LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 May 1921, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Taranaki farmers’ conference yesterday decided to support the appointment of a Trade Commissioner for New Zealand in England. After two Wellington juries had failed to agree, the Crown entered a nolle prosequi in the case of three men charged with theft of tobacco from the Army Service Corps stores. Enquiries made from the Waitara police last night elicited that the body of a man which was discovered on the beach at Waitoitoi on Wednesday had not yet been identified, beyond the fact that the deceased is a Maori. “That this conference is of the opinion that in order to preserve the integrity of the Empire the British Navy should be kept up to efficient strength as a first-class Power.” This resolution was carried by the Taranaki farmers at their annual conference yesterday. The Maoris have started to. congregate at the Manakorihi Pa in connection with the opening of their new meeting house (writes our Waitara correspondent). Poi dances are in constant practice for the occasion, and it is said that Ratana is going to be in attendance, as well as Dr. Pomare and other leaders of the native race.

"*The following figures show the total rainfall in different Taranaki towns for the month of March: Opunake, 2.89 inches; Rawhitiroa, 2.42; Stratford, 4.76; Ohawe, 1.35; Hawera, 1.49; Patea, 2.39; Mataimoana, 3.42; Whangamomona, 4.68. The heaviest rainfall for New Zealand was at Otira, where 21.72 inches fell in twelve days. Sale ends Saturday at the Melbourne. Last chance for lovely crepe de chine blouses, half price; Japanese 10-momme silk 4/11 yard; 12-momme crepe de chine 14/11. yard; ladies’ strong large cotton singlets 2/6; ladies’ warm fleecelined grey bloomers 6/11; indigo print 1/9; drillette 1/11; and figured sateen 1/11.

The Southland Times states that Mrs. Gorinski has sold her champion White Leghorn hen to a Christchurch fancier for £3O. ,

Early risers in Hastings during the past few mornings have been fortunate in witnessing with the naked eye the comet which is said to be the Pons Wenecke. It rises in the eastern sky (says the Hawke’s Bay Herald) between 4.30 and 5 a.m., and when first viewed looks like a second moon. With the aid of a tejjjscope it is seen to resemble a mushroom lying on its side. It remains visible until the day breaks. At the Farmers* Union conference at Eltham yesterday Mr. Johnston, on behalf of the Auroa branch, referred to the remit standing in the name of the Auroa branch as follows: “That all price-fixing by the Government should cease.” Mr. Johnstone said it appeared as though the remit was now unnecessary, because it seemed that price-i fixing would automatically cease as time went on. He would, however, move the resolution, although he thought it was hardly necessary at the present time. The resolution was carried.

“There is enough work in this great world without the churches treading on each other’s heels,” said Rev. J. F. Goldie, Methodist missionary from the Solomons, in an address at the Whiteley Church, New Plymouth, last night. These remarks were added by Mr. Goldie by way of explanation of the statement that when the Methodist Church commenced its work in the islands nineteen years ago it had chosen an entirely new district, and had never yet entered the territory of' any other Protestant missionary.

The Hon. C. J. Parr (Minister for Education) informed a Wellington Times rporter that the application for £75,000 for new medical school buildings in connection with the Otago University .has been indefinitely postponed by Cabinet. “Further,” added the Minister, “in view of the financial position the application from the university for a new Dental School, estimated to cost £30,000, has likewise been postponed; but I have obtained the permission of Cabinet to submit modified proposals for temporary relief in the case of the Dental School

Wharf labor was briefly discussed at the Taranaki farmers’ conference yesterday. Mr. Gawith moved, on behalf of the Hawera branch: “That it is advisable that all labor in connection with the loading and unloading of vessels be undertaken by a staff of laborers, as far as possible, permanently employed by the harbor board or some other suitable controlling body.” Mr. Gawith said the idea of the remit was to avoid, if possible, the employment of disloyalists, and thus obviate a good deal of the present industrial troubles. The, remit was defeated.

The question of holding a Royal Agricultural Show was discussed at the conference of Taranaki farmers yesterday. Mr. G. Betts moved, on behalf of the Manaia branch: “That it be a suggestion to agricultural and pastoral associations that tlmy consider the advisability of the establishment of a Royal Agricultural Shbw in the Dominion, similar to that in England.” A general discussion ensued, during which it was stated that the matter was one for the Board of Agriculture and the agricultural and pastoral societies to consider. It was only a suggestion, and the passing of the resolution would direct attention to the matter. The resolution was carried.

The induction of the Rev. H. A. Coleman into the parish of Okato was held in St. Paul’s Church, Okato, yesterday afternoon. There was a very large attendance of settlers from the surrounding districts, and the following clergy were present: Archdeacon Evans and the. Revs. F. G. Harvie, T. Young, G. T. Beale (New Plymouth), R. J. Stanton (Inglewood), G. Gavin (Waitara), and J. A. Castle (Eltham). The sermon ,was preached by Archdeacon Evans, who took for) his subject the duties of the vicar and the congregation, each to the other. The Rev. F. G. Harvie also gave a brief address. At the conclusion of the service the visitors were entertained in the Hempton Hall, and Mr. W. J. Gray, ion behalf of the district, heartily thanked the visitors for attending. Yesterday was the last occasion on which the Thursday half-holi-day will be . observed in New Plymouth, advice having been received that the change over to Saturday will operate on the 28th in it. The Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson) was informed to this effect yesterday by telegram from the Labor Department at Wellington as follows: “I have to acknowledge receipt of your telegram of the 13th inst., in connection with the poll held to decide the statutory closing day in the Thorough of New Plymouth, and to advise' that a notice fixing the day appointed will be gazetted forthwith, to come into operatibn as from the 23rd instant.” Though the date mentioned in the telegram is the 23rd instant, thi& is merely in accordance with the custom of gazetting a change of holiday to take effect from a Monday, as this covers any day .of the week which may have been decided upon.

