NEWS OF THE DAY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9790, 13 October 1917, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY

The Navy League notify that in order to allow members to attend Mr Wilford’s lecture, the annual meeting called for Monday next has been postponed. Due notice will be given of the postponed date. Mr H. 6. Ell. M.P., put in a plea in the House of Representatives yesterday for more penny-in-slot telephones. Sir Joseph Ward (Postmas-ter-General) said that the supply of telephones was running short, and the department wag not able to supply telephones to those who applied for them. Ho would make a statement on tho subject next week.

Mr J. Colvin, M.P. for Duller, gave notice in Parliament yesterday that ho intends to move for a return showing: (1) The amount paid by the Education Department for the conveyance by rail of children to denominational schools for the year ended March 31st, 1917; and (2) tho amount paid by the Education Department for the conveyance by rail of teachers in denominational schools for the year ended March oifit 1917.

Recently J. McFarland and seven others of Wellington. petitioned Parliament praying that licensed vmfuallers owning the freehold of their premises be considered in the compensation provisions of the Sale of Liquor Restriction Bill. ' The M to 2 Peti-tio-ns Committee of the House, to whom the petition was referred, reported to the House yesterday that the question raised, being one of public policy, the committee had. no recommendation to make.

A meeting of the Wellington Waterside Workers’ Sick and Benefit Clulb was held in the X Store waiting-room last evening, for the purpose of electing office-bearers and committee. Ine meeting was well attended, and Mr ,*V. Ourrie presided. During the evening the following were electedMr W. Ourrie, president; Mr G. Matthews, secretary; Mr A. Glass, treasurer; Mr J. Smart, vice-president; committee, Messrs G. Voysey, M. Byrne, R. G. Seal, T. Pressley, C. Goodall; trustees, Messrs- D. Glover. J. Roberts, J. G. Bruce; auditor, Mr H. Bolton.

Mr L. M. Isitt, M.P. for Christchurch North, called attention in the House of Representatives yesterday to a recent ease of troops, who on their way Home had been charged at the canteen 6d a bottle for cordials, which were sold in ,the private bar of the ship at 40 per cent. less. Mr R. Fletcher, M.P.: “I mentioned a case the other day in which cordials were sold- at 6d a bottle, and after there had been nearly a oh board, the price was reduced to 4d.” Mr H. G. Ell (member for Christchurch South): “Why is it,done? Most extraordinary!”

With regard to the petition of Mr J. McFarland, of Wellington, and others, praying that licensed victuallers owning the freehold of their premises be considered in the compensation provision - of the Sale of Eiquor Restriction Bill, 1917, the chairman of the M to Z Committee (Mr W. J. Dickie, M.P. for Selwyn) stated in the House of Representatives yesterday that he was directed to report that in the opinion of the committee the question raised by the petition was one of public policy, and they, therefore, had no recommendation to make.

The “Vossische Zeitung” says;—“A new periodical in English, called "The Bridge,’ is about to appear in Berlin, its object being to form an intellectual link between the two nations. The war has proved its necessity in showing Germany that the outer world has often been morally, materially and intellectually a terra incognita to her. The paper has been founded by foreign friends of Germany. The contributors include Dr. George Brandes, Houston Chamberlain, Professor Ernest Haeckel and William Bayard Hale.” The “Vossische Zeitung” concludes its announcement with the pointed question: “Will Englishmen recognise as intellectually neutral a periodical to which Houston Chamberlain contributes ?” ’■

In the Full Court yesterday further argument was heard in the case of David John Miller v. the Union /Steamship Co., Ltd. . The question, at issue i” whether a .verdict obtained in the Supreme Court for £2552 10s, for permanent injuries received by a shipping accident at Lyttelton, shall be entered up, the defendant company claiming that it should be reduced to £SOO under the Workers' Compensation Act. Argument had not concluded when the Court rose. On the bench were the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout), Mr- Justice Denniston, Mr Justice Cooper, Mr Justice Chapman, and Mr Justice Hosking. Mr S. U. Raymond and Mr F. K. Hunt appeared for the plaintiff; Mr C. P. Skerrett, K.C., and Mr H. J. Beswick for the defendant company.

It is the practice when an exhibit ■ is produced in a case in court to have the exhibit distinguished by a letter and then attach it to the depositions. Yesterday an amusing incident took place at the Magistrate’s. Court which caused considerable laughter. A man named Joseph Hawkins was for a rehearing of a case in which a prohibition order was granted against him. Applicant’s counsel (Mr D. Hutchison) had informed the Bencn that his client was unable to he present when the case was heard, and he was prepared to go into the witness box and explain hi s position respecting his sobriety. Mr H. F. 0 Leary, who opposed the granting of a rehearing, said it was applicant s own fault that he was not present when the case was heard. Counsel suggested that the man may have been drink mg and this kept him away. Anyhow, • said Air O’Leary, “I wdl produce the applicant as an exhibit, and your Worship may judge for yourself if be is a proper person to be prohibited. Hawkins rolled rather than walked into view when caked. He had been waiting about all day and during The long hours he had spent his time evidently in consuming much liquor. His face ‘and manner showed .unmistakable signs of the man’s condition. Ho was an excellent exhibit against himself, and the usual practice of attaching hiir. to the was not carried out. The application wa s not granted. ' i

The Wellington Waterside Band will play a number of selections at the Xowtown Park on Sunday at 3 p.m.

