LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 October 1921, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A contemporary says: “The Institute of British Archbishops is promoting a £lOOO competition for the Auckland Memorial Museum in honor of the heroes of the Great War.” What will the British Archbishops be doing next? On account of the existence of fireblight in New Zealand, the Government of Fiji has prohibited the importation of the following species of fruits and plants: Apples, pears, medlars, quinces, roses, hawthorn, etc.—Press Association. Before the French sloop Aldebaran ■sailed from Dunedin for Hobart yesterday morning, Commander De Soliminhac telegraphed the French Consul at Auckland to convey to Lord Jellicoe his appreciation of the Dominion’s hospitality. —"Press Association. A period of broken weather was followed yesterday by heavy rain showers in New Plymouth, the downpour being more severe towards evening. The countryside received a good soaking, but as far as the borough was concerned no instances of damage* by storm water were reported.

A Press representative recently got in touch with Ratana and ascertained that from 10,000 to 15,000 Maoris are expected at Ratana’s homestead at Christmas time. A huge religious gathering is to be held, and it will be the largest of its kind ever held in the Dominion. Over 1000 Maoris are to come from the South Island, and all parts of the North •will be well represented. There is little or no demand for imported coal in Auckland at present (says the “Herald”), owing to the fact that local reserve stocks are fairly considerable, and the output from the Waikato mines is equal to requirements. A circular sent out to large consumers of coal by one of the large coal dealers in the city, offering to sell imported coal at 2s a ton over cost price, has met with practically no response. A small boy who wandered away from his home* in the Stratford district a few days ago arrived at Wanganui the other day (says the local Herald). According to his story to the police, he left his home about 1 a.m. and rode his father’s horse to Stratford. He then travelled in stages by walking or riding on motor-cars until he reached Waitotara and came in by train, feeling footsore and tired. He intended to go to Wellington to follow the occupation of a fisherman. His enterprise, however, was cut short by falling into the hands of the police, and a telegram was sent to his parents to come to Wanganui to escort him back home. Mr. Massey recently gave a correspondent his views on the dairy producers’ position. North Island producer?, he remarked, are having a wonderful season, which roust help the whole country from a financial point*of view. Asked whether prices were likely to haiden or otherwise, the Premier expressed the opinion that prices were not likely to go back, for England is at the end of its season, so that local supplies will now be falling off. Thus the price should hold up for overseas supplies, especially from this part of the world.

There was a splendid muster of the New Plymouth and Fitzroy Fire Brigades at the Central .Station on Wednesday evening, when Inspector Hugo made an* official inspection of the brigades. The New Plymouth Brigade, under Superintendent Bellringer, paraded 23 strong out of a possible 24, and Fitzroy, under Captain Parkin, 13 strong out of 14 members on the roll. After the inspection the Dennis engine and the smaller tender were run out to Devon Street Central for a wet practice.. The engine pumped direct from the Hnatoki stream, and with two lengths of hose run out maintained a splendid pressure. “New Plymouth people should not take their holidays near the sea,” said a member of the Expansion and Tourist executive on Wednesday evening. They should go inland, or on the mountain ranges, where they can imbibe the different air.” He went on to speak of the .suitability of the Kiri, at the top of ' Carrington Road, as a summer holiday resort, whch, he described, had the advantages of altitude, scenery, good water, and accessibility, it being possible tv motor all the way to a suitable camping spot. The question of securing camping grounds was discussed, it being decided to make enquiries from the landowners in the neighborhood. It was mentioned that the Pouaki ranges thereabouts were a veritable treasurehouse for the botanist and lover of Nature. Goats, however, were becoming a serious menace to the young bush, and the advisability of forming shooting parties to deal with the goats would have to be considered in the near future.

