LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taihape Daily Times, 5 November 1918, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The left wing of the 43rd-Reinforce-ments'has arrived at a’ port of call, all well.

The mails for the United Kingdom which left New Zealand on the 11th and 13th September last, have arrived at their destination” safely.

The copper trail from Wellington to Auckland has been completed. The sum in hand is £93,720, which is in excess of the amount required to cover the distance.

The Defence authorities have decided to place Second Division 01 reservists on leave without pay until further notice. Those-called up in November and futlfre drafts will not now he required to parade. Those in camp will continue their training.

Owing to the serious nature of the influenza epidemic in Auckland, which has claimed a large number of victims among the Post and Telegraph staff there, we have been requested to inform the public that telegraphic traffic for Auckland and district is suffering severe delay. Telegrams ,of an urgent nature only should be lodged.

There appears to be quite a mystery in connection with the compilation of the popular history of New Zealand’s military part in the early stages of the war, as recounted principally by soldiers in letters to relatives. The names of the author is like the birth of Jeames, “wrapt in mistry.” It is said, however, that either Mr W. H. Montgomery (formerly of Christchurch) or Colonel “Jackey” Hughes is preparing the book, but why all the secrecy?

The Rev. Father Nicholas, SyroChaldean apostolic misionary, in Sydney last week, in an interview, related some details concerning the Massacres of Syrians and Armenians by the Turks in 1915. “Perhaps a million of the Chaldean, and Syrian population were massacred or died of misery. A great number took refuge in Persia or the Caucasus. The Turks, allies of the Germans, have been at one with the Germans in the organisation of massacres.”

Of eight-seven members of the British Parliament who hold office under the Crown fifty-seven draw between them £135,625, an average of nearly £2,400 each, according to an official return made recently. This total does not include the fees drawn by the at-torney-general and the SolicitorGeneral in addition to their respective of £6,000 and £5,000 a year. The attorney-general is the most highly paid }n the list, and is followed by a dozen Ministers who draw the regulation salary of £5,000. Included in this list is Mr G. N. Barnes, formerly secretary of the Amalgamted Society of Engineers, who gets £5,000 as a member of the War Cabinet, There are three M.P.’s who receive only army pay. Twenty-five members of the Hotise hold unpaid offices.

Good wages is offered to a girl as sistant wanted at Phillips’ Cafe, Sla tlon Btreet.

A cable message received at noon to-day states that fine weather prevails in Melbourne for the V.R.C Races. The Melbourne Cup will be decided this afternoon.

The scheme of physical training used with such pronounced succes in the expeditionary force camps is to be extended to the territorials and senior cadets. Arrangements are now being made to appoint expert instructors.

Owing to the music famine experienced in Taihapc a Spoof B'and has sprung into existence some forty strong. Tho uniform to be worn is white with red facings. Members are industriously practising.

Rehearsars in connection with the forthcoming repetition of the Grand Revue will be held on Wednesday and Friday nights, when a full attendance is requested. The Revue will be staged on Saturday night.

Dr Sinclair is at present indisposed, suffering from a severe attack of influenza. Dr. Mac Diarmid, who was due back for duty in a hospital ship, has been granted leave of absence to take charge of Dr. Sinclair’s patients during his indisposition.

Special attention is drawn to the monster Garden Party that is to be held at Mr. J. R. Cunninghame’s residence in Kaka Roa'd, on Thursday, 7th inst. A very liberal programme of entertainments is provided"; the newly-formed Huia Orchestra is to give a few items, and special attractions are provided for young people.

There will be a meeting of ladies in the Technical School on Friday, afternoon, at 3 o ’clock to make arrangements for the supper in connection with the forthcoming Children’s Plain and Fancy Dress Ball on November 22nd. It is to be hoped there will be a good as this ball is always looked forward to with the greatest interest by the children.

Cheap jokes about “soap-box oratory” have no application to Canada’s greatest labour leader, Mr. James Simpson, who is advertised to speak on labour v. liquor in the Town flail to-night. l! ' While it is true that Mr. Simpson has spoken times without number on street corners receiving his baptism of stale eggs, yet to-day men of letters and business leaders are delighted to act as his chairman. Hear Simpson to-night. It is probably your only chance, for, when peace is declared this great Canadian must hurry back to advise as to peace terms on behalf of the trade unionists and labour delegates of Canada.

A meeting of the Taihape Municipal Band committee is to be held in the band-room to-morrow (Wednesday’) evening at 7.30. At 8 o’clock a meeting of bandsmen, whether members of the band or not, and all brass instrument players who : can he present. There is a duty men who stay at home are expected to do, and not the least is that which one’s talents particularly fit him for. By assisting in the band honour is done to the brave fellows who have won the victory for ■civilisation, and a band is necessary to give the boys the honourable welcome homo they have a million times earned from us. Be present at the meeting.