NEWS OF THE DAY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8342, 31 January 1913, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY

The following vessels will he within range of tlie (J.P.O. wireless station this evening : Victoria, Moeraki. ilaungautii. Moana. Tahiti, ami Navua.

A conference was held in the .Mayor's remit at the Town Hull yesterday afternoon between representatives of tha City Council ami the Onslow Borough Count il to discuss the proposal for tha erection of a suspension bridge from Ngaio to adesluwn, Tim project will come before both bodies at their next meetings on report* irom ihcir respective representatives. A conference of Crown hand Com. missioners is to bo held next month to consider matters regarding Crown lands. Air Hrodric-k. Commissioner, at yesterday’s meeting of the Wellington Land Board pointed out that In intended to bring the matter of tin looses of small graving runs, granted under the Land Act, 1885, before tin conference. The leases, it appears, have expired, and tho present lease** aro occupying the land under tho sam« terms, viz, 21 per cent, on the capital value. It is now considered that a more adequate rental should he ob tained for these sections. “It is not that wo want to he hard on the man, but there is a big principle involved,” remarked the Coinmissionei of Crown Lands yesterday regarding an application by a Crown tenant to be released from tho lease of an Kducation reserve. The tenant stated that the land was many miles from him and was absolutely useless as far as ha was concerned. He had never received a penny .from it, and had decided that ho would pay no more rent. Tho Commissioner said that if the hoard allowed this man to get out of his liability it would mean others would want to surrender their leases, and the hoard would have some trouble. The hoard decided to decline the application.

In regard to tho acquisition o£ land under tho Laud Act it docs not seem to be generally understood that a Orowu tenant can only hold one section, or two if they adjoin cadi other. Ha cannot hold one section in one place and another in an entirely different block, unless he has been three years in occupation of tho original section. The Act, however, makes provision' for. persons who become lessees or subj lessees by marriage or under a- will oil by virtue of au intestacy. The poind mapped up at tho Wellington Land Hoard’s mooting yesterday where an applicant desired the transfer of two sections situated some distance away from his present holding- The hoard, decided it was unable to grant the request.

Record entries have been received for, the Redding A. and P. show, which! takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday: next, February 4th and sth. Exhibits! have been drawn from a much larger area than hithertol'ore. Some of tho beat stock in the Dominion will bo competing, especially in the Romney Marsh and Southdown sheep classes. Reaping and other ring competitions are welt filled by soino noted crack horses, and, tho hacks and harness horses promise a good display. vShcop and dairy cattle have always been tho groat features of this fixture, and this year has proved no exception to tho rulo. Holiday excursion fares, available up to February: 13th, will bo issued by the Railway Department, so that a cheap and pleasant outing may bo looked forward to by patrons of this show.

The Land Act is liable to load to some matrimonial trouble if it is rigidly enforced, as was instanced in a case that came before the Wellington Land Board yesterday. The ranger reported that a certain married lady had noj fulfilled the residence clause in regard to a section, and therefore the board had to consider tho question of fon feiture. The husband was also a Crown tenant, and she resided with him on his section some distance from her own property. The position was that he could not live on her section if ho was to retain his own. and she could not stay with him if she wanted to keep her land. The Commissioner remarked that tho lady should not have taken up tho section in the first place. A member of the board said ho thought she would rather forfeit tho land than her husband. The board decided to ask her to show cause why the lease should not be forfeited.

Some further information is cd in tho “New Zealand Herald" ro-j garding tho drowning of Mrs Forsyth,! at Okere, near llotoma. It appears; that the lady was fishing with her hus-| band about 8 o'clock in the evening, at a point where tho current sets very> strongly through a narrow channel, j She slipped on a rode, and was precipitated into the river. Her husband' instantly wont in after her, and su<v( coeded in reaching her. Ho fought l with tho current to save her until ho; was completely exhausted. As they; were .both, sinking, Mr Ram-) say, another of tho fishing) party, reached them, and suc-i ceeded in grasping Mrs Forsyth. Hei endeavoured to support her, but even-j tually lie was unable to retain his bold ,i and lost her in the darkness. It is now) clear, from the medical evidence that Mrs Forsyth must, in her fall, have struck her head and been rendered unconscious at the moment she entered the water. She neither cried out nor spoke, nor was she able to render any assistance at any stage of her attempted rescue,. Mr Forsyth and Mr Ramsay were caught in an eddy and drawn to the bank, where, with great difficulty, they extricated themselves. But for this circumstance more than one life must have been lost.

