Rangitikei Advocate. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1908. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9064, 3 February 1908, Page 4

Rangitikei Advocate. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1908. EDITORIAL NOTES.

THE present British Government has begun the session with a programme of legislation which even the most hopeful member of the Party can hardly expect to see successfully grappled with. The measures proposed are admittedly of the highest importance, but unfortunately they are also of the most contentious character. The Licensing, Education and Valuation Bills and the Bill for compulsorily, acquiring untenanted land in Ireland are cases in point. Merely to touch the licensing question is to arouse the keenest controversy, and the attempt to tone down the demands of extremists so as not to arouse too serious opposition from the liquor interests will need all the tact that Mr Asquith has at his command. The education pro-

blem has already proved too difficult for the present Ministry and the statement of ; the President of the Board of Education that the new Bill would make the House of Lords regret that they did not accept Mr Birrell’s Bill does not look as though his proposals will find opposition lacking. The coming Valuation Bill has been described as a comprehensive measure, the first step towards the taxation of ground rents and mining royalties. With the Scottish Land Valuation Bill, it provides for taxing the unimproved value of land, and, as the latter measure was thrown out by the Lords last year, there is the probability of a big fight over both Bills this session. The Irish University Bill will fan to fierce flame the embers of sectarian jealousy and the old age pensions scheme will be opposed alike by Conservatives for going too far and by labour extremists . for not going far enough. Altogether the|Government seems likely to have a lively time and the failing health of the Prime Minister will throw the brunt of the battle on his colleagues.

WHATEVER opinions may be held as to Mr MoNab’s Hand legislation there can be no doubt that he has put new life into the experimental farms of the country. As Ruakura provision is being made to receive cadets and Mr McNab says that the Department is continually being approached by farmers who desire that their sons should have an opportunity of seeing farming of a high class carried on. The cadets at Ruakura, who will number about twelve, “ will” according to the statement of the Minister, “gain a practical knowledge of the work, but although a few lectures will of course be given, the object aimed at is not the establishing of an agricultural school in the ordinary sense of the word. He hoped to have similar provisions made at the other State farms as they got further forward. ’ ’ From this we gather that practice will be the rule rather than theory, a course which will appeal to most farmers. On the subject of State experimental farms generally Mr McNab said that while “experiment” would always be the watchword of the Department in regard to the farms, in future everything produced in connection with these experiments will be turned to the fullest account, “Hitherto,” he said, “we have been too inclined to pay heed to the cry that in selling the products of our farms we are competing with private enterrpise, but henceforth we intend to sell all we have to spare, and thus assist in making the farms as remunerative as possible. ” We welcome this development because it will so reduce the expense of carrying on the farms that it will be possible to establish them in various parts of the colony so that farmers will have within easy reach an experimental station where they can see up-to-date farming on laud similar to their own. There seems to be considerable hope that the Feilding district will be chosen as a site for a farm of this description as the liberal offer of Mr Lethbridge will not be lightly passed. It remains for the farmers to use every method to recommend the proposal to the Minister.

THE ballot for lands in the Ranmati block near Dannevirke was not a great success. Out of 30 sections 13 were not applied for, and for a number of others there was only one applicant. The rents, it is said, were considered to be high, but the policy of the present Ministry is as far as may be to reduce the profits of settlers to a minimum. The 33 years, moreover, is not likely to be so attractive as the 999 years’ lease. We shall watch future sales of settlement lauds with interest, as it seems probable that the so-called land hunger, which was made the pretext for the recent land legislation, will show a very material diminution when the chances of profit from success at the ballot are reduced and the settler has a high rent to pay with only a short lease.

Marton Borough Council have issued a number of summonses for overdue rates, gas and other accounts. The streets of Marton must be paved with gold brooches. An advertisement stating that a brooch had been picked up last November and was awaiting an owner produced three aplpicants within half an hour. Yet there are persons who desire further expenditure on footpaths in Marton. The Hawera Star writes: A local farmer has a fine field of rape that a short time ago appeared as fine a crop as could be wished. The other day, on looking at it carefully, it was found to be badly affected with the potato blight. It is pretty bad luck, especially as there are 26 acres down in rape. \

In the course of an interview at Christchurch, Captain Evans, speaking of the Koonya’s tow to the southern ice, said:—“lt will give you some idea of the seas that were running when I tell you that, though the Nimrod’s masts are 120 feet high, at times they were invisible to those on the Koonya. ” A big carnival is to be held at Napier in March, extending over 12 days, and special attractions have been arranged for each day. Napier is undoubtedly a capital town in which to spend a holiday, and as provision will be made for all classes of sport there should be a large influx, of visitors. Railway and steamer excursion fares will be issued, and visitors requiring accommodation or information relative to the carnival will be furnished with particulars on application to the secretary, Mr A. E. Eagleton, Napier.

