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Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2207, 3 June 1908, Page 2

Princo of Wales’ Birthday

To-day being the birthday of the Prince of Wales, the offices of all Gisborne solicitors will bo closed.

Tho Borough Council last evening decided to purchase tho oil portrait of Mr. John Townloy from Mr. Kelley at a prieo of ten guineas.

“Tho streets want numbering more than the houses,” said olio Councillor at last night’s meeting, to which Cr. Darton retorted, “Tho streets want making more than numbering.”

“I don’t think tins is a time for bet tor schemes. 3Vo have a good one ami should go ahead with it at once.”—Cr. Sheridan on the metal Supply question.

“I have never been gagged yet, ami I don’t intend to be gagged now,” was Or. Blight's reply to a ruling of the Mayor at last night’s meeting of tho Borough Council.

A general meeting of the AVest End Football Club is called for to-night at half-past seven at To Rail Collage. As there is important business to transact, a full attendance of members is requested.

The AA’niioa Band is making good progress (says the “Mail”). At a meeting on Monday night it was decided to purchase some new instruments, and put the hand on a good musical footing.

Sheep farmers are not having a particularly rosy time this year (says the AA’aipawa “Mail.”) It is stated that there- is saircely a farmer in this district who had drawn on the Bank for wool sent Home who will not have to refund.

Rather a. fine point was introduced at tho Borough Council meeting last night. Councillor Somervell remarked that bandsmen did not got paid enough. “They don’t get paid at all,” interjected Cr. Bright. “AVell, that’s what I said,” replied Cr. Somervell. “No, you didn’t, r> was the retort; “you said they weren’t paid onough.” “Exactly,” reiterated Cr. Somervell, “if they’re not paid at all they’re not paid enough.”

3lessrs A. G. AYood and J. Orange, speaking to a Christchurch reporter list week, said that foreign ladies in China have commenced' a campaign against- the practice of binding young girls’ feet. The movement is now being taken up by leading Chinese, and it will probably bo very successful. Foot-binding is not at all general in China. Only the upper classes observe it. The poorer classes cannot afford to follow this terrible fashion. The Empress, who is a 3lanchurian, is not a small-footed lady.

Last evening the Star of Gisborne Lodge, 1.0.0. F., A.C., after a short business meeting, held a harmony meeting, Bro. T. A. Coleman being in the chair. Songs were given by Bros. Dudley Trent, Grinlinton, Hamlin, Grieve, Robertson, Robinson, and Heathcote; Bro. Cuthbert contributed a violin solo, and Bro. AA r . Lissant Clayton gave a brief address. The acceompani'ments were capably, played by Bro. East. A largo number of members were nresent, and a most enjoyable evening was passed, the meeting finally conelnding with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.’ ’

A disturbance of a rather serious nature occurred at AA’aercnga-u-hika last night. A stranger to tho settlement, and evidently a seafaring man, who was much the worse for liquor, got into an altercation with a man named Ilainsley. In a struggle which ensiled Hainsley’s finger was badly bitten by his assailant, whose teeth wont clean through the nail and flesh. Tho police wore at once informed of tho assault, and Constable Dandy was despatched to tho scene. On arrival ho arrested Haiuslev’s assailant, and conveyed him on horseback to the local police cells. The man gave his name as Kain, and will appear at the Police Court this morning to answer charges of assault, drunkenness, and obscene language.

A peculiar clause was contained in the will of the late Mr Donald Williamson (says the “Ashburton Guardian”). It provided that—should the property be sold —all the aged horses in his possession at the time of his' death should bo destroyed. As Mr Williamson was known to be a man of kindly disposition, who would discountenance any ill-treatment- of dumb animals, it is probable that the strange clause contained in the will was dictated by his humanity and a fear lest his old servants might, through falling into bad hands, be subjected to rough treatment if sold under the hammer. A few days ago the requirements of the will were carried out, and several of these horses were driven to the Ashburton abattoir, where they ended their existence.

