LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1339, 22 December 1914, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The passenger traffic on the railways is reported very heavy. All trains are crowded. It is estimated that the German losses in the Lod'/ district in killed and wounded and prisoners amount to 160,000 and the Russian losses to 120,000.

The borough roadmeu are erecting a concrete wall to protect the sand hill blowing on to the footpath in Park Street, near the old cemetery.

An old man, named Alexander Adams, 75 years of age, died suddenly at Chrisrchurch, while assisting to dig a grave. The cause was heart failure. Mr Robert Fletcher, M.P., will not again stand for the chairmanship of the Wellington Harbour Board, He will, however, contest the Mayoralty of Wellington at the next election. All the cottages at the seaside are occupied tor the holidays. Already a number of visitors have taken up their residence at the locality, but the weather has spoilt their enjoyment so far.

A number of residents whose gardens were invaded by roaming stock, keenly appreciate the rescinding motion of Cr, Henderson prohibiting free grazdng on the roads.

A very enjoyable social was held under the auspices of the Presbyterian Bible Class in the schoolroom last night. Vocal and instrumental items were contributed and a competition. Refreshments were dispensed by the lady members, The Rev. J. M. Thomson presided. At the suggestion of its chief inspector, the Wanganui Eduation Board has decided to communicate with the English and Canadian Education Departments, with a view to ascertaining the conditions under which New Zealand teachers may exchange positions with others in those Services.

The Waverley, with cement from Terakohe, arrived at n o'clock on Sunday morning, and on account of bad weather has been unable to sail again. As soon as the weather permits she will leave for Wellington. The Queen of the South, with general from Wellington, arrived this morning. She will load hemp, and sail to-morrow afternoon (weather permitting) for Wellington, Following the usual practice, members of the Borough Band will go out carolling on Christmas Eve, or at least early Christmas morning. Any citizens who would prefer not to have their slumber interrupted by the sweet strains of music would be well advised to send their donations to the Band secretary, who will see that such residents are not disturbed.

At the Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning, the Rev J. M. Thomson referred to the Marsden Centenary. The preacher graphically described the first Christian service held in New Zealand on Christmas Day, 1814. Mr Marsden’s text was, “Behold, I bring you glad tidings,” and the first hymn sung was the “Old Hundredth” —“All people that on earth do dwell,” etc. Mr Thomson referred to the missionary work of Marsden, and the spread of Christianity among the Maoris. Appropriate hymns were sung, including a solo by Mrs Patterson during the offertory.

Speaking at University College, London, Professor J. H. Morgan said that in a recent conversation with Lord Haldane he expressed his admiration at the extraordinary complete and unobtrusive expedition with which the authorities had met the present great emergency in the mobilisation and transport of the expeditionary force, and the insurance against war risks. “Yes, we worked all that out in the committee some years ago,” replied Lord Haldane. “You will find it all in the ‘War Book.' ” He, the speaker, remarked •• “I have never read the ‘War Book.’ ” “No,” said Lord Haldane, “and you never will unless you become a member of the Committee of Imperial Defence.” The following new books have just been added to the local public library:—“The Eyes of the World” (H. B. Wright), “Perch of the Devil” (G. Atherton), “What will People Say?” (R. Hughes), “The Wall of Partition” (F. Barclay), “Flower O' the Pine” (E. Turner), “The Rescue of Martha” (F. F. Moore), “The White Sapphire” (X. F. Hartman), “The Last Shot” fF. Palmer), “John Barleycorn” (J. London), “Gillespie” fj. M. Hay), “Night Watches” (W. W. Jacobs), “The Maker of Secrets” (W. Le Queux), “The Secret of the Reef” (H. Bindless), “The Woman’s Law” (.M. Thompson), “The Garden of Dreams” (H. G. Richards), “The Vanished Messenger” Q 3. P. Oppenheim), “The Making of a Bigot (R. Macaulay), “Corroding Gold” (A. S. Swan), “A Soldier of the Legion” (C. N. and A. M. Williamson), “A Girl from Mexico” (R. B. Townsend), “The Way Home” (B. King), “The White Lie” (W. Le Queux). Spend Xmas Eve at Rimmer’s—you will get the best choice, your money will go the furthest —some thing for all.