An interesting announcement regarding the steps to be taken to consolidate the Masonic sentiment of Australia and New Zealand was made at the quarterly communication of the United Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Victoria recently by the Grand Master (the Most Worshipful Bro. F. T. Hickford). He said that after the proposition to hold k conference of the representatives of the Grand Lodges of Australia had been agreed to by the Grand Lodge, a communication had been received bom the Grand Lodge of Now Zealand, asking that such a conference should he held. It had been decided to fix the date for holding the conference in the early part of November. It was expected by that t'upe the whole of the Grand Lodges of the Commonwealth and New Zealand would have appointed representatives, so that this extremely important gathering might definitely deliberate on matters of interest common to Australian Freemasonry. To-day, October 21, is the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, which, with the victory over the Armada in 1588, and the Battle of Jutland, comprises the greatest naval victories in the three oTcatest crises of our island history. The annual meetings of the Victoria League here, as elsewhere, are held on this day. At the league meeting this members should note, tickets will be on sale for the Citizens’ Ball next Fridav in honor of Their Excellencies, at which, the ball being arranged by the league, a large attendance of members is expected to welcome the famous Admiral of the Grand Fleet. The Rev. E. Palgrave Davy yesterday visited the Vogeltown, Fitzroy and West End Schools, giving addresses in each on “The Pilgrims’ Progress.” Mr. Davy gives a platform version of the immortal allegory, modernising it, and ; adapting it to the mind and taste of the oirls and boys of to-day. The mission closes this evening with an illustrated lantern lecture, but a united young people’s service will be held on Sunday afternoon in the Whiteley Church, at 2.45 The illustrated lantern lecture to-night will be entitled, “The Pilgrims’ Progress ” and it will commence in the Whiteley Hall at 7 o’clock. Nearly 100 hand-colored slides will be shownAdults are invited. Admission is free, £ut a. celisetiea will be . taken.

The Health Department took control of King George Hospital yesterday. There will be practically no change in the staff till the end of the year. The vocational training workshop will be made available as curative ' wonesnops for civilians as well as military. Colonel Hogg, the commandant, is to be known as the medical superintendent.— Press Association.

A charge of the theft of property to the value of about £25 15s, owned by the Y.M.C.A. at Christchurch was preferred against a woman named Caroline Fisher in the New Plymouth Court yesterday. On the application of De-tective-Sergeant Cooney accused was remanded to appear at Christchurch, bail being allowed in a recognisance or £25, and one surety of "£5O.

“It is a weakness of human nature to judge a man by his appearance,” remarked His Honor Mr. Justice Frazer in an address delivered at a meeting of Justice® of the Peace at Wellington on Thursday night, when warning them to refrain from “taking sides” when* sitting in criminal jurisdiction. “Remember,” he said, “there is many a red nose caused by indigestion.” (Laughter.) A plea of guilty to a charge of travelling by train from Marton to New Plymouth without paying his railway fare was entered by John G. H. Blane in the New Plymouth Court yesterday. He said he was unable to get permission to travel home and pay his fare on arrival at New Plymouth and had no money. He proceeded by train, however, on the date mentioned (October 5) and paid his fare at the New Plymouth station the following morning. Defendant was fined £2, costs 9s. At the monthly meeting of the Wellington Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association on Wednesday night, a letter was received from the New Plymouth A.A.C. asking that if the African athletic team’s visit ,to New Zealand took place the centre would include New Plymouth in the itinerary. The colors of the club w*ould be black and gold. The affiliation of the Patea and District Public Schools’ Amateur Athletic Association was approved.

Another of the series of euchre parities and dances in connection with the forthcoming school fete was held last evening in the Fitzroy schoolroom, 17 tables being occupied. The ladies’ prize was won by Miss Furgeson, and for the second Mesdames Walker and Millman tied and Mrs. Walker won the playoff. For the gentlemen’s Mr. J. Dickey won the first and Mr. J. Dickey junr. the second. The aggregate for the last six weeks was won by Mrs. Andrews after playing off with Mrs. Buckle. The gentlemen’s was won by Mr. Hunt. The dancing room was well filled. Mrs. Cameron presided at the piano, and Mr. G. F. Goldsworthy carried out the duties of M.C. in his usual capable manner. A former resident of the Pa'hiatua district, living in a neighboring county, whose services his employers reluctantly had to dispense with in consequence of the slump, lately found himself the possessor of a very gratifying and unique unsolicited testimonial in the shape of the following authentic advertisement inserted by his employer, which speaks for itself:—“A farmer wishes to place a particularly good married man, oapabje of managing any sized dairy or agricultural farm. Strictly honest, sober, conscientious, courteous and gentlemanly. Is a hard, capable and consistent worker, and always cheerful, whether days are long, or weather or other conditions bad. Fine fellow to deal with, and can do anything; will take shares, management, lease, or wages. Would lilye school handy.”

Pinus insignia for building purposes is not approved by the building inspector to the Hastings Borough Council. “As instructed,” reported the inspector last week, “I have made inquiries into the question as to the suitability of pinus insignia for .building purposes. The quality of this timber varies to such an extent that, provided the tree has matured. and has been grown under silvicultural conditions, it may provide timber of a fair quality. A tree of rapid growth with a email proportion of summer wood, that is the darker, harder portion in each -annual ring, usually provides timber of a poor quality. It is also susceptible to the borer. It should not- be placed in or near the ground, or damp surroundings. It -should be well seasoned. Its use has been disallowed in Auckland and Wellington up to the present time. I think it would be as well to leave the use of thia timber for building in the borough in abeyance for the time being, until it is reported that it has and will provide a lasting timber for building purposes. Of the majoritv I have inspected in the borough, on? half has the dry rot, and the other the borer.”

