LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 March 1916, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Manaia Town Board, at its last meeting, decided to do all in its power to assist the recruiting movement. Hedgehogs, which were imported some years ago by Dr. W. 11. Hosking, are now frequently seen in the neighborhood of Masterton. The Hon. A. T. Ngata is in the Urewera Country, and is supposed to be endeavoring to persuade "Rim to submit to the authorities in connection with his sentence of nine months' imprisonment for illicit trading in liqpor. A further attempt to arrest the "prophet" is evidently under way. As showing the part Riverton has played in providing men for the firingline, it is claimed (says the Southland Times) that the departure of footballers, rowing men, followers of the turf and others has left in the town only about fifteen young fellows who are eligible for active service. The following recruits who are leaving Manaia were farewelled last week:— Sergeant-Major Calder, QuartermasterSergeant D. Bridge, Privates' Geo. Butler, H. Taylor, H. P. Coad, L. J. Coad, James Hughes and A. Betteridge. Mrs. T. A. Bridge (wife of the chairman of the Patriotic Committee) presented each recruit with a sovereign bek. The Prime Minister told a New Zealand Times reporter on Friday that he had received communications from two men, eacli 75 years of age, who wished to proceed to the front. One of these would-be recruits had a personal interview with Mr. Massey, and showed himself to be as hale and hearty as many a man of fifty years. It is not always the fault of the motorist, said Cr. Winks at Saturday's meeting of the Hawera County Council, when a circular from a South Island local body, dealing with the speed of cars, was under consideration. "Some people who drive traps are asleep on the road, and when you toot the horn they swerve the horse around almost in front of th« car," he added. The purchase by the Salvation Army of the late Colonel Hayhurst's private residence, at Tcmuka is announced. This has been acquired for the purpose of a Boys' Home on similar liaes to that of the Eltham Home. It is eminently suited for this, having spacious rooms, and surroundings which are excellent in every way. Th a plan of the Army authorities is to establish homes in which orphan children of soldiers shall have the preference. A girls' home has been acquired in Auckland recently, and this, with the Girls' Homes at Middlemarch (Otago) and Newtown, and the Eltham Boys' Home, and the recent acquisition at Temuka, places the Amy in a position to receive many who have hai to be turned away through lack of accommodation. The capital city is as busy as ever (writes a Wellington correspondent). Notwithstanding that many of her men have left on active service, there still clings to Wellington that hustling spirit associated with the latter years of the city's progress. Jler v pavements are thronged with pedestrians, her streets are alive with vehicles and her trades, men are engiossed with affairs of business. At night, when the streets arc ablaze with light, there is khaki, everywhere. Soldiers are home on final furlough, other reinforcements have the "night off" from camp. Yet is io alwsys the same. .Months and months pa"s3 quickly by, transports regularly leave her busy wharves, and there seems no change. Picture theatres are nightly crowded, others are under construction or being completed. The war is far away and is not yet realised, for a spirit of gaiety is persistently abroad. A strange city is this. Captain Hardham, V.C., speaking at a welcome at Petone the other night, expressed the opinion that the job was only started. They had done their best, but more men were wanted. He was oft' again after 28 days' leave, to where he did not know. At Gallipoli conditions were against them, and never once did they meet the foe on equal terms. "The Navy, however, did great work. Every New Zealander who went to Gallipoli should be proud that he ever went there." Captain Hardham added that the fight must go on to the finish, not that we wanted to fight, but because it was every man's duty in the circumstances to do so. "The cost should not be counted," said the speaker, "even if we have to sell all we possess." Captain Hardham stated that wherever their troops had been they had always received the best of treatment, especially by the nurses and doctors.

