LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3059, 2 December 1908, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The delegates of the Masterton Friendly Societies will leave Masterton to-morrow to take part in the Friendly Societies' Council, to open in Wellington to-morrow. "We don't have lord 3 here. We have left them all at Home in the Old Country," said his Honor Mr Justice Edwards, when addressed by a witness as "Your Lordship," in the Auckland Supreme Court. Last year Britain imported mutton to the value of £8,711,931, the principal source being New Zealand, which contributed £3,996,928 worth, the Argentine coining next with £2,360,565, and Australia third with £1,645,470. The fertile soil and mild climate of Hastings appears to be most congenial for Chinese market gardening. Within the last three months no less than four netv gardens have been started by Chinamen within the Borough. The body of the victim of the railway fatality at Masterton, Mr Leonard Knight, iz to be sent to the Hutt this jnorning, where the burial is to take place. The deceased was a prominent member of the PetoneNavals, and he will be accorded a military funeral.

The Masterton Municipal Band are negotiating for the services of an experienced conductor with high credentials, who id a stranger to New Zealand. It will be a little while yet before the Band will know definitely whether they are successful in obtaining his services. Pheasants and Californian quail are rapidly increasing in the Eastern parts of the Wairarapa. This is attributed to the fact that settlers have discontinued the the use of poisoned grain for rabbit destruction, in favour of phosphorised pollard and toxa. Pheasants and quail are not partial to the latter poisons.

A thoughtful and kindly act was performed by six jurors engaged yesterday on the inquest; concerning the fatal accident at the railway yards at Masterton. They unanimously decided to hand over the juror's fee (four shillings each) to Sergeant Miller, to be. paid to the widow of the deceased, Mrs Knight, who >s left with one child.

An application is being made by the Masterton County Council for a grant towards putting in order that portion of the road Waterfalls and Pongaroa which lies in the Masterton County 1 . According to a settler residing near the road, the rtate of the road has been very bad during the past year, and it is to be hoped the Government will see its way to assist in putting it into usable order. Slips have blocked the way at various parts, and in places the road is quite impassable for wheel traffic. Mr Hogg id supporting the application for the grant. There are at present a number of "travellers" and itinerant vendors visiting Masterton residents' private houses. Some are welcome and others the reverse. The visits of an "enlargement" canvasser have been reported as being of rather an obnoxious nature, as the person in question is said to have used coercive rather than persuasive tactics with housewives, when their better halves were away at work. Another person whose business is to sell a mysteriously obtained suit or dress length of clothhe tells the good wife confidentially he is a boat"—was to be seen in the town a week or so back, and may still be pursuing his peregrinations round the place. It is needless to comment that care should be exercised in dealings with this class of merchant, who comes into unfair competition with tradespeople having a stake in the town, and more often than not the wares hawked are of a very inferior character.

Ladies from the VVairarapa wiien visiting Wellington would be wise to inspect the grand range of New Summer Hats on view at Mrs Mathewson's. Hie styles are exclusive, the designs perfect, and the prices right. Please remember that the address is Melbourne House, Lambton Quay (opposite of New Zealand). Mr. W. C. Wockner, Toowoomba, Queensland, writes: Chamberlain's Cough Bemedy is an excellent Bemedy. I have been suffering from a severe cold for the last two months and it has effected a cure. It is a pleasure forme to recommend it to anyone with a bad cold." This is the opinion of one of the oldest and most respected residents of Toowoomba, and has been voluntarily given in good faith that others might try Chamberlain's Cough Bemedy and be benefited as he was. for sale by all chemists and storekeepers.

In some nf the rougher parts of the East Coast of the Wairarapa th 3 rabbits are reported to have shown a decided increase. This is -attributed to the genial weather experienced throughout last winter, and the exceptionally small rainfall. Poisoning operations will commence shortly all along the coast. At a general meeting of those interested in the Catnolic Bazaar, to be hfeld in the Masterton Town Hall from MonJay, December 14th to Saturday, December 19th, it was decided to make an extra charge of sixpence for admission to the dress circle. The stands for the stalls were drawn for, and allotted to the stall-holders. Arrangements for the Bazaar are now well lorv/ard, and a very enjoyable week's entertainment is looked forward to. In a number of localities in the Wairarapa the crops ot Danish oats which were fed off by sheep in the winter and spring have faibd to make headway, owing to the want of rain. The crops ar= now coming into head, notwithstanding the fact that they are less than a foot in height,"* 1 and as a consequence, unless good rains fall within the next fortnight, stock will again be turned on to the crops, as-it would be useless to attempt to harvest them. * —; V Z Settlers whose properties abut on some of, the East Coast rivers are complaining of the negligence of others who are engaged® in the destruction of the Oalifornian thistle, in leaving this noxious weed on the river banks after having dug it out of the ground. As a result the first flood that comes carries the plants thus left along the whole length of the river, in consequence it is being introduced into localities that were quite free from it. That use accustoms pejple to disregard as dangerous practices which would otherwise be regarded as follywas shown yesterday, when a railway employee stated in evidence at the inquest on Leonard Knight, . killed at Masterton railway yards, i that it was a common thing for shunters to jump in front of a moving engine to lift the coupling. By so doing they carried their lives in their hands, as to slip meant absolutely certain death. The country in and around Masterston, and generally throughout the Masterton County, is on the whole looking in very good condition at the present time. Farmers report that feed is plentiful, though some of the rivers and creeks. 1 are exceedingly low for the time of the year, and it is desirable for this and other reasons that the droughty conditions should not obtain for much longer. Shearing, of course, is benefited considerably by the absence of raiD, and great progress is being made. Taken throughout the year the amount of rain which has fallen has not been sufficient for the requirements of the soil, especially as the drought set in three months prior to the end of last year. Settlers in some parts, and particularly in the Alfredton district, have gone to the length of erecting water conservation works, and it seems that their forethought is to be amply justified.' The dams erected can in most instances be used also in connection with dipping and other work 011 the farm. j

