LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 September 1916, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Commencing from .the 21st Reinforcemcnw, oflicers and non-commissioned of■jftcers of eacli reinforcement will undergo twelve weeks of preliminary training instead of eight weeks as heretofore.

At the Farmers' Co-operative Society's sale at Eltham on Wednesday a leasehold property of 37 acres in the Ngaore sub-division on the corner of Rawhitiora and Sangster roads was put up for auction, and realised the fine price of £SB per acre. A Taranaki resident, who went

through the Wairarapa to Wellington the other day, states that the antirlioiitincr law was being generally disregarded by hotel patrons wherever he went. There are manv ways of "dodg-' ing" the law, which they regard as irr'tating and an undue interference with the "liberty of the subject"; hence tliey have no scruples about getting around it.

It takes the mail train seven hours 5(1 minutes to do the distance between New Plymouth and Palmerston North. The other day a local motorist, driving an ordinary touring fivo-seater motor car, covered the same distance in 4 hours 33 minutes. By rail the distance is 167 miles and by road 150 miles. The car therefore cut it out at the rate of over 33 miles an hour. The motorist, it may 'be added, is still at large.

Mr. Williams, of the Mountain House, advised, us yesterday that a great fall of snow-—the best this year—took place on Thursday night. There was no rain or hail, but for hours pure snow fell, there being a depth of two feet, presenting a magnificent panorama, at sunrise yesterday. Visitors to the Mountain House to-morrow -will be more than rewarded for their trip, for they will be able to enjoy it under exceptionally fine circumstances.

The spring bulbs are much further advanced in the Hutt valley than in New Plymouth this season, remarks a local resident who has just been on a visit south. The contrary is generally the case, New Plymouth being first in practically all kinds of flowers, flowering shrubs, etc. He mentions, too, that the weeping willow is also much ahead ii. the Wairarapa and Wellington' than in Taranaki. Evidently the gale of a few weeks back was not so severe in those districts as here.

The New Plymouth Boys' High School will use the Racecourse buildings instead of the rooms in Niger House, as was first proposed, until the new school is built. The Racecourse buildings have just been vacated by the Girls' High School, which will be quartered in the new school in the Old Hospital road as from next week. They are large, welllighted and ventilated, and should serve the purpose admirably for the summer months.

I "Farmers are putting sheep on their properties this year, instead of growing wheat," said an Ashburton. farmer. "They say they are doing this because they fear that there will be a shortage of harvesters. What about shearers? In my opinion there will be a greater shortage of shearers than harvesters. Anybody can be a harvester, but it take?, an experienced man to shear sheep, and there is bound to be a shortage of men. For my part, I am sticking to grain." The president of the Stratford A. and P. Association (Mr. E. Jackson) and Mr. T. Ransford, a member of the executive, addressed the shareholders. of the Lowgarth Dairy, Company at their annual meeting on Thursday afternoon. An appeal was made to those present to become members of the Association. The deputation received a splendid heaving, and the shareholders shqwed their practical sympathy by voting the sum of 15 guineas to the prize fund. A number of new members were enrolled.

Mr. W._ Lints, of New Plymouth, is now in Gisborne in connection with a proposed "silver bullet cannonade," by which lie proposes to raise £50,000 in nine weeks (says a Gisborne exchange]. The scheme is to be something after the style of the Queen Carnival, only it is on military lines. Armies are formed and the officers are appointed in accordance with the amount of donation, the value of the different ranks ranging from a small sum up to a fairly substantial figure for a general. Each soldier represents a shilling, and there is a procedure by which one army can "defeat" another. The armies have a princesii, and there is a crowning ceremony at the end of the campaign. Sapper Arthur M. Vile, of Masterton, writing from Belgium, under date July 20, says:—"About a .week ago I witnessed a really great bombardment. The 'Allcmagne' took it into his head to smash up the Notre Dame Chapelle in Armentieros, The first shell landed right in the centre of the magnificent building, and a continuous stream of shells was poured into and around it at three-minute intervals, for over three hours. After about two hours' bombardment tl;e tremendous spire fell with a crash. Wo were awakened by the first shell, as our billet was only 300 yards distant, and we speedily transferred ourselves to, a safer part of the town, from where we witnessed the whole bombardment."

