NEWS OF THE DAY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9796, 20 October 1917, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY

Next Monday (Labour Day) will be t’he fourth anniversary of the commencement of the 1913 strike in Wellington. The strike terminated on December 20th. 1913.

The Karori Defence Rifle CJub will fire a practice match this afternoon at ranges of 300, 500, and 600 yards, to bo followed by the first match oi the first series on Saturday nest.

“I am a bank manager with a knowledge. of fanning,” said Bombardier Carpenter, an applicant for extension of leave before the Third Military Board yesterday. Leave was granted the appellant until November 3rd.

As Monday (Labour Day) will bo a D'll'kc holiday the Union Steam Ship Company’s passenger department will be open cnly from 9 a.m. till 10 a.m. on that day. No other department will be open on Monday.

At a meeting of the committee of the Onslow Horticultural Society on Thursday night it was that a flower show bo held at the Khandallah Public Hall on Wednesday, December 12th, practically the same date as that of the very successful show of last year.

Ne,w Caledonia is very rich in mineral deposits, stated Dr Newman, M.P., in the House of Representatives yesterday, and he would like to See the island purchased by New Zealand after the war. (Hear, hear.) “The matter is not being lost sight of,” interjected the Prime Minister.

Mr G. T. Jones will speak under the auspices of ih e Wellington Social Democratic Party at the Alexandra Hall, Abel Smith street, on Sunday evening, at 8, on the question of the “Second Division and the ‘National’ Government.” This is a matter that stands out as one of the principal public questions of the day, and will be dealt with by the speaker from a working view-point.

The Kiiglish courts have sanctioned the fusion of the British Dominions General ■ Insurance Company, Ltd., with tho old-established English Company, the Eagle Insurance, and _ the amalgamated title ox Eaglo and British Dominions General Insurance Company, Ltd., has been adopted. Tne local public are requested to bear this important notice in mind. This company has a capital of £3,000,000, and a reserve of £3,500,000.

The ferry steamer Mararoa had a lengthy trip from Wellington on Thursday night, having to tight her way in the teet hof the gale, and it-was not until noon yesterday that she berthed at Lyttelton (reports the Press Association). The passengers, among whom was Lord Liverpool, bad a very unpleasant time. For the convenience of southward-bound passengers, tbe Railway Department held back the express. which did not leave Christchurch until 1 p.m. In the House of Representatives yes* terday Mr P. C. Webb (Gi'oy) asked the Minister for Justice if ho would take immediate steps to have an m quiry made into the employment et prison warders. At present the war dors were employed extraordinarily long hours for insufficient pay. Ttio Hon. J. A. Hanan said the matter was one entirely under the control of the Public Service He would consult them on the subject.

“Amended regulations in connection with this matter will appear in this week’s ‘Gazette,’ stated the Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald _ (Minister for Agriculture), replying in Parliament yesterday to a question by Mr J. A. Young, M.P. for Waikato, as to whether he proposes to issue, at an early date, new and amended regulations in regard to black-leg among young cattle, so that, in vierw of the approach of the season for the required inoculation, a firm and comprehensive control may be exercised by ’the department and duly notified in the districts affected.

A return giving details as to pensions and allowances allocated by the War Pensions Board was laid on the table of the House of Representatives yesterday by Sir James Allen. The number of dependents qf New Zealand soldiers who have received allowances or pensions from the board is 5376. The number of officers’ dependents* who have received relief is 392, and the average pension per annum £45. The amount granted to non-commissioned officers and privates’ dependents by the board totals £147,987. The return was made on the request of Mr Jennings (Taumarunui).

“Will the Government bring in legislation to provide against anomalies in fixing the new electoral boundaries, where it is shown that, owing to lack of community of interest, and so on, the electorates are materially disadvantageous?” was a question put to the Prime Minister yesterday by Mr R. P. Hudson, M.P. for Mbtueka. Mr Massey replied that he did not think that any such ’legislation would bo introduced this session, though he had heard a good many complaints. tt the Boundary Commissioners expressed the opinion that such legislation was necessary, it might be introduced next session.

