LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 February 1922, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mails which left Wellington on December 16 per Matakana, via Panama, arrivea in London on February 1. Two appropriations of £250 each in the Equitable Building Society, New Plymouth, were disposed of by tender last night for £lO7 10s.

The railway traffic on the Taranaki line is extremely busy at present. A special train was sent from Hawera to Patea on Wednesday, and yesterday another special was to"run to Wanganui.

The Elbham public school- re-opened on Wednesday after the long summer holidays. The total attendance was 321, including 28 new admissions. The school has now for the first time in its history six assistants. —Argus. Angina pectoris, from which complaint Sir E. Shackleton’s death is reported, is an affection of the heart which occurs suddenly by a very acute pain in the left chest, spreading to the back and up to the head. It is accompanied by a sense of approaching death. Some patients have several attacks in their lifetime, others hal’d only one, which terminates fatally. The cause of angina pectoris is obscure. Reference was made at a meeting of the Eltham Chamber of Commerce to the recent disastrous fire, and the loss sustained by the town as a whole by the destruction of the two big businesses involved. It was decided to forward letters of sympathy to both Mr. C. A. Wilkinson and Mr. E. C. Goldstone.

,A peculiar incident occurred at the big fire on Tuesday morning, says the Eltham Argus. A fireman unfortunately for himself, stepped directly in the “line of fire” of a hose held by a comrade, and received the full force of the water in his face. The result was somewhat surprising, for the sudden rush of water took away not only hit. breath but also his artificial teeth. An e*ectrie torch was requisitioned, and by a remarkable stroke of luck the teeth full top and bottom set) were recovered uninjured. Prizes allotted in connection with a snooker tournament recently conducted at the Soldiers’ Club, New Plymouth, were presented by Mrs. C. H. Burgess at a social gathering at the chib last night. The first prize (donated by Messrs. Howell and Howell) was won by Mr. J. H. Thomas, and the runnerup was Mr. V. Dalgleish (trophy donated by Mr. A. Newell). Prizes also go to Messrs. F. Patterson for third place (Mr. McDiarmid’s trophy) and Mr. F. Price for the highest break (prize donated by Mr. B. Wheeler).

The children’s grand concert, organised by Mr. J. Hoskin on behalf of the Regimental Band funds, gave its final performance at the Empire Theatre last, night, when another crowded house was recorded. A performer inadvertently omitted from the report of the first night’s concert was Miss Connie Erick son, whose pianoforte solo was so much appreciated that she received an encore. The total proceeds of the concert is not yet available. The organiser (Mr. J. Hoskin) acknowledges his indebtedness to Miss E. Harper for the manner in which she had coached the children, to Mrs. George’s orchestra, the ladies who assisted with the dressing (Mesdames D. Jones, Ericksen, Morton and Hoskin) and to others who helped in the general work of the concert, including members of the band and committee.

The sum of over £1679 has been raised during recent years for various worthy objects by Mr. J. Hoskin, of New Plymouth, whose latest success is the organising of the children’s concert, presented at the Empire Theatre last evening and on Wednesday. In Wanganui he assisted the Paddy’s market and Swankers’ Club in raising large sums, whilst other big efforts were in organising a grand dance recital, netting £132, patriotic dances in connection with His Majesty’s assemblies ( £130), ’British Red Cross Ball ( £7O), the Belgian and Servian Society (£55), whilst his most meritorious service was in connection with the Wanganui Patriotic Society, where he raised £450. Returning to New Plymouth Mr. Hoskin was identified with the Pierrot Society and organised a ball, thereby raising £4O. The West End School concert ( £62) and the peace ball ( £52) were other prominent functions he organised, besides assisting the 1 Citizens’ Band, Girls’ Hostel and other institutions on several occasions. The Kawaroa Park Society particularly benefited by Mr. Hoskin’s effort, as he personally collected over £2OO for the park funds. Altogether Mr. Hoskin has an unselfish and publie-spirited record of which he has reason to be proud.

