LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 April 1921, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Eltham Hydro-electric Committee will inspect the New Plymouth works on Monday morning.

At Raglan David Pretty chopped a 12in block in 24 2-ssec., a world’s record, and a lain block in 27 2-ssec.. which is 6 4-ssec. less than the present world’s record.

No sugar was brought to New Plymouth by the Rarawa yesterday, but advice has been received that a quantity of 80 tons has been allocated for shipment from Onehunga for Taranaki next Monday. Yesterday was the last day for handing in automatic pistols. The authorities state that severe penalties are likely to be imposed on defaulters, who are liable to a fine of £lOO or three months’ imprisonment.—Press Association.

Ratana, now known throughout the Dominion as the Maori Miracle Man, has for the time being returned to his home camp. His mission to the Waikato is reported to have bpen attended by many remarkably successful results. A visit to the Hawke's Bay district at an early date is contemplated. Shortly before ten o’clock last night the New Plymouth fire brigade received a call, but it was found that a false alarm had been given from the box at the corner of Brougham and Courtenayt Streets. This is the second occasion within the last ten days on which the brigade have been called out unnecessarily, and should offenders be detected they are liable to severe penalties.

Examination of the •scow Magic, which is stranded in Wellington harbor, disclosed on Thursday that the vessel’s topsails had been carried away and the ship badly holed. The owners, Hansford and Mills, decided to abandon the scow to the underwriters, who will now commence salvage of the engines and other gear, also of a number of blocks of marble which formed the cargo and were thrown over the side in the attempt to lighten the ship when the tugs were endeavoring to tow her off.

At a meeting held in the central fire station, New Plymouth, last night it was decided to form a card association. Representatives were present from the following sections: Avenue Road, Druids, Fire Brigade, R.S.A., Frankley Park, meat works-, borough employees, and railway department. Mr. F. C. J. Bellringer presided. The following officers were elected: President, Mr. E. Whittle; secretary, Mr. G. Roper; executive: Messrs. Roch (R.S.A.), Courtney (firemen), Warren (railway), and Gall (borough), with power to add. The minimum number of players for tournament games was fixed at sixteen, games to be of two hours’ duration. The meeting was adjourned till the 7th inst. at 8 p.m., when further arrangements will be discussed.

Some of the farmers who purchased high priced land are feeling the pinch at present (says the Manaia Witness). The other day a man who had purchased a farm, paying £3OOO cash down w f nt to the previous owner and offered to give the farm back, walking out minus his £3OOO. The previous vowner, however, did not want the place, as he would have to pay a manager to look after the property. It was eventually agreed that the occupier should continue on the farm, with the understanding that if he could pay he would, both parties realising that under the circumstances the arrangement might work out for the best. On the other hand, those on reasonably priced land have had a good season, and are likely to come out on top. A miraculous escape from serious injury befell the rider of a high-powered motor cycle on Wednesday at Otakeho. The man was coming along the' Main South Road when a horseman galloped out from the Otakeho Hotel corner, causing the cyclist to swerve. He unfortunately hit the horse in his endeavor Io get past, and the impact threw him against the verandah posts of Mr. Eaves’ store, and he smashed four of these down before he finally landed in an unconscious heap on the post office bank. The marvellous part of the thing is that neither the cyclist nor the cycle (a sports model Harley) received any serious harm, and we understand that the man was able to proceed on his way little the worse, for his terrific smash. —Star.

As the outcome of the meeting of delegates of the respective ratepayers associations in the New Plymouth borough, held last week to consider the forthcoming municipal elections, a representative deputation waited on Councillor 11. L. Parkin yesterday and asked tiiat he allow himself to be nominated for re-election. The deputation spoke in appreciative terms of the valued services of Mr. Parkin during his present term of office, and stressed the need particularly at this juncture in the borough's history in having on the council men of his experience. Mr. 1 arkin acknowledged the complimentary remarks that, had been made concerning him, and promised a definite reply within a week.

The prices of beef at the Westfield fat stock sales on Wednesday were about equal to last week’s rates. There was a firm demand for extra,choice ox at 4s per 1001 b. an increase of about 4s per 1001 b on the low price realised a fortnight ago for the same grade of beef. Choice and prime quality brought from £2 to £2 3s; ordinary and plain from £1 os to £1 15s; cow and. heifer beef ISs to £1 15s. Mutton prices were slightly easier all round. Wethers realis«l from ISs to £1 7s fid, ewes 7s «d to £1 3s, lambs 13s Oil to £1 7s M There was a slight improvement in the price of fat pigs, but the market for stores was dull. Choppers and bacon pigs realised from £3 10s to £5 19s.

At a meeting of the Expansion and Tourist League last evening, mention was made of the number of retired people from Home who were taking up residence in Nelson and other parts, and the opinion was expressed that an effort should be made to divert the stream towards New Plymouth, which had attractions and advantages for uich retired people much greater than Nelson or any other town in the Dominion. It was pointed’out by a member, who visited England not long ago, that the best course for tire League to pursue in tire matter was to niece suitable illustrated literature dealing with New Plymouth and district in t|,,. nidi Commissioners offices, the various tourist bureaux, the offices of the shin’''"" companies trading to New Zealand of the various passenger agencies in England. To advertise at all c.denireto-.y at. Home was beyond the financial ability of the League. It was decided to give effect to the suggestion, and a sub-committee consisting of Messrs. J. R. Cruickshank, A. McHardy, W. H. Skinner and T. C. List was s-et up for the purpose.

Progantlna cures Corns quickly. 1/li Rheumo rapidly relieves Rheumatism.