LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1283, 11 August 1914, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Mayor, at last night's meeting of the Borough Council, extended an invitation to Councillors to be present at the meeting to be held this evening, to discuss matters of local interest in connection with the European crisis. Cr Coley said that owing to business in Palmerston he would be unable to be present. We are showing a splendid line of ladies “Equity” shoes, guaranteed quality, latest style. Betty’s Boot Emporium.* Loud rolls the drum, with a rum tum-tum, The bugles blare, but our boy’s not there; He is home in bed, With an aching head; He did not parade, (By the ‘flu’ delayed)— Big musters assure, With Woods’ Peppermint Cure. 3

Daring last month, twenty head of cattle were impounded by the ranger, driving fees six shillings. Accounts amounting to os $d were passed for payment at last night’s meeting of the Borough Council.

The war fever seems to have taken full possession of Foxton, and people discuss little else. Even the children are keen to learn the latest details.

Local business people report a slackness in their turnover. Soft goods firms throughout the Dominion report a considerable falling off. At the Presbyterian Church last Sunday morning, the Rev. J. M. Thomson, M.A. offered up special prayers in connection with the war, and the National Anthem was sung.

The Queen of the South, hemp laden, and Kennedy sailed for Wellington last night. The Queen of the South is due back to-morrow with a general cargo.

For the convenience of those desirous of offering their services for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, the Mayor has been supplied with enrolment forms, and intending volunteers can obtain the necessary forms on application. In the opinion of Mr S. A. R. Mair, engineer to the Rangitikei County Council, “ With good, clean, metal, and cheap cement there is no doubt concrete offers the solution in the near future for motor roads, but the above conditions must obtain in their entirety before this hope can be attained.”

The public is of opinion that the war is a good thing, financially, for the newspapers, by reason of the boosting of their circulation. This is a mistake, so far as this country is concerned. The extra expense incurred in securing the news is far greater than receipts from increased sales. Further, newspaper proprietors will soon be faced with a shortage of paper, which will necessitate curtailing of space. A novel argument for more totalisator permits was advanced by a prominent member of the Cheviot Racing Club at the annual meeting of the club on Saturday (states the Christchurch Press). He said they wanted all the race meetings they could get—the more the better. With the number of motor-cars that were getting about the only way to keep up the price of chaff was to breed racehorses.

A letter from the secretary of the Borough Band asking for a refund of hall hire paid in connection with their recent social, as the effort was not a financial success, was read at last night’s Council meeting.—lt was decided, on the motion of Cr Barber, seconded by Cr Chrystall, that the secretary of the Band be informed that the Council cannot see its way clear to refund the charge of the Coronation Hall, but is willing to help the Band in its annual effort.

The action of the Shannon storekeepers in putting up the price of food stuffs on the first rumours of war came in for some strong criticism by Councillor Venn at the Horowhenua County Council meeting on Saturday. He stated that the wholesale merchants in Wellington had added £i per ton to the price of flour, but the storekeepers in Shannon had added £ 2. It was a shameful and disgraceful action, if the Government did not take steps to stop such exploitation it would go out next election, said Councillor Venn In conclusion.

The following notice has been sent by the Town Clerk to interested, property-owners: —“As the Council has decided to enforce the By-Law relative to fences and hedges encroaching on the foothpalhs, I have been directed to inform you and all propertyowners that their hedges and fences must be put back to the proper line for fences. Owners of trees over hanging footpaths are in the same position, so I would ask you to take this notice to apply to trees overhanging as well as those encroaching on the footpaths.’’ In May last the local Borough Council passed absolution asking the Valuation Department to revalue the borough before March 31st next, and pointing out that the present valuations were very inconsistent. No reply has been received from the Department, and at last night’s meeting the following motion, moved by Cr Coley and seconded by Cr Chrystall, was carried: That the Valuer-General be requested to give effect to the resolution passed by this Council on May nth, 19x4, relative to the re-valuation of the borough this year, and which resolution was forwarded to the Department on May 12th, and of which no notice has been taken. We like the R. and G. brand of hats and caps very much, they are so comfortable, light in weight, perfect in style and very durable. Ask your local clothier for the R. and G brand evervtune.* Furniture slaughter sale now on. See advertisement. P. Wollerman.* It is quality that makes a bargain. This will be found in every pair of boots or shoss purchased at Rettee Bros. Ladies, call and see the special line of 6dong welted sole shoes from 13s scr. Bools and shoes of all makes and prices stocked. Don’t forget, we sell five tins of Nugget polish for is.* A well assorted supply of English ■ and colonial confection cry at < Perreau’s.*

At last night’s meeting of the Borough Council, the statutory resolution striking the rates for the current year was passed. There were present at last night’s meeting of the Borough Council: The Mayor (Mr G. H. Stiles), and Crs Speirs, Chrystall, Barber, Henderson, Read, Freeman, Kempster, Whibley and Coley. The postmaster informs us that the Pacific cable notify that owing to pressure of business the conditions transmission and delivery of deferred and week end telegrams suspended. Such messages only accepted at sender’s risk, and subject to abnormal delay. Throughout New Zealand there has been a great response to the call for assistance in the way of horses and funds, and there are large numbers of volunteers coming forward for the Expeditionary Force. Several have volunteered from this district.

