LOCAL & GENERAL NEWS

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3765, 11 May 1907, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL NEWS

We are informed that the Salvation Army are to be approached in reference to forming a local corps. Empire Day (24th May) will be. observed as a public holiday by all Government offices. Sunshine and warm rains are the description of the weather in this district to-day. A vacancy is advertised in a comfortable home, close to town, ■ for a gentleman boarder. A poll is to be taken at Carterton to decide whether rating on the unimproved values shall obtain in that borough. During the recent floods Maoris captured hundreds of wood hens, which had sought shelter in isolated patches of high ground in the flooded area. After the evening service in the Presbyterian Church to-morrow night, a retiring collection will be made on behalf of the faminestricken Chinese. There was a full attendance at the Thursday night’s meeting of the Foxton School Committee, and the business was transacted methodically and smoothly. The matter of education is iii capable hands, and it is pleasing to parents to know that their children’s welfare is being well looked to. A meeting of lady members of the local Presbyterian Church was held on Thursday afternoon, when a; guild was formed and officers elected. It was decided to tender a welcome social to the Rev. Mr Aitkin, in the Masonic Hall, on May 23rd. A committee was set up to carry out the details. This social is to be followed by a series during the winter months. While schooling the racehors; Oryx over a hunting course at Taratahi, recently, Jack Cameron, the well-known cross-country horseman, had a thigh fractured through his mount running off from a hurdle and colliding with one of the wings. The break is a clean one, and Cameron is progressing favourably at the Masterton Hospital. Mr Reeston Baker, while scutching at one of the local flaxmills yesterday afternoon, was nipped on the back of the hand between the thumb and forefinger, it is presumed by a Katipo spider. A red blister soon made its appearance and Mr Baker felt the inflammation creep up the arm, accompained by a trembling throughout the system. He was attended by Dr Mandl and although still suffering from the effects, is making a satisfactory recovery. We have to acknowledge the receipt of copies of the first number of “The School Journal ” issued by the Education Department. The journal is issued in three parts, adapted for Classes 1 and 2, Classes 3 and 4, and Classes 5 and 6, consists mostly of narrative pieces in prose and verse. Historical and Maori subjects are not neglected. The material is good, but no better than that contained in many readers issued at Home, which have the further advantage of illustrations. And it certainly must be more costly to produce these journals than it would be to supply each school with a sufficient number of copies of some reader which would last tor several years.

The services in the Methodist church to-morrow will be conducted by the Rev, J. Southern subject in the evening. “The Looking Glass ” The choir will render the anthem ‘ ‘ Come Eternal Spirit.” Claims to the amount 0f,£10,000 have been lodged by owners of property in respect of damage done by the Woolwich Arsenal explosion. Fifty thousand panes of glass shattered by the explosion have been replaced.

A travelling show put in an appearance at Foxton this morning, consisting of two or three caravans, some dogs and ponies and several artists. The circus announced its presence per medium of the shrill blasts of a cornet blown with great vigour by a youngster of some ten summers. His strenuous efforts caused a feeling of uneasiness on the part of citizens for fear that he might lose the top of his cranium. A Maori, who was an interested listener, remarked, “py kolly I stink that, kid he soon bust its boiler.” Most districts contain identities whose opinions about the weather are given considerable attention. These oracles work sometimes on close observations, sometimes on averages, and seldom on a reputation based upon lucky forecasts. In older and more superstitious countries these local lights command greater respect than they do with us, and their powers are extended beyond mere weather prophecies. We knew an old fellow (writes the Mark Lane Express) who was a perfect oracle in his way. He was a weather prophet, made a study ot the stars, and used to charm the warts off the hands of all the youngsters , for miles round. He lived in a dairy farming country, and his great forte was forecasting the character of the hay crop. He never gave an opinion unless it was asked for, and his counsel was sought even by farmers of experience. Weather was another strong point of his, and we knew men who always consulted him before they started mowing. The old man was quite illiterate, and how he got his knowledge no one knew but himself, but the fact that his forecasts were rarely wrong prompted people to put faith in him, and when the old oracle died he was a missed man.

Our old townsman, Mr “ Billy” Collins, has a grievance, firstly against the “ Probition laws” of the country, and, secondly, against the person or persons who brought disgrace upon the name he bears by taking out a prohibition order against him, which he informs us will expire in about a month’s time. “Billy” has aired his grievances to all and sundry from his platform opposite the Post Office. He “lets it go ’’whenever he gets an audience. He tells the people that he is the son of an officer in the British army—who served his country and Queen faithfully, and left behind him an honoured name which has been besmirched by them “ Probition laws which are a disgrace.” Billy challenges anyone to Say that he has not at any time paid up all just debts ; has been a dutiful son ; bears no illwill to any man, woman, or child in the town. Is the proud possessor of several medals and diplomas from the Royal Humane Society for saving lives in the local river—- “ and what greater love hath any man” saith the Scriptures, “than that a man should lay down his life for his friends.” He informs us that since “ this disgrace ” has been put upon him he has been indulging in more liquor than ever previously. Anyhow “Billy” entered our sanctum yesterday afternoon and poured forth his troubles that we might give them publicity. We told him that “we would give ear unto his cry ” and ask those * ‘ probitioners ’ ’ to give “Billy” a chance,” and we believe they will be gracious enough not to apply for a fresh order until it can be proved that he has overstepped the bounds of temperance, —and may his whiskers never grow less! Rheumatism, gout, sciatica, lumbago are caused by excess uric acid poison in the blood, which deposits in the muscles and joints. RHEUMO quickly cures 2s 6A & 4s 6d. 1 YOU WILL BE SURPRISED. How much better you feel if your stomach is in good condition. Dr. Sheldon’s Digestive Tabules will improve your digestion at once. Obtainable at E. Healev’s, Chemist. The bats chosen by the local Hockey Club as the most suitable for their immediate use, are an English make, called the Warwick, and retailed at 9s 6d. _The latter are obtainable from Messrs Howe or G. Fowler, who have been instructed by the Club to order a large number of same, the sample of which can be seen at Mr Howe’s shop, Main-street.* Watchorn Stiles and Co-, can supply you with linoleums, floorcloths, carpets hearthrugs and all house furnishing at .lowest town prices.* Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure for Coughs and Colds never fails. 1/6 and 2/6. Rheumo has cured thousands of sufferers from rheumatism, gout, sciatica, lumbago. It will cure you. Try it. All stores and chemists, 2s 6d and 4s 6d. A positive cure. 9 WATERY EYES. Are one of the signs of influenza. Dr Sheldon’s Yew Discovery affords immediate relief. Give it a trial. Guaranteed in all cases of Chest and Bronchial Complaints. Obtainable at E. Healey’s, Chemist. Sing a song of Peppermint. The cure that’s made by Woods, For one and sixpence worth of cost A sovereign’s worth of good. When the bottle’s opened, It’s praise all people sing ; ,v ’Tis certain such a sovereign Cure " Would set up any king. 12'