LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 449, 19 January 1909, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A lost gold signet ring is advertised for.

A Reefton paper states that there have been (ifty-five deaths from miners’ complaint there during ten years.

The destroyer Tartar exceeded a a speed of 38 knots under war conditions. This is a world’s record. A village blacksmith at Yarmouth Bankruptcy Court said that he pencilled the amounts his customers owed him on a board, sent out bills when he wanted money, and planed the entries off the board when the money was paid, the most novel system of single and double entry the Court had overheard of.

In a speech at Tottenham-green recently, Mr Herbert Nield, M.P., exhibited a toy model of a German gunboat, which had a small slot for the insertion of nickel coins. The model bore the inscription: “Give us your pence in order that we may thrash the English.’’ Thousands of these models, said Mr Neild, were being used as collecting boxes by members of the German Women’s Navy League.

During a picture show at Karangahakc a man named W. Russell produced a revolver and cleared the hall by firing promiscuously. Fortunately nobody was hurt. Further excitement was caused during the hearing of the charge against Russell in the Paeroa Court. One of the Justices was handling the revolver, when it was accidentally discharged. Fortunately it proved to be loaded with blank cartridges. Russell was fined SLz and costs, or seven days’ imprisonment,

For the next few days the shop adjoining Mr Patterson’s, chemist, will be the scene of an excellent display of Indian and Ceylon goods. The goods which have been specially imported to New Zealand are of exquisite design and quality, and disclose the highest workmanship, and despite this fact are being offered at exceptionally low prices. Intending purchasers will do well to call early in order to secure the best bargains.—Anvr.

A resident of the country (the Mataura Ensign reports) is somewhat perturbed and not a little inconvenienced by the fact that a colony of bees has chosen one of (he chimneys of his dwelling as the most suitable place for their abode and as a storehouse for the season’s “ goods.’’ Wisely, the bees have taken residence half-way down the chimney out of reach, though for that matter, no one is particularly anxious to take the risi ot effecting their expulsion. Meanwhile, the chimney will not “ draw,’’ and the weather is such that fires are not a luxury but a necessity.

In our advertising columns it will be seen that Mrs Hamer, of the Economic, is contemplating giving .up business, and is therefore prepared to make great sacrifices. The large and varied stock she keeps is well-known and this opportunity to purchase cheaply should not ho overlooked. Mrs Hamer desires to reduce her stock by at least half so that she may dispose of her business as early as possible. We advise our readers to see her prices before buying elsewhere, as no object is gained by sending money out cf town when you can buy as cheaply at home and see exactly what you are getting for your money.

Residents of Foxton and district are reminded of a great “ money' i saving ” event to commence on Thursday next, 2ist inst., at Palmerston North. C. Smith, Ltd,, the well-known and popular drapers, commence their big sale on that day. The inset accompanying (his issue will give a good idea of the bargains offered. Anyone can obtain one of these sale price lists Lee on application to the firm. It will pay everyone far above their railway fares and expenses to purchase their clothing and drapery at this great sale. Bargains are genuine, and values are the highest obtainable. Remember, it commences on Thursday next.—C. Smith, Ltd., Palmerston North.*

A very fine specimen ot a Cornish woman, who recently arrived from England, escorted two of her daughters to the Labour Bureau, Christchurch, with the object of getting them a start in life in their new country. She was greatly terrified and ultimately astonished at the apparent black magic of the telephone, which she had never seen before, and which was reiiuisitioned in the quest for a job, but when she found that the instrument was offering her daughter 12s 6d a week as a domestic she became reconciled to th e still small voice. "Do you mean to say you are talking about my daughter ?" she exclaimed. “Twelve and six, that’s a power ot money,” and she left with visions of great savings in days to come, and a very keen appreciation of the functions of the telephone.

The “ Horowhenua Chronicle ” says that, whilst making excavations in connection with the erection of a Maori college at Otaki, the workmen came across unmistakeable signs of former occupation, in the shape ot remains of Maoris. There were six skeletons, one of which, a baby, had a string ofbeads around its neck. There was also three pipes, one ot which was aT. D. This will recall the old days to any settler seeing this who can remember when this was the popular brand of pipe along that coast. Another of the skeletons, a man had the legs cut off below the knees. The Maoris have since raised strong objections to the erection of the college on the spot, and say that if it is put there they will not send their children to it. The trustees will meet to consider the position..

That the hemp industry is reviving was the gist of communications made by Mr. C. J. Fulton, Chief Government Fibre Expert, to an Otago Daily Times reporter. Some little time ago this industry was, as far as Otago and Southland were concerned, reported to be in a somewhat perilous state. Now it has taken a more hopeful turn by virtue of the fact that millers are devoting their attention to turning out a fine grade article, which is worth from £4 to £5 per ton in advance of good fairgrade hemp. In the North Island some of the big mills are profiting considerably by this new move, for they are reaping the advantage of the extra price, with very little additional cost in production. Where labour is costly and royalties are heavy, and the mills are not built on such big lines, as, for instance, in the Manawatu district, it has been found a difficult problem to keep going at a profit, but the fact that a big percentage of the mills running are turning out fine grade hemp is, Mr Fulton states, decidedly encouraging. Then, again, millers are now each year becoming more acquainted with the finer points {of the industry, and this is resulting in the production of an improved article. One thing that has to be contended against this year, said Mr Fulton, is the existence of diseased leaf, which is pretty general throughout New Zealand. When it cqmes to grading, tfie presence of this diseased leaf is' regpqnsible for a lowering of the grade, which is doubly unfortunate, occurring in a season such as the present

Scarlatina and measles have again made their appearance in the Waimalo district.

