LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 November 1918, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A first offender for drunkenness, who appeared before Mr. A. Crooke, S.M., at the New Plymouth Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, was convicted and discharged. n The Rev. T. Tait. of Manaia, said the other day there was a boy of seven in Manaia who recently asked his father, "What was it like before the war, dad? Wem there any newspapers then?" — Witness. Nearly the whole of the telephone staff at Auckland have fallen victims to influenza, and, in consequence, the hours have been curtailed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Press Association. The New Plymouth Ministers' Association has decided to hold a united service of thanksgiving on Sunday afternoon next, for the recent successes of the Allied armies. Addresses are to be delivered by the Rev. 0. Blundell and Mr. C. E. Beilringer. The Rev. A. C. Seivewright will preside. Full particulars will be advertised. Sergeant E. H. Skipwith is one of the N T ew Zealand soldier pressmen who is assisting in the compilation of the history of the New Zealand Epeditionary Force in t'he present war. He was formerly on the staff of The Referee; subsequently sporting writer for the Evening Post, and later still, starter for several New Zealand racing clubs. Sergeant Skipwith is engaged in the Army Service section of the work. The reinforcement draft which lef 1 New Plymouth yesterday consisted of four men —Messrs. W. H. J. Adamson, E. A. McKoy, A. Pearee and N. C. Morgan. They were entertained to light refreshments .by the Mayoress at the women's patriotic rooms, and presented with hold-alls, prior to entraining. At the station the Citizens' Band played them off as the train steamed away, and the men were heartily cheered. It is understood that the men returned by the mail train last night, having been sent back from Wanganui by the authorities, probably on account of the influenza epidemic.

A largely attended social was held in the Hillsborough Hall on Tuesday night, for the purpose of welcoming home Sergeant Stanley and Private Hamblyn. An enjoyable programme of music and elocutionary items was given, and Mr. H. C. Sampson, on behalf of the residents of the district, in a few suitable wordß, welcomed the returned men. Sergeant Stanley acknowledged the welcome. An excellent supper was provided by the ladies.

On Tuesday the Inspector-General, of Hospitals telegraphed the Few Plymouth Hospital, asking for volunteers to proceed to Auckland on account of a large number of nurses of the Auckland Hospital suffering from influenza. Practically all the local nurses expressed their willingness to go and yesterday morning the first contingent of five left by train. The party consisted of Sister Langlands (in charge), and Nurses Lansley, Corkill, Lambert and Waitt. A Gazette Extraordinary proclaims influenza a dangerous infectious disease, and gives the authorities the right to exercise all the special powers under Section IS of the Public Health Act.— Press Association. In connection with the repatriation scheme, it is stated that for the purpose of demobilisation the life of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force Act. which is now limited to the period of the war and the six months following, will be ex-tended for another sis months.—Press Association. In the course of (his speech at Wellington 011 Monday, Sir James Allen said: "Very soon we will not have to think about sending away further reinforcements, but we will have to think of the erection of permanent memorials to those brave boys wllio, on behalf of Aew Zealand, have given their lives in the great war. And I desire to say that it seems to me t'hat the permanent memorials must take the shape of something representing to you and to me |the soul of the war and the spirit of the men who did their part so well. A memorial must be devised and set up in ail the principal towns—a memorial of the sacrifices that have been made, telling the beautiful story that, can be told of the men wiio have done their duty." (Cheers.) The Melbourne's magnificent .stock of blouses comprising silk crepe-de-chines, cream Fuji and heavy white Fuji silks, has been further augmented by the arrival of a big consignment of dainty embroidered voile blouses Hanging in price from 8s lid to 17s 6d.

The popular serial picture, the "Mystery of the Double Cross," concludes a wonderfully successful run at Everybody's to-night. Supporting this picture there is a Fox special, "Durand of the Bad Lands," starring the ever popular Dustin Farnuin and a Vitagraph Blue Ribbon feature, "His Own People." The programme will commence at 7.45 sharp. The Standard Insurance Company, Limited, announce in our advertising columns that its local branch will in future be open every Saturday for the convenience of country clients, from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., and the 'half holiday will be observed on Thursdays. "A Weaver of Dreams," in which Viola Dana stars to-night at the Empire, is a photo-drama that goes straight to the heart. The "House of Hearts" is a homo content, t'lie abode of a beautiful old character, the musician who gives the story its name. There are carrier pigeons, and a beautiful collie dog that play a distinct part in the picture, and there are many other fascinating details which make this picture eliarming and sincere. When you buy GARDEN HOSE get the best. There's nothing to equal NORTH BRITISH RUBBER COMPANY'S brand. Best fabric—best rubber—high quality—long service. 19 laiAZOL'*Jor InfluMira »nd Cfttanh.