LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3172, 24 April 1909, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A meeting of the stewards of the Masterton Racing Club will be held on Monday afternoon next, to arrange dates forthe forthcoming racing season. The local fund in connection wth the founding of a Stewardesses' Bed, in commemoration of the bravery displayed in the §wreck of the steamer Penguin, now amountsjto £23. ;"The man who was arowned near the Railway wharf, Wellington, on Thursday night, was John Hisjop, a wharf labourer. He ia believed to have formerly resided in Dunedin. The annual meeting of householders will be held on Monday next, at 8 p.m., in the Drill Hall, for the purpose of electing the Masterton School Committee. Parents and guardians of children are invited to attend thi meeting. On Thursday afternoon, on the Cartertoh Bowling Green, Mr W. Moore (Mayor) presented Messrs H. McPhee and J. M. Lightfoot with the trophies won by them in the Easter tournament, writes our Carterton correspondent.

Farmers exposing sheep infected with lice for public sale run the risk of being prosecuted under the Act. It is understood that sheep totalling about 600 have been detected in the condition refeired to, and that prosecutions will follow.

The Y.M.C.A. Bible Class has altered its time of meeting to Sunday mornings, at 9.45 o'clock. To-morrow morning the study of "The Life of Christ" will be continued. At the meeting tor men at 5 p.m., Mr R. Brown will speak on the "Effect of Personal Influence upon Character." The usual strangers' tea will be held at 5.30. To all these meetings, men will be cordially welcomed.

Considerable enthusiasm is being shown by the young people of the Methodist Sunday School in the effort to provide a special room for teaching children by the kindergarten system. The various classes of the school are competing with each other in their efforts to excel in the various displays proposed in connection with the sale of work to be held on Wednesday and Thursday next.

Un Wednesday last a serious accident occurred between the Waipoua bridges to Mr and Mrs Attenborro and a child. They were driving in a buggy, when the kingbolt came out, and the occupants were thrown heavily to the ground. Mrs Attenborro was severelv injured, and Mr Attenborro and the child escaped with a severe shaking and a number of bruises.

Statistics for the post and telegraph revenue for the quarter ended March 31st show that the revenue amounted to £225,762, against £183,615 for the same period last year. Of the total £152,623 was contributed by the postal department. In the four chief centres the levenue was: Wellington, £-14,181; Auckland. £39,871 ; Christehurch, £22,593; Punedin, £15,612. During the quarter £2,486,461 was deposited in the savings bank, arid £2,465,956 withdrawn. For the same quarter la?t year the deposits exceeded the withdrawals by £159,252.

A writer in a contemporary says: —"On my s?cond visit to Taumarunui after an absence of four vmrs, I was surprised at the evident preponderance of Europeans to natives since my former visit. I mentioned this to a chief of a neighbouring hapu who was walking oil the balcony of the best hotel waiting for lunch, who replied: "Oh, plenty of natives here; you see, I bet you more Maoris go past here before one o'clock than pakehas." "All ritrht,l argeed; "I give you Is for every native that passes , and you give me Is for every white man.'* We argeed. First came two whites, then two more, then a ladji, then another man—no Maoris. Thinking that the chief was regretting his bargain I proDOoed to cry off, as I was nearly a pound to the good by ten a.m. He said, "No fear! Igo on. I double it every time you like." So I thought the old fellow had perhaps more mon°y than was good for him, and I agreed to go on—two more whites, two ladies —no Maori^ —I. must have a soft thing on, when'at 11.30 along comes a Maori funeral with 190 followers !

Fairly correct information about the state of the labour market in New Zealand is gradually gaining wide publicity in England. Disappointed tradsemen, who hoped to find constant employment at high wages ie New Zealand, are warning their brethern in the Old Country to pause and ponder before they leap across the sea. One of the disillusioned ones invaded a newspaper office in his native place at Bolton, Lancashire, a f<2W weeks ago, and spoke bitterly about the prospects of skilled workers in New Zealand. "Then what class of people is there room for?" he was asked. "There is room," he replied, "for young fellows,who can set to and rough it as farm hands, at roadmaking, and other hard work, but there is not one going out with that object or purpose. They all expect to find jobs at their own trades, with better wages than they have in England."

Inspector Nottage is making a vigorous inspection of orchards in the district, and owners are reminded that they would do well to eradicate the disease in trees. The Court cases, yesterday, should serve as a warning; Only light fines were imposed, but the maximum penalty is £2O.

There is a belief in the ipinds of many Cambridge people that gold exists in the Maungatautari ranges, and it is known that from time to time prospecting parties have been at work, but have been stopped by the natives, to whom the land belongs. It is stated that the natives themselves have been doing a considerable amount of "fossacking'' on the ranges, but they are extremely reticent in the matter.

