LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 971, 25 March 1911, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The services at the Presbyterian Church to-morrow will be conducted by Evangelist J. Gumming both morning and evening.

To-morrow the services in St. Mary’s Church will be conducted by the Rev. Father Kelly. Mass will be celebrated at n a.m. and Devotions at 7 p.m. To-morrow is “ Mid Lent Sunday,” and the services in All Saints’ Church will be 8 a.m. Holy Communion, n a.m. Matins, and 7 p.m. Evensong.

The Ashburton “ Mail and Guardian” Company, Rtd., has been served by C. W. Nicoll with a writ claiming ,£5Ol damages for an alleged libel in a letter signed “Ratepayer” which appeared in the “ Guardian ” of February 9th. On our fourth page to-day will be found the following interesting reading matter : “The Mexican Turmoil,” “Two or One ?” “Sale of the Mokau Block,” “Power from the Waves,” “Handsome Bequests,” “An Aerial Smuggler,” and “Seukovitch Confesses.”

At the inquest at Sydney, on the boxer Victor Jacobson, who died after a fall during a contest with Jack Whittaker, the verdict was that death was the result of accident. The medical evidence was to the effect that, though the fall bad been the direct cause of death, the deceased was in an unhealthy condition, and totally unfit to take part in a boxing contest. One result of the incident is that the Stadium management has decided that there must be a strict examination ot contestants prior to boxing contests the future.

A proclamation has been issued fixing the Delhi Coronation Durbar tor December 12th.

nor watch, clock or jewellery -■epairs go to Pakkhs, the jeweller, Main Street,

At the Waipu show a novel loaf of bread was entered by a gumdigger. The dough bad been twisted round a li-tree stick and then baked in hot ashes. It was done to a turn.

A special meeting of the Foxton Borough Council will be held in the Council Chamber on Monday next at 7.30 p.m., to strike a special rale in connection with the Coronation Town Hall. The Harbour Board meet at 7.45 the same evening.

The Rev. A. Doull, of St. Andrew’s Church, Palmerston North, has been ordered by his medical adviser to abstain from public duties for a time owing to throat trouble. The Rev. G. K. Aitkeu, of Foxton, will take Mr Doull’s services to-morrow.

A fly on a window pane will crawl to the top, fly back to the bottom, and crawl up again. This order is seldom reversed, why no one knows. It is on record that a fly crawled up a window pane thirty-two times, returning each time a-wing.

M. K. Champion, Auckland’s crack swimmer, who is one of the Australasian team for the Festival of Empire Sports, left Wellington for Loudon on Thursday by the Corinthic. It opportunity offers while he is in England he will make an attempt to swim the Channel.

An old lady, who had been leaning over the rail to watch the passengers as they came up the gangway, suddenly approached the captain. 11 Please, tell me, sir,” she asked, timidly, “ what time the boat starts.” ”It starts, madam, when I give the word,” was the haughty reply. ‘‘Oh, indeed ! I thought it started when the engineer pulled the lever. Thank you very much.”

Motor bikes are becoming increasingly common in Taranaki, says the Patea County Press, and every fine Sunday numbers of them may be seen tearing along our roads at a great pace. It is becoming the fashion to give each one a name, and some of the latter have quite a refreshing originality. One that we saw yesterday had a neatly painted panel on the front mud guard bearing the title “ Fli-up-Liz,” and another had tbe suggestive legend ‘‘Go/likel.” If this sort of thing ‘‘catches on,” motor bikes will ere long develop a new terror for the average pedestrian.

Although one hears little of the Prospecting Association there are certain citizens ot Levin (states the Chronicle) who are, by stealth, in the early hours of Sunday, seeking for wealth in the Tararuas. These amateur prospectors may be seen any Sunday morning driving towards the ranges. A few days ago a Irieud on foot met them en route for the local Bullfinch, and his attention was attracted by a small bag of tools in the vehicle. His curiosity being aroused, be inquired what they were doing at such an early hour. ” Going for mushrooms,” was the reply, and the pedestrian, fully satisfied that this was the case, continued his lonesome journey.

