A GAP IN THE MINISTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 443, 10 December 1908, Page 2

A GAP IN THE MINISTRY.

Keen disappointment will be felt throughout the Wellington province and a large portion of Hawke’s Bay, if Sir Joseph Ward overlooks the claims of Mr A. W. Hogg, M.P., to fill the vacancy caused by the defeat of the Hou. Mr McNab, late Minister of Lands, A great deal has been heard from a certain section ot the press in Taranaki, urging the claims of Mr Jennings, a very energetic politician, of the shop-walker type. Those who know either aspirant personally or by repute, would ridicule the very idea of putting Mr Jennings in the same class, as touching the laud question, with Mr Hogg.’ People who, talk glibly about Mr Hogg’S ex-' treme views in reference to the leasehold, know a very little about the man or his views on this great question. The choice,! in our opinion, will be made from! either Messrs Hogg, Laurensbn, on McKenzie. If a vote of the/ House were taken, we believe ther choice would fall ou the first named., \ - ; f

Senior Constable Woods leaves for his annual holiday on Saturday.

A strong nor’ west wind sprang up last night, which is shaking things about in gardens and orchards.

The wedding of Mr J. C. Lane, secretary of the Manawatu A. and P. Association, to Miss Rose Brown, of Christchurch, took place on Tuesday last. Messrs C. M. Ross and Co., of the Bon Marche, Palmerston, are now showing a magnificent range of new summer dress fabrics, in their centre window, which is attracting much favourable comment among the ladies of Palmerston. — Advt.

It is the little finishes that give all the style. Te Aro House, Wellington, are to-day advertising some special bargains in real Maltese lace goods rich scarves, dainty collar bands, cuff and collar sets, and Plastron fronts—any one of which will make even the plainest dress look “dressy. ”*

An invitation to visit the Xmas Fair which opened at the Bon Marche on Saturday appears in another column. Great interest was shown by the numerous buj'ers on Saturday, but possibly the chief excitement centred round blouses and millinery, of which there are beautiful stocks of new goods, and the prices are tempting.*

A shipment of one million feet of Baltic pine is at present on the way to New Zealand. Private advices received in Dunedin state that the barque Ohelia is en route from a Baltic port. She is bringing about 650,000 feet for Dunedin, and 350.000 feet for Lyttelton. She is due at the first-mentioned port about the end of December,

In another column the Railway Department publishes its detailed arrangements for carrying passengers to Wanganui lor the great sculling championship race between Webb and Arnst. The race is to take place on the Wanganui River on Tuesday next. Extra trains are to be run from Wellington on Monday and Tuesday, and tickets at excursion rates will be available from next Saturday.

Mr Eden Smith, of Einwood, has received a second message, by homing pigeon, despatched by the Nimrod as follows : —Nimrod 4 a.m., 4th December, 1908. In latitude South 47 deg. 2omiu. Eongitude East ryadeg. 53mm. Eor the last twelve hours under sail only, propeller shafting disconnected. Eight to moderate S.W. winds, and fine weather. A pleasant commencement to the voyage—an antidote to the natural depression which sets in with all sailors on these occasions.—All well. Goodbye, F. P. Evans, (Master). It is officially stated that the Government will carry on the Mauawatu company’s time-table for a few weeks, at any rate, and the traffic usually conducted at the Manawatu station (now re-named Thorndon station) will continue to be dealt with there. The present Government station will be known in future as Eambton station. All goods and parcels traffic from or to stations, Ashhurst to New Plymouth, inclusive, will be conveyed via the Manawatu line, goods and parcels traffic from or to Wellington being dealt with at Thorndon station (present Manawatu Company’s station). Goods and parcels traffic to and from Napier line Irom or to Wellington will be conveyed via Rimutaka line. All traffic which is to be passed over the Manawatu line must be sent to the Thorndon goods shed (present Manawatu Company’s) for despatch.

What appears to us as a particularly good milch cow was recently sold down Foxton way for £ 25, says the Mansia Witness. It was of the Ayrshire Jersey breed, and was sold on the following test : Oct. 29th, morning 43II) of milk, night 361 b, total for day 791 b ; Oct. 30th, morning 451 b, flight 401 b, total 851 b ; Oct. 31st, morning 431 b, night 351 b, total ySlb; Nov. Ist, morning lb, night 401 b, total 86>31b; Nov. 2nd, morning lb, night 321 b, total lb ; Nov. 3rd, morning 441 b, night 421 b, total 861 b ; Nov. 4th, morning 441 b, night 391 b, total 831 b; Nov. sth, morning 461 b, night 371 b, total 831 b; Nov. 6th, morning 441 b. This cow was until recently one of Webb Bros, dairy head at Moutoa, but was recently purchased by Mr Oldsworth, of Ballance. To give an idea of Mr Oldsworth’s opinion of his recent purchase, is said to have been refused for its last heifer calf. The fish-story expert appears to be in danger of losing his calling. The famous paragraph about the 521 b trout caught in the Tokomairiro River, near Milton, and the subsequent identification of the fish as a a groper, was a mere circumstance compared with the following from a southern paper:—A rather remarkable bird is in the possession of a settler in Waikaka Valleyy T.r 1877, shortly after Mr Wnite commenced farming in the district, he purchased a sitting of goose eggs. The eggs were duly hatched out, and from the clutch a goose was reared. This goose did| her duty in the world by reariugla cinch of gosling every year till about 1900. She then ceased busyness, and retired on her laurels, Shft is still enjoying her wellearned rest, and to look at her one Jfmld not realise that she has seen |2 summers. We do not imagine /bat the bird has a senior in the (dominion, and we question if any [other of her species has done more to replenish the earth with her kind than ?be has. WOLFE’S SCHNAPPS stands proeminent among stimulants and cordials.

