LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1751, 25 August 1917, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The libel actions, Harry Downs v. John Bull Newspaper Proprietory Co., and Bird and Jensen v. the same paper, have been settled out of court.

An electric storm was witnessed in the southern sky .last evening. A peculiar case is reported in Masterton, in which a man suddenly went blind. Mr J. Rose, who has disposed of his flaxmill to Mr Petrie, intends to go in for mixed farming. He has purchased Mr Suisted’s farm of 343, acres at Mangatainoka. Mrs M’Master, relict of Mr Angus M’Master, who arrived in Wellington in the ship Blenheim in 1840, and who was one of the first settlers in the Wairarapa, died at Mastertou on Wednesday. Speaking at Wanganui, Mr T. B. Slipper said it had been stated that there were 10,000 “dodgers” in the Firs! Division. lie said that he had been told by a person in'authority, whoso name he could not divulge, that the actual number was 17,000. Sir James Allen (Minister for Defence) announced in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon that advice had been received that parts of the 28th Reinforcements have arrived at a port of call. Mr W. Petrie, Government Hemp grader, has purchased Mr J. Rose’s two-stripper Foxton mill, and will take possession on September Ist. Prior to taking up the appointment as a Government grader, Mr Petrie was engaged in Jlaxmilling in the South Island. The Prime Minister, speaking in Parliament this week on the Budget debate, said he objected to the idea that was being put abroad that this was a class war; the man who put that idea abroad was a traitor to his country. A member: lie ought to bo hanged.

. There are degrees of meanness even in thieving, but it would surely be difficult to get much lower down the scale of meanness than to thieve from a send-off social to soldiers. No fewer than 31 cups, saucers, and basins were stolen at a send-off to soldiers one night last week.—Timaru Hera Id.

A Palmerston business man telegraphed to Sir J oseph Ward: “Liberty Loan —some doubt here whether prospectus term ‘free from New Zealand income tax’ guarantees freedom from special war tax'.” The Treasury replied; “Securities issued for war loan are free from all income taxes.”

We have received anonymous correspondence re alleged military shirkers in this district. The publication of such correspondence might land us into a libel action, information of this nature should be forwarded to the military authorities, who will make the necessary enquiries and treat such information as confidential.

Air L. M, Isilt waxed eloquent in the House of Representatives recently on the necessity for avoiding extravagance. “We can’t afford to pay £3 10s for ladies’ long-legged boots for the sake of 10s a pair duty,” he declared, his remark being greeted with laughter. He then proceeded to denounce other forms of extravagance, such as racing and picture shows.

A Christchurch merchant on Tuesday forwarded a cable message to a leading Sydney merchant, enquiring how the strike was progressing, and if martial law was in

force. The following reply was received; “Ordinary conditions prevailing.” Another Christchurch importer sent a similar message, and the following reply is to hand; “Statement incorrect;-no martial law.”

What is declared to bo the first skeleton of a new species of mastodon lias been acquired by the American Museum of Natural History. It was unearthed in Northern Texas, and is believed to represent an animal that lived about 300,000 years ago. The discovery, says scientists, is another evidence that there once existed an Alaskan land bridge over which animals of the prehistoric age passed from Asia to North America.

The Hon. Sir James Carroll, member for Gisborne, celebrated Ids (iOlh birthday on Monday, when he received cordial congratulations from members of the House and Legislative Council. Several Gisborne societies also took the opportunity of making presentations to the “Ariki,” as ho is fondly termed. Sir James, who is the “father” of the House l , enjoys the unique distinction of holding the record for the longest consecutive term (20 years) as a Minister of the Crown in the Empire.

Everyone can assist to win the war by contributing to the "War Loan. There are people in this community who have thousands which could be profitably invested, others who have hundreds, and still more who have smaller sums. Even the children can invest their savings, The money so invested is not lost. It is earning belter interest than if lodged in the P.O. Savings Bank. Besides, the certificates are negotiable in any transaction.; Be patriotic, and help to win the War by investing in the Loan.

An expressive, if not very dulcetsounding, term used in Parliament on Thursday, was that of “sowser.” Its originator was Mr L. M. Isitt, who stated that any suggestion to abolish drinking and suchlike evils evoked the wrath of the “sowsers.” The “sowser” loved his country, but he loved his stomach better. (Laughter). “You cannot make a silk purse out of a ‘sowsers’ * ear,” said Mr Isitt, the remark being followed by a good deal of laughter. The “sowser,” added Mr Isitt, was implacable in the hatred he had for the “wowser.” (Further merriment).

Fx’om an exchange: This week we, landed a supply of newspaper, and when the bill came along we thought it must be fox’ a motor ear or a diamond necklace. There won't be much given to subscription lists this year by the printer. The Petit Journal states that the difficulties in the way of Japanese intervention in _ Europe have been removed, and a glorious dawn will be symbolised by the appearance of the Japanese Jlag on the Russian front.

The police at Feilding prosecuted Captain Falconer, hotel licensee, for a breach of the shouting regulations. A fine of £lO and costs was imposed. Judgment was reserved in another ease for permitting shouting. Hewitt, a barman, was lined £5 and costs 7s.