An army officer’s despatch box, posssessing many memorable associations, is at present included in the kit of Captain Frank Hudson at the military instruction camp at Featherstou. The box in question originally belonged to General Havelock, who made the famous rescue of the beleaguered English garrison at Lucknow, during the stirring times of the Indian Mutiny. The relief of Lucknow has been the theme of many a song and story, and the despatch box that contained many important documents during that historic period was subsequently bequeathed to the grandson of General Havelock, Captain Frank Havelock Hudson, who is descended from a long line of army and navy officers. Captain Hudson won his spurs by conspicuous bravery during the Boer War. He subsequently joined the literary staff of the Otago Daily Times, and left to accept a captaincy in the Dominion Territorials, so that his grandfather’s despatch box is once more in commission.

It is rather remarkable how the imported crows (rooks as they are more generally known) still cling to various localities iu Hawke’s Bay and the East Coast, but do not seem to spread elsewhere. They may be seen in large numbers round about Hastiugs, and also iu the vicinity of Puketapu, about twelve miles from Napier, and also iu smaller numbers iu the Poverty Bay districts. But they do not migrate. They are said to increase at a fairly rapid rate, though the reproduction is not so rapid as in the case of the sparrows. Rooks are protected birds, as one Puketapu settler discovered after he had shot one or two. Many farmers question their utility, but others affirm that they do good work in the extermination of grubs. Over the flat lands in the vicinity of Hastings rooks may be seen in large numbers, and in the manner of their flight they might be mistaken for hawks. Some settlers, who had been in New Zealand for periods of seventeen or eighteen years, state that they were not previously aware that there was such a bird as a rook in New Zealand. They said that rooks had proved very destructive in pulling up sown grain at Horae.

Mr and Mrs Burnett insert a thanks notice elsewhere in this issue. The Commissioner of Crown Lands advertises the right to cut flax over an area of 142 acres. Application has been filed on behalf of Messrs A. D. Clemett and W. Broad bent, of Foxton, for letters patent for improved means of disinfecting the mouthpieces of telephones and the like, also for a collapsible crate. A five-roomed residence at Marima (near Pahiatua), owned and occupied by C. Downard, was destroyed by fire, together with its contents, yesterday. Only the organ was saved. The house was insured for and the furniture for £go in the New Zealand office. Characteristic personal par from the Opuuake Times : —“ So Ted Callaghan has sold out ! ” His punctuality and regularity in delivering the staff of life was as sure as the old clock on the wall. Ted's elastic smile and weatherworn features will be missed from the by-roads, the town round, and the “ bob seats at the gaffs.”

The spirit of commercialism, so markedly absent a feature in the old-time Maori, is as markedly present in the Maori of to-day. With a keen eye to the main chance, three stores have been opened by Natives at Papawai, to cater lor the wants of the coming big gathering there on the 30th iusl. Time was when Maori hospitality would have supplied all requirements, but tempora mutantur (times are changed). — Wairarapa Standard. It is probable that a special meeting of the Masterton Chamber of Commerce will be called, in order to consider what steps should be taken to contradict the damaging report which has been circulated concerning the trade of the town. Private interviews with tradespeople indicate no cause for alarm. On the contrary, while there has admittedly been a slump since the bursting of the land boom, tradesmen are emphatic in stating that, during the last few months, business has been brighter than for some time past. Authority was given by the Wellington City Council on Thursday night for preliminary steps to be taken in connection with the proposed establishment of a milk station in accordance with the provisions of the Wellington City Milk Supply Act, 1909. Plans and estimates are to be submitted to the Council by the committee which has the matter in hand, together with a recommendation as to the total sum which should be placed before tbe ratepayers to be borrowed by way of special loan. A Bill is also to be promoted giving the Council the necessary authority for combining with the milk station cool chambers for the storage of perishable products. Pipes are again in favour in Paris. The high taxes on tobacco have been their triumph. The pipe has invaded the fashionable world, and the reason for this is the increased price of cigars, cigarettes, and all high-grade tobacco. The sale of the ordinary smoking tobacco for pipes sold in 5-peuny packages is daily increasing. The dealers in pipes are naturally delighted. Three times more pipes are being sold than in any previous year. The man who goes to the seaside or the mountain resorts takes a pipe with him. The pipe enters into the preparations for the shooting season, and even the college students are good customers. For some time Mr Hanuam, a Whangarei brickmaker, has been troubled by stones in his clay, so much so indeed (says the Northern Mail) that he found it necessary to introduce rollers in his machinery to prevent the smaller ones getting into the clay of which the bricks were being made. All these stones were thrown out on the bank of the clay pit, and soon broke up with the action of the weather, but it was most noticeable that wherever they were the grass became a bright green and of heavy growth. At first it was thought that these stones must be phosphate rock, but they have been tested by a gentleman in the district who declares that they are not. Mr Haunam, is, however, submitting a sample to the Government Analyst to see what particular properties the stone contains.