The annual visit of the southern natives to the small islands . near Foveaux Strait in quest of the succulent mutton-birds •, appears to have been a most successful one this season (says the “Dtago Daily Times.”) Captain Marks, who has just returned to Dunedin, after bringing the natives and their belongings safely back to Colac Bay, states that the natives brought hack fully 80 tons of cured mutton-birds as the result of their 1 efforts of 10 islets adjacent to Stewart Island. The time occupied was nearly six weeks, and the proportion of fine weather was very email. Nevertheless the young birds were found to be in excellent condition, and the total catch was fully up to the best average of previous years. The work of procuring the young birds, dressing, and curing them, etc., entails long hours and strenuous effort, but notwithstanding the hardships involved the Maoris make quite a pic- N nic of the expedition, and look for-' ward with eagerness to each recurring mutton-bird season.

At a meeting of the Christchurch Burgesses’ Association the following resolution was carried - “Seeing that recent- incidents have already revealed the presence and activity of anumber of highwaymen, tins Association would again urge upon the City Council the need for more and greater illuminating power throughout the city and suburbs, and for the continuance of the light from sunset to sunrise.”

A South Canterbury correspondent writes:—At the. present- time prospects are better than for the past two years. Feed is plentiful, and the weather is good for turnip feeding. The oats-sown during the month have come on -rapidly, so that there should be no lack of suitable feed at lambing time. A large area of grain has been sown during the month, the fine weather enabling the farmer to work fn 11 time. The turnip blight, which was so prevalent some time hack, does not make much headway. Turnips are being fed on a good many places. All stock is in splendid condition : the fine weather enabling rape and turn ins to be fed under favorable conditions.

The milk yield per cow at the Weraron _ State Fill'fii shows' a very marked increase cpmP'ii'f'd with the figures of some wean* In December of 1901, the monthly yield per cow was fiOGlb., the gross yield of the herd. ]] 7 cows, being "l.OOolb. per month. Last December 07 cows yielded 72.9071 b.. or an average of 10851 b. per cow. This increase, h due to Judicious culling and purchase, which ha- gradually improved the standard of the herd.

On a cold and frosty morning, when even the long suffering dairvmen find the water too cold to add to the milk, what- an effort it is to rise from a snug warm bed at the cry of Milk, and find a jug for the milkman. Why not leave a hilly out overnight? This week it’s billies for sixpence at Parnell’s Popular Saturday Sales, 6th hist’, 1 only.

At tlxo Polico' - Court yesterday morning two in on named John Pago and John Taylor wore convicted of drunkenness, and were each lined 10s, with 2s costs, or in default -IS hours imprisonment.

“Frankly, 1 don’t think t-lio contractors can ever complete tho ..contract according to the specifications,” was the Mayor’s dictum on the wnterAvoi’ks scheme at last night’s meeting of the Borough Council.

“AVc never hear of the Raihvay League except when there’s about 3 •miles of railway to open und there’s champagne bottles to be opened and the limelight is on,” said Or. Barton last night. Or. Bright protested against this reflection upon the League, lin'd’ Or. Whinray also agreed that the body referred to had done excellent work in initiating an important undertaking.

In reference to the deputation to the lion. James McGowan for the grant of tho Maori reserve at Waimata, Or. Sheridan last evening moved that a petition setting out the position of the borough, as regards reserves should he. placed before the Government. “The Mayor-can draw the petition,” added Cr. Sheridan laughingly, “and it will cost us nothing.” The motion was carried.

A German tourist at Queenstown expressed himself freely to a Gore resident regarding the Dominion-’,s Jailor laws (says the “Matuura Ensign.”} Discussing the hard-and-fast lines laid down by the various Acts, tho visitor slid: “Why, if a hostile fleet appeared off Wellington, on the day set. apart as the half-holiday, to bombard the city, the lion. Mr Millar would be sent out to read the Act and tell them it was outrageous to work on tho half-holiday.”

“I feel very strong oil the question of rejjorts.’ This Council has asked the Building Inspector for reports again and again and can’t get them,” said Cr. Sheridan last evening. Cr. Darton said that an officer of the Council who had not time to write a report had not time to do his duty, and to tell the Council he had not time to write a report was an ins'ult. The paid that it was as well for an officer to know that if he would not comply with a reasonable request his position would he filled by someone else. The matter was left in the hands of the Mayor.

