LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9666, 3 December 1909, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The latest return from the Masterton Dredge is 60oz 6dwt for a week's work. A private cablegram received by an Auckland shipping firm states that the wharf labourers in Mel bourne are on strike and ships are not discharging. The new members of the Opposition party, said Mr W. F. Massey, Leader of the Opposition to an Auck land reporter, are a solid, sensible lot of men, well able to take care of themselves and to look after the business of their constituents. They are gradually picking up experience, and will be heard from before this Parliament comes to an end.

The Greymouth correspondent of the "Lyttelton Times" states that the labourers working on the State coal mine railway extension received notice on Monday that after the end of this month a \0 per cent reduction on all wages will be made. Thi9 virtually means that in future they will be paid at the rate of 9s per day.

Mr J. Cameron, organiser of the Anti-Asiatic League, will deliver an open air address at the Post Office corner to-morrow (Saturday) evening, commencing at 8 o'clock. Mr Cameron will treat the subject from an economical, industrial and racial standpoint, and will, also, reply to statements made by the Chinese Consul,

"It is absolutely too ridiculous for discussion, to think that ws should agree to the ; tnendment proposals advanced by the No-licpnse party,"' remarked a prominent u.c.n'-er of the trade in Auckland, when approached for an expression cf opinion. "We went much more than half way in our willingness to have the question put on something like a definite basis, and yet now the No-license party refuse to recognise the very keystone of the agreement, ih.it pvorv vote cast for local no license -hoil I also count for Dominion prohihiti m, On the face of it, their amen e 1 proposals are too obviously impossible for discussion."

A strawberry grower on the Frankton road has adopted an ingenious contrivance wherewith to combat the smallbird nuisance, says the "Wakatipu Mail"). He ha s made a small wooden wheel which is attached to a shaft, and by means of a jet of water continually revolves. One or more of the spokes of the wheel which are apparently longer than the rest come regularly in contact with a piece of tin, making a noise similar to that of a person hitting a kerosene tin, To make the contrivance all the more effective a sham man ia rigged up alongside. It is keeping the birds away splendidly from a strawberry patch just now, but Air H. Angelo, who is the inventor, says that the birds are so cheeky that they may drop djwn to the little game. <

Prospects for a good harvest in Canterbury are particularly bright.

Nearly one thousand bales of wool are being railed weekly frnm Featherston to Wellington. The selling of live stock by weight is favoured by Auckland graziers and cattle breeders.

Owing to the refusal of the Educa tion Department to accede to tb.6' request for a grant, the Foxton Technical School has ceased to exist.

A'r W. I. Lovelock, the well-known Holsttin breeder, of Fal-nerston, has purchased 24 Holsteins from the Grigg herd of Long beach, Canterbury.

Local timber merchants report that sales during the past month have been very satisfactory. A large quantity of timber has been despatched into the country by Messrs Gardner and Son.

A pear tree, which was planted in the orchard at Solway over fifty yeas ago, by the original owner of the property, is loaded with small fruit this season, notwithstanding the fact that it has been neglected for many years past. During November gold to the value of £150,622 was exported from New Zealand, a decrease of £30,180 compared with November, 1908. The total exported for eleven months was £1,829,846, a decrease of £19,202, aw compared with the corresponding eleven months last v»3ar^

It is stated that the Auckland A* and P. Association is the oldest in. New Zealand. The secretary, Mr Edwin Hall, is in possession of several ancient records, including a* report of the association published in 1841, before even Christchurchs was founded.

A good deal of work in the way of road making and fencing has been carried out by the syndicate which purchased the Solway Estate The expenditure on the formation and metalline of York and Fleet streets ran into a considerable sum,, the work being done thoroughly. About 130 chains of wire netting fencing has also been erected. Timber of an exceptionally, good quality is reaching Masterton from Manunui, Main Trunk line. For the erection of a house in Masterton, Messrs Gardner and Son have just supplied over 50,000 feet of totara, macai and rirau, and out of the whole order Dot a foot of the timber was condemned. The architect fcr the work (Mr C. G. Monro) expressed the opinion that he had never seen a better assemblage of timber.. Sections in the Solway Kstate have, been acquirad by Messrs-A. J.. StoneWigg, Thos. McKenzie„ K. John Strang, Win. Perry, J. P. Perry, C. F. Vallance, H. Johns,, Owen Heffernan, and Mrs Robert McKay. The only sections remaining: to be sold now are two facing York Street, rive on the right hand side? of Fleet Street, six on the left hand 1 side, and three facing High Street. It is anticipated that half a dozen more sections will be disposed of during the coming week. Demand for country workers is; being made continually to'the Labour Department, and scores of men-can be placed provided they are suitable! Farm labourers, bushmen, scrubcuiters, gardeners and grooms are allt wanted. The bushmen and scrub cutters are wanted for the Soundsdistrict, and must be able to pay their transport expenses. The wages' vary from Is to Is, IJd per hour. The: Department expects to fill' many? vacancies with new arrivals by the* Athenic.

Solway promises to become a favourite residential suburb of Masterton. Sections are being acquired by those who purpose erecting substantial dwellings upon them.. Mrs Robert McKay, of the Wangaehu, and Mr J. O'Dowd, of Masterton. have, through their architects, accepted tenders for up-to-date residences "on their .sections, and the contractors have commenced work. Mr Murray Jackson also intends to proceed with the erection of a house on his section within the next rronih or two.

