LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 September 1919, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The piece of land on which Messrs Govett and Quilliam's offices stood before the fire, and adjoining the site recently acquired by the Now Zealand Insurance Company, was sold yesterday. There has been a good deal of Devon Streit land changing hands lately. Mr. Wilkinson is asking the Minister of Public Works whether the Government intends this session to authorise the construction of the unauthorised portion of the Opimalce Railway between Opunake and New Plymouth; and whether the point of junction with the main line at New Plymouth has been determined.

A "sensation" in connection with the New Plymouth Harbor extension works had been planned for this afternoon, in the, shape of the blasting down of a quantity of rock from Moturoa Island, but it has been found impossible to bring the "big push" oil to-day, and it will probably eventuate in about a week'j time.

The opposition of the Road Boar! to tlis New Plymouth Borough Council's scheme to supply hydro-electric power to outlying districts appears to be based on some peculiar arguments. At the inquiry one of the Road Board's repre. scntatives contended that the price to outside bodies should be less than that charged at Lake Coleridge, apparently ignoring the fact that the latter was started and maintained with Government money, and was actually run at a loss for some time in order that the public might reap the benefit. The argument that the New Plymouth Borough Council should be able to charge less without Government assistance is palpably absurd.—Eltham Argus. Mr. Wilkinson is asking the Minister of Finance whether he will lake steps to make the fact generally known that payers of land and income tax are liable to penalties unless they subscribe to the present ten-million loan, notwithstanding that they may have subscribed to the last loan of twenty millions; also the fact that the total liability on the two loans mentioned, both being authorised in litis, amounts to nine times the average payments of land and income tax for the years 1916, 1917, and 101 S.

"Fairy Wonder" cleanser, the new scientific Dry Soap Washing Powder, is the great discovery of the ago, and before long will be in the home of every up-to-date housekeeper in Australasia. It, does its work cleanly, quickly, and effectively. Besides that, it is the most economical in use, makes the clothes beautifully snow.white without the slightest injury, and leaves the hands beautifully soft and smooth. Be sure and give it a trial. All grocers have it.

The Salvationists of New Plymouth tendered a "welcome home" social to Padre Captain Sawyer (who is popularly known as "Friday") in the Army Hall last night. There was a very good attendance, and an enjoyable evening was spent. There was music and singing by the band and others, and welcome addresses were given by Commandant Rowlands, Bandmaster Koch, Treasurer Smith, and Envoy Buick. In acknowledging the welcome, Captain Sawyer gave an interesting account of some of his experiences at the front. Supper was provided by the ladies.

Some time ago Mr. C. D. Lightband applied to the New Plymouth Borough Council for permission to plant in Devon Street, in suitable concrete "vases" a number of ornamental trees in similar manner to the way in which he had seen such beautifying work carried out in some American cities during travels abroad. The council gave the permission to "plant" the trees in Devon Street, between Kgmont Street and Robe Street, subject to the design of the "vase" and its position on the street being approved by the borough engineer. Mr. Lightband now has a specimen tree outside his office in Currie Street, and in tha window of his premises is a sketch of the section of the street proposed to be planted showing the effect produced. The "vase" is by no means an unsightly object. It is made from a large-sized cement pipe, and rough-cast coated on the out'tide.

At a meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce a communication was received from the Hawera Chamber, urging that something should be done in the way of speeding up the express train between Wellington and New Plymouth. In the course of a discussion, it was mentioned that the Napier express also needed speeding up, and it was decided to use every means to get the speed of both trains accelerated. A circular was received from the Wanganui Development League, and a proposal was made simply to congratulate the league on the work it proposed to do. Mr. J. M. Johnston thought that did not go far enough. He pointed out that if through the action of the league they could get freights to Wanganui at the same prices as Wellington they should do so unless Wellington was prepared to force the Government to reduce the railway freights from Wellington in the same proportion. Mr. Crabb said that at the present time it paid better to get local stuff by Wanganui than via Wellington. In some cases it was cheaper by 2s or Us per ton. He considered they should take up the development of Palmerston North rather than Wanganui. Finally the matter was held over for further consideration.

A reminder is given to builders that tenders for workers' dwellings close on Tuesday next. A list appears on page 1 of this issue.

The coining of the hot summer days will find you uncomfortable in tliat winter weight clothing. Messrs Howell and Howell's replace appearing in this issue sets out a few prices in underwear which must appeal to your sense of economy, and the values are the real thing. A visit to their store will reveal to you the fact that even during these times of high prices you can still replenish your wardrobe at "a, very moderate cost.

Don't miss hearing the talent from town in the Hempton Hall, Okato, at the grand concert in aid of the Methodist Ladies' Guild—the greatest event of the season. —Advt.