LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 96, 1 August 1910, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The contractor is making excellent progress with the Park Tennis club's courts. Messrs. Boon Bros, are engaged in the preliminary work connected with the erection of tilie retaining wall lor the filling at the Powderham street culvert. The State Guarantee Advances Board lias provisionally approved loans <.O local Authorities to the amount of £53,930, and loans amounting to £67,8'15 were finally approved. The best of the lambs killed at the local abbatoirs last week weighed 3Glbs and 371bs respectively, dressed weight. These animals were from Mr. Salway's well-known flock of Southdowns. Mr. Ellis' well-known Five 'Rivers estate dn Southland has 'been purchased by a Canterbury syndicate. The estate com-. prise 9 38,700 acres, 12,000 to 15,000 acres of which wall probably foe cut up into '2OO and 300-acre blocks. Cyclists are warned against leaving their machines too long in the street untended. A young iady who left her bicycle outside an office on Thursday found on her return that someone had laid claim to it, and made off with it. The matter was reported to the police. The Taranaki County Council meets o-day. One of the chief items on the order paper is the consideration of the toll-gate difficulty, the chairman having given notice to move that night tolls shou'l'd be collected. It is suggested that the toll collector should be armed if he is to live a quiet life. The Wanganui Chronicle is pleased that there is now 14ft at high water on the river bar, as so much has never been known before. The Harbor Board aimed at 22ft for a time; but 'got tired. Moles are being pushed out into the sea to confine the river and make it scour out the channel; but drifting sand is piling up against the north mole, and the Chronicle wants to know what will Ibe done when it begins to go round the end,* if it will ultimately foe necessary to dredge, then they .might as well begin now and give up walling. Referring to the absence of Xew Zealand' news from the London papers, h correspondent writes to the Wellington Post:—"l looked up the London Times for November and December last, and find that the space given in the whole 26 inches of the Thunderer for November was only 11% inches for cables from New Zealand, and 13 inches in December. In only five issues of the Times in November were there any telegrams from New Zealand, and in only seven out of the 26 issues for December were there any telegrams." Six young men, from 1!) to 22 years) arrived in Invereargill from London the other day, having been sent out by the Central Unemployed Body. The secretary. of the Southland Farmers' Union (Mr. R. Allen) found positions on farms for the whole of them, two going to Fortrose, a similar number to Dipton, one to Opio, and one to'Balfour. Seven left tihe Old Country by the Nairnshire, but, on arrival at Wellington, one of the men apparently decided to rely on his own merits in searching for employment, and diisappeared. On Saturday afternoon a good deal of commotion. was caused in Devon St by two vehicles coining into collision. One was being driven down hill and ran into a trap standing in front of the British and Continental Piano Company's promises. The stationary vehicle was overturned, its occupants, ,a .lady *,nd child, being underneath. Beyond a severe'shock and some bruises, they escaped unhurt. The other vehicle struck the footpath .kerbing- in front of Mir. Newton King's office and "turned turtle." The only damage it sustained was a strained axle and a splintered splash board. Mr. William James, who arrived from the Uniteid; States of America by the Mokoia the other day, in charge of some prize Holstein cattle for Mr. Newton King, (a reference to which appears in another column.'), refers to the great heat which has been experienced during the present summer in America. Recent oablte messages have dwelt on the drought in Canada,, and in many of the States, and the loss of life trom neat apoplexy in l the East. Mr. James says; that 'he struck the heat wave whilst travelling across the States. ' "It was stiflingly hot," he said, "particularly getting through the State of Colorado, where the thermomenter registered r.i 3 degrees in the shade. It was :i record—you must have had it in your peptrs. The cattle pulled through ail but it wias a wonder they did." Father Sheridan put in an unexpected appearance at a 'musical evening at Lithgow given by members of the women's branch of the Hibernian Society (says a Sydney paper). At the time of his entry •the lancers were in progress, ana company iwas thoroughly enjoying ijfcselt. Father Sheridan marched to the platform, and when he faced the audience the fall of a pin could' have been heard. He said lie had not expected any more dancing in that community, and, least of all, in that hall; but he would not stop their dancing. He would, in fact, permit them to dance. "But," added the priest, "no man must put his arm around the waist of any woman, and anyone who disobevs my orders will go out." After this the company tried to solve the problem, but it was a ludicrous failure. Waltzing with clasped hands did not appeal to tliem, and many put on their hats and left. The newi style is not likely to become popular. The Lyttelton Times cannot believe that' Sir George Clifford really imagines that the present system of racing encourages the production of horses suitable for military and economic purposes. "Long before New Zealand began to offend all the authorities that count for anything were complaining fcluit early racing and sprint courses were destroying the Englishr saddle horse, and since that time the evils and their effects have grown enormously," says the Times. "At the middle of last century, when the longdistance races were abandoned, it was predicted that the thoroughbred would rapidly decay, but since then the courses have been still further shortened, ana now it is the animal tluat can gallop over five or six furlongs, a mere speed maj chine, that pays to breed and train. Sir George Clifford himself complains of tins tendency, as well he may, but he cannot bring himself to admit that it has already done its work of deterioration. It would be no less ridiculous to talk of coursing improving the breed of sheepdogs than it is to talk of modern racing improving the breed of horses for military and economic purposes. Racing is, as Sir George says, a good wholesome British pastime in spite of all the evils by which it is surrounded, but to contend 'that it has any economic value is simply absurd," Members of the Equitable Building Society of New Plymouth (First and I Second Groups) are notified that sub- | scriptions will be due and payable toIday (Monday), at the Secretary's Office, . Currie street, from 9 a.m. to 12.30, from ' 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.— Advt.