Pearson’s Pepto-chlor worth gold per bottle to dyspeptics. All chemists Is, 2s Gd & ,4s. i

The “consecration ” of a billiard table at the Wesleyan King’s Hall, Bolton, is what Hugh Price Hughes have called a piece of “sanctified audacity. ” The Rev. J. Robinson, the Wesleyan chairman of the district, presided, and after the prayer and address played a ifiatch. With the flag flying at half-mast the Glasgow ship Pifeshire, from Iquique, entered Queenstown harbour, the captain’s wife, Mrs Oadell, having died at sea of fever. Captain Oadell was met with the. news that a fortune of£iio,ooo had just been left her.

Discussing, in the New Age, the operation of demand and Supply , Mr Bernard Shaw observes: —“Milton took £5 for ‘Paradise Lost’ because he could not get any more. I should ask £5003 for the same quantity of pen and init work, because I need not take any less. The employer today is emphatically a man who, like Milton and myself, has to take what he can get. ’ ’ Three hairdressing firms in Wellington have decided after February Ist to charge -Is for cutting men’s hair and 6d for cutting boys’ hair. This is merely a forerunner of what is generally intended by the members of the Hairdressers’ Union. Several Wellington hairdressers state that the contemplated extra charge is due to the increased fcost of living. They state that advanced rates, dearer labour, shortened hours of work, and the much higher prices now demanded for nearly every commodity have sent up the hairdressers’ expenses fully 50 per cent. Other trades, they say, have inrceased their charges, and why should they not do likewise? Christchurch Truth states that when the alarm of lire was given at the hospital an operation was proceeding in the operating theatre. The attendant nurses, allfexcept one, were sent flying to help in the women’s ward, while Dr. Stevenson finished the operation with the aid of one nurse. It was probably a unique experience for all parties. Outside were the roar of fire, the shouts of the crowd, and the hiss of the water being thrown on the fire, and other disconcerting noises. But in the operating theatre, which is next the Marks ward, the operation proceeded as though there was nothing unusual to distract or discompose the general procedure. Recently the Post quoted some remarks from an Englishman who had expressed dissatisfaction that, after five years’ hard work, he had saved barely £25. Another Englishman informed a representative of the journal that he arrived in Wellington some two years and three months ago, and during his residence in the Dominion he had been able to place £3OO in the bank, notwithstanding the fact that portion of the time he had been out of employment. This man, who is married, gave the credit for his savings to the fact that he had an economical wife. Last week “A Lancashire Lad,” awaiting the arrival of his wife and daughter, stated that he had only been in New Zealand for a period of nine months, during which he had followed the occupation of a labourer, and, in addition to paying his wife and daughter’s passages, had been able to send £2s* to them for necessaries that might be required before embarking for their new home.

How susceptible some people are

to the magnificence of uniform is well known, and a witness at the City Police Court recently was evidently impressed with the subinspector’s braided jacket, says the Otago Daily Times. She appeared to know that somebody was “Your Worship,” but after a glance at the dapper, grey-clad gentleman on the Bench, the solemn clerk of the court, and dignified representatives of the press, evidently made up her mind “it couldn’t be them.” Then arose the sub-inspector, with a sheaf of' questions and an air of authority. This was evidently the man, and she replied to him: “No, your Worship,” “Yes, your Worship.” The official became somewhat embarrassed at having so much greatness suddenly thrust upon him, and at last found it necessary to modestly explain, with an introductory gesture towards the Bench “This is his Worship, you know.” During the bush fires at Opaki (Wairarapa) two settlers —Messrs Searle and T. Wyeth— had a thrilling experience on the property of the former. The fire suddenly broke out in some bush near a paddock which contained a large number of sheep. Mr Wyeth went to Mr Searle’s assistance, and together they mustered the sheep. However, before ..they could get them out of the paddock the fire had surrounded them. The smoke was blinding and red hot ashes were blowing in all directions. There was only one way of getting the sheep one of the paddock, and, that was by “galloping” them out. The smoke so stupefied the |sheep that a number of them jumped right into the fire and were burnt to death. It was a terrible experience with the flames leaping up all round them and the smoke almost choking them, but the two settlers pluckily stuck to their task and eventually saved nearly all the sheep. The fire destroyed a valuable plantation on Mr Searle’s farm. Other settlers in the district had also trying times in rescuing their stock. A settler remarked that the fire was the worst ever experienced in the Opaki district.