“This matter is already being investigated by tho Government, and will receive careful consideration on completion of the necessary inquiries,” stated the Prime Minister yesterday in a printed ropiv to a question by Mr W. H.' Field, M.P. for Otaki, as to whether the Government has yet given any consideration, or taken any action, with respect to the intended operations in this country of the Nestle and Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company, which is believed to he an alien company, having practically all its shareholders in Switzerland and other foreign countries, and which threatens to stifle local industries manufacturing the same product, and said to be amply supplying all present needs.

A great many men with artillery experience had been sent into the infantry, and vice versa, complained Mr C J. Parr, M.P. for Eden, in the House of Representatives yesterday. He instanced the case of a sergeant-major, with 10 years’ artillery experience, who had been put in the infantry, while infantrymen were put in the artillery, and asked the Minister for Defence why that was done. Sir James Allen replied that very great difficulty indeed was experienced m finding room for men who wanted to get into special units, and the artillery is a specially favoured unit. Any man felt it a special honour to be in it. Only a limited number of men was required in the artillery, and they could only find places for a few. He did not know of any cases of infantrymen transferred to the artillery, except special cases of men used to* horses who had been transferred as drivers. If the hon. member would let him have the special cases, be would inquire into them

Mr A. R. Durrant. tho licensee of tlie Xow Commercial Hotel, was called upon to answer a charge at the Magistrate's Court yesterday of employing an unregistered barmaid named Olive Kite. The caso was adjourned until the 26th inst.

“Will tho Government- amend tho Licensing Act to permit the billiardrooms attached to licensed promises to bo kept open after six o’clock.*' asked Mr A. E. Glover, M.P. for Auckland Central. Mr Massey replied that the Government did not intend to amend tho Licensing Act this session. Consequently it was not possible to do what the hon. member suggested.

An appeal against tho convictions of William Thomas Young and rredorick Charles Howell, secretary and as-sistant-secretary respectively of tho Federated Seamen’s Union, will be brought before the Chief Justice in the Supreme Court this morning. 11e convictions wore recently made by -Mr S. E. McCarthy, S.M.. on charges of inciting a seditious strike m connection with the stoppage of coastal shipping.

lleplying in the House of Represcniatives yesterdav to a question by Mr J. A. Young, M.P. for Waikato, Sir James Allen (Minister for De.enc-e) said: “It is very difficult to obtain sufficient men for sanitary duties, which involve much overtime work or an unattractive nature. Extra pay is granted, not ou account of unhealthy conditions for the men so employed, as such conditions do not exist, but on account of the nature of the work itself.”

“The matter will bo submitted to Cabinet for consideration at an early date,” stated Sir James Allen (Minister for Defence), replying in Parliament yesterday afternoon to Mr W. A. Veitch, M.P.’s question as to what steps are being taken to give effect to the recommendation of the Public Petitions M to Z Committee for favourable consideration of the cose of Captain Pridham, and whether he will state definitely When, such consideration will be given.

‘Tlie question of improving the mail facilities to 'Whiteman’s Valley is at present under consideration,” stated Sir Joseph Ward (Postmaster-General), replying in Parliament yesterday to a question put some days ago by Mr T. M. Wilford, M.P. “It is hoped that when the now post office at Heretaunga is opened, the department will be able to reorganise the mail services in the district and to increase the frequency of the service to Whiteman’s Valley from twice to thrice weekly. A daily service by motor-cycle is not warranted by the business.”

Tile reason for the regulation debarring the importation of sugar into Great Britain and Finance is not definitely known (stated the Minister for Customs in the House of Representatives yesterday, in reply to a question by Mr Talbot, Teanuka), but the prohibition is supposed to be due in some way to the scheme of rationing arranged by the Food Controller. An endeavour has already been mode by the Postmaster-General through the High Commissioner to have the embargo removed, but the reply is that it is regretted that no exception can bo made in favour of soldiers’ parcels.

