LOCAL AND GENERAL..

Taranaki Daily News, 23 December 1919, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL..

The Daily News will not be published on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or New Year's Day, but will be issued as-usual on Saturdav next.

Sydnev reports a heat wave. The temperature reached a hundred in the shade yesterday.

We have to acknowledge receipt of an attractive wall calendar from Messrs. W. P. Nicoll and Co., seed and grain merchants, New Plymouth. The matron of the New Plymouth Public Hospital wishes to acknowledge with thanks gifts from R. C. Loe of a number of pairs of pyjamas, draw sheets, old linen, etc., for soldiers' use, also a number of cakes and warm jacket from Mr. W. R. Wright, Rahotu. At last night's meeting of the New Plymouth Borough Council it was decided, on the recommendation of the Electric Light and Tramways Committee, that the 'bus fares be one penny per s.ection whether by cash or ticket, and also that no alterations be made in the present sections on the 'bus routes. The interest in municipal politics in Hawera is evidenced by the fact that for the by-election on the Borough Council rendered necessary by the retirement of Mr. L A. Bone, there were five candidates, Mr. B. L .101 l being relumed. The voting was as follows: R. i,. Jol), 253: R. W. J. McNeill, 201; iT. M. Townsend, 119; J. M. Westaway, 100; W. Hawkins, 98. The Public Works Department has advised the Taranaki County Council that they nre prepared to grant further £2OO, being pound for pound for expenditure on Saunders road, Okato. This is in response tc an application of the Council passed at the last mejting, making £SOO in all for this road.

Attention is drawn to the advertisement relative to special Christmas arrangements in connection with the Opu-uake-New Plymouth motor service.

The price of Ceylon tea has been steadily advancing during the past few months (states a southern paper), and at the present time most of the packet brands are being sold at 3s per lb, and in some instances as much as 3s Cd is being charged. Local tea merchants explain that the rise is due mainly to the recent market increases in Ceylon, and also to the rise in the value of the rupee, which is now quoted at 2s 5 1-lGd, the standard value being only Is 4d. Indications point to further advances in the price of tea, and it is considered unlikely that any reduction can be expected for a long time to come. Upwards of 20,000 cases of bananas arrived from Fiji by the Talur.e, which readied Auckland a few days ago. The fruit is reported to be a fine shipment (states the Herald), and as good, favorable weather was experienced on the trip ,it reached the northern port in splendid condition. It is understood the fruit was sold at 24s to 25s a case. Another line of fruit that reached Auckland was 9000 cases of apples brought from Canada by the Niagara. The Flora, due from the Eastern Pacific at Auckland to-day, is also bringing fruit.

The Pahiatua Herald is informed by Mr. J. G. Brechin, who is a member of the Dominion Cheese Committee, that it is the intention of the Committee to call together, early in January, representatives of all butter and cheese factories in New Zealand. Aa is wellknown, the present arrangement with the Imperial Government expires at the end of next June, and that being so, the Committee is of opinion that producers should meet at an early date to consider what is to be done in the matter of disposing of next season's cheese and butter. Meetings are to be held at Auckland, Hamilton, Hawera, Carterton, and Palmerston North, and factories are being notified to this effect. In the Hawera Magistrate's Court on Friday, before Mr. A. T. Bailey, S.M., a civil action, stquel to a motor cycle collision between Waverley and Patea on August 23 last, was heard. The plaintiff was Lewis Dawson, Manaia, factory employee, who sought to recover from Joe Crofskey, farmer, Pihama, the sum of £76 17s 9d damages, made up as follows. Repairs, etc.. £+l 17s 9d, and general damages £35. The plaintiff 'alleged negligent riding on the part of the defendant, who counter-claimed for £2OO damages, comprising hospital qnd medical expenses £2O 2s, repairs and loss of wages £6O 10s, and £ll9 8s general damages. The Magistrate gave judgment for the plaintiff on the claim for £SO, with costs. The defendant was non-suited on the counter-claim, the Magistrate holding that there was no contributory negligence on the part of Dawson.

A judgment of considerable interest to share-milkers and dairy factory shareholders was delivered by Mr. Justice Hosking at the Supreme Court at Auckland upon an appeal from a decision of the Magistrate at Paeroa. The action before the magistrate was between parties to a share-milking contract. On behalf of the defendant it was argued that the expression "the milk cheques" referred only to the monthly payments made by the local factory to its shareholder suppliers, and that the plaintiff was not entitled, as he claimed, to a corresponding share in the "bonus payment" made at the end of each season. The magistrate upheld this argument, and from his decision the plaintiff appealed. The appeal was upheld, and the magistrate was directed to enter judgment for the plaintiff for £146 9s lOd, with costs. An exhibition of swimming and diving, of more than usual interest, will be given in the New Plymouth Municipal baths, on Tuesday evening next. A number of well-known local swimmers will take part, but the special feature of the exhibition will be the presence of Mr. J. Enwright, of Auckland, one of the foremost swimmers in New Zealand. Mr Enwright holds the 50yds, 75yds and 100 yds championships, and he is to compete in the 20yds and 100 yds championships at Auckland on Christmas Day, His time for 50yds is 26 3-5 sees, he being the first New Zealander to put up that performance, Mr. Enwright is in training for the New Zealand championship meeting in February next, He also holds the 50yds and 100 yds championships of the New Zealand Division in France. This is to be Mr. Enwright'a last season as a competitor, and patrons at next Tuesday's carnival may count on seeing him at practically "top form." A reminder is given that entries for the New Year bowling tournament close with the secretary of the centre (Mr. A. T. Moore)'care of the Herald office, at 8.30 to-night.

In connection with the motor traffic on race days motorists will do well to note that the Borough Inspector intends to have additional men posted in various parts of the. Borough with a view to detecting breaches of the bylaws relating to speed limits. There is not the slightest doubt about the wonderful washing properties of the new washing powder "Fairy Wonder" Cleanser. Those using it are unanimous in their praise as to its economy and efficacy, and it positively reduces labor and fuel to one-half. Every wide-awake housewife uses it. Ask your neighbors about it. Stocked by all grocers and wholesalers.

'Xmas shopping can be done expeditiously and well at the Melbourne. In addition to full stocks of regular goods in clothij\g, mercery, and drapery, novelty lines in handkerchiefs, blouses," ties, etc., have been especially imported.

Sensible gifts are much appreciated by men these days, and the very fine display made by the New Zealand Clothing Factory makes the selection of a present for "Him" an easy matter. Ties, shirts, hats, fancy sox, hankies, collars, braces, etc., • suggest suitable presents for men, while ladies will always appreciate a silk wrap, a panama hat, or a dainty pair of shoes. The New Zealand Clothing Factory for seasonable and sensible gifts.