Despite the recent unfavourable weather, large numbers of visitors continue to patroiliso the beach.

Much interest is evinced by spectators in the detraining of racehorses to take part in the forthcoming meeting, on arrival of the trains.

The steamer Thistle went aground while negotiating the bar on Sunday afternoon, but got off with the rising tide and proceeded up river to the wharf.

He: “ I don’t believe in no ’ereafter. Yer lives and dies, and there’s an end on’t.” She; “ You must be a Unitarian,” He: “ Not I, indeed. I’m too fond o’ my meat for that.”

The Yerex Studio will be open for the convenience of country residents both race days. Don’t miss this rare opportunity of getting a high-class photo at much below town prices.* The London Spectator says: “ For brazen political impudence, flagrant paradox and unblushing sophistry, Mr Winston Churchill’s Birmingham speech would be hard to beat.” In a speech at Belfast, the undersecretary to the War Office, Lord Lucas, said that Great Britain would be able to immediately send 166,000 troops abroad if necessary, but that there was still a shortage of 5000 officers.

Attractive money values at the clearance of summer stock at the Bon Marche sale to-day. C. M. Ross and Coy. mean a clean sweep of all seasonable goods. Somebody will get the benefit—why not you ?* Te Aro House, Wellington, to day announce some special bargains They are so genuinely convinced of the value offered, that they will willingly refund the purchaser’s money, it goods are not approved of. By advertisement in this issue. Messrs Ross and Co., of The Bon Marche, announce the commencement of their summer silo on Saturday. Cash drapery buyers from this district will find it advantageous to pay* au early visit. On Sunday four motor-cars visited the beach from Palmerston. Among those who undertook the journey was Colonel Robin, Adjutant Pringle, and Mr C. A. Loughnan. One car in negotiating the rough portion of the unformed road, had a stiff passage, but managed to get through safely. Mr James Lindsay, for 30 years headmaster of the Oamaii North school, died suddenly on Friday. at Moerakl, where Uo was spending the holidays. Deceased was 62 years of age. He joined the service of the Otago Education Board in 1870 and before coming to Oamaru received appointments at the Dunedin middle, William street and Normal schools.

Among the visitors to the beach last week were: —Mr and Mrs Jno. Bett and family, Mr and Mrs Holben and family, Mr and Mrs Porteous and family, Mr and Mrs H. Nash and family, Mr and Mrs A. Bennet and family, Mrs and. Miss Archer and party, Mr and Mrs Robert, Mr and Mrs Seeker, Mr and Mrs Manson, Mr and Mrs Kirk, (all of Palmerston), Col, Robin motored down with Capt. Pringle on Sunday. Though Foxton beach is becoming very popular as a seaside resort, it would be very greatly improved it there were shelter at the beach and a good road to the Heads, says the Palmerston Times. This last might certainly be made whether the long urged beach railway is made or not, and a motor, ’bus service could then be run. Now that the reserve is in the hands of the Foxton Harbour Board it might well plant marram, tree lucerne, or similar binding plants, and once they held, plant pines, etc., amongst them. The damage done by the recent floods in Reefton is mostly in the Valley of the Inangahua from Reefton to twelve miles up the Marina road. The damage done to the County works alone is estimated at J2OOO. At one place on the right hand branch a bridge is tilted up and lett high and dry, and the river is in a new channel. Other bridges have been clean washed away, and there is no trace of piers or approaches. It is estimated that it will cost oo to repair the damage done at Rosstown alone.

“ The sawmillers m New Zealand are, generally speaking, in a very sedous position," said Mr Mander, M.P., to a Post reporter. “ Besides the fact that little building is going on and consequently there is a small demand, American limber enters into successful competition with the New Zealand article. The only remedy is a stiff duty, otherwise sawmillers will have to go into liquidation. Thousands of men will be thrown idle, and millions of feet of valuable timber will go up in smoke because the land must be cleared for settlement, and if the mills are not there to cut it out it must be burned down.”

At Christchurch on Saturday, His Excellency the Governor, in the presence of Bishop Grimes and many Roman Catholic clergy, Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, laid the foundation stone of Nazareth House, an institution for the succour of the aged, the infirm, and orphans of all denominations. His excellency, in the course of a speech, expressed the opinion that the extensions of the functions of the State in the direction of providing hospitals and charitable institutions would not influence the true charity of the people. At the collection taken at the conelusion Bishop Grimes gave one hundred guineas and the Governor and Sir Joseph Ward ten guineas each.