In the near future people having business on certain of the wharves in Wellington will have to show a pass (hat will be issued only lo those whose business is known and recognised, which pass will he examined by an officer posted on the wharf for that purpose.

The- death is announced, at the age of 75 year’s, of Air William Cleland, one of the best known residents of the Ilutt Valley. He was a son of Captain Cloland, one of (lie early settlers in Wellingfon, and had lived at the Taita for the, greater part of Ids life. In espousing (lie cause of returned soldiers, Air W. 11. Field, in Parliament, said there might be 10,000 men who desired to go on l!m land. If (his was (lie case, and they showed adaptability, it was the duly of the country to (rain these men in order (hat (hey 'might go on (he land. The recount in the Shannon Council election altered three of the Candidates’ figures to the.following: —M. Moynihan 150, S. Richardson 153, J. W. Murray 152. The following now constitute the Council; —Mayor, .Mr IT. W. Murdoch; councillors, Messrs Spencer, Farglier, (bmlener. Carl ex’, Moynihan. Hook-, Rielmrdson. ami Omiaiug. The Covermnenl has been successful (says the Fust) in obtaining tonnage for the despatch of general, as disi inguished from refrigerated cargo, consisting of wool, (allow, hides, pelfs,flax, and other lines. This will materially help in reducing accumulations of such cargo-in the various ports in the Dominion. Messrs Saunders Tiros., of Moiitoa, have just imported from Mr F. E. Ileliyer, of Dunedin, two purebred Jersey yearlings. One is a daughter of the gold medal cow, Lady of Collingwood, the premier Jersey cow of New Zealand. The other is a sou of Hoses Sweet, also a celebrated cow and granddam of Lady of Collingwood. Mr Hcllycr is one of (lie leading Jersey breeders of A’ew Zealand. Messrs Saunders Pros, are to he congratulated upon introducing such high-class slock into the district.

Major Buck (Dr.) formerly ALP., writes from France (to Airs Pomare) acknowledging receipt of goods mul moneys sent to ilio Alaori soldiers (now on active service) from the Lady Livcrpoid Maori Soldiers’ Knud. Among the goods were many parcels of (oliiroas, and alien! these Dr. Buck remarks“ The foJdroas will he a boon to tlie lads, for you know how they love anything’dial comes from the sea. . .

If you gel the Alaoris to send dried pawas and eels as well their gratitude would know no bounds.” The major inept ions that Airs Buck is working at the Xcw Zealand Convalescent (.'amp at Hornchurch.

‘T would ha'c ye C undcrsfaii’ ■that I'm not appealing for myself,” said a sturdy young miner, as lie slopped into the witness box before (he Second Otago Military Service Board at Riverton. ‘Tve, enlisted three times, and been passed each time, and, because I’m a coal-miner, I’ve not got away. Now that Tve been called in the ballot, what are ye going to do with me?” The Chairman (Air .Day, S.AL) : “Oh, we’ll give you a chance to get away. ‘Will Saturday do you?” “Te-s. whenever yon like.” replied the witness. Captain Barrett: “You are the sort of man we are looking for, and we will soon see you fixed up.” Airs Pomare, lion, secretary of the Lady Liverpool Fund for Alaori Soldiers, in acknowledging receipt of €3O raised by the Koputaroa Ladies’ Committee, gives some interesting details of the activities amongst the Alaoris, There are 31 committees throughout Xcw Zealand. To (he ld(h July last, ,185!) 14s lOd has boon collected, and the expenditure has been ,€l5B 17s sd. In the way of comforts, 4,<>!!() tins of loifimungas have, been sent to the Alaori lads at the front; 1,150 mutton birds (cadi equivalent, to the pakcha’s Christmas pudding); 14 do/., tins of dried pi pis, and 1,000 parcels of clothing. The proceeds of the concert to be held next Friday are to assist the above funds.

Speaking of the war loan during the Financial debate in the House, .Mr .Massey said he believed it was being placed before the public on the most reasonable terms, and that it would turn out to he a great success. He hoped that in a few years we would gel back to pre-war taxation, and then the free-of-income-tax investment would to that extent depreciate. The money was needed to enable us to carry on our share of the war, and he asked the people with money to think what was being done for them by our soldiers and sailors. Everybody could do something, even if he could not go to the front, and the host thing he could do was to invest money in the war loan,

“If the whole of the Land and Income Tax revenue which Sir Joseph Ward estimates to collect from all H the people of New Zealand were taken out of the par profit on last season's wool clip the growers would still be left with more wool money in their pockets than ever they possessed since the first sheep was bora in New Zealand. —Lyttelton Times.

A good story is told of a wealthy Wanganui farmer, a bachelor, who enlisted and went into camp. Tic had only been in Feathcrston a few days, when one of his hands also came into camp, and passing the cook-shop one day he saw his boss pooling potatoes. Looking somewhat astonished, the newcomer addressed his employer thus: “Hello, Harry, how did you get the job.’’’ "Oh. influence, my hoy, influence,” \ replied the wealthy recruit. T

Ever since the war began (says a contemporary) there have been y amongst us a number of parasites ' > preying on the necessity of (ho people. These exploiters have apparently neilher’body to he kicked nor soul to be damned. Their latest adventure is lo immediately raise ihe price of (hose articles upon which the tariff lias been increased, notwithstanding that the stocks in hand are not in the least affected by the new duties. This is a highly immoral proceeding.