A pretty illustration of practical Im* perial sentiment is furnished by the exchange of flags between the Roseneath school (Wellington) and the Ilosncath school, near Glasgow. Some months ago, scholars of the local school sent to their young compatriots in Scotland, a Kew Zealand flag, suitably inscribed, which was unfurled with appropriato and picturesque ceremony by H.R.H. the Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyle. Yesterday the Minister of Affairs received through the High Commissioner a pleasant acknowledgment of this flag. The latter forwarded the following appreciative letter which he had received from Her Royal Highness and the Duke of Argyll, written from Rosncath House, Dumbartonshire, under date October 21st, 1012: “The Rosneath school in Scotland, near Glasgow, sends this flag to Roseneath school, near Wellington, in New Zealand, with feelings of deep interest and friendship, rejoicing in their affection and loyalty for their King and the Old Country. We join with the Rosneath school in praying that you may prosper, and for God’s blessing on you all.—(Signed) Louise Argyll.” Accompanying this letter was the national flag of Scotland, with an appropriate sewn inscription. and this will be transmitted to the scholars at Roseneath. It is probable that the unfurling ceremony will he performed by the Governor on his return from the south. The variation in the spelling is notable, the Scottish name being without the “c. 1

Tho Yl mister of Customs stated in Christch: roll that ho hoped to hold a conference in Christchurch shortly with the ironmasters of the Dominion, to go into tariff matters affecting the iron industry. Tho conference would bo on lines similar to those of tho recent-ly-held conference relating to the boot and leather industries. Ho also hopes to visit Auckland in a week or so, and go over tho different factories in that •city.