The House of Commons assented to the withdrawal of the Education Bill. Messrs Wm. Ross and Son offer a reward for the return of a green canvas cart cover.

A youth from Mosgiel advertises for employment in the North Island. Will accept any reasonable job.

Mr E. Ball notifies that he has a splendid assortment of smokers’ requisites, suitable for Christmas and New Year gifts. Mr P. M, Page will sell at the mart on Saturday, on behalf of Mrs G. Nye, the whole of her household furniture and effects. Messrs M. H. Walker and G. H. Stiles have been appointed the Boston delegates to the Primitive Methodist Conference which opens in Auckland on January 7th.

“ Your satisfaction will be certain,” is the heading of an interesting replace advertisement from Messrs O’Connor and Tydemau, the well-known watchmakers and jewellers, etc., of Palmerston N. Mr P. M. Page nas been instructed to sell on behalf of the trustees of the late Mrs Wbyte, certain properties and household furniture, on Wednesday next, 16th inst.

The prohibition in Japan of the parimutuel or totalisator, has been notified, and Japanese newspapers are unanimous in endorsing this bold Ministerial decision against betting. The political parties also show their approval. Tenders for the erection of the Auckland Post Office have been considered by Cabinet. They varied from ,£124,000 to ,£189,000, and as they were all very much above the official estimates they were all declined. The plans are to be modified and fresh tenders called.

The Eondon Standard states that Eord Kitchener, Commanderin- Chief in India, is shortly to be created a Field Marshal, with a task of co-operating with the colonies and consolidating all the Empire’s land forces into a homogeneous army, giving it mobilisation on a war plan. Our readers are again reminded that Saturday is the closing day for the sale of pianos and organs in Foxton. Mr Wesley Woolhouse has one or two bargains left, and no reasonable offer will be refused. There is also a fresh consignment of popular music to be sold at 6d copy, in order to effect a clearance of same. : ‘ ;

Absence of whitebait from the Grey River during the past few weeks is attributed by a local paper to the operations which have been going on at the stranded steamer Hawea. The little fish are highly sensitive, and the timber being jettisoned annoys them so that they have been seeking other fresh water streams, and leaving the disturbed Grey River to itself. The supply at the mouth of the Taremakau, states the same paper, has not diminished in the slightest this season. A Woodville fisherman was busy thrashing the Manawatu at Mathieson’s bridge when he hooked a good-sized trout. After “ playing ” the fish for some time, he proceeded to land it. Just as it was being pulled out of the water a large eel made a grab and got the trout into its mouth. Tne fisherman immediately gaffed the eel, and got it and the trout on the bank. Although the fisherman tried his hardest to keep possession of the eel, it managed to wriggle back into the water, but the trout remained. The eel was three or four feet in length, and estimated to weigh about r6lbs—and this, vouches the Examiner, is the only portion of the yarn that is open to question.

A Highland soldier, while lying dangerously ill in hospital, expressed a desire to hear the bagpipes once before he died. The hospital doctor agreed, and there were only fourteen inmates of the ward, and none of them were serious cases. A regimental piper was found to play the bagpipes, and for a long time be paced the ward playing tunes of the home-r land. The next morning the pipe called at the hospital. “Well, doctor,” he inquired, “ how is my countryman this morning ? ” “Very well indeed,” replied the doctor; “he went to sleep after your entertainment, smiling happily, and woke this morning a new man. He will rapidly recover now.” “Good?” said the piper. “ Good ! ” “ But,” added the medical man, “the other thirteen patients are dead ! ”

Cabinet has decided to erect the new Government House on the site at present occupied by the Mount View Mental Asylum, Newtown, Wellington. The asylum is to be removed to some central site in the North Island, to be selected without delay. As Sir Joseph Ward has stated that the new building must lie ready for the representative of His Majesty who is tp Succeed Eord Plunk at, and as his Excellency’s term of office expires at a not very distant date, it is imperative that the work should be put in hand without delay. No determination has /been nme to regarding the modsk of construction and the mateml to be used in the new structure There is good reason, however,Jbr believing, says the Post, that wbod wili be chosen. In the case of afbrick building it is urged that earthquakes have to be provided against, and that the ordinary precautions against earthquakes would* greatly increase the cost. The Government is limited to 2nd with this sum it is submitted that a building in keeping with the requirements of the times eojafStl be erected.

