LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9664, 1 December 1909, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Slow progress is being made with shearing in the Wairarapa owing to the unsettled weather. A Hawke's Bay Sheep Farmers' Union has been formed at Hastings. There is reported to be an epidemic of influenza amongst horses in the Martin borough district. Potato blight has made its appearance in the Stratford district, but only in a mild form. About 3,500 gallons of milk are being received daily at the Greytown Dairy Factory—over 400 gallons more than for the corresponding period last year. In the opinion of men interested in the dairy industry, says the Auckland "Herald," the Auckland province in another six years will double

even the present season's big output. The Palmerston North Post Office is to be opened every Sunday morning for telegrams between 9.30 and 10 o'clock. Ordinary rates are to be charged. The Manawatu Caledonian Society have elected Mr P. McHardy patron, Mr G. McDonald president, Messrs H. D. Buchanan, J. R. Graham, F. S. McKae, H. McKay vice-presi« dents, Mr U. Shannon handicupper, and Mr D. Munro secretary and treasure*. The idea of continuing the session after Christmas, states a Parliamentary correspondent, is now definitely abandoned. Of this fact the best evidence is contained in the notice of motion tabled by the Premier on Monday afternoon, that the House shall Bit on Saturday morning and hints that were thrown out in the House of the probability of morn< ing sittings on other days. The following will represent the | Masterton Bowling Club in a match for the Booth Cup against Carterton, I at Masterton, to-morrowafter-noon:— Meesrs K. Rigg, J. K. Blinkhorne, O. Pragnell and J. C. Ewington (skip); U. Townsend, J. Hunter, J. Whittaker, J. W. Cochrane (skip) ; W. Pragnell, A. Mutrie, P. JDupreand J. Scott (skip). It is possible that Carterton will send two or three extra rinks in which case the teams to play against them will be selected on the ground.

Mr D. McLaren, M.P., referring in a speech delivered on Sunday night in the Wellington Opera House to the Govewiment's proposals regarding land legislation, said he was prepared to go out of public life for ever, but not at any time was he prepared to give the slightest meed of support to, or entertain any feeling but one of hatred for, the principles contained in ttie Budget affecting the lands of the Dominion. Was it not a message to New Zealand that Mr Crooks was bringing to tir-m from those thirtyeight million 1 ndless people'/ They would be a race of cowards if they hesitated to denounce >• h .t Was now threatened. said this so that they would undu land his position. He would have to use strong and bitter terms to denounce what he honestly believed was a crime against the people.

Following were the principal cheques paid out fur prizes won at the recent Manawaiu A. and P. Show:—F. Short £57, S. R. Lancaster £56 10s, Slack Bros. £4l, A. Williams £22, W, Perry £22, Mrs Ormond £l9 10?, F. S. Mcßae £lB 15s, W. 1. Lovelock £l3, Ellis Bros. £l2 10s, B. H Slack £l6 10s, Newton King £l2, H. Hassal £ll, G. Wheeler £ll, Hill and Rennie £lO 7s Gd, W. H. Wybourne £9 10s, H. A. Smith £9 ss, F. E, Watson £8 12s,' W. Raynor £8 10s, G. Elliott £8 j 55.. Porirua Hospital £B, E. Eagle £B, Miss Robertson £S, Mcnckton and Fetch £B, A. Lancaster £7 10s, G. E. Allen £7, G. L, Marshall £7, Clarke £7, Miss Ferguson £7, i J . Neilsen £Q, A. J. Cooper £6, T, A* Duncan £6, J. Parker £5 12s 6d, A." Stone-Wigg £5 10s, Gray Bros. £5 10s, C. Rides £5 15s, J. Soler £5 7s 6d, R. Menzies £5 ss, M. Jones, R. S. McHattie, A. Mitchell, Mrs Bulls! E. White, R. Gray, W. P. Harre, J. O. Batchelar i's.

There are at present a considerable number of undesirable characters in Auckland.

The Maryborough Gun Club inend holding a "sftoot" on a big scale on Boxing Day. Amongst the competitors will be two well-known shots, Messrs Tisdall, of Wellington, and Cassin, of Christchurch.

Almost every orchardist in the Hastings district reports exceptionally heavy crops of apricots and plums The operation of thinning will involve a considerable amount of labour.