A deputation from tho Hutt Valley Trotting Club waited upon tho Hutt Park committee last evening relative to tho use of tho old racecourse. Twelve months ago the club approached tho committee with the object of getting this permission. A difference arose over some clauses of a proposed agreement, ono being that no liquor was to bo permitted on tho ground. Now the club asked for a reconsideration of its request, tho sum of £3O being offered for ono day's racing, as tho I’etone ground was not sufficiently largo to accommodate the increasing crowds that attended tho trotting meeting. Tho committee agreed to reconsider tho matter at is meeting on Friday next. A correspondent, writing from Runanga to tho Grojmouth “Evening Star,’’ records tho successful operation of tho fruit parcels post in tho receipt by him of a package of red-hoarb cherries of magnificent quality from Roxburgh, after tho fruit had boon no fewer than six days in transit. Ho says: “It was generally conceded by thoso who were fortunate enough to sample t:omo of these cherries that they were tho finest and largest of that variety they had yet seen in these parts. 1 write simply because I holiovo that with proper application and a general support of tho public tho fruit parcels post system can be mado a distinct success. Otago Central grows some of tho finest fruit in tho world.” Speaking to a “Southland News” reporter on tho views on tho financial position expressed by Mr Massey at Rotorua, Mr J. A. Hanan, M.P., said tho Prime Minister was endeavouring to mako an opportunity to di&rcdit tho previous Government when ho declared that his Ministry had inherited difficulties. Tho £400,000 referred to by Mr Massoy, said Mr Hanan, is for four years ahead. As £150,000 would bo sufficient np to March 31st, why not temporarily borrow tho amount from other branches—aa has always been done—and keep faith with local bodies? The authority to borrow at present exceeds £BOO,OOO, and on April Ist it will bo £1,800,000. “If our credit is bo good,” added Mr Hanan, “it is only natural to ask why wo should refrainfrom borrowing and allowing necessary public works to bo proceeded with. Mr Massey is apparently desperately anxious for an opportunity to place his predecessors in a false position in tho eyes of Ipeal bodies and people.” Just before Ms departure from Wellington Lord Islington, Knight of Justice of tho Ordoi; of St. John and Chief Representative of the Order in this Dominion, authorised Mr W. E. Fisher (a local member of tho Order) to promote a bush -nursing fund m the interests of struggling backhlock settlers. In addition to a substantial donation from ,hxs Lordship, which has already been acknowledged, Mr Fisher has received tho following subscriptions: Mr F. Martyn-Renner £1 Is, Mr J. P. Fhrth £1 Is, Staples and Co. £1 Is, A.B.C. £1 Mr W. A. Kollow £l, S. Rowe and Sons £1 Is, Kirkcaldio and Stains £1 Is, Mr W. E Bethune £1 Is, Dresden Piano Co. £1 la, Mr James McKorrow £1 Is, S.E.J.A. £l, Mr S. Diamond £1 Is, Mr R. W. McVilly £1 1», A-H.I IDs, Mr M. Eicholbaum £1 Is, Mrs B. M. Lichfield £1 Is, Mr W. Cook £1 Is, Mr X. Ballinger £1 Id. Mr L. Howe 10s 6d, Singer Sewing Machine Co. £1 Is. Further practical sympathisers arc needed, whose donations or subscriptions will be thankfully acknowedged. For tho first time since its foundation, tho Macmillan Brown memorial prize has not been awarded by tfio University Senate. The prize was established in commemoration of the ser vices of Professor J. MacmiUan Brown, who hold tho chair of English language and literature history and political economy from 1874 to 18Jb. It consists of books, valued at £lO, offered every alternate year for the best imaginative composition cither in prose or verso submitted by matriculated students of tho university who .have not taken their degree. The subject fior 1913 was “The Battle of Vittona, .and, reporting to the senate on Tuesday (says tho “Now Zealand Herald ), Professor J. Rankino Brown said that three papers were submitted to tho examiners, each of whom selected a different paper as the- best. They decided to recommend that tho pnze diould not bo awarded. None of tho papers displayed outstanding merit. Tho recommendation was adopted by tho senate. The subject for 1914 will bo “Tho Conquest of tho Air.” Interviewed at Dunedin, Mr Robert Fletcher said to an “ Otago Daily Times ” representative: “ While travelling down in the train I was interested to 'road an article in your paper concerning Mr F. J. Sullivan's impressions of our municipal fish market. The facts as stated are not altogether Correct, nuid I am glad of this opportunity to put tho matter to tho people of Dun®din in the right light. Wo started tho enterprise in a small way, but in tho first three months wo took between £SOO and £6OO. Tho weight of fish sold during that period amounted to twenty-six tons, and this was mado up ef 11,200 sales, this showing that tho quantities taken away were made up of small lots. That is our object. We want to supply the people direct, and for tho most part tho fish is bought in 6d and Is lots. 1 often go down to eeo how tho sales are going off, and tho buyers aro mainly made up of women, and boys and girls, showing that tho people aro getting the benefit of tho enterprise. Our object is to let tho people have fresh fish at a reasonable price, and undoubtedly tho scheme is an unqualified success. In the throe months, after all oxponses, wo had £ll to our credit. Tho fisherman puts his own price on the fish, tho council deducts 10 per cent., and tho fisherman gets a return of 90 per cent, on tho sales.- Thus tho prices realised for the commodities must I>o satisfactory. With regard to Mr Sullivan’s statement,” continued Mr Fletcher, “ that certain consignments ■of fish sent from Christchurch had not reached tho market in time, I may say that tbo consignors had omitted to make arrangements for the receipt of tho parcels in Wellington. An arrangement to take delivery of fish from Christchurch on their arrival at Wellington had once been in operation, but that arrangement was cancelled in 1908, and at the present time it is necessary to make special arrangements. Moreover, the parcels from Christchurch were not packed nicely. -As to Mr Sullivan’s statement flint he went to Wellington in the hone of being able to procure a quantity of fish there either for the Dunedin market or for export, the idea is absurd, because we sell only retail. We have not arrived at tho wholesale stage yet.”

Tho Minister of Marino has telegraphed to Mr R. McCallnm, M.P., that ho bad given instructions that tho training-ship Amokura .should bo P re * sent at the unveiling of the Captain Cook monument at Ship Covo. lbs Amokura will bo at Ship Covo on February 10th, tho day before tho date of tho ceremony, in order that the boys on board may bo able to render whatever assistance the local committoo may desire in preparation for tho event. At tho meeting of the Wellington Trades and Lalxuir Council last night, Mr M. J. Reardon presiding, statements were heard from Messrs W. i. Milk and E. Trcgear with respect to tho recent Labour conference, and reasons wore advanced why tho council should accept the invitation to attend the July conference. The fokowing resolution was carried: “That in order to do our utmost to bring about unity in tho ranks of Labour, this meeting affirms tho desirability of tho district council, all trade unions, branches or tho United Labour Tarty, and other affiliated bodies being represented by delegates at tho forthcoming July conference.” “ This is a case of speculating,” said the Commissioner of Crown Lands at a mooting of the Wellington Land Board yesterday. The remark was apropos of an application for a transfer of land, and tho Commissioner further stated that two months previously the tenant had bought land and sold out almost immediately at a profit of £loU. Ho had taken up two other sections previously, and tho board considered ho was a speculator, Mr Georgetti: “What do tho solicitors say about it?”_ Tho Commissioner: “They aro surprised. Mr Georgetti: “Well, lot them be surprised. The board should adhere to its previous decision.”. Tho application was declined.