A few points from a speech on the war by Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P., in Wanganui on Wednesday night:—Prusioanism is mined at the base, but it is not yet fired. The Allies' purpose never will be gained by a victory won by the process of starvation, for in such a case the German people wduld still believe in the efficiency of their military machine. The only victory of any value the only victory which will ensure a lasting peace, must come not through economic > means, but by military achievement—'by the annihilation or the wholesale surrender of the enemy's army. Look for the fall of Civas, and the collapse of the Anatalian campaign. Brusiloff's present objective is Kovel. When Kovel and Vilna are in Russian hands, the whole German line will have to fall back. The Italians have taken Gorizia. When they get to Trieste and Fiume the Austrians will be cut off. At Feilding I advised my hearers to look out for Cambrai. The place has never been mentioned before. This evening, for the first, it appears in the cables. When the Allies take Cambrai or St. Quentin, they will sever the railway upon which the Germans are dependent, and theii whole line will have to fall back. TUB POISONING OP THIRTY GIRLS in a Melbourne factory by eucalyptus lollies which were evidently made from the common eucalyptus brings home forcibly the importance of using only the GENUINE SANDER EUCALYPTI EXTRACT internally. SANDER'S EXTRACT sniffed up the nose and three drops on sugar, is a sure and safe protection from meningitis and other infections. Applied to ulcers, poisoned wounds, sprains, chilblains, eczema, SANDER'S EXTRACT brings ijuick relief cure,

The evening train to Hawera ran into a motor-car at the Beaconsfield Road crossing, just beyond the Midhii'st station, yesterday evening. The train, Which hud just left the station, had not developed great speed, but the impact Was sufficient to carry the car, a twoseater Ford, across the cattle stops. The occupants of the: car escaped injury.

The "Pink Dandies" were again in a merry mood last night, and for their final performance gave an exceptionally bright programme. All the performers were in excellent voice, their items being given with a crispness that was delightful. The Bandies' season here has been an excellent one, and the audiences have thoroughly enjoyed each programme.

The Citizens' Band will play at the Kast End Pavilion to-morrow (Sunday) pfternoon, weather permitting, commencing at 2.45. The short notice is unavoidable, the proposal to play at "Overdale" having had to bo abandoned for the time being. The East End Committee are making arrangements for afternoon tea at a nominal charge, and the collection will be in aid of the Band funds.

At last night's practice of the Citizens' Band, a letter was considered from the committee of the Waitara Municipal Band requesting the New Plymouth men to make a visit to Waitara at an early date and give a recital in aid of the Hall Fund of the Waitara Band. It was decided to assist the project in the way suggested, and to visit Waitara on Sunday, September 24, providing arrangements were made for the conveyance of the Band to and from Waitara.

When Captain Hartnell was proposed for election as an honorary vice-presi-dent of the local Defence Bifle Club he jocularly objected, saying that the assumption of such an office meant, practically, that a man was on the retired list, and shelved. He had no intention of being shelved, for he hoped to soon be having another whack at our enemies. Anyhow, he would "accept the position, and then there might bo soon a pleasant little gathering of the club's vice-presidents "on the other side of the world." Major Fletcher and Captain McDiarmid are at present at the front. A meeting of the New Plymouth Horticultural Society was held in the Town Hall on Thursday evening. Mr. J. Gibson presided, and others present were Mrs. Dockrill, Misses Smith, Hempton, and Curtis, Messrs. J, Paton and E. Corney. Several apologies for absence were received. Mrs. C. H, Burgess tenderercd her resignation as a vice-presi-,dent of the Society, and this was accepted with regret. The proposal made at the annual meeting that all shows for the year be conducted for patriotic purposes was confirmed, and it was resolved to hold a Spring Show on a date to be fixed later.

At the Eifle/Club's meeting last ni»ht the president (Mr. F. J. Hill) stated that the Club began its existence with 35 members. Soon after the commencement of the war the roll had increased to 270. Over 80 members, several of whom ..ad made the great sacrifice, had responded to the Empire's call, and he thought this was a record for any rifle club in New Zealand. It had not been possible to trace all the members who had gone, and' the number was