In commenting on the Lauderdale wreck, the Greymouth Star states that it is desirable to have a scheme propounded which will render tlio harbor safe and navigable daily. During the year ended June 30 the Egmont Box Company (Eltham) made 211,548 butter boxes and 150,078 cheese crates. The contents of these placed on the market would represent about £1,182,425.

We recently had occasion to call attention and abject to the heavy amount of a fine inflicted on a local Chinaman bv the actiiigiStipentliary Magistrate for taking charge <of a horse that was being driven to the pound by the local inspector. We understand that the matter is being taken up by the Chinese Consul in Wellington, and that more is likely to be heard of it.

"One feels inclined to forgive the vanity of the colonial who considers New Zealand the most blessed spot on earth," says Mr. Will Crooks in the London Daily Chronicle. "Nature has been exceptionally kind to New Zealand, and a splendid future lies before the country if she makes good use of her opportunities for development. If I had to make a start in life over again, this Dominion of New Zealand, of all places on the map', is the one where I should wish to carve out my future." Madame Carreno played in a halo at Botorua the other evenings, says an exchange. Just before her recital was due to begin the electric light failed, and the hall was filled with dense darkness. Attendants scurried about, and found five candles, which fitfully and weirdly illuminated the artiste's face and hands while she was bewitching the grand piano to speak its best. There was almost a sigh of regret when tihe commonplace electric bulbs again flashed in the halls, 1

One hundred and seventy passenger* arrived in Wellington on Friday by the N'ewi Zealand 'Shipping Company's s.s. Rimutaka. Amongst the number were 46 assisted immigrants, comprising 20 adults and "26 children. There are ten domestics, one (farmer, and ten wives who are joining their husbands. The secondclass passengers totalled 29, and the first-class 143. Included amongst the passengers were nineteen, members of Hia Excellency the Governor's household. By t'he same vessel a large quantity of very valuable gold and silver plate arrived for Lady Islington.

Lady Stout sent ,the following message to "Votes for Women," t'he weekly organ of the Women's Social and Political Union, on June 21:—"The land I come from—(Now Zealand—is the youngest daughter of the Empire—really just a tiny baby in long clothes. Yet her little hands have caught hold tightly and firmly, as we all know the tiniest' baby' 'hands can do, of the biggest and tougihest problems of the day. Yet it i 3 not by one hand alone she holds but by the wedded hands of man and woman bound! together by loyal comradeship and love, with equal rights and equal powers to work together for the uplifting of humanity, and the redress of wrongs that are a menace to the future happiness of their children, homes and country."

