LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9159, 5 August 1908, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Akitio County is said to be particularly clear of the rabbit pest, in fact so much so that it is not being found necessary to carry on extensive poisoning in the County. The tone of the local labour market is brightening. Labour agents have placed a fair number of bushfellers and general farm hands during the past fortnight. Within a fortnight it is probable that tenders will be called for the additions to Knox Church, Masterton. This will mean the letting of a con- [ tract for a work lunaing into quite £I,OOO. The Masterton Municipal Band proposes to give another recital in the Park Rotunda on Sunday afternoon i next, should the weather he favourlabie. A number of new selections will be included in the programme. Three inebriates appeared before Messrs Eli Smith and J. H. Pauling, J.P.'s, at the Masterton Police Court yesterday morning. A fine of ss, in default the u&ual 24 hours' hard labour, was imposed in each instance, two of the accused being first offenders, and the other a second offender. To-night's meeting of the Ladies' Ambulance Class will take the form of a lecture on Home Nursing—the last to be given by Dr A. Hosking. Afterwards practice for the forthcoming demonstration will be engaged in.. Dr Helen Cowie later on in the session will take up the lecture course on Home Nursing. As soon as the arrangements have been completed for the acquisition of th° site, on Bishop's Reserve, tenders will be called for the erection of the new gas carbonising plant. The new building will mean an expenditure of between £2,000 and £3,000. Mr J. W. Blackman (Gas Manager) hopes to be able to proceed with the work in the course of two or three weeks' time. . Exceptionally favourable conditions have prevailed for rabbit poisoning, * and in consequence there has bten a ) very satisfactory output from the Go- . vernment poison depot on Upper f Plain. \lt is a subject of comment among farmers who are poisoning " that so far a successor has not yet r been appointed by the Stock Departr ment to succeed Mr J. Halligan as I Rabbit Agent at Masterton. e At the meeting of the Borough Works Committee, last week, the \ Acting-Town Clerk reported that certain persons outside the drainage a area had fpiled to pay a rate of £1 e down to March 31st last made foi s dealing with the sewage from theii premises notwithstanding that a letter had been sent to them redemanding payment. The ActingTown Clerk was directed to enforce ;. payment in connection therewith. The Government Engineer has k completed a Hying survey of the proo posed railway line from Feathertton c to Martinboruugh, and his report wil be forwarded to tl.e Minister foi |r Railways shortly. The Engineer in » epected a number of routes that hac it been suggested, and it is understooc a that he favours a line from Featherston towHius the back of the Tauhere ! * nikau racecourse, and then almost ir e a straight line to Bidwill's hill, ovej :t the Ruamahanga river, and on t( K Martinborough.

A pastoral authority stated to a Wairarapa Age reporter yesterday that, owing to breeding ewes not being in such a sleek condition this season, there is not likely to be experienced the heavy mortality at lambing time which depleted many local tloi-ka last year. Nevertheless, sheep are in very fair condition and though du frosts are nipping off the grass, there is a good outlook in every respect for the lambing season. Store cattle are looking about the poorest of all stock. Dairy herds are in good winter condition. Lambing commenced on most of the larger stations about the 7th instant.

Unclaimed correspondence from beyond New Zealand now awaits delivery at the Post Office, Masterton, for the following: —John Affleck, Jos. Barnes, S. Bardwell, W. Collett, D. Coleman, Miss Alice Dixon, E. J. Grant, United Kingdom; Jack Hill, Queensland; Jas. Hood, United Kingdom; J. Jonas, New South Wales; Miss C. E. Lester, Victoria; G. L. Lewis, New South Wales; Mrs R. Murphy, Tasmania; Mrs C. Murphy, Victoria; Geo. McDougall, New South Wales; E. Nagle, United Kingdom; John O'Donnell, United Kingdom; A. C. Kaxworthy, Queensland; Mrs H. Kayner, United Kingdom; Mrs Schmitzer, New South Wales; John Srnitri, Unitjd Kingdom; M;s M. Taylor, New South Wales; J. Warren, United Kingdom.

