LOCAL & GENERAL NEWS

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3723, 29 November 1906, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL NEWS

The death is recorded at Wellington of Mr Thos, Dwan, senr,, aged 79 years. . To-morrow is St. Andrew’s Day and the Government offices throughout the colony will observe a holiday. Bush fires are raging in New South Wales. The message states that without rain the country must be swept along the Darling to the Murray. At an inquest touching the death of Francis Patrick McAleer, whose body was found near the Miramar Wharf, Wellington, on Monday evening, the jury returned a verdict of “found drowned,” with no evidence to show how deceased got into the water.

Mr 0. E. Hugo, who is so wellknown in the colony as a lecturer on phrenology and physiognomy, will lecture in the Methodist Schoolroom on Monday evening on faces and expressions. The admission will be free, but there will be a collection,

It is to Lord Rosebery that we are indebted for the most modern

definition of memory (the Bystander says). “What is memory ?’ ’ said a friend one day to him. “Memory,” replied his lordship, “is the feeling that steals over us When we listen to our friend’s original stories.” The Johannesburg correspondent of “ The Times ” states that the Boers will be the strongest individual party in the new Parliament. The Progressives will come a good second, and then will follow a large element of Independent Nationals, and other isolated British groups. According to the Berlin correspondent 4 of the “Prager Abehdblatt,” a semi-official paper published in Prague, influential military and political leaders in Belgrade held a discussion regarding the deposition of King Peter Karageorgevitch (who succeeded Alexander I. on the murder of the latter on nth June, 1903.) There is a proposal to invite a foreign prince to occupy the throne. A newspaper war will shortly be commenced in Wellington between “The Times” and a new morning paper shortly to be published. The Times is sending out canvassers in all parts of the district and these are being urged on by communications to the effect that returns are not up to the mark. We are informed that a motor van will probably convey an early delivery along the Manawatu line to Palmerston.

The Pope is deeply affected by the illness of Dr Lapponi, his physician, who is suffering from cancer. When the Pope was made cardinal ah old gipsy told him that he would die shortly after the death of one of his celebrated physicians. The Pope laughed at the prophecy at the time, but His Holiness referred to the incident the other day in a manner which seems to show that even he may be a victim of prophecy. Ten years ago royalties for New Zealand flax averaged from is to 2S 6d per ton, and to-day they have risen to 15s and 20s per ton, and in some cases to 235, for the green blade. As properly cultivated flax land would produce as much as forty tons to the acre, it requires no mathematician to calculate the enormous benefits that would accrue to the Colony and farmers by the cultivation of this national product.

Messrs Devin and Co. invite tenders, to close at 5 p.m. on 10th December, for the purchase of the land and buildings fronting Main and Clyde streets at present occupied by them. Possession will be given about March next. We understand that new offices are to be erected on the site recently acquired by the firm, hence the sale. As the locality is one of the most central, competition will be keen for its ownership. The Martinborough correspondent of the Wairarapa Standard states that the fibre sent from “Mahaki” Messrs Wall Bros, flaxmill is some of the best that is being shipped from Wellington, and then he makes the following amusing statement-amusing at least to millers in this district—that the mill is pronounced by good judges to be the most up-to-date in New Zealand. All the machinery is right up-to-date, including a patent machine for washing the fibre. A new 14 h.p. engine has also been added. That correspondent would be paralysed with amazement if he inspected the mills, machinery and output of fibre in this district.

An interesting fact, none the less gratifying that the reason is unknown, is recorded by the Mataura Ensigm—the disappearance of the rabbit from large areas of the higher country at the back of Moa Plat and towards Waikaka. In several cases (it says) land that was considered practically of no use and only fit to be abandoned to bunny has within the past year or two become so well grassed as to recall the early days of settlement. In one case the run-holder had been so hard pressed by the rabbit that, although his rental was a mere nominal sum when the extent of the country is considered, he was on the point of surrendering it. He is likely to shear about a sheep and a half to the acre this season. In another case a gentleman who acquired one of the leases in the late Moa Plat Estate is also likely to shear a record number from his block of land. An advertiser wants two unfurnished roo'ms.