At the next annual meeting ot the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, wires the Masterton correspondent of the Wellington Times, something sensational in the way of donations to the funds of the association is to be announced. One donation is, I am informed, well over four figures, and will be the biggest ever made to any association in New Zealand. Tfhe names of the donors, and everything connected therewith, is being kept secret, and is to be sprung as a surprise on members at the annual meeting. , There are, I may say, a number of leading officials of the association who intend to leave no stone unturned until the Masterton show becomes the rival of Canterbury and Palmerston shows. These donations are only initial steps in this direction.

In the Criminal Court at Perth, a couple of weeks ago, Abe and Nellie Benson were found guilty of having bv means of a fraudulent trick' induced Cletinker Countess Wiser, of Aiustrin. to deliver to Abe Benson the sum of £lO l). The male prisoner journeyed from Colombo in the same boat as the counte-s, and gaining her confidence, induced he" on arrival in State to make cciraln bets on horse races, without even putting the money on for her. He was sentence 1 to eighteen months' imprisonment, with hard labor, and ordered to make restitution af £llß out of £125, iwhieh was the total amount involved. The woman was discharged on her own recognisances. Benson has a record extending throii<rh New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia, Tasmania being the only state in the Commonwealth as yet unexploited by him.

Professor J. Macmillan Brown, L.L.D..! writing in the -Financial News, put in a j word for the colonies in preference to j Latin America. He says he is greatly < interested in the new departure of the' Financial News, which is now devot'iV. j one day's issue each week to colonial op-1 portunities for English capital. Profes- j sor Macmillan Brown continues: "I have I just finished an extended tour through I South ami Central America, and been j astonished at the vast expenditure of British capital in countries. that give neither the scope nor the security of the British colonies. Many undertakings are undoubtedly successful, especially in the Argentine and Mexico; but still more are languishing and much of the capital lavished' during the last quarter of a mturv on public bodies in these various republics would have been much more wisely spent in Australia, New Zealand or Canada, and with far igreater chance of being recovered with interest. There are many oil and coal propositions in New Zealand that would pay capital splendidly after a few years of its careful application. And there are freezing industries that would, in the hands ot British capitalists, expand more rapidly than even they do. They are prosperous as they are; they could be still more so if taken in hand energetically by British capital." MEN'S 25/- WELTED BOOTS FOR 8/3

LESS. The Melbourne is the only firm selling boots of established reputation at such a moderate price. We COULD have fixed the price of this boot at 25s—and found a ready market. We COULD have pocketed 8s 3d extra profit on each pair. But we didn't. That is why this boot is for the man who lias 203*t0 spend on his footwear—yet who is willing to save 8s 3d. You pay nothing nothing for the Melbourne reputation—nor for the Melburne knowledge and experience. Yet they mean much to you, for "Melbourne'* has always been a by-word for greatest boot quality. And' the price of this Melbourne welted boot needs no comment. Of course, other boots may be as good as the Melbourne's. But their prices are out of proportion to their value—as much out of proportion as they are over 16s 9d. You owe it to yourself to investigate this wonderful line. Pay us a visit at any of our three TaranaK) store*—New Plymouth, Stratford and Eltham—and we'll be pleased to show it cow Yon'H not bp qaUpd tn hI»V

■Don't forget that your friends can hardly be expected to share your own absorbing interest in your infants.

The annual returns of the Moremere Co-operative Dairy Company show that the milk received during the past Bea» son totalled f1,G5G,2411b5. The outterfat came to 240,1801b5, and the commercial butter 125 >4 tons. The number of suppliers was 27, average test 3.96, over-run 12.82, lb9 of milk to make lib of butter 23.(17. For the season's output tihe receipts were £13,450 18s. A bonus of £6OO will be distributed among supplierp.

The soundness of the dairy industry in'this district is illustrated by the high prices tlhat are from time to time ob-' tained for good dairy stock, which each year are becoming more valuable (says the Hawena Star). Owing no doubt to a larger aua being milked on this season, dairy cows have been selling exceptionally well. At a sale held on account of Mr. J. J. Campbell at his Mangawhero road property by the New Zealand Loan -and Mercantile Co., Ltd., «n day last, a herd of 00 dairy cows were sold at auction at an average price of £ll per head, choice cows bringing aa high as £l6.