Bee-keeping as an adjunct to dairying is making great headway in the Kongotea district. The number of apiarists has greatly increased,' and the bee farmers are making their preparations for the forthcoming season,

A boxing match between Bob Fitzsimmons and Toir.my Burns at the Sydney Stadium is more than a possibility of the near future. As a matter of fact, it is on the verge of being arrange;!, ar.d Burns started road work recently.

There were nve Bankruptcies recorded in Wairarapa for the month of November as compared four for the same month last year. Tlia number of bankruptcies during the eleven months*of the year was 26, as compared with 25 for the same period . last year.

The fantasia "Coon Land," is one of the items added to the programme by the Municipal Brass Band for their concert on Thursday night,''and its various phases are to be represented. The galloping of the horses and the singing of the choir should create a great deal of interest. Altogether the programme is to be a unique oiif, and published in the next issue of the Age. Gales of terrific fury swept down on the steamer Sussex during her passage from Liverpool to Sydney, and the stormy encounter is rot likely to be soon forgotten by the passengers. The Sussex arrived at Auckland the other day, and the captain reported tnat the seas by which she was assailed on the voyage had smashed in cabin doors and played havoc with fittings. The en-gine-room door was also burst by th& seas.

It is reported/ (says the "Lyttelton Times,") that the demand inChristchurch for up-to date cottages, equipped with modern conveniences, with from four to six rooms, is as; great almost as it evp.r has Agents in the city are quite unable to satisfy the requirements. One firm states that every day it sends away people who are looking for this class of house. The rents range frorti about 13s to 22s a' week, and on that scale are readily paid. Large numbers of cottages are being built, but the owners usually intend to occupy them, and the supply for tenants is not appreciably increased. The leakage of current on the electric cars is sometimes painfully obvious during wet weather, says the Christchurch "Press." A day or two ago. a passenger in the act of handing a penny to the conductor received an electrical shock which was so strong and so unexpected that he promptly dropped the coin on to the floor and refuspd to have anything more to do with it. The conductor, it transpired, was standing upon a couple of bolt-heads which protruded through the footboard, and immedi~ ately he touched the passenger's penny, the circuit was completed, and such electricity as was flowing about promiscuously thus found a convenient outlet for its energies.

At the organ recital to be given by Mr T. C. Webb, at Knox Church, on Thursday next, an attractive "programme of music will be rendered.' Mr Webb will be assisted by Mi'sb PJ Cameron, who will play Raff's "Cavatina"; Miss J. McGregor, who will sing "Abide with Me," and "The* Refuge of the Soul"; Mr R J. Young, who will sing "Dream of Paradise." The choir will render two fine anthems, and Mr Purcell Webb will act as accompanist. Mr Webb will play some choice organ selections, including Costa's Triumphal March, Andante from Sonai-a Ultima. Tickets may be, obtained at Messrs McLeod and Young's, or fron» members of the choir. A full gramme will appear in to-morrow'® issue.

A point of very great interest tothe farming community was decided by Mr A D. Thomson, S.M., at Palmerston North, in the fencing dispute J. B. Beale v. W. B. V. Pearce, a claim foi half cost of erecting a fence between the parties' properties at Oroua Bridge. The point referred to concerned the notice of intention to fence which was served on defendant nearly a year before the fence was erected.' Mr Innes, for plaintiff, contended that section 17 of the Fencing Act, dealing with the three months' notice, did not apply where no cross notice was served, and, the fence proposed to be erected was one of' those specified in the schedule to thp

Act; and consequently the fence' | could be erected at any time sub-. ' sequent to notice being served. For the defence Mr Loughnan contended that section 17 applied to all previous sections of the Act, and dealt with' fences of any kind, and therefore that a fence must be erected within three months of the notice being served. The Magistrate upheld defendant's contention, and gave judgment accordingly, remarking at the same time that the section was very diffi-! cult of interpretation. Notice of appeal was given.

The wool king" and "the social pest," epithets applied jocularly to the genial member for Hawke'a Bay in the early hours of a -committee discussion in the House yesterday morning, brought Mr A. Dillon to bis feet almost speechless with in-" dignation. "I'm no hypocrite," he J declared. "Is there no man who would not like to have a thousard I acres of his own? My countenance and everything else shows what I am ' (Loud laughter). I'm no psalm singing individual! I can't stand this sort of nonsense! I have a few acres of my own and people say I'm a wool king; How did I get it? By industry KHear hear). I'll be loyal to my chief, confound it" (This with a wave of the hand towards Government supporters who were opposing the Land Finance Bill). Mr Dillon concluded by charitably wishing that Mr Hanan, who v had referred to the three-acres-aud a cow ideal would try it, and get *** ou ' cow-bail by an old.