When in Palmerston during the week don’t fail to visit the Bon Marche Arcade (the Square to George street), where a magnificent stock of latest goods in fashionable and family drapery has just been opened out from the first markets- of the world. Value and variety always obtainable at this leading emporium of fashion. The firm invite visitors to walk through their premises and inspect their extensive stock at anv time O. M. ROSS AND CO.—Advt THE “L.K.G.”—THE ONLY SUCCESSFUL MILKING MACHINE.

It is easy enough to call a milking machine ‘new’ and ‘improved’; but no machine is worthy of your consideration until it has been tried and worked day in and day out for at least two years. The hard facts of daily experience are what count and the “L.K.G.” is the only Milking Machine that has stood this test of practical working for nearly six years, with the result that it has established a world-wide reputation. Write for further information and list of over 450 New Zealand farmers who have proved the value ‘of the “L.K.G.” to J B. Mac Ewan& Co., Ltd.', sole agents, U.S.S. Co.’s Buildings, Wellington. Pearsons’ Pepto-chlor will certainly remove that frightful pain in the chest. All chemists Is, 2s 6d and 4s.

The Hunterville Mounted Rifles went into camp at Porewa on Saturday inoruing. The corps remains under canvas for ten days. On Wednesday nest military sports will be held at the camp, and the public are invited to attend.

According to a calculation made by the Farmers’ Union advocate there are about 4000 shearers in the Wellington Industrial district, of whom on the admission of the Secretary of the Shearers’ Union only 80 have joined the Union. Two per cent of tne shearers have, in fact, power to disturb the whole industry. Owing to the appointment of Mr E. Rawson, Clerk of the Court at Masterton, to a magistracy "on the West Coast, the Clerk of the Court at Stratford will be transferred to Masterton, and Mr A. Mason at present clerk at Marton will be transferred to Stratford. So says the New Zealnad Times though Mr Mason has not yet received official notiec of transfer.

A clerk in’a commercial house in Wellington earned £4OOO some time ago in a very easy manner. While on a visit to England, he ascertained the name of an absentee who was the fortunate owner of a fine block of buildings in Wellington, and subsequently, learning cf the latter’s death, placed the matter before a small syndicate of speculators, who made an offer to the in England, and obtained the property on splendid terms. The clerk was well rewarded for his trouble, the syndicate handing him a cheque for £4OOO. The property is in one of the busiest parts of Wellington, and the syndicate made a capital investment.

|£All arrangements have now been made by the committee of the Feilding A.- and P. Association for Jthe Show, which takes place to-morrow and next day. It will be held on the pretty grounds of the Feilding Jockey Club, wherein are all the conveniences necessary for the comfort of a large concourse of people. The live stock exhibits will be found of a high standard of quality, and as such will be of interest to all who realise how important it is to the commercial welfare of the country that such exhibitions should be held as a means of comparison for the maintaining or for the further improvement of this great; branch of our farming industry. The various competitions will provide interest also, and, given fine weather, a large attendance is anticipated. < An arbitration case of great importance to all agricultural districts in the Dominion has been heard at Blenheim. Gogg, a threshing machine hand, met 'with an accident, resulting in the loss of one of his eyes. He claimed|£2oo compensation from David Bishell, the owner of the machine. Bishell, who was covered by the Ocean Accident Insurance Corporation, contested the matter, holding that he was not the man’s employer, but that the farmer was. Evidence as to custom showed that the engine-driver and feeder were the only men paid by the machine owner out of the contract price for threshing. The other men were paid a lump sum for their wages by the farmer according to the time worked, one of their number acting as pay-master and timerecorder. The farmer also found the men food and lodgings, and coal for the engine. Mr Scott Smith, S.M., found on the main question that the machine owner was the employer, as the gang followed the mill about through the whole season and took orders from the owner only. A mutual settlement was arrived at. The decision will have the effect, probably, of forcing machine owners to include in their contract for the threshing price all the 'machine hands’, wages.