The Labour Department, says the Christchurch "Press," is receiving an increased number of applications for employment from unskilled labour, and a fair number of the men are being sent to private employment. The outlet afforded by railway construction works has been closed in the meantime and men are not being sent either to the Midland or the Domett works. The extent of unemployment in the City has not renched an acute stage at the present at least.

The number of alien officers on board British merchants ships was referred to in the report of tha Mer chant Service Guild, whose annual meeting was held at Liverpool last month. It was stated that there were 472 alien commanders in the merchant service and 3,297 alien petty officers, many of whom were no doubt hoping to obtain Board of Trade certificates in due course. In time of war, when the men of the Royal Naval Reserve would be called out, the forecastles of British ships, it is stated, would be almost wholly filled with aliens.

The possibility of electrically driven trains running betweenMosgiel and Dunedin wjion the duplication works are finished, was referred to by the Mayor of Dunedin during his address on Friday evening, says the "Otago Daily Times." He said that, in view of the tremendous power that might be developed at Waipori, he had instructed Mr Stark, the city electrical engineer, to lay before the Minister of Railways the suggestion that trains between Mosgiel and Dunedin could have as motive power electricity supplied by the city. He thought there was every charce of the scheme coming to fruition.

London motor-cab drivers are taking keen interest in the scheme for using 2,000 of the cabs as a Territorial transport reserve in case of war. It has'been arranged between Lord Esher and the Motor-cab Company without reference to the War Office. The men are , under no military discipline, but will wear a stripe marked "Territorial Force Reserve Transport." On the outbreak of war a telegram will be sent to the Company's head-quarters, and each man will take his cab. to one of the London squares appointed for mobilisation. Reinforcements can be rushed to meet the invaders, and wounded men brought back.

The following nominations have been received to fill the vacancies upon the genera! committee of tlie Wairarapa and East Cuast P. and A. Societv, writes our Carterton correspondent:— President, Air H. R. Bunny; Vice-Presidents, Messrs E. Eagle junr. and W. Howard Booth; treasurer, Mr G. W. Deller; auditor, Mr J. Moncrielf; General Committee, Messrs W. 0. Bayliss, C. Campbell, A. Clark, W. J. Denbee, S. W. Feast, G. Gaskin, D. P. Loasby. W. W. Mansfield, J. G. McDonald, J. Mongahan, C. Morgan, F. T. Playle, D. Reid, A* J- Reynolds, G. Sievers, J. Snell, J. Standen. J. T. Tilson, A. G. Tyer, and H. Wilson. There are twenty nominations for seventeen vacancies on the committee.

There does not appear to be much likelihood of any great development in the export of grapes to New Zealand, says the Adelaide Register of April 7th, although leading growers concerned in the business admit that trade to the extent of 1,000 cases a week could be arranged if care were exercised to prevent a glut in the market. The cost of packing is considerable, as the fruit must be packed in cork dust. Another disadvantage is the fact that Victoria is competing in the markets of tha Dominion, and as her growers are able to pick their fru ( it a day or so later than the growers in South Australia they can salely pack it without the use of cork. South Australia, however, is not allowing her trade now established to die out, and further consignments will be sent to Melbourne for shipment to New Zealand markets. The fact remains, however, that the demand is not likely for some time to exceed the weekly average of 1,000 cases.

Mr L. P. Ayson, Chief Inspector of Fisheries in New Zealand, who returned to the Dominion last week, by the steamer Rakaia, brought with him 500,000 Atlantic salmon ova in splendid condition. For some years past the Government has been impor» ting shipments of the Pacific salmon ova, usually known as the salmon, and it is considered that this salmon is established in the Dominion. In all, about three million ova were bought out and p' ac ed in the Hdkataramea hatchery and in Lqke Ohau. During the last two winters, says a Dunedin paper, the keeper succeed in getting a number uf Californian salmon ova from the wild fish caught in the rivers. The Government has now turned its attention to the Atlantic, or English salmon, which is a much finer fish. This is the second season the Government has imported shipments of the Atlantic salmon ova; they are being hatched at the Government hatchery in the vicinity of Lake Te Anau. Last year was the first season the Government imported a shipment ofAtlantic ova for this station. Tliey were hatched and turned out into Lake Te Anau and its streams. The Government is attempting to acclimatise English salmon in the Waiau watershed. Mrs Webber, Sharp-st., Geelono;, Vic. writes: "Chamberlain's Pain Balm is a ! wonderful liniment for cuts and bruises, i or rheumatism. Every member of my family has used it some -time or other, and have always obtained relief after a few applications. One thing I have always noticed is that when Chamberlain's Pain Balm is used for a cut or burn, there is never any scar left on the flesh. For sale by all chemists and storekeepers.

