LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 December 1915, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A Sydney cable says that the Garden Island strike has boon settled. Tlio vital statistics for Stratford for the month of' November lire: Births twenty-one, marriages seven, deaths four. It is notified in the Gazette that His Excellency the Governor has revoked the appointment of Carl Herman Seaforth, M.8., Ch.'B., as medical officer for the Island of Nine, Cook Islands. An interesting picture of past and present was witnessed in Wnipiro Bay recently (says an exchange), when u three-horse express team, a motor-car, a motor-waggon, and a wool-waggon drawn by live yoke of oxen were standing in tTie street. A .special meeting of tiie directors of the South Tarana.ki "Winter Show Company was held at the secretary's ofilce 011 Friday evening, when the draft balancesheet and annual report were presented and discussed. Various other matters in connection with the new land and proposed new buildings were brought up. A small sub-committee was appointed to confer with the architect on the question, and to report to next meeting. A satisfactory sitting of the Maori Land Court, under the presidentship of Judge Jack, has just been concluded at Normanby. The number of tribal mattera and affairs connected with the West Coast Settleemnt Eeserves dealt with brought a very large attendance, and over two hundred Maoris were present. The Court was held 111 the Xormanby Town Hall, while the Maoris were lodged and boarded in the Horticultural Hall. Arrangements for this were made by YVhnreaitn and his committee; they were excellently carried out, and were much appreciated by the visiting 'Maoris. The people of Normanby also were very kind and did all they could to help in the arrangements. All matters went very smoothly in every way. The next sitting of the Court will be held in March, 1916.—Hawera Star.

Visitors to the Sugar Loaves have hitherto had no means of Retting from the neighbourhood of the Fishing Rock and old quarry grounds to the slopes of Paritutu, except by the long frail series of wooden steps on tf>e exposed face of the cliff. Rather than go this way people would'return to the foot of the breakwater in order to go up by the flagstaff. This inconveniece is now obviated by the cutting of a track from the hill through the lupins to the cliff westward of the mixing house, where the cement blocks are made. Down this cliff by an easy grade a good broad pathway lias been cut. This has been continued across the railway, and will be completed till it reaches the beach, where near a clump* of taupata a good spring of water is to Be found for the use of visitors. On Thursday next another working bee will continue operations in that neighbourhood. Large consignments of Californian dried fruits have reached Wellington by the steamers Maitai and Wairuna from San Francisco. No further shipments of the sort will arrive here before Christmas, and these consignments will be distributed throughout the Dominion (says the Zealand Times). The Wairuna also brought a large consignment of Californian oranges and lemons, which appeared to be in first-class conditoin. The cargo by the Maitai included a. large quantity of Californian fruits of various kinds, and also 5000 cases of bananas and tomatoes from Rarotonga. Beneficial rains have fallen in the Cook Group recently, and visitors who returned by the Maitai state that the prospects for a plentiful supply of sound fruit appear to be much brighter than they were some few weeks ago. The Wairuna is discharging nearly 3300 tons of her cargo at Wellington, while the Maitai has 900 tons for New Zealand from San Francisco. The Hawera Star states that Mr. J. S. Murray, surveyor, of Hawera, has been instructed by the Public Works Department to make the land plan survey of the Manaia branch of the Te RotiOpunake railway, and has made a start with the work. The Government surveyors have already laid out -the route which the railway will follow, and Mr. Murray will now prepare the necessary survey of the land required. The line will junction with the main branch line just above Kapuni, and will come out on to the Manaia road at the bend just above Kapuni, at which point the road will be slightly deviated. The railway will cross the Sheet Road between the Kapuni store and the bridge over the Kaupokonui stream, and come on to the Manaia road again at a corner just below Kapuni.' Here the road will be again slightly deviated, but from this point onwards the railway will be some few chains from the road. There will be no streams to cross, and the formation out to Manaia should be of the easiest character.