Mr Charles Reisop, signalman at tho Manukau Heads, is awaiting instructions to proceed to Portland Island. As Mr Roisop has been at tho Manukau Heads for twenty-two years, the master mariners trading to OnelVunga aro anxious that, ho should not be transferred, and. they have addressed a memorial to tho Minister of Marino, pointing out that they feel it is desirable in their interest that ho bo retained at his present post. “Notwithstanding how capable a signalman may be, still, tho experience of Air Reisop, extending as it does oyer such a long period, must necessarily inspire more confidence in master mariners trading over the Manukau bar, as an error of judgment might lead to grave qucnces to those masters called upon to enter tho bar. 53

A singular case respecting a transfer of land came before the Wellington Land Board at its meting yesterday. It appears that two brothers had originally taken up an allotment, and one of thorn subsequently went away from the section and his brother was to work the land alone. After carrying on for some time on his own account the latter thought the land should b© in hjq- name, and he applied to tho board yesterday to have the partnership dissolved. However, the board was placed in a somewhat diffietdt position. Tho land was taken up under section 127 of th©’ Land Act, wluch mado it rent free for four years, but if thero was a transfer the transferee became liable for tho hack rent. After consideration tho board, in view of tho circumstances that had been disclosed, decided to recommend that tho transfer ho granted, and that no donjand bo mado for back rent.. Farming in Now Zealand must be a much better occupation financially than in Cumberland, according te a loiter which came before the Wellington Land Board yesterday. A farmer who had como out from Cumberland and acquired a Crown lease wrote to tho board, asking if he _ could get a transfer to himself of his brother-in-law’s section, which adjoined his property. Ho had just installed milking machines, and his present section was too small for dairying purposes. He had two farms in Cumberland, and he had cabled Homo to have ono of these sold in order to pay his brother-in-law if tho board agreed to tho transfer. The Commissioner pointed out that an applicant might, have a quantity of laud outsido New Zealand and yet bo able to acquire Crown sections in tho Dominion. The board decided to grant tho application provided tho transferee was not debarred by tho value of the section ho at present held. Reviewing a new book entitled “Australasia, 1688-1911,” one of a series of volumes by Mr A. Wyatt Tilby on “The English People Overseas,” tho ‘'Westminster Gazette” observes; “Thero is no false rhetoric in this sane and studied record of the growth of tho British Empire in tho Antipodes. Tho beginnings of Australia make an ugly story of administrative inefficiency and shortsightedness at homo in England; but tho self-creation of Australia out of the chaos of an inhuman penal system is a glorious achievement, of which tho island continent may well bo proud, although her history affords' a confiima tion, if any bo needed of tho trmsm that tho British Empire was created in spite of ourselves. Mr Wyatt Mby has done full justice to the bravo attempts to open up Australia and to traverse tho continent. In his treatment of New Zealand we axe grateful for his detail.ed account of the career of Xvicnara Soddon,” * 9 The Hawko’s Bay Farmers’ Moat Company, Ltd., is being, with an authorised capital of £70,000, divided into 14,000 shares of £5 each. Tho provisional directorsare: Messrs Davis Canning, T. E. Whelch James O’Neill, J. O. Parker, J. D. Todd, A. O. Prontico, and G. JB. Morrikin. Ine company is being formed for tho purpose of erecting freezing and preserving works in Hawko’s Bay. It is proposed, subject to tho consent of the shareholders of the company, te endeavour to mako arrangements for the amalgamation of tho company with the Wellington Farmers’ Meat Company, Ltd., whoso works aro situated at Waingawa, noar Masterton. If the shareholders of tho now company consent to such proposal, and the amalgamation is satisfactorily arranged, they will obtain tho benefit of the brand of tho Wellington Farmers’ Meat Company.