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.* ‘

On page 3 Walker and Furrie tell of some reasons why they get the trade of the most disciiminating people.*

The Herald will uot be published on Saturday next, Boxing Day, nor on the following Saturday, January and. Old Age Pensions instalments for December are payable on and after 23rd inst., which will enable the veterans to enjoy the festive season.

Terrific gales again followed Saturday’s calm on Sunday and all day yesterday and last night. Considerable damage has been done to fruit and vegetable crops throughout the district. We remind the public of the patriotic meeting to be held in the Town Hall supper-room to-night for the purpose of stimulating recruiting. Patriotic speeches will be delivered, and those willing to enlist will be enrolled.

Dr M’Nab declines to prophesy whether there will be another election or not, hut he declared himself confident that “when Parliament meets the leaders will be able to evolve a condition of things that will enable the business of the country to he carried on.” Among the Palmerston art students who were successful in the competitions held by the New Zealand Academy of Pine Arts was Mr G. K. Daniell, of Foxtou, In the study from still life, in oil or water colour, Mr Daniel was the prize-winner; highly commended, Ruby Partridge, Christchurch; commended, Cassandra Pound, Wellington, and Evelyn Dawson, Wellington. Enquiry was made of the Prime Minister as to the price at which he proposed to sell the wheat coming from Canada to the order of the New Zealand Government. “Needless to say, we don’t want to make any profit on the wheat imported,” said Mr Massey. “Probably it will be sold by us at a slight loss. There is this to be considered, however; if we sell it at below cost, this will preventjany private individuals from importing wheat, aud as there is a shortage we do not wish to discourage importation. There is our difficulty.” There was a fairly large and appreciative audience at the Municipal Pictures on Saturday night. The whole programme was an exceptionally good one, aud all the items were well re ceived. The special feature film, “When Lions Escape,’’ was most interesting and uncannily realistic. At times the audience fairly held its breath to see real lions walking in and out of a bedroom, and a small child calmly sitting up in its cot within a few feet of the animals.

At “The Royal 1 ' on Saturday night a most enjoyable and entertaining programme was screened. The star picture, “The Governor’s Double,” by the famous A.K. Company was a very fascinating play of human interest and the different scenes depicted were indeed magnificent and met with the approval of those present. Another feature of the programme was the screening of the war pictures and as the different views were shown were greeted with rounds of applause. The other portion of the programme which consisted of dramas, comics and scenics, made up a very fine evening’s entertainment which was greatly appreciated by the audience. At the inquest at Feilding touching the death of' G. E* Perichon, the evidence went to show that deceased drank in mistake for whisky, some pyrogalic acid used for developing in his business as a photographer. The next day, as he had been very sick after the draught of poisonous acid, the deceased did not consider it necessary to call in a doctor, and was able to do a little work. He worked a little also on Wednesday, but having become seriously ill was taken to the Palmerston North Hospital, where he died. The verdict was that death was due to , drinking pyrogalic acid in mistake for whisky.

An amusing incident connected with the departure of the Rotorua detachment of the Maori Expeditionary force was related by the Rev F. A. Bennett at the Auckland Town Hall. An old Rangitira was farewelling the young warriors, explained Mr Bennett, and in doing so remarked that he had heard the Germans were in sore straits for food. “I bear they are even reduced to eating grass. Now leHt not be said that you ever ate grass,” exhorted the old warrior to the departing taua. “If you have nothing better than grass to eat, follow the footsteps of your noble ancestors.” The grim allusion to the practice of eating their enemies on occasions was no doubt made in all seriousness by the fierce old rangitira, but the pakeha audience in the Town Hall enjoyed the joke hugely. The clothes oft proclaim the man, Heasman’s tailoring is the last word in style and finish. Select your suitings now for the festive season to save disappointment. A wide range of summer material to select from.*

Farmers and flaxmill employees are recommended our new special waterproof boots. We guarantee them. R. T. Betty.*

If you are contemplating giving anyone a Xmas present see Thomas Riramer’s stock —by far the best assorted and best value in town.*

For Influenza take Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure. Never fails, 1/6, 2/6. The famous Roslyn Writing Pads obtainable from all stationers and storekeepers at 6d and Is each.*

Spend Xmas Eve at Rimmer’s — you can get what you want there and the best value given in town*.