The Ruamahanga river was in high flood yesterday owing to the heavy rains. The Waipoua river was also badly flooded and at Rummer's bridge, Akura, the road was inun-f dated. Reports last night were that the Waingawa river was running over the road at both ends of the bridge, and the surrounding low-ly-ing country flooded. Arrangements are well in hand for the seven aside tournament to be he d on the Showgrounds by ihe Friendly Societies' Council, in aid of the Masterton Hospital. The best football talent in the Wairarapa will take part in the "tournament, and sorre good games should be witnessed. The popular secretary of the Friendly Societies' Council (Mr S. O'Regan) is sparing no effort to make the tournament a success.

At the Magistrate's yesterday morning, before Mr C. C. Graham, S.M., John Boys, Henry Charles Ballantyne, and Stephen John Harding (Mr 0. Pragnell) and John Wallace (Mr C. A. Pownall), were charged on the information of. the Inspector (Mr F. E. Nottage) with breaches of the Orchards and Gardens Diseases Act in failing to eradicate diseases in their orchards. Informant was represented by Mr A. R. Bunny. Evidence was given by the Inspector that be bad visited all the orchards, and found trees diseased with codlin moth and mussel scale. No notice was taken of the notices sent to defendants asking them to eradicate the disease. In each case a fine of 10s and 28s costs were imposed. Counsel's fee was not allowed in the case of Ballantyne.

The monthly meeting of the Man-» agers of the Masterton Technical School was held last evening. There were present: —Messrs E. Feist (Chairman), and C. E. Dsniell, W. H. Jackson and E. H. Waddington. An apology for absence was received from Very Rev. Dean McKenna. The Treasurer reported a. y credit balance at date of £135 4s 3d. Accounts'amounting to £6 Is were passed.for payment. The Farmers' Implement Company wrote stating that* they were prepared to donate a lamp column for erection in front of the Technical School, provided the Manager's would supply necessary lantern. On' the motion of Mr Waddington, seconded by Mr Danieil, a hearty vote of thank 3 was passed to the Implement Company for their generous gift.

At the meeting of the Technical School Managers, last evening, Mr Sam Wood, the newly appointed instructor id wool-classing, wrote stating his requirements in regard to the equipment of the proposed classes, and in this connection it was decided to take active measures after conferring with him personally on the occasion of his trip. It was also decided to ask the Secretary of the A. and P. Society to circularise the members of his Society of the intention of the Managers to establish classes in wool sorting, and to solicit their active co-ODeration. The Secretary was also instructed to notify the Secretary of the Farmers' Union of the establishment of the proposed classes requesting their support.

During the hearing of a case at the Magistrate's Court, yesterday, in which a local resident was charged under the "Orchards and Gardens Diseases Act," for failing to eradicate disease from his orchard trees, Mr C. A. Pownall. who appeared for defendant, asked why the information had been laid. Defendant was a poor man, who rented a cottage, and on the small lot attached to it Were a few trees. These trees were about thirty years old and '

useless for fruit-bearing purposes. ' The Act referred to orchards where 1 fruit was growing, and couli not be applied to the disused garden in question. In the circumstances the Department might have used their authority and had the trees removed. Certainly defendant was not privileged to damage his landlord's property by cutting his trees down. Counsel also said it was not fair to lay an information against a poor man with a few ancient trees on a tiny plot of ground, when there were orchards acres in .extent the district also infected with disease. If examples were desired why not deal with the large orchards first?

One of three green lizards, confined in a case at the Trust Lands Trust office, has, without " asking leave of absence" from the secretary of that institution departed quietly, presumably for fresh fields, the colour of which will harmonise with its own. The hope of the secretary is that, like the "prodigal son," it will return once more to its home, where it will be made welcome, and the "fatted fly" killed in its honour. Anticipating its return, that official is inclined to leave the lid of the «ase slightly open for it to crawl home again, but is restrained by the thought that the remaining reptiles might take advantage of the opening, when the three, after the manner possibly of the witches in Macbeth, would probably meet again, but not at the spot desired by the secretary. The liaard is said to answer to the name of Lucerto Viridis, should it chance to pais the way of any of our readers.

[ In the London "Daily Chronicle," under the name of C. H. Tompson, late of Nottingham and now ot Christchurch, there appeared the following letter (writes a London correspondent) "To one who has been living for five years in the Australasian States it is indeed a very sorrowful thing—but nevertheless a fact—that little or no preparation is made by the Commonwealth and the New Zealand Governments for settlement upon the land in a businesslike mannei% such as is found in Canada, where the new arrival of limited resources has no difficulty in procuring a freehold of IGO acres for a nominal price. In the great cities of Australia there are thousands of citizens who cannot procure land to build up a home for themselves and families, despite the fact that there are thousands of square miles awaiting for development in Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. Had it not been for the far-seeing policy of the Canadians that Dominion would never have been what it is in oui' time-a producing power of the holiest order. Australia as well as New Zealand has declared for a 'white Australasia,' and if it is to be kept so there is only one, sensible remedy—and that is immigration." For Children's Hacking Cough at night, Woods 1 Great Peppermint Cure /6 and 2/6.

