LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taihape Daily Times, 6 June 1918, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

During the. 45 years to the end of the year 1916 New Zealand lost more than IS,OOO people by cancer. Since 1872, the death-rate has increased fro m 2.01 per 10,000 to 8.27.

The Minister of Defence has received iadvice that the transport conveying the 36th Reinforcements, the 37th Mounted Reinforcements, the Wireless Troop, has arrived at its destination.

Router's correspondent at Amsterdam quotes the Koelnische" Voiles Zeitung as stating that 1552 tons of grain have arrived in Germany from Ukraine, or less than one-fiftieth part of what was due on May 1. There are now only 5,700,000 pigs in Germany, compared with 13,000,000 a year ago.

The next Euchre Party iu connection with -Margaret's Church fund will be held in the Three Stars Theatre tomorrow night, These parties have become very popular and are eagerly looked forward to. 'Admission is one shilling for gentleman, ladies to provide a basket.

An exciting incident happened on Monday afternoon on Rangaroa where contractors are laying sewerage pipes. A trench some 16ft. in depth had been made, in which two men were working, when it was seen by those on the top that one of the sides was giving away and without a moment's warning a great fall of earth occurred. One of the men, named Ferdam, was completely covered by the debris while his companion was more fortunate, the earth only covering part of his body. Assistance was at once secured and willing hands removed the earth from Fredam, who had a marvellous escape from death.

Mr. J. Caithness, a returned soldier, has rejoined Messrs Dalgety and Co., and has been stationed at Taihape. Mr. Caithness enlisted white in the Masterton office of Dalgety and Co., and he returns to work in Taihape after having over two years active service against the Germans in France.

Commenting on the problems of the Pacific, the Auckland Star's Suva correspondent says: If Fiji were given the choice as to whether she should be governed from New Zealand or Australia, she would give the preference to the Dominion, on the ground, principally, that she would expect to receive a more sympathetic administration from New Zealand than from a country which has announced to the world its professed antipathy to coloured races.

The returned soldiers' social and dance last night was most successful, there benig about sixty couples danc-

ing during the evening. It is intended to hold these socials on the first Wednesday in every month, and it is hoped the public will continue to support the efforts of the returned men to accumulate funds for the carrying on of their Association. The music was provided by Mr. Edlin's orchestra, extras being played by Mr». Weeks, and Messrs Mclnteer ancT T. Smith. Just before breaking up Mr. Dunbar, on behalf of the Returned Soldiers' Association, thanked those present for their support, and the ladies for their assistance in connection with the supper.

Last night Mr. V. Nicholls enter, tained bis friends at the Three Stars prior to his leaving for camp. The function took the form of a social evening. Mr. W. J. Munro occupied the chair, there being between forty and fifty couples present. The usual toasts and speeches were macfe, and several songs were contributed. Late in the evening the- King's' orchestra contributed some orchestral music, which was ruuen appreciated. In responding to the toast of "Mr. and Mrs. Nicholls, sen.," Mr. Nicholls said his

son Vernon was the third boy to go to the front. He had received a letter from his son Cyril, whG was now at the front, in wMch he said the best parcels they had received were those dspatched by the Taihape Women's .Working Club. A very enjoyable evening concluded with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."