- The vital 'statistics for Masterton forithe month of November are as follows:: —ißirths, 33; deaths, 4; marriages, 4. When a defendant in Court at !Bimaru was asked how he pleaded it) a charge of riding on the footpath, Ihe made a rather novel plea, which was, ,f Guilty to two chains, your Worship." The two chains cost him 32*. ' When proposing the health of "The Ujjng" at the New Zealand Club dinner on Monday last, Mr Will •Crooks, M.P., said that King Edward waa a worthy son of a great and illustrious mother, and he ought to be looked.upon as the personal friend of •every one of them. He favoured no religion and no pa r ty, and was the ;same father to the Labour man as he was to'the Liberal or Tory. He had had frequently been asked whether it was easy to get on with the King, ■and he could on : y reply: 14 Yes; perfectly easy." King Edward's endeavour was ever to make the stranger as happy and comfortable as .possible.

What promises to be the best programme yet submitted by Messrs Thompson and Payne will be presented at the Foresters' Hall this evenling. The support that has been ac-. •corded to them in Masterton has determined' the proprietors to place the best possible wofks o'f cinemator~~' grapby bofore i their patrons. Tonight's change of programme will include the following "star" films:--4 'Pocahantas, itbe 'lndian Heroine," "Joan of Arc," "Life in the British Havy," "The Boy Scouts," Charley's ffia-irnwlaw," "Bob the Scullion." A mew 15 horse power gsas engine has been .installed, and will be brought into <use tor the first time tonight, tfeus lensuring the pictures being seen to the {jest advantage. A railway empiloyee at Gorq, who possesses a wife and family of 13 children, and against whom the Magistrate refused to make an .order at the last Court on & judgment summons for pictures supplied him or his wife by an artistic firm, had again to answer another judgment summons. This was in respect of groceries supplied hiva fro-m a Mataura establishment, and the amount of the order was £l9 4s Bd. The man was questioned as to his income by Mr W. F. Inder, acting for the judgment debtor, but he reiterated his previous contention that his wages of 9s a day gave him no margin after, providing for his wife and iamily. The Magistrate, as in a previous case, says the "Southland Times," declined to make an order, and suggested that the firm allowing such credit to a worker with a large family had indulged in a gamble which had not come off. The ordinary meeting of Stoneuenge Lodge, U.A.O L)., was held last evening, Bro. W. C. Gourlay, A.D,, presiding. Bro. Buckton, Poneke Lodge, was accorded a Druidic welcome. The nomination of officers resulted as follows:—A.D., Bros. Anderson and J. Shackleton; V.A., Bro. R. JenkinS; Secretary, Bro. E. Pragnell; Treasurer, Bro. J. K Blinkborne; 1.G., Bro. J. Smith; O.G.,Uros. Higginsand McGaughron; A.D.8., Bros. Miles and R. Russell; V.A.8., Bros. J. Higgins, W. Trudgeon, A. Miller; Auditor, Bro. Waddington. M.S., Bro. J. Georgeson. For the position of D.P. the Lodge decided to support the candidature of Bro. Erickson, of Totara lodge, Carterton The Lodge decided to support the proposal to form a Druids' Labour Bureau, as suggested by Ruahine Lodge, Dannevirko. Two candidates were nominated tor membership. An incident which aroused a storm of applause from the spectators occurred at a banquet given by the Austro-German-Swias Association to Admiral von Koester, at New York. Admiral Sir E. H. Seymour paid a glowing tribute to Admiral von Koester for the help rendered by the Germans in the relief of the Fekin Legations, which were the beat they had. Admiral von Koester thereupon rosy, bowed low, and ex- • tended his right hand to Sir E. U. | Seymour, and the two admirals grip* ped hands. When the cheers subsid- j ed Sir E. H. Seymour continued: 1 "As an Englishman, I am anxious to see the British Navy all that it should • be, and 4 der Grosse Admiral' is rightly anxious to see the German • Navy all that it should be. We look admiringly across the North S?a at the German sailors, and we think they look over with the same admiration at us. We are friends." The «able message stating that Halley's comet had been seen from Adelaide Observatory by unassisted vision will set many a "watcher of i the skies" to work, and those who rarely trouble themselves about the heavens may be awakened to interest. One of the leading astronomical authorities in Wellington, however, says that many days might pass before any save the keenest sighted