Ihe quarterly meeting of the Masterton Stonehenge Lodge of Druids was held in the Dominion Hall last evening, Bro. R. Smith, A.D., presiding. The following officers for the ensuing term were duly elected: —A.D., Bro. C. McGaughran; V.A., Bro.' E. Russell; Secretary, Bro. G» E. A. Hood; Treasurer, Bro. E. P. Pragnell; 0.G., Bro. Tomlin; [.G., Bro'. R. Davey; A.D.B.'s, Bros. "A. 0. Levien and V 7. Blinkhorne; V.A., B.'s, Bros. Al'sworth and Babbington; Minute Secretary, Bro. A Pauling; Grand Lodge Delegate, Bro. G. E. A. Hood; Auditor, Bro. E. H. Waddington; Trustees, Bros. D. A. Pickering and R. Davey. The various officers were installed in ah impressive manner by the District President,. Bro. JT. P. Jrnith. After the routine business had been tranacted one candidate was proposed for membership. It was resolved that next Lodge night should take the form of a pound night, and various Lodges in the district be invited, to attend.

The question of local property values is always interesting, and an Age reporter made some inquiries yesterday from a resident authority on the subject, whose opinion is reliable and interesting. He stated that so far as farm properties weri concerned, there has been experienced lately an improved demand, and quite a number of sales have been effected at prices considered satisfactcry by the vendors. The position in regard to rural lands has perceptibly improved. Town values have neither advanced nor receded for a year past, and \property owners are "hanging on," as it were,, with confidence in an improved market to come. "There are now between fifty and sixty empty houses in Masterton," said I the authority mentioned, "but ex- [ cept for a few houses too large and I costly in rental for the average family, most of the empty tenements are of the old order residence, without those modern details of construction, which command a ready letting for the majority of Masterton villas." A comment made regarding the empty houses was that just now the summer demand setting in, and it is not unlikely that the number of vacant places will be reduced by between thirty or forty before the autumn. Last Christmas saw the same experience in Masterton regarding untenanted houses, although the number then was not so great as it is now.

Sick Headache usually results from a disordered, condition of the stomach and can he corrected by taking a medium dose of Chamberlain's Tablets. Try them and be convinced. When taken as soon as the first indication of the attack appears they will greatly lessen its severity. For sale by all chemists and storekeepers. Mr. William 'Francis, r iaunceston, Tas., writes: "During the recent hot spell in Melbourne, I had a very severe attack of Gastritis. I tried many remedies, but nothing did me any good. A friend from Queensland, seeing how ill I was, recommended me to take Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhcea Bemedy. I did so, and had only taken about four doses when I obtained relief. I am a commercial traveller, and visit many of the mining centres of Tasmania and New Zealand, and will certainly never go on my travels again without a bottle of Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Dianv hooa Bemedy with me. For sale by % chemists and storekeepers.

The grain crops throughout South Canterbury, records the "Timaru Herald," are looking well, and already some of them are in ear. The only fear is that some of the crops may run too much to straw.

The Education Board will call for applications almost immediately for the position of headteacher of the . Lansdowne School".' The number of 1 pupils likely to attend the school is •problematical, but we understand the applications will be based on an average attendance of two hundred

The members of the Masterton :Stonehenge Lodge, No. 1, U.A.0.D., are to be congratulated upon the 'splendid financial position of the Lodge. The balance-sheet distributed amongst members at the 'meeting held last evening showed "the assets to total .£921 9s lOd; and !the liabilities £76 Os 6d, or a balance of £845 5s 4d.

As the Minister for Education (the Hon. G. Fowlds) will be in Masterton to-morrow week, in connection with the opening of the Seddon Memorial Technical School, it is intended by the Committee arranging for the complimentary social to Mr A. W. Hogg, M.P., endeavour to secure the presence of that Minister at Mr Hogg's •function, which take place the night •previous to the opening of the school.

The Y.M.C.A. Tennis Club, which is in its first season, is making a most •satisfactory headway, and already -•has a large membership. Mr E. R. Wilson is captain of the club, members of which practice daily on the •court?, which are situated next to the fish ponds in Chapel Street. It -is the intention of the club to play matches with other local clubs, and also to visit and invite visits from outside clubs.