Messrs Lissaman Bros., of Waireka, Seddon, have forwarded to the Marlborough Express a cheque for £SO for the patriotic funds. In a covering letter, Mr. Lissaman says:—". ... I think that those who will not or cannot go to the front should do all they possibly can for those who do go. as they are going to fight o|ir battles for us. They are giving their lives; therefore we surely can afford to give a. little of our money, especially when that money is being made out of the war. We will take wool as an example. If there had been no war we should be now getting onethird less for our wool than we are getting to-day; therefore one-third of the money we are getting is ithe direct result of the war. . •. . Instead of writing you a homily on the sins of wealth, which are many, I will give you a suggestipn, which is as follows: —That all men, not only the big sheep farmers, but all who have wool for sale, should give !i per cent, of their wool cheque to the war funds. That amount will not hurt anyone when we consider the price we are getting. As deeds are better than words, to start the hall rolling we have much pleasure in handing you a cheque for £SO now, and will forward the balance when we get our returns, as we are shipping Home, and consequently do not know how much our wool will realise." The economies that every man in the district can command by patronising the Melbourne's sale are too substantial to bo overlooked. At no previous time in the history of this popular clothing store have such desirable bargains in men's and boy's apparel been offered. 110 YOU KNOW? Do von know that of all the minor ailments colds are the most dangerous? It is not the cold itself that you need fear, but the serious ailments it so often leads to. For that reason every cold should be got rid of as quickly as possible. For this there is nothing better than Chamberlain's Cough Remedy. It will loosen tlje cold, relieve the lungs, aid expectoration and enable your system to throw off the cold, Sold everywhere

Splendid »p<n-l is being obtained by lishermen at the Stony River, and some good bags arc recorded. Mr. X. Andrews has secured more than thirty trout this season, averaging 2ilb each. Tlie Xew Plymoutli police received information yesterday that a Mao.l named Waho was found dead at Okato yesterday in circumstances pointing to suicide by hanging. An inquest will be held at Okato to-day. The lads from Urenui school arc to be commended for their patriotic spirit in journeying over twenty- miles, nt their onw expense, and 011 their own initiative to compete in the tug-of-war at the Oniral School Patriotic Carnival on Thursday. They pulled well, too, but were beaten in the semi-final heat. The Union S.S. Company advise that when the Aparima returns to Xew Zealand about the end of the year, there, will be vacancies for several cadet* us some of those who will have completed their term of service will be transferred to the Company's steamers to fill the position of junior officers. Tlie Maiden Hunters' Jumping Competition at the Stratford Show on Wednesday was won by Leo McNeil's (Urunui) Mae, R. 11. Pepperell's (Waitftra)' Red Wing being second, with C. Patterson (Kapuni) third. The result that was' published in Thursday's Daily News was afterwards corrected by the oflicials as above. The Minister for Railway (Hon. W. IT. Herries) mentioned on Saturday last that the usual holiday concession would be made on the railways at Christmas and New Year, though the rates would reflect the tariff alterations. The excursion fare this year would be one and one-third the single fare, plus the extra 10 per cent, which has neen imposed as a war tax on all railway fares. 'Previously the excursion rate was the ordinary single fare. It is reported that the Karawa will be taken off the New Plymouth-One-hunga service early in January and will be replaced by the Ngapuhi. The trade between Auckland and Tauranga is said to be calling for a larger steamer, and the Rarawa has been mentioned Iter that service. The matter was mentioned to the New Plymouth branch of the Northern Steamship Company on Saturday, who stated that while the suggested change was freely spoken of, they had recived no official information on the matter.

A Wellington telegram says that yesterday afternoon the Wellington Catholic Women's Hostel, built under the auspices of the Wellington Catholic Federation, was officially opened for occupation by the Archbishop, prominent representatives of the clergy and lality being present. The residence known as "The Knoll," in Thompson Street, has been secured as the site of the hostel, *nd Miss Williams has been appointed matron. The scheme is to provide a real home for Catholic women, either permanently residing or holiday-makinj 1b Wellington, the accommodation being sufficient for thirty-two.

A communication received by the Minister for Internal Affairs (Hon. G. W. Russell) from tlie Christehurch branch of St. John's Ambulance. Association states that as a result of shooting parties promoted by Mr. Duncan Rutherford, of Leslie Hills, Culverden, 540 crates of hires and rabbits liavo been sent to London for the use of the military hospitals in the Vnited Kingdom. Eightynine crates, each containing twelve hares, are awaiting shipment in store at iLyttelton. The shipping companies have carried the consignments free to London and the delicacies have been greatiy appreciated in the hospitals.

