LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 December 1922, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The three representatives of the fair sex who stood at this political election fared very badly so far as voting goes. Miss Melville (Roekill) polled only 1557 votes. At last' election, when she stood for Grey Lynn, she polled 2660. Mrs. McVicar (Wellington East) polled 384, and Mrs. Herbert (Avon) 1184.

As evidence of the fact that the old people are not forgotten, the matron of Rangiatea Home reported to the Taranaki Hospital Board yesterday that tne junior association of the Victoria League had recently given an entertainment, and presented Christmas gifts to the inmates. Other donors to whom thanks were due were Mrs. (Dr.) Home (magazines), Miss Harper (magazines), Mrs. Hurlestone (flowers), and Mrs. Bennett, Westown (books, etc.).

Frre blight disease i-s still rapidly spreading in the North Auckland district. The Agricultural Department at Auckland has received information that the disease has made its first appearance at Port Albert, in the Rodney County. It is ateo prevalent in Kaukapakapa, Huapia, Kumeu, Helensville, and Parakakau, as well as at many other places previously notified as infected. A determined attempt to burglarise the tobacconist shop owned by Mr. Percy Hawke in Bridge Street, Hawera, was made early on Tuesday. The culprit was discovered at about 2 o’clock by the nightwatchman (Mr. C. Foord) when on hie rounds, but Mr. Foord did not manage to get close enough to the man to capture him. The man immediately made off, and the nightwatchman gave chase, but unfortunately was soon outdistanced, and the perpetrator got clear away. Upon examination of the door it wasWseen that the would-be burglar would soon have entered the premises had he not then been discovered. The lock had practically been cut off by means of boring around it with an auger.—Star.

The rapid spread of blackberry and the best methods of keeping it in check were frequently under discussion at the Supreme Court at New Plymouth yesterday. The consensus of opinion among the farmers giving evidence in the case before the court was that the best time to cut the pest was in January, when the sap was right up. and that it should be cut right to the ground with a scythe. Continuous grubbing would gradually diminish the growth^ and in a few years the ground would be entirely cleared of the weed.

“One thing that impressed me in America.”, stated Mr. «T. M. Hott speaking to a New Zealand Times reporter on his trip round the world, “was the tremendous enthusiasm the people have for replanning and beautifying their towns and cities, the pride they take in their fine buildings and in the development of their parks*. There is no doubt that America is leading the world in regard, to these matters. What is being done in Chicago in this direction is most marvellous. They are replanning the city regardless of cost, and making it one of the finest cities in the United States—in fact, one of the finest in the Northern Hemisphere.”

The Stanley Road school concert and dance will be held to-morrow (Fridav) evening. Proceeds will be in aid of the prize fund.

The man who wants a choice suit, one out of the ordinary run, will find a range to Choose from at the Melbourne, Ltd. The suits now showing have been specially selected, and consist of the finest grades of colonial tweeds and worsteds, as well as English serges and Scotch and Irish homespuns. Patterns are neat and gentlemanly, whilst the prices are extremely moderate.

Commissioner and Mrs. Hoggard, the new leaders of the Salvation Army in the Dominion, will arrive in New Plymouth by the 4 o’clock train to-day, and this evening, at 8 o’clock, will be accorded a public welcome in the Brougham Street Hall. A big rally of friends is requested. The Commissioners will be accompanaied by Colonel Bray, Majors Wallace and Scotney, and their daughter, Mrs. Bartlett, who is the soloist of the party.

As from December 20 the Taranaki Acclimatisation Society are issuing half-season licenses at a cost of 12s 6d. As the ang-

ling season runs up to the end of April the half-license gives the best portion ofthe fishing season, embracing both the Christmas and Easter holidays. Trout are more plentiful than ever this year, and beginners would find the present a good time to take up the pastime.