The new armlets which are being issued to returned troopers by the Defence authorities were scathingly condemned by Mr. J. T. M. Hornsby, M.P., at a patriotic sports meeting at Langdale last week. "This is the badge that is being issued to returned soldiers," said the member for Wairarapa, hoUing up the two-inch band of red ribbon. "Are you not ashamed of it? I am. Thi; paltry thing is a disgrace'to us nil. Continuing, Mr. Hornsby said that if tin armlet were to be issued to a Bpeckl constable in a riot, one could understand the form of distinguishing badfe decided upon; but for men who had made such sacrifices for their country, the armlet he had in his possession was a paltry, miserable, despicable thing. Surely the authorities could have provided a suitable ornament to be worn on the lapel of the coat, a decoration that a returned soldier could be proud of. "Many Taranaki farmers are doing their bit They have left their farms to their wives and families to manage and gone to the front." Tkis statement was made in the dining-room of the Main Trunk express the other day by a Taranaki resident to a South Island man. At the same table was a returned trooper. He joined in the discussion "1 am one of those. Taranaki farmers," he said. "I left my bush section at the beginning of the war, putting in charge a man I had working for me and whom, I thought, was a decent chapWhen I was away at Gallipoli he sold my stock Hnd cleared out. Everything was neglected, interest on the mortgage was not paid, and the mortgagee sold me up. I could have fought him and held the place, but I had lost my stock and had no money, and I hadn't the heart to oppose the mortgagee, and 20 years' graft went up in smoke." Further conversation elicited the information that he had been twice wounded and was unfit for fnrther military service. He has to start life de novo with a weakened physique. He has made his sacrifice. DON'T RISK PNEUMONIA. It is absurd to allow a cough to hang on and nap your vitality when Chamberlain's Cough Remedy will relieve you. You don't know where a persistent cough will land you. You cant' afford to allow your throat and lungs te become diseased when it is suchl simple thing to step into a chemist's shop arid get a bottle of Chamberlain's Cough Remedy, Sold everjwh«»> "

It is expected that there will be a very large entry at the Baby Show at the Patriotic Gala on Thursday. The committee of the Stratford Gun Club have arrangements well in hand for a shoot on Nelson and Green's property, East Road, on Thursday afternoon, the programme commencing' at 1.30, Two Stratford young men, both of whom are but nineteen years of age. being disgusted at the number of ''shirkers" who are not coming forward to offer their services, filled in the enrolment cards before Mr. C. D. Role (a member of the recruiting committee), on Saturday.—Post. It is pleasing to note that even the local bowlers are taking a great interest in the Monster Patriotic Picnic on Thursday next. Many of the New PlyI mouth Club members are taking, a keen interest in the affair, and a proposed trip around the mountain by them has been postponed. At a meeting of the Patriotic Gala Day Committee last evening, Messrs. Paton (treasurer), Hill, Bellringer, Hayden, Charters, Deare, Sykes, and Bea'le were appointed an executive, The control of the various sports-and games was allotted to a number of sub-com-mittees. The Marble Bar at the Patriotic function on Thursday next is being organised by Mrs. A. R. Standish, who will have the assistance of lady helpers frem the Ngainotu Seaside Committee. Strenuous efforts arc being made to wake this department the top stall for returns for the day. The censoring of the war pictures by the Defi'Bcn Department does not appear to be a wise nor even a necessary proceeding. All the war pictures, the Eltham Argus understands, are censored before they leave for the overseas Dominions and they are mostly "fakes." A Cup has been donated to the Patriotic Gala Day Committee by Mr. Hart for competition in a school relay rscc (squad of four boys from each school to compete, not to e.veed fourteen). The committee hope to have at least si.v squads competing, Will schoolmaotfrs kindly note that Mr. Hayden "has charge of the race} For nearly a week past the Railway station clock has been, literally and figuratively, "on strike." Two faces register 5 53, t 1 "- others 5.57. This state of affairs is not any good to the travelling public, and it is passing strange that the defect has not been' remedied ere this. We aeknewledge receipt of a copy of the New Zealand Year Book for 1915, now in its 24th year of publication. The volume practically follows the same lines as in previous years but it has been revised and rearranged, and a considerable quantity of new matter has been inserted including sections on the cost of living, growth of trade, etc. The cover of the beok has been much improved, The Year Book will be issued for sale at a uniform price of 2s Od. A cricket match was played on the High School grounds on Saturday, between teams rercsenting the School and St. Mary's Church. School batted first and made 75, MeMoriv.v ""i. Mr. 17, and "Mr. Extras" 14, being the only double-figure scorers. St. Mary's responded with 114, Osborne 25 (not out), Robertson 24, Weston 20, Rev. A. H. Colvile 12, and Robb 11, contributing the majority of the runs. Monteath and Osborne for St. Mary's, and Fox and Mr. Moyes for the School, were the most successful trundlers.

