LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 March 1916, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A raid on a rat in Eltliam is described by the Argus in a par. of 22 lines. Is this a sign of the times? There are twenty ''war babies" in one nursing home of the Salvation Army in Auckland at the present time. All day schools, Sunday schools and places of continual public occupancy at Patea are closed for the present. The Dominion exported 132,512 carcases of mutton, valued at £160,351, in January last as against 210,137, valued at £223,854, in January, 1915. The Norraanby school has been closed for a fortnight, and the Town Board is taking energetic preventive action in view of the infantile paralysis epidemic.

The area in wheat in the Dominion for 1015-10 is stated to f>e 333,233 acres; the area in oats, 370,80!) acres; barley, 20,803 acres; ryegrass, 55,148; cocksfoot, 19,963; and potatoes, 25,831 acres. During January, 1916, 249,454 carcases of lamb, valued at £192,802, were exported from the Dominion, a,a against 234,983 carcases, valued at [£165,642 during January, 1915.

Despite his tender years, only four, a Gore youngster ha'd an experience the other evening which lie pvobably will not forget if lie lives to be fourscore (says the Ensign). "Grandpa" was proceeding to water the lawn, and had run out a good length of liose for the purpose. When lie went to turn the water on the four-year-old put the business end in Ms mouth and awaited developments. He subsequently turned like a Catherine wheel into an adjacent flower bed. Questioned about the Auckland oyster beds the Minister of .Marine (the Hon. Dr. McXali) told an Auckland interviewer last week that tho Department had completed the reports for the past year, and these showed a very satisfactory result. After taking into account all charges that could be made against the Auckland oyster beds, the return for this year showed a net profit of £1250. "We are extending the 'beds," said the Minister, "and (I hope Auckland people won't complain) we are planting Auckland oystevs on the rocks in Queen Charlotte Sound in order to see if they can be transplanted from one part of New Zetiland to another. At the same time wo are extending the areas in the north. I am looking forward to the oyster trade supplying us with funds to do a lot of development in the Fisheries Department." Bathers at the Patca Heads (says the Press) would do well to keep an eye open for sharks just now, as several of the monsters have been seen off the bench lately. On Friday, whilst n party were bathing in the* surf one of their number on coming lip after a dive through a breaker saw what he at first thought was a lad swimming about 20 yards away. When he had wiped the salt water from 3ii s eves lie found to his horror that the "boy" was an enormous shark coming straight for him, and he forthwith set sail for the shore as fast as he could, crying out to the others to look out for the shark. What with the noise and splashing a considerable commotion was created, and the sharkturned aside and contented himself by swirtiming about amongst the breakers lor some considerable time. The bather who was pursued reckons it was the closest call he has ever yet had.

According to an official at the Ngaruawahia regatta, held on St. Patrick's Day, there is a danger of the most popular feature, the war canoe race, being abandoned. The reason given for this possibility is that the old canoe builders are dying out, and the Maori of succeeding generations is neglecting to learn the art of .'canoe building There is also a difficulty experienced in obtaining near the river in the Ngaruawahia district trees of sufficient size for the purpose of making war canoes, which are about 7nft long, fashioned out of a single log. The Tangitekiwi, the finest war canoe in the regatta, was built seven years ago, and since then at) every N'garuawahia fixture has been the winning boat. On Friday the canoe again carried the victors. Unfortunately the Tangitekiwi is now in a "otting state, and it is probable that it will not be sound enough to appear in any further contests. It is believed that there is one canoe builder in the Ngaruawahia district who could build a successor to the victorious Tangitekiwi.