John Curry appeared in the dock of the Masterton Police Court yesterday morning and pleaded guilty to a charge of the theft of a suit of clothes, a gold locket, two goid coins, and an overcoat belonging to J. Eagle and P. J. Buckland, the total value of which were set down at £lO 4s 6d. Sergeant Miller stated that accused had committed the thefts at Eketahuna from various hotels, and coming on to Masterton he had sold the articles to a second-hand dealer. Two seuarate charges were laid, and on each accused was sentenced to three mouths' hard labour, the terms to run concurrently. An order was made for the restitution of the stden goods without payment by thj owners, as the second-hand dealer had purchased them after hours. Messrs Eli Smith and J. H. Pauling, J.P.'s, occupied the Bench. Yfin ? IS SAND'ttlct SONS PUIIE VOLATILE EIJCALYPL'I EXTRACT superior to an/ other Eucalypti Product Y Deeause it is th<) result of lull experience, and of a special and careful process of manufacture, ft is always safe, reliable .and effective, and the dangers of irresponsible preparations which are no,v palme.l off rto Extract; are avoided. A death was recently reported from the use of one of thcsy eoiu-oetions and in anjaetion at law a witno' s testified that lie suffered the most cruel irritation from the application to !\u nicer of another, which was sold a>; " Just us good as SANDER'S EXTRACT." Therefore, beware of such deception. Remember that in medieino a drop that cures is hotter than a tablespoon that kills, and insist upon the preparation which was proved by experts at the Supreme! Court of Victoria, and by numerous authorities during the last 35 years, to be a preparation of genuine merit, viz: THE GENUINE SANDER AND SONS PURE VOLATILE EUCALYPTI EXTRACT.

Mr William Whittaker's house at 'ongaroa was totally destroyed by c ire on Monday last. a During the month of July there \ vere four births and three marriages ' n Eketahuna. There are 127 names on the roll ( if the Eketahuna school. The aver- , ige attendance last month was 110. j Mr 0. F. Olsen, of Nireaha, has " purchased Mr E. Timmins farm at l Kakariki. ' A movement is on foot in Eketahuna to form a Gun Club. About thirty persons have already signified : their intention to ioin. A visit to East Coast farms and stations will be paid next week by Mr S. H. Ussher, Stock Inspector at Masterton. The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Ballance Dairy Factory will be held on August 31st The result of the year's working is understood to be Highly satisfactory, telegraphs our Pahiatua correspondent. The Masterton Abattoir returns of stock slaughtered for last month show that 15a cattle, 11 calves, 73 sheep, arid 88 pigs were slaughtered. Animals wholly and partially condemned were—6 cattle, 1 pig, and 10 sheep. The fees for the month totalled £lO5. The Langdale Quoits Club held the final competition of the year on Saturday last. As the weather was perfect there was a good attendance of members. Mr P. Paulsen won the competition. Mr J. Maxwell won the W.F.C.A. gold medal for the most points snored during the year. At a meeting of the Carterton Chess and Draughts Club, held on ' Monday evening, the following members were selected to play against a team from Greytown:—Chess: Messrs Maunsell, Roydhouse, Moore and R. iW. Roydhouse. Draughts: Messrs Borham, McLeod, J. Chew, Hall and Baillie. The gas manager's report to the Borough Council last evening stated that ti;e gas made for the month of June showed an increase of 17.75 per cent and gas sold p?r meter an increase of U11 44 per cent on the corresponding period of last year. The average rate of increase for the first three months of the present financial year was 25 91 per cent, gas manufactured and 24.75 per cent, gas sold per meter. During the month five new services were connected and six new meters fixed. Two additional arc lamps have been erected for the County Council at Lansdowne. The usual meeting of the 1.0. R. was held last night in the Dominion Hall, Bro. D. Threadwell, C.R., presiding over a good attendance of members. Bro. Sutherland reported on matters in connection with the Friendly Societies' Council. It Was decided to postpone the Rechabite social so that it would not clash with the Friendly Societies' Council's social and dance. A large amount of routine business was transacted. Two new candidates were initiated and seven proposed for membership. The receipts tor the evening amounted to £3 lis 9d. The executive of the United Fire Brigades' Association of New Zealand are now circularising brigades regarding the literary competition decided to be held under the Association's auspices when the Conference wa3 held at Masterton. The subjects are:—(l) Fire Fighting, ancient and modern; (2) Should Insurance Compai.ies contribute to the up-keep of Fire Brigades?; (3) How best to im prove the Fire Service of the Dominion. Three prizes for each subject of £5, £3 and £1 are awarded for first, second and third places respectively. Several local brigadesmen intend competing.