“Licenses over the pastoral runs in question expire in February, 1919, and Classification Commissioners are about to be appointed under section 255 of the land Ajot, 1908, to classify and report upon the runs. The Commissioners’ recommendations regarding the subdivision and disposal of the runs will receive the careful consideration of the Government,” stated the Prime Minister yesterday, in a printed reply to a question asked in Parliament by Mr C. J. Talbot, M.P. for Temuka, as to whether the Government will take into consideration the advisability of cutting up the Rhoborougb Downs and Ben Ohau stations in Mackenzie country, South Canterbury, into small grazing-runs, to be offered for settlement by discharged soldiers.

The Napier Labour Day Sports Committee complained to him, stated Mr J. McCombs, M.P. "for Lyttelton, that tbe Railway Department had refused to grant them special facilities for their sports, whereas such facilities had been granted for agricultural and pastoral shows. The Hon. W. H. Henries (Minister for Railways) said that it was quite true that the committee had been told that the department could not run special trains for the sports. Special trains were not run for agricultural shows; but, where possible, the 'ordinary trains were strengthened to meet their convenience. Agricultural shows were educational, and on a different footing from sports and races. Mr P. C. Webb, M.P. for Grey: "Labour has one day a yearl”

“This matter is under consideration, ”■ was the reply given in the House of Representatives by Sir James Allen to the question by Mr W- H. Field, M.P. for Otoki, as to whether, before proceeding further with tte calling up of the Second Division of Reservists, he will take steps to comply with the request contained in the following resolution, carried by various branches of the Second Division League, particularly in farming districts, throughout the Dominion: “That the Government be urged to see the necessity of it being made compulsory that all essential industries, occupations, or professions, specified or to be specified, appeal, for the purpose of tbe Government determining Whether or not it is in the interest of the Empire that such persons be sent abroad, thereby placing rh© onus of appeal on the shoulders of the out. eminent and not on the individual.”

“The appointment of Mr Thomas as an Assistant Commits.oner under the Public Service Act, 1912, was for a term of seven years, and there is no intention to make a change at present,” was the reply given by the Hon. G. W. Russell (Minister for Internal Affairs) in Parliament yesterday to, the question asked by Mr K. Fletcher, M.P.: “Whether ho would, in the interests of economy at the present stressful time, consider the advisability of recommending the transfer of Mr Andrew Thomson, Assistant Public Service Commissioner, back to tbe Justice Department in his former capacity as a magistrate. Mr Thomson (stated the hon. member) has been carrying out other duties besides that of Assistant Commissioner similarly to Mr Triggs, the other Assistant Commissioner, who has been appointed Public Trustee. A saving of some £4OO per annuum was effected in the latter gentleman’s case, and the £IOOO per annum paid to Mr Thomson is an extravagance which cannot bo afforded.”

At. the King's Theatre on Sunday night the Second Division League i: holding a public meeting to discuss the allowances recently put before Parliament. They have reserved seats in tho gallery for ladies and their escorts.

An important case under the Military Service Act came before Mr S. E. McCarthy, S.M.. at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, when Prank H. Phillips was charged with keeping in his employment a reservist named Charles W. Grooves, who had not been enrolled. The magistrate inflicted a fine of £2O and costs.

The following return was asked for in the House of Representatives yesterday by Mr J. Yayne (Grey Lynn): —(1) The amount of loan money raised in London for each year from IS9O to date; (2) tho average discount at which the loans were floated in each year; and (3) the total underwriting and broke.rabge charges paid to Messrs Serimgeour and Co. in eact year.

In tho House of Representatives Mr J. Payuo (Grey Lynn) asked tho Defence Minister whether it is a tact that tho magistrates who are on thi Military Service Boards are paid then £7OO per annum, and in addition are allowed travelling pay, and allowance totalling practically another £7OO per annum;; and, if so, why is it that the magistrates are allowed £2 2s per day when on Defence business, as against 15s per day they are allowed on ordinary public business?