Recently an American traveller visited Wellington with a. fine line of sample stockings. He showed his wares to the lady head of a department in one of the big houses, and she at once recognised the stockings as precisely similar to those the house had for years before the war purchased from German travellers. She mentioned the fact at once that the goods were of German origin, and the traveller showed her the neat little gold tag 1 bearing the words "Made in U.S.A.'' In most cases -this would have clinched the argument, but the young lady, who knew her business, excused herself for a few minutes, and went away to return with stockings exactly the same -to the smallest detail, stockings that had been imported from a German manufacturing house, that had doubtless passed on ths list of its New Zealand customers to an American house, and sent stocks through a neutral country with which to supply orders. It was known that America had never supplied sueli a cheap iline of goods, and could not with her ruling rate) of wages, and that the stockings must have, eomo from Germany and nowhere else.

Camp life is full of interest. Here is an item by a recruit with a journalistic turn of mind:—ln and about hospitals or medical laboratories one is not surprised to see queer things in bottles. The medical officers' mess at Trentham ha a bottled words. At every meal one of the "appointments'' is a lemonade bottle of which the neck has been gashed to form a slot-. "Swear" words cost a penny each, and there arc fincß for incorrectness of dress. The mere mention of a woman's name brings a penalty of 2s Gd for each offence. All kinds of ruses arc used to lure a tongue off its guard, to the extent of 2s (id. For example, not long ago one officer, discussing a colleague, well known to the mess, prepared the position well for the following little question, uttered in a tone of innocent wonderment: "Whom did he marry?" The name came instantly from three places, and the bottle received 7s Gd. If the ambush had been detected and the, scheme had failed, the attempt would have cost 3s, for the rule is that if the setter of a trap fails to catch his intended prey lie forfeits Is for each miss. If by any chance the bottle is absent, all fines are oil", but the mess rarely has such luck. The collection, averaging about £1 a week (including the toll of visitors), goes to the orderlies, who take care to have the bottle present at meals. Guests are warned about the bottle, and then all manner of cunning is employed to sink their money through the slot. One visiting officer had recently rather an expensive ginncr j it coat him 6s 3d in

The threshing of the soldiers' wheat, arranged for this week, has, on account of yesterday's rain, been postponed till next week,

. A private cablegram ha» been received in Wellington from London, to the effect that the price, of corrugated galvanised iron has risen by ,£lO per ton.—Press Association. The Pelone Woollen Mills' deadlock continues (says a Wellington telegram). Some of.the hands have gone to other employment, and a numbers of girls are stated to have left to work in the southern mills. A conference of Friendly Society delegates lias been convened to meet in Wellington on April 13th to discusß the administration of the National Provident Fund, the operations of which are regarded by Friendly Societies as unfair.—Press Association. There were 1844/ travellers on the temporary tramway service in New Ply. mouth on Monday, the ievenue amounting to £ll 12s sd. The permanent timetable for the Fitzroy-town service, which comes into operation to-morrow, is advertised.

A Masterton telegram last evening said: —In the Supreme Court, Iven Olson, of Oicytown, was acquitted on a charge of alleged perjury. A case is now being heard in which three soldiers from Featherston Camp are charged with breaking and entering and stealing liquor from a hotel in Greytown. At the Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Mr. A. Crooke, S.M., judgment was given for plaintill' in default of defendant in the following cases:—W. G. Erneny (Mr. If. E. Billing) v. R. Beckett, £4 (costs 10s); > T . S. James (Mr. A. 11. Johnstone) v. A. X. Morey, 19s fld (ss); Mortgage, Loan and Agency Co., Ltd. (Mr. D. Hutchen) v. Frederick Nichols, £l4 18s 5d (£1 10s Oil).