While on his visit to Taranaki, the Acting-Premier was the adored of the Maoris, says the News. When he was taken out to see the oilfields, several of the natives thought they should be in the party and proceeded to a local livery stables to secure a vehicle. “Good day, poss,” remarked one of the party, with the assurance that only a Maori can command. “We like to ko for ti drile, all same Timi Kara. Kapai. You gif us li pest horse, ti pest puggy. Go on, we like him werry quick.” “Certainly,” responded the stablekeeper, “but who is going to pay?” “Oh! tat all right, you get ti money, Timi Kara. He prenty ti money.” And the speaker strutted around like a thoroughbred horse on parade. The stable-keeper had no doubt about “Timi Kara” having “prenty ti money,” but naturally enough wanted an order to get his share of it for payment for vehicle hire. He told the natives they could have all they desired if that or the cash were forthcoming. The natives stared blankly at each other for a few moments, then seeing their little game would not work, stole out by the back entrance, made for the nearest pub, and ordering a gallon of beer, proceeded to repair their injured dignity by plentiful “inner lubrication.” Who says the Maori of to-day is not wily?

Mr Geo. Coley advertises for the return of a Tom Thumb pouy. A cable message announces that the Right Hon. R. B Haldane, British Minister for War, has beer, created a Viscount.

The attendance shield at the local State School was won this week by Standards V., VI. and VII., with an average of 97*4 per cent.

The Palmerston North Fire Board, at a meeting on Thursday, decided to pay the costs in a legal action which arose out of a fire during the Pawelka scare. The explosion of the contents of a basket wrecked refreshment rooms at Nyngau, 100 miles from Dubbo, and injured a woman and boy, says a cable from Sydney. The basket had been lying in the rooms for some time. What it contained is unknown.

The services at the Methodist Church to-morrow morning and evening, will be conducted by the Rev. Mr Coatsworth. The subject for the morning will be : “ Booking Unto Jesus, ’ and in the evening, “ Hidden Treasure.

A Masterton settler upon whose property ragwort is somewhat plentiful has adopted a unique method of destroying the weed (says the Age). He has had a sharp piece of steel attached to the toe of each boot, and whenever he walks he is doing execution.

Arrangements are almost completed in New Plymouth for a cycle road race round Mt. Egmont, a distance of about no miles, starting and finishing at the same point. The race will probably be run in August, about a fortnight prior to the Timaru-Christchurch race. Not less than ,£3OO will he given in cash and trophies, including a 50 guinea Britannia challenge cup.

Wollatt (vegetarian) and Beaumont (beef-eater), two Feilding drapers who held a walking contest of 45 miles, from Feilding to Marton and back, last year, Beaumont winning by seven minutes, had a'returu match on Wednesday. There was great interest in the contest, Wollatt starting at 6 a.in. and Beaumont at 7. Wollatt going well all through, finished strong at 2.31. Beaumont retired at Sandon. At the Woodville amateur athletic meeting on Wednesday afternoon, H. Kerr, champion walker, and Harding, champion runner, were among the athletes present. Kerr gave a fine display, and Harding won the quartermile and halt-mile, was second in the hop, step and jump, and also won the points prize. Fisher, an ex-champion, also competed, and won the 100yds. Several members of the Manawatu Athletic Club were prize-winners.