Exclusive of Maoris, the total estimated population of the Dominion on June 30 last was 1,091,159. The Maori population (according to the census of 1911) was 49,844, and the population of Cook and other Pacific Islands 12,598The following instruction has been received by the local postmaster Post Office Savings Bank restriction to frequency not less than seven days not to be maintained. Restriction to maximum of £2 as the amount of any one withdrawal in one day with usual notice to be maintained. Bids for stock at a recent sale were not coming freely. The auctioneer rebuked the farmers for their tardiness. Presently one man put in a bid, and the auctioneer exclaimed: “Good enough ; the only Britisher present! What name?’’ “Schnieder!” said the buyer, amidst laughter. At the last monthly meeting of the Borough Council, Mr A. Wallbutton complained of stock straying in Union Street, and the Council asked the ranger for an explanation. The ranger and Mr Wallbutton were both in attendance at last night’s meeting, and the matter was satisfactorily cleared up by a statement from the ranger. The House of Representatives has passed Bills to ensure reasonable prices being charged for foodstuffs and goods, and also to relieve mortgagees for the time being of embarrassments likely to arise out of the financial markets of the world. If the necessity arrives industrial awards, with certain safeguards as to the minimum wage, may be suspended by Order-in-Council. In our report of che congregational meeting of the Presbyterian Church last Thursday, we omitted to mention that on behalf of the Sabbath school teachers and scholars, Mr John Speirs, the superintendent, warmly thanked the minister, Rev. J. M. Thomson, for his kindly interest in them and their work. Mr Thomson he said, had availed himself of every possible opportunity to help them in every way in his power, and they appreciated his assistance and interest very much, A letter was read at last night’s Council meeting from Mr J. McCoII, pointing out that at present the cemetery was in a very wild state, and suggesting that steps should be taken to improve its • appearance. He signified his willingness to assist, in the matter. —It was decided, on the motion of Cr Barber, seconded by Cr Chrystall, that Mr McColl be informed that the Council regret it is unable to do anything in the matter of the cemetery at present.

In regard to capture at sea, it is possible to capture any public or private vessel of an enemy, but there are exceptions. Mail 'boats, as a rule, are exempt, but they are exempt not by law of nations, but by treaty between any two States, The Niagara, on the way to Auckland from Vancouver, is exposed to capture by any German warship that is disposed to enter into a contest of speed. As a rule, merchant ships of belligerent nations can be detained, but at the end of the war they would be returned to their former owners with compensation. Capture at sea is complete when absolute control is exercised over the captured vessel.

Having just landed an up-to-date supply of catering utensils from England, Mr M. Perreau is now in a position to specialise in catering, which will be undertaken in any part of the district.* Can you beat this? Glass washboards only 2/- each. Splendid value. T. Rimmer

Wanted—The people of Foxton and the surrounding districts to know that A. de Luen, tailor, of Palmerston North, will call on anyone with samples upon the receipt of a postcard. Costumes from £4 4s. Suits from £4 10s.* The famous Roslvn Writing Pads obtainable from all stationers and storekeeper at 6d and is each.*

T. M. Kelly is offering a special blend of loose tea K brand at 1/2 lb. get a trial lb. you can’t do better.* For Chronic Chest Complaints, Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure, 1/6, 2/6.

For furniture we can give you a quote for cash that will open your eyes. An absolute saving of onehird the cost seems good doesn’t it ? An enquiry costs you nothing. Walker and Furrie.* Perreau’s date scones are a very popular dish for afternoon tea. Fresh daily.*

Our bacon is from selected country-fed pigs .and is specially cured for our trade. Walker and Furrie.*

Mr J. M. Barr notifies that on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday next a special show of the new spring millinery will be made. Mr Lind, was entertained by his Shannon friends last night prior to his departure for Palmerston, where he intends in future to reside.

The Inspector of Nuisances reported at last night’s Council meeting that with the exception of one case, particulars of which had been given to the Borough Solicitor, the borough was in a clean condition at present. Yesterday Sub-Inspector Marsack visited Foxton, and three German Reservists who had failed to report themselves were placed under arrest. They were escorted to Palmerston North by the afternoon train. Three other German Reservists were arrested in Palmerston N.

It is notified by advertisement that the Inspector of Stock will be in Foxton on Thursday to examine horses suitable for Field Artillery. For full particulars as to class of horse required see advertisement. • • - v . • It is the intention of the local Borough Council to take steps to limit the amount of explosives and inflammable oils to be stored by local dealers, and also to make it compulsory to have separate and specially constructed buildings to store same in. From inquiries made by the Inspector of Nuisances, it appears that there are on an average about 100 cases of kerosene and 50 cases of benzine in stock in Main Street, and in only two instances specially constructed buildings are in use as storerooms for same.

Cr Chrystall mentioned at last night’s meeting of the Borough Council that there was a seam of good metal on Mr Neylon’s property, in Purcell street, and suggested that steps should be taken to test it. The seam was 4ft. 6in, from the surface, and was ten feet in thickness. —It was decided, on his matlon, seconded by Cr, Barber, that preliminary steps be taken, with Mr Neylon’s permission, to test the extent of the gravel on his property. Every citizen who can make it convenient should attend the meeting convened by the Mayor, to be held in the Council Chambers this evening, at 7.15 o’clock, for the purpose of discussing certain suggestions made by her Excellency the Countess of Liverpool in respect to providing comforts for the men who are to go to the front with the expeditionary force, also to discuss what steps should be taken to deal with local relief cases which may arise through the closing down of the hemp industry. Mr Winston Churchill, First Lord of the Admiralty, in describing the loss of H.M.S. Amphion, said the indiscriminate, use of mines in places not connected with military harbours or strategical positions and the scattering of mines about the seas might destroy not merely the enemy’s vessels 'or warships, but peaceful merchantships travelling under neutral flags. This use of mines was new in warfare and deserved to be attentively considered by the nations of the civilised world. The Admiralty was not alarmed and had expected a certain number of such incidents, but Britain’s arrangemedts provided for reducing such occurrences to a minimum.