During the month of August 67 men were discharged from Trentharn Camp. Tho principal reason for their discharge was physical unfitness.

Tho Suburbs Defence Rifle Club open tho shooting season to-day at Miramax. Teams matches will be fired between the President and tho Chief DeputyPresident, at ranges of 300 and 500 yards.

Mr Rod Ross (of Palmerston X.) will speak under the auspices of tho Wellington Social and Democratic Party at the Alexandra Hall Abel Smith street, on Sunday evening at 8 o’clock. The title of his address will bo “Tho Crimes of Capitalism.”

Speaking in tho debate on the Public Works Statement yesterday, Mr H. G. Ell, M-P. for Christchurch South, urged the need for a lift in the Government Buildings, Wellington. There were four floors, ho pointed out, and very important deoprtments were housed on the top floor.

“The practice of using public high, ways as grazing ground for cattlo must ceaso,” said Mr S. E. McCarthy, S.M., in a wandering stock case heard at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. “This has been made more necessary since the advent of the motor-car. Cattlo and motor-cars do not "go well together.”

“Nothing causes mo greater regret,” said Mr T. M. Wilford in tho Houso of Representatives last night, in speaking on hydro-electric development, “than to see the Hutt train, puffing away with its obsolete engines side by side with the Hutt river, where so much electric power is running to waste.’’

The drawing of the art union In connection with the annual exhibition of the Academy of Fine Arts will take place at the Gallery, Whitmore street, at 8 o’clock to-night. All who purchase a Is art union ticket at the door will he admitted free. In the circumstances, and ns this is the closing day of the exhibition, a record attendance is anticipated.

A mam named J- McFarlands stood charged before Mr S. E. McCarthy, S.M., at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday with obtaining goods valued at £3 19s and £1 Is in money from wit Uam Dentice by means of a valueless cheque. Inspector Marsack asked for an adjournment, as he desired to look into the defendant's antecedents. A remand was granted until to-day.

It is announced in District (Defence) orders that a district class of instruction im topography is being held in Wellington for all officers in- or near the city who feel disposed to take advantage of the course. Captain - W- . Pryor, N.Z.M.S.C., the chief instructor, is assisted by Captain Willis. Officers living at a distance can take advantage of the class by correspondence.

The M to Z Public Petitions Committee of the House of Representatives reported to the House yesterday on the petition of Thomas E. Roberts, of Wellington, praying for a refund _of contributions to the Public Service Superannuation Fund as the result of alleged emission on the part of the Justice Department. The committee recommended that the petition, be ferred to the Government for favourable consideration.

James Wallace, as soon as ho entered the dock at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, on a charge ot drunkenness and with assaulting a barman, said he wanted a chance. “Fine me, your Worship,” he said; r have money in the Post Office. . r will pay the barman £5 for his trouble.” The Bench met the wishes ot the defendant by fining him £5, atul ordering that he h© prohibited iok twelve months.

The Navy League have for a number of years hold a demonstration on the anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar, now known as “Nelson Lay,’ and as it this year falls on Sunday, 21st inst., ■.I) n- <trrs of religion are being asked to hold memorial services on that day in commemoration of the gallant officers and men in all branches of the Navy service, and of the officers and men of the mercantile marine who have laid down their lives in defence- of the Empire since the beginning of the war.

Speaking on the Public Works Estimates in the House last night, Mr J. T. M. Hornsby expressed his satisfaction at the reply given by Mr Massey to the deputation which waited on him the previous day in reference to workers’ dwellings. He hoped the legislation promised would be put through this session. There had been a hint in the House that the Government might provide homes for workers for rent. He w T ae right against this. The State should not be a landlord to the workers who should be encouraged to have homes of their own.

The Canterbury division of the Bri> tish Medical Association has passed_ the ;flollow}ug resolution: —“This division urges the Council of the Medical Association to protest against such an important measure as the Social Hygiene Bill being hurried through Parliament before the people have had time to consider it. This meeting considers the bill, as drawn tip, is pandering to the prurient propensities of the public; also that without compulsory confidential notification the bill will be. of no avail. Further, that the Public Health Department find the medical profession, instead of a lay board, should have control of these diseases.” —Press Association.

In the House of Representatives ye*, terday Mr H. Poland, M.P. for Ohmemuri, gave notice of his infentlor to ask the Minister for Defence: (1) Whether it is the intention of the Government to retire all members ol the Royal New Zealand Garrison Artillery and New Zealand Garrison Artillery at present on homo service dntj under the ages of twenty and ovei the age of forty-five? (2) Whethoi this will affect superannuated membcri of the New Zealand Forces at present employed by the Defence Department: (3) Whether, in the event of married men and those with families at present employed in the Royal New Zealand Garrison Artillery and Now Zealand Garrison Artillery being passed by the Medical Board as “fit for foreign service,” those men will bo allowed to attain their present positions till called up in their respective classes? (4) Whether, as those men work long hours and are deprived of being home every night, and in view of the increased cost of living and suggested increases to soldiers’ allowances for wife and children, there is any prospect of these married men receiving more than the present rate of os per day, which is given to single men with no responiibility?.”