The "summer school month" having arrived, the local workers in con-nectionr-with the huge Presbyterian gathering are beginning to put forth more concentrated energy in the way of preparation. To accommodate the seven or eight hundred visitors to the school, which opens on the ,24th inst., it can be understood that the executive has no light task be:fore it, and the members do not intend to allow time to overtake them ■in the matter of appointments. An important meeting of the executive will be held next Tuesday evening, in Knox Hall, when Mr G. H. Jupp, travelling secretary for the "Youth of the Church" Society, will meet the workers, and prohably other • officials from elsewhere will be , present.

~ A kind respectable person is wanted to take charge of a baby.

Dr Van Slyke, specialist in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, will next visit Masterton on Wednesday December 23rd. Mr W. Rooderkirk, of the Sonoma Private Hotel, Pine atreet, Masterton, has accommodation for boarders. The house is well furnished throughout, and excellent meals are provided. At the recent poll taken by the Castlepoint County for the election of a Ccu-ifillor to represent the East Riding. Mr Alpheus Meason was declared e'ected. The result of the election will be found elsewhere. Mr J. R. Nicol will sell the whole of the household furniture and effects on account of Mrs Knight at her residence, Lincoln road, opposite Mr C. E. DanielCs mill on 'Friday next, -at 2 p.m. Full particulars will be advertised later. Mr G. Laing-Meason invites tenders, to close at noon on Monday, December 14th, for the construction of head works and earthworks nt Fernside. Plans may be seen at t'ie residence of Mr Charles Elgar, Ferni side. The Wairarapa Racing Club invite tenders, to close at nojn on Monday next, 1 for the purchase of the privileges in connection with their forthcoming race meeting. Mr H. Lone, of the Post Office Mest Mart, announces in the Wanted Column that all meat has been reduced one half-penny per pound as from the Ist December. The small ' goods are made by an expert, and the quality is guaranteed. j At Derby House (late ''The Pines"), at 2 o'clock on Friday next, Messrs J. A. J. Maclean and ' Co. will sell the whole of the furniture and household effects. The •whole of the lines are practically new, and will be sold without reserve. ' The new records for this month aam nre"~now on sale, and there are some choice numbers. "I've taken £quite a fancy to you" is a new spicy s love duet by A. Jones and B. Murray. ' A musical sketch. "Sam and Sim," .by Len Spencer, is a very clever item. The Edison Band and Orchestra are to the fore with "Mexican Kisses," "Dance of the Clowns," ar.d a catchy Two-Step. Billy Williams and Florrie Forde are included in the list in songs of their usual up-to-date style. There is •enough variety to suit all tastes. • Records can now be obtained through the Book Arcade, Queen Street.

The Gladstone Sports Club's annual •gathering is to be held on Anniversary Day, January 22nd, when £52 in cash prizes will be competed for. The sports will be held as usual on Mr Strang'e property—one of the prettiest spots in the district, 'Those anxious to spend a thoroughy enjoyable day in the country should decide to attend the above-mentioned sports. The events are always contented, and the officials 'gfbndeavour to treat visitors in the best possible way. Programmes of the sports may be obtained on application to Mr S. Dalgleish, Secretary. J Mr C. F. E. Livesay, Architect of Wellington, has moved to more convenient •rooms in the National Mutual Chambers, Customhouse Quay, (adjoining the Head Office of the Bank of N.Z.) Address— T.O. Box 771. Telephone 2692. J ONCE A MAN BOYS A suit from us Jie is most unwilling to "Wear any othsr make. That's why we're making suits for gentlemen all over the Dominion—gentlemen who have tested ;the fit, comfort, style, and quality of our clothe 3, and have found them the best: "Why not leave your order with us when next in Wellington. Our cash prices mean money Baved to you. Morrison and Penney, Tailora, 73 Willis Wellington.

In connection with the recent fire at Mr Maitland's, in Trafalgar street South Nelson, Margaret Lurkine, aged 16, a domestic servant employed by Mr Maitland, was charged yesterday with wilfully setting fire to the building. She was remanded for a week.

Mr Ernest Parkes, the popular Wellington vocalist will make his first appearance before a Masterton audience on Friday eveniijg next. Mr Parkes is considered one of the leading singers of and the local Orchestral Society is to be commended on having secured his services for their concert.

Mr W. Souness, of Pongaroa, has resigned his position as clerk of the Akitio County Council, but the resignation does not take effect immediately. During the many years that Mi* Souness has held the appointment he has been a capable and obliging official, and we feeJ sure that the news of his resignation will be received with general regret. A South Canterbury aerated water manufacturer who appeared at the Arbitration Court, predicted a gloomy future for the soft drinks industry. It was a fact, he said, that eighty dozen out of every hundred dozen of bottles of aerated water sold were consumed in licensed hotels. If No-License were carried, the aerated water industry would be doomed, as an appetite for soft drinks could noc be cultivated sufficiently to enable them to replace beer and whisky.