In view of the number of complaints that have been lifule through die medium of several newspapers regarding drinking and rowdyism on trains’, it is understood (says the “Ashburton Guardian”) that the Department has appointed an officer to collect information bearing on this point, presumably with ri view to enabling it to decide what course of action it is necessary to adopt in the interest of the travelling public to abate this most undesirable practice and hooliganism. Some days ago.the officer appointed was in Ashburton, and took notes of various complaints made in the direction indicated by persons whom 'lie interviewed oil the subject.

At the Farmers’ Union Conference in Canterbury the President (Mr D.' Jones) said that the. large annual expenditure on tiie North Island Main Trunk would soon cease, and lie was strongly of opinion that the expenditure should then he diverted to the Southern Main Trunk, to complete the line between Cheviot and Knikovira. The mistake was that the Dominion was going in for too many small lilies —“vote-catching” railways —all over the country, and not spending sufficient on the main lines. Farmers must recognise that, while they did not want to borrow, there was a big desire for lund in Canterbury, ami the Government should bring it within reach of the people. By constructing the South Island Main Trunk the Government would be doing good colonisation. The Government would be better employed making railways into these parts than increasing the indebtedness bv buying large estates for settlement nearer home.

“New Zealand Industries Week” (June -1 to 10), during which shopkeepers and manufacturers are to make special displays of goods made in the Dominion, has given rise to the suggestion of the formation of a league, the members of which will pledge themselves to the most rigid loyalty to goods labelled . “Our Own Make I” Members of such an institution would:be expected to (lit nothing but foodstuffs produced in' New Zealand, they must sleep in New Zealand made beds with New Zealand blam kets and rugs; their furniture must be made in the country of New Zealand woods, and their clothes must lie mode of New Zealand tweed. English and American boots and shoes would be barred. In short, it would have to he made compulsory that no member shall call into use any English or foreign made article, if a similar article is manufactured' in New Zealand.

The motor fiend received some atten 3 tion at the Farmers’ Union Conference at Fielding last- week. Several delegates protested against the speed at which motor-cars were permitted to whirl over main roads without regard in many cases for life or limb. Olio infuriated fanner mentioned the ease of a motorist beating the express from New Plymouth to Wellington, but a second delegate- had visions of the time when lie might own a mojor-car himself and lie did not, lie said, wish to see the regulations made too stringent. In his opinion, nine out of every ten motorists were careful men. The tenth was a- “hog,” and it was the hurrying hog they wished to catch, this sentiment was received with marked approval. Yet another delegate thouglit the regulation of motors should not only extend to speed, it should also govern the colors of the cars. White cars, he submitted, wore a greater terror to horses than dark colored ones. Eventually it was moved that the Government be requested to include in its proposed set of mod-, al bylaws, clauses dealing with the regulation of motor traffic. This was agreed to.

Last week a well-known ex-Alnna-watu resident, who, since January last, has been living at- Kawliia, gave o remarkable instance at Hamilton of the hardships of pioneering in liis new district. The hardships apparently are mostly the result of the difficulty of procuring labor. The settler (.Mr It - 'Were, ex-chairman of the Kairanga County Council) had just arrived at Hamilton from Kawliia. striking the Main Trunk line at To Kuiti. At Kawliia, he said, lie owned ‘ two thousand acres, one thousand of which was bush, and the other thousand felled and partly cleared. Since January, the portion of the cleared land that had been grassed had been swept by fire, and the whole thousand acres had to he sown. Labor was absolutely un procurable, although a shilling an hour and “found” were offered, and the 'settler and his two sons set heroically to work to do the task themselves. The seed was “packed” from Te Kuiti by the settler’s daughters, and by dint of working doggedly day after day the whole thousand acres, requiring six tons of seed, was nt last covered. Air Were felt the sensations of the recordbreaker. The Kawliia. he said, was good country, but there were great obstacles to settlement.. When the roads were in good condition, tjje charge for the carriage of goods from Te Kuiti was £3 a ton. At present, the roads were soft, nml b°avy trafl'was impossible. The charge for “packing” worked out at Id. per lb.