may expect to see the visitant, unless provided with a telescope. The * first point is to know where to look, and as the comet will appear in prox- - -ifflity to the conspicuous star, Aldebaran, there should be little difficulty in this respect. _ Aldebar-, j g brightest constellation 'Taurua, of a reddish colour, forming part of the V shaped 'Bull's head,' and lying about midway between Orion and the Pleiades—almost the exact point where the moon's eclipse was seen on Saturday night. Messrs S. and W. Mackay, booksellers and stationers, who always keep in the ljorefront of their business, have forwarded to us a number of little books, suitable for Christmas presents. As a matter of fact booklets are now quite taking the place of Christmas cards, and a very sensible innovation. Little volumes, most daintily bound in leather, and in all colours, may be purchased, and the books that have been so dealt, with comprise classics, leading poets, philosophic works, and many others too numerous to mention. For instance, Ruskin's "Sesame and Lillies" is a charming little present in green leather with gold titling, and 50 different books in the same style are procurable from the firm. "Lyrics of Shelly," "Rubaigt," "Kab and His Friends," and "The Fine Art of Kindness" are among the selection sent to us, and as stated almost innumerable otner works in similar styles may be obtained. Messrs S. and W. Mackay liave also to hand new volumes in "The Look About you," and "Told to the Children," and "Shown to the Children" series Such nooks are sensible an 3 entertaining presents for children.

1 The Masterton JVlounted Rifles will hold a parade at Taueru on Sunday next. The twenty months old child of Mr and Mrs W. Nagel. of Rongomai, was drowned on Sunday last through falling into a creek. There"are now 36 suppliers to the Hukanui Creamery, the daily supply of milk being 8,850 gallons. The average test is 3 6. The following were the leading snores in the Tararua Rifle Club's second competition for Mr W. Kershaw's trophy : —Rifleman 0. A. Olsen 56, Rifleman W. Mason 54, Rifleman R. Thomasen 53, Rifleman F. Peterson 52, Rifleman A. Peterson 49. A competent clerk is wanted by the W.F.C.A. A smait errand boy is wanted by Messrs S. and W. Mackay, Queen street. Messrs McGruer and Co., drapers, announce that a discount of five per cent, will be given on all cash pur chases of 10s and upwards. A meeting of those interested in obtaining a resident doctor for lirmi will be held in the Public Hall, Tinui, at 4 o'clock, on Saturday next. The funeral of the infant son of Mr and Mrs J. W. Compton, Clareville, will take place to-day, leaving their j residence at 1.30 p.m. for the Masterton Cemetery. The Castlepoint County Council has decided to take a poll on the question of the rating on the unimproved value. The poll will be taken on Monday, December 20th. Mr C. Y. Dally has been appointed agent in Masterton for Bacon s, nonalcoholic drinks. The table ale is made from the best materials, and is highly recommended as a beverage. Articles of everyday use in the household are "Reliance" blue, "Champion" custard and baking powders, and Varnishine. These are obtainable at all grocers and storekeepers. On Wednesday, December Bth, at the Mangatainoka yards, Messrs Debrecency and Co. will sell at auction 40,000 feet of building timber. The timber will be offered in lots of 500 feet and upwards. The County of Castlepoint has been divided into four ridings, and the election of Councillors will be held on Monday, 20th instant. Nominations will close with the Returning .Officer, Mr A. McHutcheon, at the County office, Tinui, at noon, on Tuesday, 14th instant. Table linens is the subject of Mr J. L. Murray's advertisement appearing on page 4of this issue. A word about table linen is certainly opportune at the present time, when preparations are being' made for Christmas and it will just be as well that the stock of these necessary articles should be o\erhauled.

On Saturday next, at the residence, No. 6, Miriam street, Mr J. R. Nicoi will sell on account of Mr G. R, Irvine, the whole of his household furniture, and effects. Particular* will be advertised later.