The Mission being conducted in the Presbyterian Church by Mr and Mrs Cumming, the Scottish singing evangelists, was again well attended on Thursday night. Yesterday afternoon the last of the children’s services were held when there was again a very large attendance. Last night a lantern lecture was given on “ Sunny Queensland.” The church was packed and a number of people were unable to gain admission. The lecptre was full of interest and much appreciated. To-night another lantern lecture will be given, entitled “A Trip to Scotland.”

It has been decided that New Zealand will not be represented officially in the expedition of scientists to Tonga for observation of the eclipse of the sun on April 29th. The advance party of the Australian expedition are passengers by the Maheno. The balance leave by the Tofua on Tuesday next. The Encounter, leaving Sydney on Saturday, will convey the English expeditions to Vavau. A partial eclipse will be visible in Wellington on April 29th, commencing at 7.27 a.m,, reaching its greatest phase at 8.25 a.m., when 60 per cent of the sun’s disc will be obscured, and terminating at 9.28 a.m.

“ Parents are still under the impression that they can keep their children home from school one day a week,” remarked Mr A. Hooker, Truant Inspector, at the New Plymouth Police Court on Thursday. They were entitled to do so last year, but the new Act is quite explicit that they must send their children to school every time the school is open, and this has been in force since the New Year.” He also mentioned that it was not necessary to go to a doctor for a certificate, as a certificate of exemption could at any lime be obtained from the headmaster of the school, or the chairman of the school committee, on giving satisfactory evidence that the child was unable to attend school.

It is staled that a new Maori Mecca is likely to be established not far from New Plymouth shortly, now that Farihaka has lost its attraction and maua. A well known native, Kouake by name, who lives on the Smart road, appears to be the aspirant to prophetic honours. For the past two or three mouths meetings have been held at his pah. It is intended to make the xSth of each month the Maori Sunday. So far the meetings have been successful, and each month sees a further increase of adherents. On Sunday last several pakehas were invited, and an interesting day was spent. The catering was a feature, all kinds of meats, lash and vegetables being dispensed in up-to-date pakeha fashion. Afternoon tea was also 11 put on in first-class style. Poi and haka dances formed part of the programme. Rules and regulations tor governing the settlement have been drawn up.

Mrs Genet, of Duncan Street, is prepared to undertake dressmaking.

A young man named Wesley McKinney received fatal injuries through his motor cycle colliding with a furniture wagon by the Bank of New Zealand, Christchurch, yesterday morning. The accident was due to one of the wheels of the cycle skidding on the tramline. McKinney’s skull was fractured, and he died in the hospital in the afternoon. Mr William Taylor, a Manawatu settler of over thirty years’ standing, died as the result of pneumonia at his residence, Taikorea, yesterday, aged fifty-four. Mr Taylor was at one time a member of the Manawatu County Council. His wife, a daughter of Mr W. R. Brown, of Wellington, and two sons and three daughters survive him.

A little boy named Burnett, son of Mr Burnett, of the Manchester Boardinghouse, had a very narrow escape from drowning this morning. It appears that he, together with two other boys, was playing about on the steps at the north end of the wharf, when he fell into the water. His companions rushed away to the boardinghouse and informed his father of the occurrence. By the time his father reached the river the little fellow had drifted down to the back of Messrs Kevin and Co.’s sheds, and must have then been in the water between five and ten minutes. He was pulled out of the water and artificial respiration commenced by those present to bring him round, and medical aid was sent for. The efforts at resuscitation were eventually successful, and the little fellow was then removed to his home. From enquries made since we are pleased to report that he is getting along very nicely.