“ Receipts ” does not often appear as a heading in the return of election expenses which a Parliamentary candidate must furnish to the Registrar. It appears in the return furnished by Mr Byron Brown, who unsuccessfully contested the Otaki seat at the general election. His “ receipts ” are set down as £2OOO in “ improvement in character and political knowledge.” His “ expenditure ” amounted to £2159 7s rod, which included £IOOO each for “ improvement of character by example set to be avoided ” and “ knowledge of how to win at next election.” Other items of expenditure are ; “ Bribes, lies, humbug, etc., £000,” “ wear and tear on character, £oao,” and so on. His actual cash expenses amounted to £159 7s rod. One of the newest fads amongst the dozens which appear each year is the honey craze. It is described as being a medicinal curative agent—Nature’s form of sugar —and is said to be a cure for indigestion and a preventive against dyspepsia if taken but an hour before meals, made by dissolving a tablespoonful in a cup of boiling water. It is averred by one authority that honey will be found to answer the same purpose as maltine if taken daily in spoonbills. Its powers as a cough balm are too well-known to dispute, a tablespoonful with the juice of a small lemon, or half a large one, a teaspoon- 1 ful of ipecacuanha wine, and a halt-1 pint of boiling water being the quantities ; and for a sore throat honey and borax are invaluable. It is a pleasant fad, and aq economical ope- And again let us vaunt its virtues gf being a very safe cure, ' .

Trait/' arrangements in cotmec-.; tion with the Foxton Races ate advertised in this issue. Great dissolution sale at Watehorn Stiles' and Co.’s on Saturday, January 16th. Do not fail to secure the bargains.*

At the residence of the bride’s parents tO-day Miss Minnie Coley was united m matrimony by the Rev. G. K« Aitken to Mr Arthur Fee, of Foxton. Ten shillings reward is advertised to the finder of a watch lost between Avenue and Beach on Bth January last. By advertisement the public are notified that all local business places will be closed on Friday next from n a.m., but will remain open all day on Saturday.

The Palmerston North District High School re-opens on Wednes- i day, February 3rd. A new board- 1 ing house for boys has been erected in connection with this school.

A meeting of creditors in the bankrupt estate of Mr E- J, Martin.will be held at the D.O.A.’s office Palmerston North, on the 26th > inst. 1

The fire which recently destroyed" c l the outbuildings connected with the Albion Hotel, at Shannon, is thought to have been ciused by ■ someone -,-i----smoking in the trap-shed, where there ' : was a quantity of ’o ise straw.

Mr Newman, M.P., will-open the garden party to be held at. the vicarage in connection wi h All Saints’ }■’ j Ladies Guild on 3rd,February. There - is every possibility of the local band giving a selection of music on that day. ' Further particulars will be advertised later.

The ideal meal consists of bread, butter and cheese, according to Dr. j! E. Squire, who delivered a lecture* to the National Health Society. “These foods,” he said “ contain all the elements necessary for the proper working of the body, and thus form a complete meal. Want of fresh air may be more harmful than scanty food in preventing good nutrition.”

Consequent upon the coming into force of the new regulations, the Veterinary Department has been con- ' demning pigs at the Woodville bacon factory at the rate of nearly one hundred weekly. On Friday of last week fitty-seven animals were condemned, on Wednesday last forty-one, and more recently morning thirty-eight, Neither the settlers nor the factory-owners book with favour on the new order..

The dangers of over-study are examplified in the case of Mr E. H. Brown, a man of thirty years of age who recently resigned a position the Invercargill staff of the Bank i New Zealand, and whose body was found in the Waihopai River on Wednesday morning. He had studied hard, and had received word that he had passed in all his subjects, when he broke down mentally, with the sad result related. A number of stones were found in the pockets ot his clothes, showing that the act had been intea- i tional.

The death of Mr Win. Light, a ' veteran hotelkeeper, which took place at Dannevirke, recalls the sensation caused in Wellington many years ago by the attempted poisoning of Mr Light, who was then licensee of the,, Queen’s Hotel. The accused sentenced to a long term of imprisonment. The attempt was made by placing some strychnine in a glass ot beer, which the accused had invited Mr Light to join him in having. When the intended victim turned his back for a moment, the strychnine was slipped into the beer, and Mr Light had a narrow escape of. meeting a tragic fate.

Mr Simms, Government Pomologist, ' states that spraying operations during the present season have been most successful not only from the official’s point of view but also the orohardist. All the commercial growers have sprayed their trees and fully. 75 pet cent of private orchardists have given their orchards the necessary bath.. Some of the big growers state they be* lieve not 1 per cent and they are certain not z per cent of moth could be < found in their trees this year. The y, only fault from officialdom is in connection with gardens where there are • * only two or three trees, owners of which seem to think they are not-- J affeoted by the Act. They are, how- . ever, to the extent of spraying or cut* y tin? down and the officials intend in- _ {■' sisting upon a choice being made.