A meeting of the Select Committee appointed by the liurough Council, and consisting of Crs frtliott, Ewington and Pragnell, was held at the Council Chambers on Thursday last, Cr Elliott presiding. The gas manager submitted tenders invitad by him for the supply of a number of lamp-posts for the Borough in accordance with his design and requirements as follows: Scott Bros., £4, f.0.b., Wellington; A. and T. Burt, £4 15d, f.0.0., Dunedin; S. Luke and Co., £4 15s, f.0.r., Wellington; Farmers' Implement Co,, £4 12s. The Committee considered the tenders in detail, and found that that' of the Farmers' Implement Company was the lowest, and it was tntrefore accepted. The monthly meeting of the Mastered Fire Brigade was heid last evening, Superintendent T. Jenkins in the chair. Leave of absence was granted to Fireman Warner, and sick ieave to Hvdrantman Church. The Wanganui Fire Brigade forwarded complimentary tickets for thtir annual ball, which were accepted with thanks. The secretary reporteJ the receipt of two subscriptions from honorary members, and a parcel of literature from Messrs McLeod and Young. Fireman McEwen received an extra service bar, he having completed nine years' service. It was decided to defer the annual election of officers until receipt of the rules and regulations from the Fire Board.

The following statement of the treasurer's balances down to July 24th. in connection with the Masterton Borough Council, was submitted to the meeting of the Council last evening:— General district fundGeneral account, rir, £7,482 2s 2d; deposit, cr., £IOO 12s; waterworks, dr., .€l4 4s; library, cr., £157 15s 2d; gasworks, cr., £3Bl 6s 4d; abattoir, cr., £15(5 15s lid; drainage loan, dr., £2Ol 3s; bannister street cr. £4 Gs id; £25,000 loan dr., £l5O Is Kid; overdraft £7016 15s Gd. Loans—Drainage, cr., ss; street improvement, £25,000, schedule A, cr.. £l4os'Us Id; schedule l>, cr., £2,194 4s 3d; schedule C, cr., £1,125 Is sd; schedule D, cr., £1,329 Ss lOd; schedule E cr., £lO5 15s Id. Ou'standing rates are set down at £614 6s sd. Mr. C. L. Tomlmson, Secretary Mechanic* Institute, Northampton, W. A.. s;tys: "I would not be without a. bottle of your GIIAND Cough llemcdy at any time. I use the word "Grand" learlessly and with confidence that, if any one will take Chamberlain's Cough Remedy according to directions the result will greatly surprise the most sceptical. I myself found it wonderful in its speedy action and curative properties, and never lose an opportunity of recommending it to anyone who is troubled with a cough or cold." For sale by all chemists and storekeepers.

