LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 November 1922, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

In his annual report of the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce, the President stated: “We notice the TaBanaki Chamber of Commerce is again taking up the matter of speeding up the Wel-lington-New Plymouth express with a view of providing something approaching an express service, and it would be well for the incoming Council to follow up the representations that have already been made in this direction.”

The rough weather which swept over New Plymouth on Wednesday night continued throughout yesterday. There was a heavy thunderstorm in the morning, and the heavy rain which fell for seme time flooded' the streets. There were short periods of sunshine during the afternoon, but the conditions at night were cold and stormy. A particularly rough sea was running. There were no vessels in port, the motor-ship Hermes (with oil from Singapore), which was due from Lyttelton yesterday morning, not putting in an appearance until early last night, when she remained off the port. She should berth this morning. The president mentioned at yesterday’s meeting of the council of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce that he had received from the Director of Tourists of New South Wales particulars of the various excursion trips being arranged for the Taranaki party which is to leave New Plymouth by direct boat next February or March. Particulars of the steamer fares, however, had not yet come to hand. He hoped, to be able to publish details of the whole trip towards the end of the month, thus enabling the public to make their ar- 1 rangements in good time. He also men; tioned that he was constantly in ’receipt of enquiries from all over the province regarding the proposed trip.

The Okau Settlers’ Association wrote to the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce', yesterday, applying for honorary repr&s sentation on the council, as was granted to the Awakino and Tahora Settlers/ Association. Each of these bodies, as well as the Ohura Railway League, have honorary representatives on the council, and by this means they nra keitl informed ofi what is going on being done in matters affecting their welfare. The arrangement, which was instituted about eight months ago, is working to mutual advantage and tends to keep the town and country districts in close touch with one another. Okau’s application was granted, and the association is to be asked to appoint a representative. Okau also asked the chamber to interest itself in having New Plymouth made a woolgrading centre. The matter is to be enquired into.

Create an atmosphere of Nazol about vou, as it prevents infection from Cough, Cold, »b4-Influenza Germs, 5

The bulk of the beef which was -fro zen on owners’ account in the Wai rarapa a few months ago is now 'be ing shipped. It is evident (says an ex change) that a. further rise is antici pa ted.

‘•Are you in f avor of a tax- on bachelors?’’ was a question put to Mr. J. C. Rolleston at the opening speech of his campaign at iM'angapeehi. “No, certainly not!” was the quick reply. “I’ve been a bachelor for over forty years myself, and I know what the poor devils have to put up With.” (Laughter.)

An effort is being' made? to establish a mail service between Tahora and Qhura, and the Tahora Settlers’ Association and the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce have been interesting themselves in the matter. A motor contractor of the Ohura has . submitted prices for twice and thrice-weekly services. In winter the state of the road would prevent motor traffic, so horses would be used. The question is now receiving the attention of the postal authorities. The Public Works Department proposes doing up the bad parts of the Tangarakau Gorge road this season, and next year it is hoped a vote will be available to complete the metalling of the road from Tahora to tlie Paparaka saddle, near Tatu, from which point metal extends to the township of Ohura. The matter was discussed at yesterday’s meeting of the council of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, and was left in the handsof th? president to deal with.

A -few days ago the son of a New Plymouth suburban resident discovered ft hedgehog in a hedge. These little creatures are very rare in northern Taranaki. The hedgehog is a queer little creature, covered with long spikes. When disturbed, he curls up into a ball, offering as a protection against any marauding dog, cat or stoat a bold front of prickles. The little creatures are seldom seen during the day, but roam about hedges and cultivations at night, feeding on grubs, snails, worms, etc. They are also very fond of birds’ eggs, and, according to an English authority (Mr. Tom Speedy) are destructive to game, especially to sitting hen pheasants, quail, or other ground-nest-ing birds. The specimen secured last week was fully grown, but languished and died after being in captivity, presumably from being overfed with too liberal supplies of bread and milk, which it rapidly assimilated. When discovered by a dog which has had experience of hedgehogs, the dog treats the bristling spikes with great caution, but rolls the hedgehog carefully along to the nearest water. Gn being pushed into a puddle the hedgehog is compelled to uncurl to breathe. The watching dog then snaps at the under part, and so kills his victim.

A letter was read at yesterday’s meeting of the council of the Chamber of Commerce from the Hamilton Cham, ber of Commerce, asking for support for its representations to the Postmas-ter-General for the reduction of postage rates in respect of invoices and unsealed printed matter. It suggested the rate should be one penny for town deliveries and one penny for commercial papers and printed matter within the Dominion. It was pointed out that as a result of the present rates the delivery of invoices and monthly statements were made by private messengers. and that the Department was losins considerable revenue that would be forthcoming if reasonable rates obtained. The feeling of the Taranaki Cham, ber was that the reduction should cover all kinds of postage, also telegrams, and a motion asking for a halfpenny reduction in respect of letters and 3d in respect of telegrams was carried. <a.nd will be forwarded to the PostmasterGeneral.

In this issue McGruer’s, the progressive drapers, New Plymouth, advertise special bargain days, having just landed their new season’s goods direct from London. This is an opportunity that should not be missed of securing your summer wants to-day, Saturday and Monday at bargain prices.

The Bishop of Auckland will preach in the Home Mission district on Sunday, November 5, at Uruti, at 11 a.m.; Pukearuhe, 2.30; on Monday, November 6, at Okau (Confirmation). 12.0; Tongaporutu, 2.30. Tuesday, November 7, Awakino, 11.0 a.m.; Mokau, 2.30 p.m. Wednesday, November 8, Piko (Confirmation) 11 a.m.

Owing to Friday night being the late shopping night in New Plymouth, the Rev. Wyndham Heathcote’s meeting in the Empire Theatre to-night upon the liquor question will not commence until 8.30 p.m.

Miss Newton-Smith, Dr. Scholl’s special representative from London, is at present in New Plymouth, and may be consulted free at the N.Z. Clothing Factory boot department each day until I Tuesday next, 'the 7th inst. this affords a splendid opportunity to all sufferers from foot troubles to have expert advice, and remedial appliances fitted, if necessary. Intending callers are advised to’make time appointments. Phone 282, N.Z. Clothing Factory, New Plymouth. *

McGruer’s, the Progressive Drapers, are offering a unique opportunity to the public of New Plymouth and district in their bargain days advt. in this paper. This firm have always the newest goods direct from London, and their present offer should not be overlooked.

People from town wishing to visit the sale of -work at Westown on Saturday should note that the electric bus stop is only a few chains from the hall. Afternoon tea and supper in the evening is provided, and the stalls will be laden with all manner of good things to please both young and old.