probably over a hundred. At present there were 39 members on the roll, but he was sorry to say that only onethird of these were financial. There had been a substantial falling off in receipts during the year, while expenses had considerably increased. The strides that the motor has made in commerial life during the past few J-ears is recognised as little short of marvellous, and it is safe to predict that a few years will see similar strides mnde by motor traction in the agricultural world of New Zealand. The pioneer agricultural motor tractor, as far as Taranaki is concerned, lms just been landed at Waitara by Messrs. Webster Bros., local agents of the International Harvester Co., to the order of Mr. Clifford, of Leppcrtori, and as considerable interest is being taken in this machine, a public demonstration will be arranged at an early date. In addition to the prizewinners at the fancy dress dance held at the East End Pavilion on Thursday evening, the following children appeared in costume: Renu Old (England), Esina Boulton (Britannia), Stella Jenkin (jockey's companior), Winnie Old (butterfly), L Scott (daffodil), Elsie Scott (daisy chain), Ella Johnston (moonstruck), Andrew Bonnoch (clown), Lily Aroa (night), Madge Evans (gipsy), Fences Cosbrook (butterfly), Mabel Cosbrook (Eeckitt's bag blue), Olive Cosbrook (expeditionary parcel post), Gladys Smith (England and France), Maggie Nodder (Britannia), Marion Bennoeh (tattered Belgian), Onslow Bellringcr (footman), Ronald Bcllringer (beefeater),. Mona Danks (prairie lass), Len. Bennoeh (Allies), Elsie Parker (Persian cat), Norman Parker (huntsman), Jessie Jenkins (starlight), Iris Mortensen (fairy). Mrs, Renaud's special prize was awarded to Ethel Boulton, who was dressed as a lampshade. At the ChrisU'hurch Supreme Court on Monday Mr. M. J. Gresson appeared for one of the parties in a case at issue and wore khaki uniform, having obtained leave from camp to attend the Court. This was the first instance in Christchurch of a solicitor appearing in other than the ouhodox garments, and in applying to his Honor Mr. Justice Denniston for leave to apepar in uniform, Mr. | Gresson said that the King's regulations prevented him from appearing otherwise than in khaki. His Honor immediately granted the necessary leave, and said:— "Cicero is responsible for the maxim, 'Cedani anna togae' ('Let arms yield to the gown'), but I am now asked to reverse the iproccss. I think the combination would have been iboth becoming and creditable, but in present conditions I taink I shall be justified in yielding to an official ruling as to military etiquette. I can only hope, Mr. Gresson, that you will be as successful under your present costume as you have been in the past."

A BARGAIN HARVEST. REGULAR PRICES SMASHED. THE MELBOURNE, LTD.

The last week of the Melbourne, Ltd.'s great reduction sale offers unlimited scope to the thrifty and others who should, take full advantage of the savings which in a measure will go largely towards counter-acting the terribly high cost of living. The following reduced prices Will not be available after the sale enMs. Bouquet toilet soap fld box of three tablets; mens' odd' tweed vests, 3s lid; men's red spot-handkerchiefs, 3 for Is; mens' mercerised bordered handkerchiefs, 3 for Is; Horroekses' pillow cases, Is 3d pair; stout white calico, 36 inches, (Is lid doz.; ladies' navy'costume skirts, 4slid; three-quarter marcella quilts, 8s Od, full double-bed size 12s Od; 72-in. unbleached sheeting, Is 6d; 72-in. Finlays' fine twill sheeting, 2s 3d yd; large white towels, Is lid pair; heavy gtrised towels, 2s 8d pair, {

a < The new terra for the New Plymouth.! High Schools (Girls' and Boys') commences on Monday morning.

The public generally are invited ty assemble at the railway station on Mon« day morning and farewell the departing) members of the 21st Reinforcements.

A special meeting of the Eltharaj County Council,'held oil Wednesday, confirmed the special resolution authorising a loan for the road, Karewa to Perry's homestead, a distance of 73 chains (Omoana riding). The resolution au«h. orising the levying of a rate for th« payment of interest and sinking fund oq the loan was also carried.

Buyers of men's suits should not mils the l»st day of the Melbourne's great r». duction sale. In order to make room for new goods the present stock hits to be considerably reduced and to effect this very special last day of sale pricnf have been fixed. Come and see tb* window display. ' ,

The New Zealand Loan and Merca»» tile Agency Co., Ltd., wish to draw tt» attention of tbe public to the sale whlri* they are Wolding in their Stratford "yards on Tuesday, 19th September. Full particulars will be'found in our adv«N Using columns on page S of this iuue^