On Thursday afternoon a man named Andrew Anderson attempted suicide by culling his throat at Mr 0. Seifert's Jlaxmill. at Tokomavu. The Palmerston police were communicated with, and Dr. (Irieg and Consiahle O'Donohue went out. and attended the man, who was in a very weak stale from loss of blood. They brought him to the district hospital. ' Anderson left Palmerston the day previous, and walked to Tokomarn, but was not employed therm The wound is not considered

Thai well-worn appellation “wowser" was neatly re I erred (o by Mr If. A. Wright. M.P., a! (he opening of i lie Salv ation Army Boys’ Home, at Island Bay, Wellington. “If we are called wow.-mw for frying (o uplift humanity." said Mr Wright, “for striving' lo reform (he people, and bring aiiou; a heller slate of affairs socially, well all I can say is that it dues not mailer in Hie least. We don't mind being called wowsers for doing these things.'’ A voice:

■‘Anvhow. we are not sowsers

(Laughter)

The nautical Courts of Enquiry info (he loss of Hie lighter Dorset off Eai Iwi beach on August 2nd gave its reserved decision at Wan-

gamii yesterday. The Court found that Ihe aecidenl \v;is mil contributed to by llit* negieet of harbour officials nor any defeat of (he port. Having regard lo the proved depth of water, the Court is uiialde to say what object (lie vessel struck. The master of I lie ladder Shamrock’ (Captain das. Irvine) committed a crave error of judgment in.not going to the assistance of Hie Dorset when returning to port, and there, was an unaccountable delay in tho lighter Thistle going to the Dorset’s assistance. Captain Bertie, of (lie Dorset, is exonerated from blame. The Court made no reeommendalion as to easts.

At the postal enquiry at Auckland on Wednesday, a burst of applause J'oilowed the statement by Mr Ostler that it was relevant: that the inquiry should show dial whereas loyal Protestants 7 boxes are censored, there are no Roman Catholic priests in Auckland whose boxes are censored. Air Bishop: I will not allow tin 1 question (o be pffi. After die luncheon adjournment Air Bishop said he had reconsidered the point, and he now admitted that Air Ostler was entitled to put the question. Referring’ to the applause, Air Bishop said that (he disturbance was most unseemly, and he was not; accustomed to it. The proceedings were judicial, and the opinions of! the public were not bis concern. TTis remedy, if il occurred again, would he- to clear the Court, although ho would he very loth to do (hat. A( demonstration such as had occurred was most disturbing.

Residents of this district who are m the habit of (laying Palmerston Xorlh a visit should note that an interesting and instructive means is afforded them ol: passing an hour or so while in that town by visiting either (lie Rosy or Palace Theatres.

lll(! prog'l’.'l lllliics to 1)0 S(‘l ('(‘lKlci noxl week—as sol forth in our advertising' column* —are composed of iho very host cinema talent, including an oxoollont. Vitagraph picture at the Kosy on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, featuring Anita Stewart in “The Conduit,” and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the delightful Mary Pickford in “Tha Foundling.” Tin; hill-of-faro to he. (d’l'erod at the Palace Theatre tor tin; week" is also' a good one, being tor the iir.st three evenings of next week a Mutual film, “My Fighting Gentleman.” Thursday, 1’ riday and Saturday’s programme will include a powerful Metro picture featuring Frances Nelson in “Power of Decision.” MOST PROMPT AND EFFECTTUAL FOR BAD COLDS. When you have a bad cold you want a remedy that wilHnot only gi\ e relief, but ellcet a prompt and permanent cure, a remedy that is pleasant to take, a remedy that contains nothing injurious. Chamberlain’s Cough Remedy meets all these requirements. It acts on Nature’s plan, relieves the lungs, aids expectoration, opens the secretions and restores the system to a healthy condition. This remedy has a world-wide sale and use, and can always be depended upon. Eor salq everywhere.—Advt.

Mr W. 11. Field, during hi* speech on the Financial debate, opposed the taxation of mortgages on land, because it would be ruinous to thousands of farmers. He advocated that prudence should be exercised with patriotism as far as the Reinforcements were concerned, and commented adversely on the taking of the la.-t sons of widows for the war. In speaking of the inequality of taxation, he pointed out that the man with £I,OOO a year income would have to pay £73 odd per annum. When members first saw the Budget proposals they thought that increases in the land tax and the income taxes of wealthy people were proposed, but this had not proved to (a:- the ease. lie was of opinion that the taxation should fall on the wealthy. The farmers, not only in his district, but in other districts, and the small tradesmen were not looking for war < profits, but were only trying to hold their heads above water during the war. One- point be stressed was the necessity for up-to-date valuation of land. In many cases valuation was 'made many years ago. Was it not a "liidmms state of affairs'’ that mem should be paying taxation on -neb valuations.'