LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 April 1920, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

All the Auckland city and suburban schools are closed, owing to influenza, though so far it is of a mild typo. The miiltarv sports that were to have been held in New Plymouth tomorrow, have been postponed owing to the railway strike. The secretary reported at yesterday's meeting of the Taranaki War Relief Association that the schedule of cases as at March 31, disclosed that there were 53 cases of 40 per cent, to 100 per cent, disability in hand to be disposed of. An estimate had been made of the disability, and it was estimated that £6494. 10s would be required to meet these cases. "It is deplorable the number of returned soldiers wandering about the country, practically irresponsible, and it is the duty of the Government to provide some sort of 'half-way house' for these men," remarked Mr. W. P. Kirkwood, chairman of the Taranaki War Relief Association at yesterday's meeting, Mr. Kirkwood expressed the opinion that the large number of suicides amongst returned men was due to tfio lack of some proper institution where they could live and receive proper care and attentionIt is stated that German residents in Samoa are to be deported at an early date, and this is the reason why a detachment of police was sent there some months ago. Up to the present the Germans have had no notification of the intention of the authorities, and are actually looking forward to resuming operations. It is the intention of the New Zealand Government to take over the Samoan plantations formerly owned by Germans. The value of these is estimated at something like £1,000,000. Orders on their own Government will be given to the deported Germans for the value of the property they held, and the gross amount will be'deducted by Germany from New Zealand's share of the indemnity. An incident that occurred while the Prince of Wales was motoring back from the Narrow Neck Military Hospital on Sunday provided a striking illustration of the Royal visitor's courtesy and charm of manner. A little girl threw a chrysanthemum at him, but it fell behind the motor-ear. The Prince stopped liia car and an aide-de-camp picked up the flower with the intention of giving it to him. His Royal Highness, however, directed that the bloom he handed to the child, and she was lifted up to the car and blushingly presented him with her gift. The Prince smiled his acknowledgment. An inquest touching the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. W. J. G. Eichstaedt, of York Road, Midhirst, who succumbed in the New Plymouth Hospital on Sunday to injuries received in a motor accident near Bell Block oil Saturday morning, was held in the Courthouse, New Plymouth, yesterday afternoon before the district coroner (Mr. T. A. B. Bailey, S.M.). Senior-Sergt. McCrorie represented the police- After hearing the evidence, including that of the medical superintendent of the hospital, the coroner returned a verdict that, deceased died from injuries and shock received through a motor car accident. In this issue Nolan and Co. advertise a quantity of building material for sale by auction on Saturday next. Webster Bros, advertise a sale of really first-class furniture, to be held in their mart on Saturday, commencing' at 11-30 in the morning. This time of starting is necessary on account of a big sale in Devon Street at 12.30 o'clock j the same day. Lovers of chrysanthemums should not fail to visit, the local show to-day, held tn the Whiteley Hall under the auspices of the local Horticultural Society. Particular interest, is centred in this show by a large exhibit from Auckland from one of their most successful growers. Members of the masonic fraternity are reminded that owing to the curtailment of the arrangements of the visit of H.R-H. the Prince of Wales to New Plymouth, the presentation of the Masonic address will not take place. i

It is practically certain that the retail prices of butter and cheese will lie iixed for the coming season in England, said Mr. T. Parsons at the Eketahuna Farmers' Union meeting on Saturday. The Kelson Harbor Board is faced with a serious position. The financial year closed with a, deficit of £2400, and unless the revenue increases the Board will be £4OOO behind at the end of next March. The Maori war veterans are asked to parade at Pukekura Park at 9.30 tomorrow, and to be at May and Arrowsmith's at 11.30, where they will be the guests to luncheon of the younger men of New Plymouth. As the result of the special Motor deliveries inaugurated some six vears ago, the distribution of the News throughout the province was not seriously inconvenienced by the railway hold-up yesterday. Our Patea and Waverley papers, however, did not get through, but we hope to be able to effect arrangements for their early delivery today. Writes a correspondent to our Hawera contemporary: An extension of the railway to the Ohura coal fields would mean years of waiting and a cost up to £IOO,OOO, even if the Government could be prevailed upon to move in the matter. lam writing to ask if a committee of those interested in the welfare of the mine and Taranaki could be set up to go into a new scheme of water carriage known as the "Hewett Submarine Transport System," costing about £4OOO per mile. The initial cost is almost final, as it needs only a few men to work the system when installed. The system could embrace all the towns from New Plymouth to Patea, and is adaptable to coal, grain, root crops, and most dairy produce. ''The Maoris are having the time of their lives at Rotorua just now," remarked a Taranaki resident who has just reaimod from a trip to the thermal regions. He went on to r>ay that the camp on the racecourse is quite a big 0,11 air, the military bell tents numbering nearly 000, and there being several large marquees and mess tents. Electric light has been fitted all over the camp, and water laid on everywhere. A commodious grandstand has been erected, in front of which the natives are to greet the Prince and dance their war dances, etc., which they are assiduously practising. Last week the outside natives began to pour in by train, motor and conch, and there must now be in the neighborhood of 7000 to 8000 of them. Honi and the whole family are there, feasting and having high jinks. All their expenses are being paid by the Government- To give an idea of the cor-t of transit only, one man in a Bay j of Plenty town has a contract with the Government to transport the local Maoris, the cost running into nearly £120(1. The meat and bread they consume are colossal. No expense has been spared in the preparations of the camp, wlf?h is in charge of Major Buck. The other night they opened the dancing marquee, which lias been fitted up very completely. Sir James Carroll led off the dancing to Maori music. All the latest dances were indulged in, and the dresses effected by the Maori damsels wore fearful and wonderful to behold. 'Tis said you cannot buy a dress or a hat in Rotorua to-day—the native belles have cleared them out.. "Kapai ti Government!" exclaimed the Maoris; they never had such a win! Pupils are reminded that entries for the examination in theory of music by the Associated Board of the R.A.M. and R.C.M, close with Messrs. H. Collier and Co on Saturday next. A rise in the retail price of "Fairy Wonder" Dry Soap is imminent, the proprietors having notified wholesalers of an advance which is to take effect ns from May Ist. Housewives are therefore advised to take this "tip" and lay in'substantial supplies at once. The Melbourne, Ltd., is fortunate in having fair supplies of Le Roy's famous oily canvas coats and men's Colonial all-wool heavy tweed motor coats for the winter. Customers are, however, advised not to delay their purchaser, too long as prices are still on the up grade. Do not forget the Horticultural Society's Chrysanthemum Show at Whitoley Hall to-dav. A passenger motor car is advertised to leave at 10 a.m. this morning for Hawera, returning at 2 30 p.m. Soap the soiled clothes overnight with ''Fairy." That is the practical advice of a most particular woman who ban always done her own washing. She also states that she has used the wonderful ''Fairy Wonder" Dry Soap even since it was placed on the market and has recommended it to dozens of her friends. It cuts out the drudgery and keeps the clothes a good color. All grocers stock it. Melbourne, Ltd., blouses in silk and crepe de chine are famous throughout the Dominion. Styles are always kept up to the moment whilst quality is kept at top notch, nothing less than ten and twelve momme weights being used. The prices speak for themselves. See windows. A special programme of vocal and instrumental music will be rendered by the New Plymouth Salvation Army Brass Band in the Salvation Army Hall, Brougham "Street this (Thursday) evening, at 8 p.m. The chair will be taken by the Rev. John Nixon- Admission will be by League members' card or Is tickets, children Od.