A sacred concert was held at "Aotea," Messrs ISolo IBfos' grounds, yesterday afternoon. The afternoon was beautifully fine and a large number of people availed themselves of the opportunity to spend a pleasant afternoon amid the charming surroundings of "Aotea." The grounds are looking splendid at present, and their attractiveness was intensified yesterday by the summer sunshine which prevailed. During the afternoon the Citizens' Band rendered an enjoyable programme of music, while afternoon tea could be purchased in the grounds. A charge was made for admission, and the proceeds, which are expected to be about £?0, will be divided between the Belgian Fund and the Wounded Soldiers' Fund, ' A Dannevirke telegram says that what looks like a case of attempted arson occurred early on Saturday morning, when a big wooden structure in High Street, known as the Cafe de Paris, was discovered on fire. The brigade effected a good save, but a good deal of internal damage was done. The building is owned by J. Westlake, Pahiatua, and insured for £10(50 in the State Office, and the furniture, owned by the late lessee, Mr. W. J. Rountree, for £l5O in the State Office. Indications point to the building having been set on fire in two places, but there is no evidence at present as to the perpetrator. Rountree suspended the business after the discovery oT an incipent fire at the premises a few days ago.

A Wanganui telegram says that Mr. Edgar Marciiant. of Wanganui, who enlisted for service, has invented i} new style of ifiilitary bridge which he intends placing before the Government and military authorities. It is on the cantilever principle, but embodies an entirely new application of it which qualfied men here say they have never seen or heard of before. Its chief features are that it will give fiTtv per cent, greater span than any other style of bridge-building, and can be constructed without either nails, bolts, ropes or any other fastening, and can be easily and rapidly put together. The bridge is also very strong, a two-foot model built of ordinary totara carrying a weight of 14st without any appreciable movement. Kxperts consider that for military operations, in which simplicity and rapidity of construction are essential, it is difficult to surpass Mr. Marchant's invention. In this issue is published particulars of several coastal properties to be offered by Mr. Newton King at the Stony River Sale next Wednesday. Messrs. Lawn. Who are anxious to wind up an estate, are prepared to meet intending purchasers and show ■them over the properties and answer any enquiries. Fuller particulars can be obtained from the auctioneer. At the same time and place, there will also be offered a handy little property situated just past the Stony l?iver Bridge, which will make an ideal little farm for any small dairyman to make a start upon. 'AN EXPERIENCED TRAVELLER SAYS: ALWAYS CHECK YOUR BAGGAGE. "I do, and I employ the N.Z. Express Co. Their system is best; in fact, it is the only complete one. 1 just tell them when I am going, and they call for my baggage, take it to station, check on, receive at far end, and deliver at once. I haven't a bit of bother. But get the right concern—The N,Z. Express Co.. Ltd."

Tin l sum of Ju-.'o wa,s taken at tlie Red Cross iltft ut New Plymouth on Satur« day. A London cable says that Harry Steel, tlie late King Edward's bookmaker, who reeontly diod left property valued at £OM,+IB. A large quantity of the fish supply received in New Plymoutli eonies from Auckland, and it is therefore interesting to learn that tlie activities of the Auckland fishing trade are going to bo increased by the purchase of a municipal trawler. A sitting of the Supreme Court will be opened at the New Plymouth Courthouse at eleven o'clock this morning. The calendar includes only civil business, which will probably not be finished before to-morrow. The Chief Justice (Sir Piobert Stout) will preside over the sitting. As the summer-weather approaches no tloubt, the various ponds and bathing resorts will be frequented by many, and, as usual, accidents will occur. Last week, writes our Omata correspondent, a young man named White narrowly escaped deatl) by drowning in Mr. Bayly's pond. It seems that White and Keith Bayly were enjoying a dip when the former, though a good swimmer, was seized with cramp and sank. Young Bayly went to his assistance, with'the result that lie, too, went under, and had great difficulty in freeing himself from the struggling man. Luckily at this moment a younger brother, Vaughan, camo on the scene, and promptly :gave assistance. By wading in and passing the end of a towel to Keith. The latter managed to bring White to the surface and on to 'the bank. Fortunately the lads had a knowledge of first aid in resuscitating the apparently drowned and promptly applied means to restore animation until medical aid arrived. Without doubt tile pluck and resourcefulness of these lads averted a fatality, and their action is worthy of all commends tion.