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It was. freely suggested at last night’s meeting Of the Borough Council that the corporation may yot find it necessary to take in band tho completion of the waterworks contract.

A Successful Cinderella social was held last night in Whinray’s Hall. About 10 couples were present, and llio lloor was in capital order,. Mr. A. Wo otto n supplied excellent music, and Mr. H. Haycock acted as M.C. Dancing was indulged in till midnight.

As the Mayor favored paying tho waterworks contractors a sum of money on >lOOOOlll, Cr. Mann drew attention to what lm termed tho inconsistently of His Worship's attitude. “Before tiie election,” said Cr. Maim, “you predicted aJI sorts of disaster to the scheme. Don’t you think it would bo wise, therefore, to hold to every penny wo Jiavo in tho unfortunate event of your prediction coming true?” Mr. Lysnar replied that lie Avas not alloAving his private opinion in tho present instance to weigh 1 with him, but Avas voicing the attitude ho thought-ho should take up as Mayor. Cr. Sheridan: “I am quite at a loss to see lioav His Worship can dissever his private opinion on tho Avatciworks contract from his opinion as Mayor.”

Somo rather interesting sidelights were throAvn on tho question of “salvage sales” of drapery, at tho Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning. During the .hearing of a claim for damagos to stock through water, a witness lor the defence stated that he had knoAvn firms to specially wet goods prior to an adverfixed sale. “In such articles as sheeting, , for instance,” naively added the witness, “this was done, and then the, ladies found that tho desired Aveight AA'as in tiie article.” 111 ans Aver to a further query from counsel the same Avitness said that lie could not remember any instance where 50ft goods had been taken out to sea for a similar purpose.

In conversation with a “Times” representative yesterday, a Avell-knoAvn Poverty Bay sheepbreeder stated that in his opinion the speakers at tho informal opening of the raihvay extension to Waikohu had missed the chief point in connection with the necessity for tho speedy pushing of railway connection with Waikato. In his opinion, it Avas absolutely essential to have speedy raihvay connection Avith Waikato, if Poverty Bay did not Avish to have that market for its surplus stock annexed by MaiiaAvatu and Wairarapa on the completion of the Main Irunk Line. “What chance IniA'o sheep,’ ’lie declared, "after a fortnight’s journey by road, of being nought, in preference to tlio6e Avhieli can be trucked and landed in about eight hours. One of the primary reasons for tho loav prices ruling locally tor sheep at present was the recent drought 111 the Waikato,, ivhich cut oil the usual call made,by that distncfc 011 tho- surplus stock of Poverty i> a y. If railway connection is not speedily made ivith Waikato, Manaivatu and Wairarapa will collar, that market for surplus stock, and the present loav prices will then be permanent, and not tho result of accident, such as drought.’ ’

.llie Otira correspondent writes: ‘Driving operations at the Arthur’s l ass tunnel are proceeding sloavlv, in anticipation of the installation of the machines, Avhieli.aa -ill be done immediately the compressors are ready. The foundations are in, and the machinery is being pi iced in posit ion daily by a gang of fitters, and it should, not be long before all is in readiness for a start AA-.it h the rock borers. The tunnel is in good ground, rather A\et, but the boring is good, and tiie ground blasts splendid Iv, and, what is more, there is 110 difficulty in keeping it after it lias been shot. .The machines are all inspected, and ire being put together, while other material of different kinds is eoming to hand daily. The teams are busy carrying the air-pipes, of ivhich there are soiue tons, to the tiuinel mouth. The Holt’s creek route isgoing slowly along, there being nothing fresh to chronicle in this connection. The same can be said of the Punch JJoavl. The co-operative Aiorkers finished yesterday at the liolleston groyne. This protective work is a fine structure now that it is completed, and strikes one as being we,’l able to Ai-itlistand the severest flood that may come down this rugged mountain gorge. The huge boulders have been bolted together dumb-bell fashion, ivith a strong block of concrete covering the bolts. The ivorkers are noiv concentrating their energies on the Goat creek embankment and groynes, and, as the. iveather is perfect at present for outdoor lvork, the men are making good time.”