Percy Staples Bond, a postal jfficial, was charged with theft of itamps and postal notes of the value - )f 18s BJ, at Auckland yesterday, ind remanded. A Press Association telegram from Wellington, states that the Chairman )f the Parliamentary Sessional Committee on Education advises that members of Education Committees will be afforded facilities to give evidence on the Education Act Amendment Bill, in so far as it affects School Committees. Palmerston North contemplates raising £3,500 for the establishment of tepid swimming baths. A committee of the Borough Council has been set up to consider the proposal, which will be placed before the ratepayers for their sanction at an early date. A scheme for increasing the water supply is also under consideration. Mr W. Murray, general manager of the Christchurch Meat Company, informed a reporter that although the season which is just closing has been a disappointing one so far as the number of carcases handled at company's works was concerned, the prospects for the coming season were much brighter, the recent heavy rains having effected wonders on the light lands of Canterbury. In Mr Laurenson's Bill for the better prevention of cruelty to animals, a new definition of cruelty is sought to be established. In the internretation clause cruelty is defined.as "causing i unnecessary suffering to animals, such as slaughtering domestic animals for food without previously stunning them, pigeon shooting from traps, coursing in enclosures of hares and rabbits, burning horses* mouths for lampers, docking horses' tails, lining overherd check reins, and employing chained boundary dogs."

The most obsorbing topic on the West Coast during the past fortnight has been the sequel to (he Westport murder case—viz., the charge against William Connelly of having committed perjury. After a preliminary investigation, lasting twelve days, Mr Turton, S.M., committed him for trial. Immediately he announced this decision .there was vociferous applauding in the courtroom, but this was promptly suppressed. The utmost excitement prevailed in Westport, where feeling on the subject runs very high.

W. Wehb, the champion sculler, his so far recovered from his recent illness as to resume rowing, though he is rot ouite himself yet, and will have to take thirgs easily for some time. However, the date of his race with Arnst is over four and a-half months off yet, so there is no need for him to be in too much of a hurry to get into solid work (says the Wanganui "Herald"). As long as his health is all right he does not require much hard training—in fact, he could probably do with less than he has had in one or two of his races.

The belief that there are numerous gold-bearing raefs in the Urewera Country is confirmed by a writer in an Auckland paper. "I have," he says, "just returned from a long prospecting tour in that country, also in the Taupo district, and I am pleased with the results of my work. I am confident that a large goldfield will be opened up in that country. There are plenty of large reefs, well defined and carrying gold, that only wont to be prospected and opened up to prove their value. Al'uvial gold is also to be found, but this,. I should pay. is the outcome of the reef that has become broken nnd worked down the streams, being deposited in the alluvial gravels. Now that steps are being taken to arrange with the natives to allow their lands to be thrown open to prospectors, I am sure that before long the Urewera and Lake Taupo country will be a great goldfield."

Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., delivered' a little homily to parents at the Christchurch Police Court, on Saturday morning, when dealing with four juvenile offenders. He said that some parents did not seem to realise the seriousness of the improper acts committed by their children, and when they (the parents) came into court, instead of assisting the Magistrate, they treated the offences in such a manner as to encourage their children to commit them again, and did an amount of harm which they did not fully appreciate. The cause of these offences was lack of parental control, and proper bringing up. It was the parents' duty to look after the children The trouble with children was •growin?, and juvenile cases were oc-curring-every week just through the neglect of the parents. Children did not *eem to properly appreciate the rights of people, for, he pointed out, it was just as dishonest in a sense to do damage to property as it was to steal. He intimated that if the offenders made their second appearance he would re- ■■- move control from the parents to the State, or in other words, commit the children to an Industrial School. Very few people have an idea of what the roads in North Auckland are like, but a striking example is now quoted. Owing to the weather of the past two or three months, and the heavy traffic over it, the road between Hukerunui and Towai, a distance of seven miles, has been reduced to such a state that it is now to all intents and'purposes impossible to negotiate. Only in cases of extreme necessity do the settlers attempt to traverse what they describe as a veritable sea of mud. and when they do they run the frrisk of beinghogged for hours together, or at any rate until assistance arrives to either pull or dig them out. While the settlers thus avoid the road with a most v religious observance, Mr A. Christie, the unfortunate mail contractor, has to face the task of getting through several times a week. On Saturday, the 17th ult., it took him five hours, with fourteen horses and three traps, tfi cover the seven miles, while last Saturday he spent six hours in covering five miles, and was then obliged to telegraph that the road was simply impassable. The Postal Department in consequence is now making arrangements to send the mails for the district via Russell, Opua, and Kawakawa. , Perhaps she's on the railway! Perhaps she's on the sea! Perhaps she'll go To Jericho, Perhaps she will! Perhaps she won't, Rut if she does or if she don't, I'm clad that I presented to her A bottle of Woods' Great Peppermint Cure. 20