In view of tho improved conditions, there is now a good, prospoot of a steamer leaving for Australia at ax early date. During tho period oi suspension of the intercolonial service, a considerable number of names has been registered at the Union Company’s local office, but in view of tho prevailing uncertainty intending passengers aro requested to renew- their applications. Tho company notifies that no previous applications can be recognised. The local office of rinddart Parker, Ltd., has received acl vied of tho resumption of sailings from Australia.

An unusual case—the first of its kind —came before the Magistrate's Court yesterday, when a young man named George Skono was charged with obtaining intormation contained in an oversea steamer’s “position books which might be useful to Hia Majesty’s enemies” and “secret information of route, movements, and position of the steamship, contrary to the Official Secrets Act, 191 l (Imperial) and section 686 of the Offences (colonial) Act, 1849.” On the apphcation of Obiof-Delective Boddam t-lio case was remanded for a week. Mr B. F. O’Leary, who appeared for the accused, applied lor bail, but this was refused.

As the result of a police road under the War Bcgulations five women or attractive appearance presented themselves at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, charged with being concerned in conducting a house of ill-fame at Island Bay. They were Rene Manley and Gertrude MoEiwan, who were charged with running the establishment; Thelma Collier and Mary Morgan, charged with' assisting in the management of the house; and Vera Malcolm, with residing in the place. On the application of Inspector Marsack a remand was made, until Tuesday, hail being granted to each of the accused in a bond of £SO and twe sureties of £25. Mr H. F. O’Leary appeared for the accused.

By Order-in-Council gazetted on October Bth, the prices of bran and pollard are fixed as under: vvneu bran or pollard manufactured in Now Zealand is sold to a purchaser by, any person other than the manufacturer thereof, the maximum price thereat shall be the maximum price at wmch, in accordance with the Order-in-Coun-cil on the 14th day of May, 1917, such bran or pollard might have been lawfully sold by tho manufacturer thereof of that purchaser on the same terms and conditions, with such addition only to that maximum price as is herein specified, namely:—(a) When sold in quantity of half a ton or more, an addition at the rate of 10s per ton for bran and los per ton in the case of rollard; (b) when sold in quantity less than half a ton, an addition at the rat© of 12s 6d in the eas • of bran and 17s 6d in the case of pol lard.

A few days ago in the House of Re presen tatives Mr Veitch (Wanganui) drew the attention of the Minister for Labour to the decision of the court upholding the Registrar in his refusal to register rules adopted by' the Ohinemuri Minors’ Battery mployees’ Union—providing for the payment of benefits to members who were injured by accident or to the relatives of members who were killed hy accident—on the ground. that they were outside tbe powers conferred by the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, 1903; and asked whether he would introduce legislation this session removing this and other anomalies from tbe Act. In a prinio.d reply yesterday Air Massey said: “1 am aware cf the decision. It is understood, however, that the union concerned does not now desire to proceed with the registration of the rules, and in view of the pressure of other more urgent business before Parliament tbe question of legislating as suggested will bo held over until next session.”

At the Wellington Navy League concert last night Sir Joseph Ward, in the course of his speech, said that Admirals Jellicoe and Halsey inlormed him that in the Jutland .Battle H.M.S. New Zealand fired more rounds than any other ship engaged. She had taken an active part in all the naval engagements since the beginning of the war, and had done great execution. When making the tour of New Zealand in 1913, the Maoris gave Captain Halsey gifts, among which was a waist mat. Captain Halsey assured the natives that if the ship went into action ho would wear the mat. Sure enough, in the first battle, Captain Halsey appeared with only the Maori mat on, and donned this uniform also on a second occasion, when the New Zealand put the final shots into the Blucher. The captain was promoted, and on leaving the ship handed he mat over to Captain Green, conveying to him the Maoris’ message Captain Green also appeared m the turret wearing the lucky apparel on a su sequent occasion. “I 3on t know, said S-'r Joseph, “if any of you are (superstitious—l am sure no but it is a remarkable fact that though tbe New Zealand has been in the thick of things, she has only been hit once.

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