit. Stone fruits are not troubled with the “Brown rot” as they were a few years ago. Toe codlin moth is being kept down fairly well by the efforts of the growers — "New Zealand Herald."

The. first meeting of the newly-elected members of the Hutt River Board was held last night, when there were present Messrs. J. Mitchell, AV. T. Strand, J. Brasell, AV. Bowers, and S. Clendon. Mr. Strand was voted to the chair. It was decided that meetings be held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, and that an official inspection of the works be made on January 26. The matter of housing the machinery which is expected to arrive shortly, was left in the hands of Mr. Bowers and the overseer. It: was announced that the credit of the loan account stood at £5670.

“It is not a strike ballot,” said Air. M. J. Mack, secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, in reference to the Christchurch telegram, published on Saturday, stating that a ballot on the bonus question was now proceeding. There was no question of a strike on the ballot-papers that were being issued'to the members of the society, said Air. Mack. What the Prime Minister had stated was correct—that ft Commission ’would ’hear the demands made on behalf of the men; and this Commission would be similar to the one which heard their previous demands, except that it would comprise three representatives of the A.S.R.S. and three of the Railway Department, with an independent chairman. The members of the society wore being asked to vote, not on the straight-out strike question, but as to whether they would support the executive in any action it might take in the future. This, Mr. Mack explained, was purely a precautionary measure, it being deemed necessary that, tho executive should be armed with this authority by a direct instruction from the members of the society, taken by means of the ballot.

The scheme formulated by the New South Wales Repatriation Commission for the higher education of children of deceased and totally incapacitated soldiers is estimated to- cost .£1,266,386. It provides for the education of the children from the age of 13 years. The Repatriation Department will carry them through the highest forms of education for which they are best suited. During the present year it is anticipated that there will be no fewer than 1341 children eligible to benefit by the scheme —that is, children of 13 years and over. The number will increase from year to year until in 1933 the last of the children will have reached the age of 13 years. At that time it is estimated that there will still he 1268 children between the ages of 18 and 22, 368 between 16 and 18, and 64 between the ages of 13 and 16. Thereafter provision will have to be made for those of older ago until in 1939 there will probably be 64 of those children between the ages of 18 and 22 still completing their education. The basis of the fund out of which living allowances are to be provided is .£BOO,OOO. made available 'by Parliament, together with the contributions of various funds raised for the purpose.

Dr, Truby King will take up his new duties as head of the Department of Child Welfare under the Minister of Education at the end of February. “No more important reform in respect to the health of the community has ever been initiated,” said the Minister, t'he Hon. C. J. Farr. “It will be a campaign to carry knowledge to the children, and more particularly to the young mothers of the nation. ‘ The underlying idea is that prevention is better than cure. Dr. King will preach the gospel of health. Ignorance is the great enemy to-day. Thousands of young children die from preventable causes. Hospitals and clinics are filled with patients who need never have gone there.” Dr. King’s position will be a rather unique one. He will tie a sort of director-general of child welfare, and of course the new Department will work with the Public Health Depart ment, and will consult with the health’ officers and the education officers from time to time. But Dr. King will be directly responsible to the Minister. The movement will begin in Wellington and will be conducted throughout the Dominion. The first public meeting will be held in Wellington, and then _ Dr. King will travel through the Dominion.

At the Science Congress at Melbourne Sir Douglas Mawson, dealing with tho subject, “Macquarie Island and its Future,” said (hat on that tiny speck of land a wonderful population existed, some of the most interesting species not occurring aaiywhcre else in the Australasian region. Australians must look to that spot for the only specimens of seaelephants and King penguins now existing in the Commonwealth Dominions. The depredation of sealers had exterminated certain species, and reduced the numbers of others. The continuance of this traffic unchecked would soon depopulate the island, and leave it of no further scientific or economic importance. Several possible schemes for the future development of the island were outlined, but the lecturer emphasised that in his opinion the wisest plan would lie the proclamation of the island as a. national faunal reserve.

“The public taste seems to be inclining more and more in favour of tomatoes as each year goes by,” remarked an Auckland* fruit auctioneer on Friday (says an exchange). “Record quantities have been sold this year, and nt higher prices.” He stated that the public oi Auckland demanded greater quantities of tomatoes than of peaches or plums’, and in order of preference tomatoes came, fourth, with apples, bananas, and oranges predominating in that sequence. A shipment of 20,000 cases and 2000 bunches of bananas was expected by the Navua yesterday.

At last night’s meeting of the Petone Borough Council, a letter was received from the secretary, Taita Cemetery Board, asking the council to bring about the closing of the Roman Catholic Cemetery at Petone, it being considered that the cemetery was a menace to the public health. ‘ The Mayor suggested that the council should co-operate with tho Cemetery Board and the trustees of the cemetery with a view of bringing about a settlement of the matter. Councillor D S Bedingfield moved that the matter lie referred to the Health Department. The motion was seconded by Councillor Cox. Councillor Kyle moved as an amendment that, the council cooperate with the Cemetery Board and tho cemetery trustees. There being no seconder to" the amendment, it lapsed, and the motion was carried.