A distressing accident occurred at Mosgiel on Sunday. A young man named John Beale, a well-known jockey, was out shooting rabbits with a companion, and through some unfortunate mischance his friend's gun accidentally discharged, Beale receiving the charge in his eyes. He ■was immediately driven into Dunedin in a trap and taken to the Hospital, where examination showed that the •case was a very serious one, and that bis eyes had been badly injured. Denver, the capital of Colorado, U.S.A., is making an interesting • experiment for the prevention of crime. When Dr Jerger, of Chicago, .-a visitor to Sydney, was passing through Denver on his way to San Franci3Co, he found its highways and byways so hung with electric lamps that they were as bright as day. This had been done so that there should be no hiding places for skulking thieves and other criminals, ;and statistics showed that the scheme had been successful in reducing crime n the city by at least 50 per cent. A firm confidence that the Maori --■ well, in spite of the scepticism of the pakeha, acquire the habit of continuity of effort, was evinced by Mr iNgata, M.P, in a lecture at College Hall, Christchurch, recently. "The •habit of continuity of effort was the very last thing the Anglo-Saxon 'acquired," he paid, "and he did not acquir: i*: until he was starved and Jbuffeted by pressure of the economic System. The Maori is feeling the pressure of the system, and it is making him put forward a continuous honest effort. Give the Maori fifty years to acquire industry as a habit; it has taken you about a thousand." It is interesting to know the conditions under which the Sydney tramway employees work and the privileges attached to their employment. The wages of a conductor are from fis 6d to 7s 6d a day, while drivers receive from 7s 6d,ta 8s 6d a day, and ticket inspectors up to 60s a week, on a working basis of six days weekly. Two suits of uniforms are issued yearly, in addition to which conductors receive a mackintosh and great coat,and drivers a great coat and oilskins every three years. In the matter of holidays one day is allowed for each proclaimed public holiday, and six days extra for good conduct. Free passes are also issued for any railway in the State, which also includes, besides a member, his wife and children up to the number of three. Four privilege passes also issued. These latter are single passes, and enable the holder to travel free over any State railway. Two of these special passes may be used by a member's wife.

Flannelette and woollen goods are offered at exceptionally low rates at Mr J. L. Murray's sale. A practice meeting of the Masterton Choral Society will be held this evening. A gentleman seeks board and residence near the Masterton railway station. New lines in Bostock's footwear for ladies are to hand at the W.F.C.A. Mr Eli Smith advertises particulars of a number of highly improved and well-appointed dairy farms which he has been instructed to sell. An ideal dairy farm of 5< l acres in the flawke's Bay district is offered for sale on easy terms by Messrs Wratten and Spence, land agents; Dannevirke., Mr J. R. Nicol advertises particulars of a farm of 1,480 acres firstclass sheep country which he has for sate on exceptionally easy terms. Messrs Hickman F. Russell and Co., , land agents, New Plymouth, offer for immediate sale a firaf-class dairy farm of 200 acres at Kaponga. The'pruperty will be sold on easy terms, and early application for full particulars should be made. The "Elite" Skating Rink opened their new rink in Dixon street, last evening, theie being a record attendance. There were 171 skaters on the floor, and an enjoyable evening was spent. The South Band was in attendance, , and rendered a pvo- • gramme of music. The Skating Club has decided to allow the public the use of the rink to-night.