A niotoi'-cyclist might easily liaTe been killed near the Imperial Hotel, New Plymouth, on Monday evening. Ho was going down Currie street, and, to dodge three or four men on the comer, he had to take a wide sweep. Just then a motor came down the hill and crashed into him, sending him and the machine flying. The tyre of the cycle burst and, apart from a few scratches, the rider escaped injury. At a very largely-attended social at Okato last evening, Mr. B. T. Booker, who is leaving the district, after having been for five years proprietor of the Stony River Hotel, a. very popular resident, was presented- by the settlers of the district with a handsome marble clock, suitably inscribed. The presentation was made by Mr. J. F. Fox 1 , and Mr. Jas, Wooldridge also spoke, both speakers referring to the unstinting work of tjie recipient in his labor for the district. Mr. Booker acknowledged the gift in happy terms, and a very pleasant evening was spent. The inquest concerning the death of Frank McKcown, who died suddenly in the hospital on Sunday night, was held before Mr. A. Crooke, S.M., the Coroner, yesterday morning. The evidence showed that the deceased was arrested on Sunday morning in a state of helpless drunkenness, and was locked up at the police station. During the day he appeared to be all right, but in the evening he became very ill, and be was removed to the hospital, where be died shortly after admission. Dr. Wade, who 6aw tiie deceased at the police station, said McKeown was suffering from the effects of heavy drinking. The cause of his death was acute dilation of the heart, due to passive congestion brought about by excessive drinking. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned. Last night the Salvation Army Hall was again full, when what was termed s, "Sympathisers' Concert" took place in connection with the harvest festival. The c'nair was taken by Mr. E. Dookrill, who expressed his admiration at being present, and his great admiration of the Army in their good work. During the evening vocal items were rendered by Miss White, Mrs. MoWhirter, Messrs Aslier, Walker, and McDonald, while Captain Allen pleased all with his recitation. Miss Aslier also contributed a pianoforte solo, and Mr. Vinsen rendered imitations of musical instruments. Miss Smith did good service as pianist. On the motion of Adjutant Home, hearty votes of thanks were passed to all who had assisted. To-night the festival will be brought to a close, when a "Young People's Demonstration" will be held.

"By far the roughest trip to the summit,!" was the comment of the guide upon reaching the hostel with his party all travel-stained and wet through, though safe. The party, consisting of Dr. Mirams and Miss if. Hayward (Lower Hutt) and Miss W. Bennett (Mastcrton), left the hostel on Monday morning, after waiting two days for a good clear morning. A heavy fog was encountered almost immediately after leaving, and before reaching Humphrey's Castle the wind rose and increased in violence, with rain. By the time the party was at the COOOft. level they were drenched and v'ery cold. However, as they had determined to gain the summit at any cost, they pushed on, and, gaining the Lizard, were met by a wind of hurricane 'force, with sleet and hail. Though hardly able to see through tne mist, the prater was finally leached, but though an attempt was made to cross it, the cold, which was now far below freezing point, was commencing to tell, and the guide advised a return, as the cutting of the steps in the ice could not lie done quickly enough to enable those following to keep going and thus maintain the circulation. The return was made at cyclone point, the party hardly being able to keep their feet, but the hostel was finally and safely reached. On Monday next, at 2 o'clock, Messrs. Webster Bros, will sell on the premises. South Road, lately occupied by Mr. Munro, baker, all the stock in trade together with baker's cart and trap horses. Full- particulars appear in this issue.

The public are asked to watch the Melbourne windows for special clearing lines during the next few days. These od(lment s nnd broken lots are to be finally cleared before the final inventory o"i stock on the 24th inst. "A laugh at a frightened woman is the mark of a low-bred cur," from ''A •Yankee from the West," at the Empire to-night. To-night will be the last opportunity oi' witnessing Elinor fUyn's "Three Weeks" at the Theatre Royal. A good opportunity for obtaining a first-class motor-car, practically new and in perfect running order, is afforded by an announcement this morning by Dr. McCleland, who desires to dispose of his five-seatev Mctz, INFANTILE PARALYSIS. v , Reports from Auckland as to the prevalence of this malady arc somewhat disturbing. As an effective safeguard against all harmful microbes, the public is recommended to gargle night and morning, while lying on the back, a teaspoonful of Fluenzol (l s Cd and 2s (id). Abo swallow for T *

A Wanganui telegram gays that thtf W.C.T.U. yesterday re-appointed Mti, Peryman editor and business manager of the "White Ribbon," and Mrs. Evan* associatei editor. The circulation was reported to be 2125, and the cro3it balance was £9O. It was resolved to circulate a petition for the six o'clock closing of hotel bars.