All arrangements for the Patriotic Gala, on Thursday next, at + 1 " 1 East End Bathiag Reserve, are practically complete, and the outing should ensure (apart from its patriotic purpose) an immense attendance of country people and towssfolk. The Foreshore Committees have combined most enthusiastically in an endeavor to make Thursday a real red-letter day on New Plymouth's beautiful beaches, and visitors may rest assured that if the executive's objective be not attained the fault will be with the public. A splendid programme of sports, games, etc., has been prepared, but, apart from that, what, in this sultry weather, could be better than a day of perfect enjoyment at the seaside, wih the knowledge that by being present you are helping our wounded heroes, "Over-decorated" writes to the editor ef the Wairarapa Age: "I am sorely perplexed. lam a member of the Overseas Club, and have to wear a badge on the lapel of my coat . lam also a member of the Citizens' Defence Corps, and wear the badge of that institution on the other lapel. I have enlisted for service and been turned town, and will require to wear a badge on my arm. I am a member of the C.E.M.S., and wear an emblem on my watch-chain. Now I am being 'badgered' to wear anoth'er badge indicating that I will wish returned soldiers well, promise not to 'shout' for them, and buy only British tobacco and tea. Can you tell me how I am getting along?"

A stingray, measuring about four feet across, was caught on an ordinary 'kahawai line at the mouth of the stream en the Waihi beach on Friday afternoon. The fish was hooked in shoal water, and this fact should make bathers a little cautious. The stingray will never attack anyone, but, as with the British lion, it is a case of "beware how you tread on his tail (back)." A thrust from the barb-like spear which forms the tail causes an awful wound—one' that is most difficult to heal. When the 57th Regiment landed in New Plymouth ,from India they used to relate siorios of'bays there literally swarming with stingray; but though no one felt any fear in swimming amongst them, walking out might have- been fatal.—lnglewood Record, The depredations of a shark, by all accounts of no mean size, have been causing consternation to those Oamaru fishermen whose practice it is to use the proper fishing grounds, about an hour's sail from the harbor (says the North Otago Times). It is Teported that this monster can be plainly observed swimming quite close to the surface, and, as the groper, which incidentally are fairly plentiful at present, are being, as the fisherman thinks, safely landed, he turns •over on his back, a lightning-like swish follows, and the head of the groper is all which remains for the fisherman. This clever rose on the part of the shark has met with much success, to the disgust of •the men in the boats; but preparations are contemplated to curb his audacity, The Stratford Post sayß: At the conclusion of the farewell social held in honor of Mr. ,T. B. Hine, M.P., and the men of the 14th Reinforcements at Toko on Saturday evening, Dr. Paget, after being absent form the Hall for a few moments, returned and related the following to those present: "A friend of mine who was resting in my car said that while we were in the hall, two men came along, and after listening to the speeches, one of them said: Let "Charlie" (referring to Sergeant Fincham) go, it is too damn dangerous for me!" Dr. Paget, continuing, said, "I do not know who the men were, but if you find out, make it too damn dangerous for thtm tg stay in Toko*?"