In the House last night Sir, John Luke asked leave to present the report of the Labor Bills Committee on the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration det Amendment Bill, but an objection was raised by Labor members, and leave was refusejd.—Press Assn. In his reply on the public works debate in the House in the early hours of yesterday morning, the Minister (Hon J. G. Coates) warmly denied that the Government favored its own supporters in allocating public works votes. The general policy laid down last year was being rigidly adhered to as far and fast as the money available permitted.

Writes our Puniho correspondent:— The latest in names. A Maori wahine at the Puniho pah gave birth to twins about the time of the Springboks— Taranaki football match at New Plymouth. As a memento, the twins were named “Taranaki” and “Springbok.” The totalisator receipts at the Egmont meeting this week are a sign of the times, indicating that the public rec-ognise the need for econou.y, and also to a certain extent show that the extra tax put on racing by the Government is not going to have the desired effect of increasing the revenue. The Hawera Club’s tote receipts drop ped from £91,025 last year to £49,487 this year, a decrease of £41,538 for the meeting.

Important matters dealing with the pipe band were discussed at the monthly meeting of the Caledonian Society last evening. Mr. S. Sinclair, late of Masterton, was appointed pipe, major to the society, and this gentleman is conducting the chanter class. Several applications to join the band were reecived from pipers .in different parts of Taranaki. Several new members were admitted to the "society.

The overcrowding of classes in our primary schools was a feature of our educational system particularly noticed by Miss Helen M. Tracey, a Canadian teacher, who ha.? recently been appointed to the West End school, New Plymouth, for a period of twelve months. In Canadian schools, says Mjss Tracey, no classes exceed 40 pupils, whilst the particular class she is teaching at West End numbers 82, or double the Canadian maximum.

The road beween Patea and. Waver-, ley carried an abnormally large amount of traffic during the period when the Whendakura railway bridge was down, and the local authority asserts that the cost of repairing the road is going to be substantial. Mr. E. Dixon (Patea) asked in the House if the Minister for Public Works would place on the estimates a grant in aid of the necessary work. The Minister for Public Works undertook to confer with the Minister for Railways on the point. “I think it is worse than the Companies Act,” remarked Mr. A. M. Mowlem, S.M., in the New Plymouth Court yesterday, When a solicitor made the remark that His Worship had probably had some experience of trying to interpret the Shops and Offices Act. Anomalies existing in the latter measure were commented on by counsel, who appeared for an employer who was charged with failing to observe the proper halfholiday in Christmas week. He also understood that it is likely a consolidating Act will be brought down to remove some of the peculiarities in the Act.

“It will be a very busy day in New Plymouth next Thursday,” was the reminder given by a solicitor in the New Plymouth Court yesterday, when it was proposed to adjourn a case till the 9th inst. There was evidently some important picture in the minds of counsel, as one said the day was practically a public holiday. Another, however, gave the excuse that Thursday would be inconvenient, as his country clients would be in on that day, and eventually the Court got to the real reason —it was race day. The parties were successful in securing an adjournment till the 10th.

The monthly meeting of the Westown Progressive Association was held on Wednesday night, Mr. Medley presiding over a good attendance. Seven new members were enrolled. The question of traws or a new electric ’bus for Westown was discussed. Messrs. Blackball, Ross, Smith, and Medway spoke at some length. It was decided that a deputation wait on the Borough Council and urge that a ’bus be provided for Westown. and also that the present ’bus was unhealthy and insanitary, and that alterations be made to it as it was reported that a lady had fainted from the lack of air in the ’bus. It was also decided to ask for two electric lights for Cutfield Road, which is very dark and dangerous, several accidents having nearly happened through there being no lights. The matter of a footpath in upper Wallace Place was also brought up. The meeting was very enthusiastic and many new members were promised.