Competitors are reminded that nominations for the various open events in connection with the Mangatainoka Society's sports, ti De held on Boxing Day, will close with the Secretary, Mr J.* A. W alsh, at Pahia tua, on Wednesday, December Bth.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands notifies that a section in the Carriiigtou Settlement, containing 81 acres 2 roods 29 perches, the annual rental for which is £7l 6s 6d, will be open for application on renewable lease up till 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 21st instant. The W.F.C.A. always make special provision for the supply of Christmas cheer, and the firm have now to hand an exceptionally fine lot of Christmas fruits, choice in quality and machine dressed. The biscuits and confectionery include such lamous makers as Pascal, Peak-Frean and others. Bacon and hams are to hand from the best curers, and include the Morepork brand. In order to close an estate, Messrs C. C. Ross and Co., land agents, Masterton, offer for sale 650 acres of land, with all necessary buildings, at £5 per acre. This property can be recommended as one of the best bar gains now on the market. It is at present carrying 1,600 sheep and lambs, and wintered two sheep to th<? acre. It is situated within a few miles of the railway, and is close to a school. Only about £7OO is required to get possession. A notable event in Wellington at this period of each year is the great Christmas bargain carnival which eventuates at "The Economic" During the carnival period the premises are thronged by eager buyers and patrons come from all parts of the Dominion. With to-morrow's issue of the Age will be circulated the annual carnival catalogue, which contains information that should interest residents of town and country. Mail orders from the country will receive prompt attention."

It ia a SUpSrlor stock of summer goods is offered to the public at this time of the year, but to mark the occasion of taking possession of Mr Charman's business in Masterton, Messrs Watson and Co. decided to hold a great special bargain sale. A perusal of the inset circulated with this issue will show that the sale opens this morning, and the prices set forth should be sufficient to convince that something unusual in the way of bargains has been arranged. The whole of the stock to be offered was imported for this season's trade, and is right up-to-date in every particular, and during the currency of the sale record business should result.

The Drejden Piano Company has removed i«ito the brick shop next door to the Club Hotel, Queen Street, and the new agents for the Company in Masterton and district are Messrs Inns and Goddard, stationers.

Some remarkably fine photographs of child life are on view in the photographic studio of Mr W. L. Joy, Exchange Buildings, Masterton. The children are taken in various studies, and the photographs are notable for their general excellence and splendid finish. Mr Joy is specialising in this branch of photography, and during the past few months has imported a quantity of apparatus calculated to assist in getting the very best results. During the Christmas season Mr Joy intends offering special inducements to parents to have their children's photographs taken at his studio.

Since acquiring the drapery and clothing business in Masterton Irom Mr H. A. Whelch, Messrs McGruer and Co. have effected considerable improvements to the interior of the premises, as well as acquiring the adjoining shop recently occupied by the late Mr H. Petersen. An archway connecting the two shops has been put in, the new premises being de voted solely to mercery and clothing. Messrs McGruer and Co., whose headquarters are in Invercargill, have numerous successful branches scattered throughout the Dominion, and are probably amongst the largest buyers from New Zealand of drapery and clothing on the Home market. As a result they are enabled to buy ' on advantageous terms, which means j that in retalinis they are in a posiI tion to sell at very reasonable prices. I The Masterton branch is under the capable management of Mr Mitchell, j who is desirous of seeing it extend, and whose business methods are such as must commend themselves to residents generally. The keynote of the*whole stock is quality, no shoddy lines finding room on the. shelves. The dressmaking department will still be under the charge of Miss ability as a costumier is recognised. Ladies desirine dresses for the Christmas holidays are invited to place their orders now to avoid disappointment. On all cash purchases to the value of ten shillings j and over a discount of five per cent I will be allowed.

The piano was invented m Italy flome 400 years ago and was then a very crude affair, not at all like—either in tone, touch or appearance—the beautiful instruments with which we are now familiar. It is difficult to say where -the best pianos are made; indeed, there 's not much to choose between the productions of th« beet German or English manufacturers. The selection of a piano is pretty much a question of ij r dividu-+l taste and requirement. There s-re so many makers, so many prices an I quali ties which a purchaser must consider, that it is always advisable to con«i't i reliable firm of sf preferably a firm with a good reputation, a thorough knowledge of the business, an I a large stock to select from. Puvehtsc your piano from the Dresden Piano Company, Ltd. They are to be depended upon in all these respects. Time payments from 20s monthly. Local representatives: Inns and Goddard, next Club Hotel. Masterton.*