The Port Chalmers watersiders, at a stop-work meeting yesterday, unanimously decided to adopt the agreement arrived at between the Waterside Workers' Federation and the employers. The executive committee of the War Relief Association has decided to sand £IOOO to the High Commissioner to be paid to the New Zealand War Contingent Association for the benefit of New Zealand sick and wounded.—Press At* sociation. Seven cases of infantile parjalysis were reported *at Auckland yestorday, the total to date being 328. Heavy rain in the town and country yesterday was expected to cause a decline of the epi-demic—-Press Association. The takings at the Red Cross Market on Saturday amounted to £l2 10s. The committee have decided to hold a jumble Bale at the mart on Wednesday afternoon, and hope the public will send them any saleable article they have no further use for. "I don't know that I can say much about this man beyond that he enjoys good health," remarked the engineer at the meeting of the Taranakl County • Council when the question of giving an employee a testimonial was .under consideration. ■' At the Police Court yesterday", Janes Cbllingwood, who has been recuperating • for a week after a bout of drunkenness, appeared on remand to answer a, charge of being found helplessly drank He was convicted and and ordered to pay £2 Is costs. A sequel to a disturbance which occurred in Devon street on Saturday night was the appearance of William Allen and William Buckley at the Police Court yesterday, charged with fighting in the street. Mr. A.'C. Lawrey appeared for Buckley and obtained an adjournment till to-morrow morning, and Allen pleaded guilty. The Magistrate deferred dealing with Allen until after the case against Buckley is heard.' The usual weekly meeting of the Egmont Lodge (No. 112) 1.0. G.T. was opened last night by the Chief Templar at the usual time. The programme for the evening was in the hands of Bro. Olds, who gave a most interesting address on "Why we do good." The programme for next Monday night has been postponed, owing to a lantern lecture,being held in the hall. Last night's session was closed in the usual manner by the Chief Templar. A special meeting of the Taranajct Licensing Committee was held yesterday when there were present: Messrs, "A. Crooke, S.M. (chairman), J. B. Connett/' F. P. Corkill, W. L. Newman, and D. MeDonald The only business was the consideration of plans lodged by Mr T. Knowles for the re-erection of the Breakwater Hotel. The plans slowed • a substantial two-story building in concrete, well equipped with Are escapes. The plana were approved and a permit granted to Mr. Knowles to carry on the business till June 30. According to an English paper, no fewer than 100 British ships Have been transferred,to the.Norwegian flag since the war broke out. As "neutrals," the ships have doubtless been carrying goods ■ to the enemy and thereby making larger profits than if they had remained British vessels. And yet the Admiralty has had to commandeer vessels required for the commercial life of Britain. Truly, if the statement is correct, the mind of those in authority is unfathomable. This mav account fo> the.dearth,of shipping to New Zealand and the exorbitant freights demanded.

Over twenty people from New Plymouth visited the Mokau on Sunday. Splendid weather prevailed, And > the drive through the picturesque, country thereto was much enjoyed, at «m th« launch trip up the river. The rata Dower is now at its best, enhancing the river' scenery. The yellow rata, that rarest of native blooms, which is protected by the Government, adds to the interest of the trip. Under arrangement witl* the Tourist and Expansion League, the Taranaki Transport Co. will continue the Sunday trips to the Mokau whilst th« roads and weather are favorable. The temporary road alongside the cutting that is being made by the Stratford County Council staff north of Tariki could do with a little metal. At present in-the dry weather cars can hardly get through, and there is always the chance of slipping over the side of the cutting. Last week several accidents were narrowly averted. A big motor lorry, belonging to the Taranaki Transport Company nearly came to grief, the edge of the cutting giving, way and the machine almost capsized, The company sent out another lorry, which pulled it to safety. -.. A Httle attention to the temporary road might avert a serious accident thereabouts. A meeting of creditors in the estate of Isias Francis Keenan, a laborer, of New Plymouth, was called for yesterday, but there was not a quorum present. The bankrupt's statement showed that his debts totalled £lO5 10s, and his assets .were nil. Examined by th* deputy official assignee, bankrupt, said he bought a team of horses and a dray for £225 at Hawera, over three yaars ago, and to obtain this money he "inortgaged hU property. Later he borrowed about £BS fom Gillies and Nalder. The dray was eventually Bold by Gillies and Nalder. Recently he started work in Opunake at £2 ss, and he was now working for the New Plymouth Borough Council at Is lOd an hour. He is a married man with six'children.'- ''Banjfrupt could not make an offer, and no action was taken.

"Returned Trooper" writes:—"What is wrong with the New Zealand public! Have they no interest in the war or in the lads who are fighting their battles? I was down at the station this (Monday) morning to see some of the Fourteenth Reinforcement recruits and the Elevenths away, and was surprised at the few who had turned up and the deadness of the .proceedings. It was the same when we came up from Wellington. We' met -with hearty receptions all along the 'line, though we were unknown to the people, but on arriving in New PlynjjjUth, . among our own folk, we had a very* cold ) reception; indeed, there were onjy a handful there. It was not much hatter this morning. This Is not creditable to New Plymouth, whose people might come out one morning a month and; give a warm send-off to the lads who a?* going to the firing line. They all can't go themselves, but they certainly can show a little appreciation of those who are taking a part, many perhaps never to come back to this great little coun* try."