Grazing for a cow is advertised for.

Tenders, to close at 7 p.m. on the 21 st inst., are invited by the Borough Council for putting down an artesian bore in the triangle reserve.

Mr Clement Wragge, the wellknown meteorologist and astronomer, is on his way from Calcutta to the Dominion, to engage in a lecturing tour. Insurance Agent: “ Pardon me, madam, but what is your age ?” Miss Antique; “ I have seen 23 summers.” Insurance agent: “ Yes, of course; but how many times did you see them ?”

The following humourous advertisement is culled from a contemporary :—“Wanted a gentleman to undertake the sale of a patent medicine ; the advertiser guarantees it will be profitable to the undertaker.”

The attempt by the Railway De" partment to obtain artesian water at Marton Junction has been unsuccessful, says the Advocate. The equipment employed was obsolete, and after the bore had been put down 50ft, the work was abandoned.

Cabinet has authorised the expenditure of .£60,000 for railway construction works, ,£17,000 for additions to open lines, and ,£40,000 for roads. Other votes authorised are : ,£ISOO for Manawatu River protective works, ,£350 for a hospital at Taumarunui, and ,£2OOO for the Wanganui District High School, and a tender was accepted for the erection of a courthouse at Feilding.

We have received a programme of Mr H. E. Gunter’s concert to be given in the Palmerston Opera House this evening. Mr Gunter is a pianist of exceptional merit, and his solos alone are worth going a long way to hear. The names of other talented instrumentalists and vocalists appear on the programme. The concert should provide a musical treat.

The petition signed by about 60 electors of Masterton, praying that the Masterton local option poll be upset, will be heard by three stipendiary magistrates, viz., Dr M’Arthur (Wellington), Mr W. P. James (Wairarapa), and Mr A. D. Thomson (Manawatu). The date of the inquiry is Wednesday next, 16th inst. Messrs Pownall and Skerett will appear for the “ trade ” and Mr Hollings for the No-Iyicense Party:

The Mercantile Gazette of New Zealaud says:—“ We are in possession of four balance-sheets of woollen companies in the Dominion, and although the financial periods of the several concerns close at different dates, it is interesting to compare the results for the year’s operations. On the whole, it cannot be said that the, companies are doing badly ; at the same time it is to be regretted that nothing has been done in the way of strengthening the reserves. On the whole, it must be admitted that the woollen companies of New Zealand have done very well in the past year. It is possible, if not probable, that they will have a struggle in the current financial year owing to the marked skrinkage in trade and the fluctuations of the wool market, but given prudent and economical management there is no reason why they should not get through the period of stress with some degree of comfort.”

The sand-dmiesof the New Zealand coasts are a generally despised asset which may yet be turned to commercial account. Dr D. Cockayne has commenced an examination of the sand-dunes of the North Island, to investigate what plants are inclined to grow thereon, whether they are good or harmful, and if good how they can be encouraged. Quite a number o plants can be made to grow well in sand, and Dr Cockayne was able to maintain gardens at New Brighton formed of this unpromising material, in which the most interesting botanical experiments were conducted. Several other countries were beginning to make good use of their sand-dunes for the growth of vegetation, and Dr Cockayne will report to the Department of Agriculture on the possibilities of similar development in New Zealand.

The ability of an Indian “Baboo” to torture the King’s English is exemplified in the letter from an Indian letter-carrier to his postmaster “ Dear Master,—l have the pleasure to regret extremingly before your honourable pasonage that when I go by the benefical bath this morning in all due modesty of clothing and other personal propriety a boisterous billow he remove one of my trouser —the envelope of my right lower lim b. Dear master, how can Igo on duty with only one trouser limb ? If he get lost, if the ter* ri blest typhoon sweep him away, where am I then ? How can I appear before the most respectful lady, the Memsahib, to hand to ;-.r' the letter her bright eyes dart out for, and my trousers they are not there ? But only in their pla c what you once with great humorosity and make all laugh like unto the devil, my two long black sticks of liquorice, that resemble the legs of humanity. Kindly write Accra that they send, immediate, quick, sharp, pretty dainsoon, to me one more trouser, so I catch him and go on duty. Till then I must hide my uuditninished head, also my one stick of liquorice leg, in that oblivion they so much require to-day. For the sake of my morality you will respectfully do this and save perdition from me. Good day, sir very much, how are* you? With all good love aud very best pop pop, poorah ! Your loving postman, Shouga Din.”