A charge against a Chinaman of making improper use of a receptacle used for washing lettuces was • called on in the New Plymouth Magistrate’s Court yesterday. When <iie counsel for the defendant asked for an adjournment tire borough inspector (Mr. R. Day) seemed reluctant to consent to this step on the grounds that the celestial might disappear in the meantime. He said it was easy for a Chinaman to turn into a cook or a market gardener all of a sudden and it was hard to trace him. The charge in this case was a more serious one than the wording of the bylaw implied. Counsel for the defendant re-assured the inspector on this point, and the adjournment was granted. Owing to the Rarawa being delayed, Webster Bros, advise that the sale of 1000 cases of choice Auckland fruits has been postponed until 11 a.m. to-morrovv (Saturday). There will, however, be the usual sale of fruit to-day (Friday). Fine all-wool bathing costumes for men and women, in the popular 2-piece Canadian style, are being shown at the Melbourne, Ltd. These high-class and smart bathing suits are sure to be in big demand this season. Colors are in navy only, but with assorted bordeis. Price 18/6 the suit.

The practical housewife who uses “Fairy Wonder’’ Dry Soap saves money as well as time. With “Fairy” it is unnecessary to light the copper, and tne washing ean be done in half the usual time. One large packet of “Fairy” is sufficient for twelve washings. Give it a trial. All grocers stock it.

The Regimental Band leaves for the Wellington Contest on the 11th inst., and two recitals to augment the contest fund will be held at Kawaroa Park, the first being ield to-morrow night, when dancing on the green will be an added attraction, and the second taking place at the park on Sunday afternoon.

One or two teaspoonsful of Sharland’s Magnesia, twB or three times a day, should be given to children during hot weather. It corrects acidity, flatulence, and calms the stomach.

A resident of Palmerston North, who recently visited Sydney, was informed on reliable authority that the surplus of Australian wheat is being sold to Indo-China, Japan, and Egypt. “I have already on behalf of the citizens of New Zealand verbally invited Mr. Lloyd George to visit this Dominion, but I know it is quite impossible for him to comply with such a request at the present time,” said the Prime Minister in reply to a suggestion that he should invite Mr. Lloyd George to visit New Zealand.

A gentleman whose opinion may be accepted as other than casual, stated to an Eketahuna Express representative that a sharp rise might be expected in store sheep. This would apply in greater degree to ewes, of which there was a shortage. He predicted these would shortly be making 20s.

Figures show that within a month fat lambs have increased 100 per cent, in price and fat ewes 200 per cent. Lambs that were selling at 12s 6d per head at the end of December are now changing hands at 255, the price per pound having increased from 4£d to 7d. The price for fat ewes has bounded from Id to 3d per pound, while there is a corresponding increase in the price of fat wethers.

Mr. Masters, M.P. for Stratford, has given notice to ask the Minister of Railways: If he will during the recess give consideration to the recasting of the present passenger fares, coaching and goods rates on the railways, which have been in operation for a number of years without the basis being altered to any great extent, with a view of adjusting the rates in such a manner that would have the effect of retaining to the railway the carriage of the more highly rated goods, particularly for short distances now being carried by motor traffic.,

Several cases of “harboring rats” were brought under the notice of Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., at Wellington Police Court a day or two ago. When the details of the condition of one place—a restaur-ant—<-were disclosed, the magistrate intimated that if a cleaning-up to the satisfaction of the inspector was not made within 48 hours he would impose a heavy fine. It was stated by the inspector that during visits to the place, one of which was made at 1.30 a.m., he discovered tins of fat and foodstuffs of various kinds uncovered, the backyard in a very dirty state, and a back "window broken, giving access to rats. In another case a hotelkeeper was fined £1 and costs, 7s.

Splendid spirit was shown by Civil Servants in Marton when discussing the immigration question. The fact that there are over 1,900,000 unemployed in Britain was referred to, and it was the general opinion that while things are hard here, they are much harder at Home. To protest against their coming here was regarded as selfish, and one speaker urged: “Let ’em all come; there’s plenty of room.” It was recognised that many are starving at Home. No resolution was passed on the subject, but the meeting was strongly of opinion that many are coming out under mis-representation, and regret was expressed that such is the case. Many that the work promised and—what is almost equally important—housing were unprocurablq. A speaker also expressed the opinion that the immigrants “will make quite as good New Zealanders as we are.”