The proposal of the Canterbury Rugty Union Committee to curtail football ip' the coming season by suspending the usual competitions, and pl&yfng in lieu thereof competitions restricted to play, erg under military age, And £6 give more encouragement to school football, has been considered by four of the eight senior clubs in the union. Three of the clubs decided to oppose the proposals. The fourth gave its delegates a free hand. The main argument was that, no man who was eligible should be allowed to play football, but, on the other hand, men who could not go to the war should not be debarred from playing football. Signor Giuseppe Beviono, writing in the Gazzetta led Popolo, of Milan,' make an interesting revelation in .regard to Unsuccessful German effort* to violate Swiss neutrality at the begin* ning of the war. Signor Bevione states that he has the best possible authority for the assertion that the German Minister at Berne, on August 4, 1914, mad* a formal demand to the Swiss Government for permission to send Gelftfcn troops through Switzerland in an effort to encircle Belfort. The Federal Government refused firmly, and warned Germany that any such attempt would meet with armed resistance. The bowlers of are considerably annoyed at the inconsiderate and even discourteous treatmeht they received at the hands of the Ponsoj)by (Auckland) touring team, or those responsible for the arrangement* of Uft week (states the Mail). On Thursday afternoon the question was asked froin Waltara if the visit the following morning to play the local club was absolutely definite, and, being assured it was, Yfcttoua details were completed, such .as entertaining the Aucklanders at dinner, etc., and specially getting the greeft ready for an important match. At 9 a.m. on Friday, or just hdlf an hpur before the match' was timed to start, a message was received in a round-about way that the Ponsonb.v men had gone to the Mountain, and the arrangements were "off." It would be interesting to know how it came about that one set of bowlers treated another lot so badly, Anzac Day will be on April S}, nnd many people, while believing that H should be suitably celebrated, think,'th#t the day is too sacred for the holding of a carnival. Consequently a Sydniyruggeetion may be regarded here with interest The War Chest Committee in that city has been given permission to sell an emblematic badge on that date. It - will be of uniform and appropriate design, an authoritative and genuine badge. A wreath of laurel leaves encloses the word "Anzac," and the motto beneath is "Lest Wo Forget." It i* being made in gold to be sold for gold, "add a metal ono is to be sold for silver, the lowest prices being one shilling.- The money raised will be for the benefit of the soldiers.

The Canadian Minister for Defence, Sir Sam Hughes, in a recent speech at Toronto, stated that When the first order for 200,000 shells came to Canada there were only four men in the whole of the Dominion who had the courage to tackle that "little twppenny-ba' penny order." It had.talten i week and a-half to even get them to face the issue. "Since then we have delivered 4.000,000 eh ells," declared the Minister. "Upwards of £70,000,000 from shells alone ihad been placed in the pockets of the workmen. At the outset I said we should get the orders here, to that if the German-American sentiment should predominate in the United States we would have then men and machinery. We have to-day upwards 0f'360 institutions making shells, or parts of shells. We have nearly 250,000 men under arms to-night; and we 'havain .Canada, another army of 100,000 workmen, skilled as Canadian workmen were never skilled before, and that army will be an asset to this country for many yean to come." The Minister recounted how Mr. Thomas Cantley, of Nova Scotia, had experimented until steel satisfactory to the British experts was found. "And for the first time in history, owing to the fact that we did not lie down and say we would have to dribble it from the United States, basic steel is being tamed out in Canada, thus giving employment to thousands of Canadians. /We are not preaching; we aro working." Previous to shell orders being received in Canada the country had imported all its brass, zinc and lead, said Sir Sam. "The British Columbia mines that were closed have been re-opened, and 50.000 tons of Canadian lead have been used iu making dirapnel shells alone."