The Canadian contingent has received its baptism of fire.

The New Zealanders are being lionised in Egypt.

Heard the latest 5 Best value ever known in Christmas cakes at Perreau’s.*

The Allies are slowing pushing the Germans back in northern France and Belgium.

Be sure and let the kiddies have a dip in the bran tub at Perreau’s. Good value every time. No blanks. *

The South African rebellion has been completely crushed. All the rebel leaders have been captured and some court-martialled apd shot.

In the event of another election being held, Mr Byron Brown informs the Otaki Mail that he will be a candidate for the Otaki seat, against all comers. Messrs Mounsey and Co. will hold a clearing sale to-morrow on behalf of Mr C. Gooch, of the Cecil Cafe. Everything will be submitted under the hammer.

The Auckland Star states that Dr. Buck (Te Rangihiroa) has been offered the position of Chief Medical Officer to the Maori con; tingent now in training in Auckland for service abroad.

Mr Wioston Churchill, First Lord of the Admiralty, referring to the German naval raid off the English coast, says: "Their hate measures, their fears, and whatever feats of arms the German navy herealter performs, the stigma ot ‘the babykillers of Scarborough’ will brand their officers and men while sailors sail the seas.”

Mr \V. Spelman. late of the local post aud telegraph staff, was successfully operated upon in the Thames Hospital on Saturday for appendicitis. His many friends will be glad to hear he is making a rapid recovery. Mr Spelman’s name appears in the list of successful candidates who satin Auckland recently for their accountants examination.

A start has been made with the pulling down of the old post office building in Main Street, which was recently sold for removal. Although the building had been erected for a great number of years, the timber, which is practically all heart of totara, is in excellent condition, being as good as the day it was put upi In the removal ot this building another of Foxton’s old land marks disappears.

Two local lads, Edward and Stanley Thompson, were awarded six shillings at the recent Horti cultural Society’s Show tor birds eggs collected, which amount they have handed over to the Belgian Christmas Gift Fund. This fund also benefitted to the extent of £g 3s representing the amount in the collecting box at the polling booth on election day. There will be a gathering at the Marsden cross on Christmas Day to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first divine service held in New Zealand, by the Rev. Samuel Marsden. There will be a celebration of Holy Communion under the shadow of the Marsden Cross at 11 a.m. on Christmas Day and a second service in the afternoon. In order to be present at the morning service, visitors will require to leave Auckland by a steamer at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, proceed from Whangarei to Opua by train and then cross by launch to the Marsden cross. In order that the celebrations may be within the reach of everyone in New Zealand, special services will be held on Christmas Day in every Anglican Church in the Dominion.

The Hon. William Montgomery died at his residence, Little River, yesterday, at the age of 94 years. The Hon. Wm. Montgomery was born in London in 1821 and was educated at the Royal Academical Institution, Belfast, He went to Australia in 1851 and nin.e years later arrived in New settling in the Canterbury Province. In 1874 he was elected to the House of Representatives and was the member for Akaroa for the following thirteen years. In 1877 he was Leader of the Opposition and became Colonial Secretary and Minister of Education in the Stout-Vogel Government in 1 884. He declined office in the next Stout Government and retired from Parliament and in 18S7, being subsequently called to the Legislative Council in 1892 and reappointed in 1906, Referring to the defeat of Sir Walter Buchanan, the Christchurch Press says : —“We regret the loss to Parliament of one of its worthiest members. Sir Walter has done far more than most men for the country in which he settled with no capital save his industry and perseverance. By sheer hard work he won bis way to his present position ; his possessions are the fruit of toil and sagacity. He made for himself the means of assisting very materially the growth of the great primary industries in the southern part of the North Island, and happily his experience will not cease to assist these interests now that he is once more a private citizen. He has given liberally for public causes, and be deserved far better of the Wairarapa district than to be replaced by Mr Hornsby. In retiring from politics, the veteran will take with him the regard of all his fellow-members, and he leaves behind only an honourable and useful record-’’

We are showing a splendid line of ladies “Equity” shoes, guaranteed quality, latest style. Betty’s Boot Emporium.* For Chronic Chest Complaints Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure, 1/6, 2/6.