The latest return from the Master ton Dredge is 37ozs 17dwts for the Week. The services will be conducted in the Congregational Church to-morrow by the Rev. A. Hodge The subjects will be "A Man-The Shadow of a Rock in a Weary Land," ard "The Sabbath--The Shadow of Things to Come." At the evening service the choir will sing the anthem "O Worship the Lord," and Miss Hodge will sing the solo "The Last Mile Post," by H. L. D'Arcy Jaxone. The gale yesterday was responsible for a painful accident to a young man named W. Cortiss. Three men employed at Mt C. E. Danill s timber yards were engaged in unloading from railway trucksjwhen a bo'-jrd was lifted from the truck by the force of the wind, and struck two men to the ground. Cortiss' face •was cut, and the blow rendered him unconscious for a time. Medical • assistance was summoned, and Gor? tiss was later on able to go home.

A Musical and Dramatic Club has been formed at Martinborough, and the following officers have been ■ elected in connection therewith * President, Mr W. J. Mai'tin; VicePresidents, Mrs W. J. Martin, Mrs G. Pain, Messrs John Martin, M. Ross, A. Nicol, F. Wall and F. E. Perry; Secretary, Mr J. W. Kershaw; Treasurer, Mr W. A. Clark; General Committee, Misses O Brien, Orr and Mackay, Messrs J. Currtayne, C. W. Lee, H. Mackay and Dr H. Webb; Musical Conductor, Mr A. ""Nicol; Stage Manager, Mr J. Clark; Pianist, Mrs W. J. Martin. A very enjoyable social evening was held in the Rooms by the Y.M.C.A. Tennis Club last night. t The trophies won in the recent tournament were presented by Mr A. Hendry, in the unavoidable absence of Mr P. L. Hollings, President of the Club. The trophy for the : gentlemen (presented by Mr J. L. •Hug! es) was won by Mr F. Truscott, •and that for. the ladies (presented ■by Messrs Beale and Parton) was won by Miss O. Richards. Miss W. • Jones played a pianoforte rfolo, and Misses F. Miller and O. Richards contributed songs, and Mr W. Kemp a recitation. The "book title" guessing competition was won by Miss F. Miller, Miss Macara being •second, "ihe prize for the competition was donated by Mr C. C. Aitken. Games were indulged in till 10 o'clock, when sapper was served by the ladies. Votes of thanks were •passed to Mr P. L. Hollings, Mr A. iHend r y, the ladies, and the donors of the prizes, the passing of each vote being carried with rounds of applause. The Club intends to open the season early next year, and hope to be able to try conclusions with the other Clubs in the town.

Mr F. P. Welch advertises for a 'first-claas milker. A young lady requires a situation as ■ lady help. Notifications in reference to the Borough elections to be held on Wednesday next are published elsewhere. Addresses to the electors of the Borough of Masterton are published in another column by the various can didates. Mr John Yarr will address the electors on munieipal matters in the Town Hall this evening, and in the iKuripuni Hall on Tuesday evening. A very fine display of chrysanthemums, grown in Mr E. Hale's Wairarapn Nursery, is made in the window •of the W.F.C.A.. Ltd. The blooms are remarkably good specimens.

At the Post Office Auction Mart to- ■ day, Mr M. 0. Aronsten will hold a sale of household furniture, crockery, cutlery, poultry, fruit, etc. Mr H. T. Wood, chemist and •optician, can be relied upon to correctly diagnose eye troubles, and to treat them successfully. It costs nothing to consult him. Knox men's class will meet tomorrow afternoon at 2.30, when the subject for study "St. Paul, His Life, Work, Character and Teaching," will bu commenced. All men young and oid are welcomed to the class. Mrs H. J. Taplay, who has now recovered from her illness, announces elsewhere that the postponed musical recital will take place at 2 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon next, in the Foresters' Hall. Having made a large purchase of calisoes and hosiery at forty per cent, off English prices, owing to a merchant being unable to take delivery cf his goods from Home, Mr P. Hamill has decided to hold a clearing sale of these goods for four days, commencing to-morrow. Full particulars of the unreserved •clearing sale of live and dead stock, to be held by Messrs Dalgety and Co., Ltd., on the farm of Mr W. J. O'Connor, Taueru, on Thursday next, appear on page 8 oO th's issue. Since Mr Albert Webb has specialised in making ladies' costumes, his business has greatly increased, and • during tne *past week he has been compelled to engage more hands. On the approach of each season Mr Webb is always to the fore with stylish and dependable fabrics, and •the textiles now being shown for winter wear are particularly smart and neat. Ladies'desiririg costumes for May are invited to place their orders now. so as to ensure delivery.