A number of local sports left by/ this morning’s train for the Feilding Races.

Mr Morgan, local Manager for Messrs and Co., returned to Foxton to-day after spending a week in Wellington.

At All Saints Church this evens ing at 7.30 o’clock there will be a service of Intercession for Foreign Missions with an address by the vicar. .

Two local .’residents have struck a horse in Tattersalls. It is not yet known what amount they will draw—-anything between and

The Hon. Dr Findlay Is to be tendered a public reception in the Wellington Town Hall on Wednesday or Thursday next. We remind the public of the horse education exhibition tb be given by Professor Dichwark in Mr Johnston’s stables thss evening, Those interested in horse breaking should make a point ot attending. It has been suggested that (a public meeting be called with a view of discussing the desirability of forming a Fire Brigade for Foxton. It now remains for some public spirited citizen to rise to the occasion.

The Government .erected the present buildings which do justice (?) lor a Court House and Post Office, 33 years ago. It is now only a matter of a few years when the worms will bring about their demolition.

The first diploma sent to New Zealand for high proficienpy in Esperanto, has just been awarded to Mr Edward Young, ofWestport. It is expected that one or two other residents of the colony will receive diplomas early in the New Year.

The following chairman were elected by Councils yesterday:— Pohangina, Cr Brown; Kiwitea, Cr Carman; Oroua, Cr G. Wheeler; Mandwatu, Cr }. G. Wilson ; Woodville, Mr J. Harris; Masterton, Mr C. E. C. Hood: Eketahuna, Mr Moss; Waiffiea, Mr P, Best; Takaka, Mr Bartlett; Westland, Mr T. V. Byrne; Grey* mouth, Mr J. McCarthy.

Dr and Miss Bennett left Foxton yesterday for Marton where he intends to settle. Dr Bennett was universally respected throughout this district and it is a matter of surprise that a “send off” was not tendered to him. He will, however, be remembered for his many kindly acts and courtesy—he is one of nature’s gentlemen. We wish him long life and happiness in,his retirement.

At the annual meeting ot the Manawatu County Council, when Mr J. G. Wilson was re-elected chairman, Crs Kendall, Barber and Hammond made eulogistic reference to Mr Wilson’s services to the county. Cr Wilson expressed his thanks for the, complimentary remarks made concerning his administration as chairman, and he also acknowledged the invaluable services of the officers of the county.

A most delightful moonlight picnic took place up the river last evening. A party consisting of about 30 of both sexes were conveyed in the Rowing Club’s boats as far as pioneer Hill where a landing was effected, camp fires lit and games of all descriptions indulged in. Supper was dispensed alter which the four boats, returned on their homeward journey, choruses from lusty throats breaking on the still night. Everyone were agreed that a most enjoyable time had been spent and suitable acknowledgement was made to Mrs Stewart, who organised the outing.

A Napier schoolboy must be credited with quite a new interpretation of a pajssage in Sir Walter Scott’s “ Martniou ” says the Herald. During an examination he was called upon to paraphrase a few lines from that famous and warlike poem in which reference is made to the English soldiers hearing trumpets blown and a “ stifled hum” from the Scottish lines. The boy’s idea of “hum” seems to haue been confined to something offensive to the nostrils. He therefore wrote that the English heard trumpets blown “and experienced an unpleasant smell of Scotchmen 1”

A Christmas Tree and sale of work will be held in the Methodist Church Schoolroom on Wednesday next. There will be a good assortment of useful and fancy goods, for sale. The Xmas Tree and Collie Stall will be decorated with a choice selection, of dolls, toys, lollies and sweets. A Refreshment Room under efficient management will be provided. A Shooting Gallery will also be an attraction. Competitions ot various kinds will be engaged in. During the day Professor Hugo, the Phrenologist will give an entertainment. The Sale* of Work will be open at 3 o’clock. Admission 6d each.

A general servant is advertised for, .