In welcoming the delegates to the Farmers’ Union conference at Eltham yesterday, Mr. I. J. Bridger, president of the Eltham Chamber of Commerce, remarked that he was glad to see that there was a remit on the order paper dealing with disloyalty. He belieyed that the enemies of the country should be dealt with by a strong hand, and the who were the back-bone of the country and whp felt the position worst, should discuss the matter. The enemies of the country were hindering production and transportation, and preventing a reduction in the cost of living by the go-slow and pin-prick strike methods. If high wages were to be maintained high production must also be maintained, and the conference could depend that whatever was decided in connection with the enemies within the country would receive the hearty support and co-operation of the Chamber of Commerce. (Applause.) A leading New Zealand dairy-produce company advises its clients by circular that in view of the serious labor trouble in England it is an almost hopelss task to forecast market conditions and prices. “Happily, as butter producers, we are not affected by the present slump in the United Kingdom, as all over butter held by the Imperial Government has been paid for at 2s 6d per pound. What may be feared, however, is that perhaps this butter will not be disposed of when our new season’s make begins to appear on the Home markets. Of course, it would prejudically affect prices for the new season’s butter- if it had to be sold in competition with butter held by the Imperial Government. However, it must be hoped that the substantial reduction in prices will have the effect of placing that butter within the purchasing power of the consumer, and that when our new season’s butter arrives on the market it will do so with a clean start.” <

As indicating the improvement in the money market, it is worthy of note that Government bonds, which were recently selling at from £7O to £BO, are now quoted at from £B6 7s 6d to £9O.

Mr. James Forbes of Normanby met with an accident on Monday evening. He was going home from Hawera on his bicycle at about 6.30, and when nearing Normanby was accidentally run into by a motor car which had just passed one going in the opposite direction. Mr. Forbes was rendered unconscious for a time, and was motored home in the car with which he collided.—Star.

The Defence Department has realised and paid into the public account a sum of £104,000 by the sale of surplus stores. The sales, which began in November last, are still proceeding. The amount does not include transfers to public Departments. The stores are not being sold at a loss. The prices charged are intended to cover the cost price, and also the cost of realisation.

For the purpose of raising money for a war memorial the natives of the Whakatane district had arranged to hold “Maori weed” horse races, but owing to a permit not being obtainable, they have been abandoned, and instead the natives have arranged the sale of 200 horses, the proceeds to be given to the memorial fund.

“In spite of the ' great production and consumption of margarine, there is a keen demand for butter, because the public are very tired of margarine,” writes an English friend to a Waikato settler. “It was thought at one time that people, having been introduced to margarine, would continue its use, but that is not going to be the case. There is, therefore, a very considerable future still for New Zealand butter in the British market. The existing shortage of butter at home will continue for some time.”

Some idea of the depression that exists in the hide market in the-Domin-ion was obtained from evidence given in the Arbitration Court at Wellington this week , during the hearing of the wool and hide store workers’ demands. On behalf of the employers it was stated that in April, 1920, a hundred heavy h’des would fetch £540, to-day £258, a difference of £282; a 100 mediums, £290, to-day £77, a difference of £213 —a drop of 73 per cent.; 100 lights, £196, to-day £57, a difference of £139 —a drop of 70 per cent.; 100 calf hides, £B5, now £24, a fall of £59, or 71 per cent.

“The biter bit,’ was the case with some keas who fell to the guns of a deer-stalking party in the Upper Rangitata recently. These carnivorous birds are readily gulled by imitating their whistling cry, and were thus brought within range. The boy of the party secured the heads, and made 6s a head (5s from Government subsidy) thereon. The rest of the party made a discovery which appears quite new—in short, they found the kea made a very appetising substitute for poultry, and also provided a distinctly pleasing brand of chicken broth.

A special showing of sports coats and jumpers is being held at Morey’s. Ladies will not only appreciate the lovely new styles offering, but the exceptionally low prices will be found a revelation in economical buyingi Messrs. Howell and Howell announce that they are offering their entire stock of gents’ raincoats at greatly reduced prices. This announcement will indeed be a great inducement to those in need of a good weatherproof coat to visit their store. Their assurance that the qualities are the highest, whilst prices are the'lowest, can be taken for granted, for this firm’s reputation for giving a straightforward square deal is wellknown. Your inspection of their stocks is earnestly solicited. See these coats to-day at Howell’s. Have you tried a teaspoon or so of “Fairy Wonder” Dry Soap in your bath yet? If not you will be agreeably surprised when you do. Nothing yet discovered gives such delightful smoothness to the water. “Fairy Dry Soap” imparts a delicate perfume whilst cleansing, refreshing, and exhilarating the body. Try a little “Fairy” in your bath. Of all grocers.

It was the generally accepted opinion among experts that it would 'be impossible to improve the simplicity of design or the efficiency of the “Hutchinson Patent Hydraulic Vacuum Pump,” commonly called the “Hutchinson Power,” but all the farmers who are driving their milking machine with this power will be interested to learn that the patentee has succeeded in devising an entirely new head with fewer working parts, so arranged as to. be practically unbreakable, and, what is of still greater importance, one that gives greater capacity and greater efficiency, this being obtained by setting the valves at such an angle that all the air is expelled at each pulsation, the angle «t the same time increasing the capacity. This head may be readily fitted to the existing machines at little cost compared with the increased advantages. The entire elimination of the cost of benzine and oil where the “Hutchinson Power” is used must command the serious consideration of all farmers where water is available.