LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 November 1916, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Census figures for the Borough of Bawcra are:—Males lofll, females 1781; total, 3375. The total in 1911 was 2811, so that in Ave years and a half the population has increased by 564.

A Sydney cable states that Mrs. Meagher, Lady Mayoress, entertained tlie returned New Zealanders to luncheon in the Town Hall. The men sail by the Riverina to-morrow.

Last year was a bad one for peaches, plums, and other stone fruit in North Taranaki, This year, however, there are indications of a prolific crop of these fruits, local ochards reporting that the fruit is setting well and should do well if not visited by a storm.

There was a vory large attendance, especially of juveniles, at the East End beach last night, where the local controlling committee had erected a huge bonfire for the amusement of the children. The night was an ideal one for the purpose, and the youngsters had an interesting hour and a half in letting off their crackers, rockets and other fireworks, and seeing the bonfire. Arrangements are well in hand for the concert to be held on Thursday evening next in the Good Templar Hall in aid of St. Mary's Sunday School Building Fund. Songs will be contributed by Mrs. Maedonald, Miss Maud Peart, Mr. A. B. •Macdonald and Mr. X. Bay. Tiano solos will be rendered by Miss Hirst and Miss Lcathani. An amusihg sketch, "Mrs. Jarlcy's Waxworks" will also be performed.

i A meeting of the Works Committee of the New Plymouth Borough Council was held last evening. The Mayor (Mr. C H. Burgess) presided, and the councillors present were: W. A. Coljis, ,T. W. Havdcn. F. J. Hill, ,T. T. Mannix. J. S. S. Medley, L, M. Monteath, W. F. Short, S. J. Smith, F. E. Wilson, E Griffiths, A. E. Watkins. The Council discussed various matters of a routine nature, and gave consideration to the proposed revision of the by-laws.

"1 thought rural England was the most beautiful country I had seen, but portions of France through which we travelled on our way to the front were still more fair," said Mr. C. .T. Parr at Auckland the other night. The speaker went on (says the Star) to remark upon the absence of fences around the well-tilled* farms, and also said that, instead of residing on their properties,, the French farmers live together in «mall settlements, say, of 20 or 30 families, apparently preferring company to isolation.

. A serious accident befel Mr. O. J. Herrick, of Vogeltown, and formerly of Huirangi, yesterday morning. It appears that Mr. Herrick was motor-cycling down the Hcnui hill, and when about half-way to the bridge his machine skidded on the tram lines. The rider was thrown heavily, being rendered unconscious owing to concussion of the brain, and he also sustained injuries to his right shoulder and hip. Dr. Fookes rendered first aid, and ordered the sufferer's admission to the hosp ! tal. At a hit'-- hour last evening, Mr. Herrick had not regained consciousness. Whit promises to be one of the most entertaining functions seen for some time will take place in the Good Templar Hall on Thursday. "Mrs. Jarlcy's >'/ftxwork:V is said to be excruciatingly funny, and all the other features will be above the ordinary. The most popular of New riymouth's entertainers will 'take pert, and the charges for admission are most modest. The box plan is now

The deviation of- the railway line at Smart Koad was used for the first time by the mail train yesterday laorning, having been linked up to the mam line on Sunday.

"The co-operation of local authorities is earnestly desired in an effort to combat the lly pest in this district," wrote Dr. Sydney Smith, district health rflicer, in the course of a. circular letter received by the Taranaki County Council yesterday, "Flies are amongst the most dangerous insects known to man," .continued the health officer. "Tiley are oap&ble of carrying germs of various diseases dii their legs and in their intestines, and of disseminating such germs over articles of food and drink.'" "In taking pvjvc-ntive measures," Dr. Smith proceeded, "efforts should be directed towards the elimination of breeding places. The food supply should be cut off, and as many individual flies as possible should be killed. Breeding places should be sprayed with a solution containing eight ounces! of arsenit:' oi soda, half a pint of treacle, and 20 gallons of water. Chloride of lime, kerosene, or ■crude petroleum .are also effective means of exterminating the pest." Summer, the friend of Longfellow, is a picturesque figure that makes an occasional appearance on the screen in "The Birth of a Nation." He is a stately, white-haired man, very gentle, but at the same time very digniflSd.

At' their mart to-morrow (Wednesday), Webster' Bros, will submit to auc tion household furniture, etc., on account of a- lady leaving Xew Plymouth. The sale commences at 2 o'elook.

The men's ready-to-wear suits row being shown by the Melbourne, Led., are a very fine lot, and comprise all the latest weaves,' such as cheeks, overplaids and pencil stripes. The jnan who hesitates about paying the exorbitant prices now demanded elsewhere should make a point of investigating the; Melbourne's latest offering.? of good-fit-ting suits that spell economity in its broadest sense.