To-morrow is Eltham’s cheap shopping day, when all the tradespeople are making special reductions for that day only. "The list printed yesterday shows the nature of the bargains to be offered, and country people will do well to peruse tly* particulars. A mistake was made in Clare Bros.’ advt. It should have read: “Chart suits to pleasure, fit and style guaranteed. from £6 10s, extra pair of trousers on Saturday.” G. H. I*. Fitzgerald, chemist, offers “English Aspirin Tablets,” not “Tabloids,” as printed. Elth«m’s chemist not having any of the latter in stock. In this issue M. C. Aagaard, saddler, of Stratford, notifies that he has to hand a good stock of tennis racquets by best makers, as well as presses, handle grips, tennis balls, etc. Old racquets are also restrung. Those requiring new harness or Saddles or repairs should visit this well-known shop in Broadway, Stratford.

That milk quickly becomes contaminated even when the greatest care is taken is well-known by everybody. What chance, then, has milk of remaining pure for long after it has. passed through dirty machines or utensils? Every dairy farmer should use plenty of “Sinus,” the champion cleanser which ensures pure, sweet milk at all times. Ask for “Sinus.” Don’t take substitutes.

A noted physician recently stated that the physical and mental torture endured by those who have corns is responsible for shortening life by at least ten years. He also stated that most of us paid too little attention to the hygiene of the feet. Removal of corns -by such •an agent as Nipsem Corn Cure is imperative. No one should delay. Nipsem is procurable from all chemists and stores, or 2s post free from 8.A.8. Co., Box 219, New Plymouth.--!.

Further bargains at the Melbourne’s Great Salvage Sale: —Indies’ colored silk ankle hose, 2/11 pair; lovely white mercerised blouses, 12/6; famous D. and A. corsets, 10/6; lovely indigo print floral, spots or plain navy, 1/6 yard; white tape, 12 pieces, 9d bundle; also a splendid line of heavy household calieo, a yard wide, at 1/6.

The next Uruti eale will be held on November 7. The sale to have been held on Monday next has been cancelled.

■lt is rumored that another increase in the price of rice is likely to take place in the near future. Eastern Exchange is advancing, which is bound to harden up the produce of all Eastern produce.

A writ has been issued in the Napier Supreme Court, in which a Napier bank is proceeding against one of the large commercial agencies for between £4OOO and £5OOO, the value of cattle alleged to have been wrongly disposed of.

The defendant in one of the cases heard in the New Plymouth Court yesterday refused to take the usual oath. “What’s that?” he said with a surprised look when a court official was in the act of handing him a Bible preparatory to swearing him. When he was told that he was being asked to take an oath he replied: “It is a form I don’t believe in. If these gentlemen in court won't believe my word just as I am 1 don't see how they are able to believe it any other way.” His Worship (Mr. A. M. Mowlem) * suggested that witness should make an affirmation, and after an explanation of the course he agreed, the form in this case in effect being that the person “solemnly', sincerely and truly affirms to tell the truth, the whole truth,, and nothing but the truth.” That the motor can successfully compete with the railway, even over long distances, is shown by the experience of the Daily News contractor, who each morning runs the papers to Hawera to catch the 7 a.m. train to Wanganui. Though he leaves at 4J30, he often has more passengers than he has room for. From Hawera, which he leaves at 7.15, the demand for seats is much greater, many intending passengers frequently having to be left and travel by train. The slowness of the early train, which takes nearly three hours and a half to do the journey to New Plymouth, accounts for the preference for the motor trip, which is done in two hours and a half. The contractor is putting on an eightseater car to cope with the increased business offering. The week-end trips to the mountain houhe coinmence to-morrow, and will be continued until about, the middle of December. Cheap fares and tariff have been arranged, and those who make the trip will be able to return on Monday morning in time for business. Given fine weather the Inauguration of the departure should meet with success. Booking may be arranged through the Tourist League or Snelling and Andrews, motorists.

The Railway Department advertise a time-table for the Waverley-Waitotara races on Monday next (Laoor Day).

Ask your grocer for “T.F.M.” Canned Meats:—llb sheep tongues, 31bs and fllbs ox tongues, lilbs and 61bs corned mutton and beef, manufactured at Smart Road Works. The quality is right! The enehre party arranged for last night in the Bell Block Hall in aid of the New Plymouth Coursing Club was postponed. It will now. be- held tonight (Friday).