Considerable excitement and alarm were caused at the Ovens District Hospital, Victoria, when ii was discovered tnat a patient had left his bed without being seen, and had clambered on to the roof of the .institution, where his movements--induced the belief that he was'about to commit suicide by throwing him self to the pavement, about 40ft below. The excitement attracted theattention of Robert Martin, an> athlete, who, taking in the situation and without waiting for the hospital ladder, ascended to the roof by the pillars of the corridor, and seized the unfortunate man just as he was. about to jump from the roof. Martin held him, at great risk to himself, as the patient is a powerful young; man, until assistance arrived, when both were restored to a place of safety.

* A man who was before the Arbitration Court at Dunedin claiming compensation for an accident, said to have been sustained while working in a grain store, told cross-examining counsel that he bad been examined by many doctors. "And were there any others*/" asked the counsel, when witness had mentioned the names of certain medical eentlemen. 'Oh, yes," said the witness, wearily, ''l believe the house surgeon had a go at rae." 'Had what?" demanded counsel. "Had ago at him," said Mr Hanlon. "Oh, indeed," said counsel. "And did the students examine you, too?" "Yes," said witness, and then, more emphatically, "Yes, they did." "Got on your nerves a bit?" suggested counsel. "Yes," said witness, "it did get a little bit sirkening."

An adventurous boy, about 12 years of age, appeared at the Juvenile Court, Cbristchurcb, the other day, charged with stealing a bicycle. Sub Inspector McGrath explained that the boy had taken a schoolmate's bicycle, and had ridden to Amberley. He intended to return the same night,, but was too tired, and was given a bed by a resident. Next morning the boy and bicycle were placed on the Christchurch train, the guard agreeing to keep an eye on him. When the train reached Kaiapoi the boy left the train and the bicycle was brought to Christchurh and returned to the owner. Subsequently the boy was. found by the police. The magistrate did not think taking a bicycle without authority really constituted larceny. However, in dismissing the case, he gave the boy to understand that he would be very much' safer if he left; other people's property alone.

The schools in the Wellington eduction district will close for the six Peeks' midsummer vacation on Friday, December 17th. At the Masterton Magistrate's Court, vesteiday morning, Mr K. H. Tin-ton,' S.M., entered judgment by default in the ca3e of the Mutual Trading Co., Ltd., v. James Turley, senr., 19s, costs ss.

Owing to the fact that some of the large engineering firms in the South Island have been reducing hands, a number of mechanics have come to the North Island in search of work. D ring the pjflt week local engineering firms have had numerous applications for positions. Competitive designs for a Fire Brigade Station have bean invited from the local architects. The building, which is to be in brick, will have accommodation for fourteen men, in addition to the appliances, •and the cost is not to exceed £2,000.

f "The life of a probationer nurse during her first twelve months in a hospital is practically the life of a hotel rouseabout. She gets no chance of nursing at all, for she is kept washing and scraping and cleaning all the time, said the Hon. J. E. Jenkinson the Legislative Council on Wednesday night.

At sales of Show stock held after Show some good prices iHPtealised E, Short, of Feilding, secured 40gns each for two ram hoggets; other Romney breeders obtained from 4gns to BJgns for older lams. J. R. Corrigan, Hawera, made 27gns for his champion two tooth Liecester ram, 25gns for a four tooth Shropshire ram, and 14J gns for a two-tooth Shropshire ram. He sold English Leicester rams at from 3ans to 9gns, and Borders from 3gns to 7gns. * When the early train from Thames to Waihi on Monday was negotiating a curve at the steep embankment this side of Waikino, a jigger with two gangers suddenly appeared coming from the opposite direction. A fatal accident looked imminent. The men, howaver, man aged to jump off in the nick of time, pulling the jigger after them. The 1 itter rebounded from the side of the embankment on to tha line and was smashed up ,by the engine. The gangers escaped injury. How the jigger happened to be travelling at the . same time as the trail/is a mystery. % At the Masterton S.M. Court, yesterday morning in a claim for £2O 16b 3d for wages due, made by L. Webb, of Masterton, against I. Joseph, tailor, uf Wellington, Mr D. K. Logan, tor defendant, applied for a change of venue to Wellington Mr Logan contended that as the cause of actioj arose wholly in Wellington, the plaint should have issued from tne Wellington Court. Mr G. H. Cullen. for plaintiff, submitted that there had been considerable delay in making the application, and asked that if the application were granted inci dental costs should not be given against plaintiff. The application granted by Mr R. H. Turton, S.M. At Woodville the other afternoon, Mr M. Prendergast attempted to drive a trap containing a lady and | two children over the crossing in I McLean Street as the 2.40 o'colck train to Palmersron Norrh was go- j ing out. The trap and horse were caught by the engine, and all were \ hurled against the fence. The occupants were luckily thrown clear, but the trap was complete ly smashed, and the horse made off, dragging a portion of it along. Beyond a few bruises and a severe faking the occupants had no injury, Dot they had a miraculous escape. A meeting of directors of the Workman's Friend Building Society was held last evening, Mr W. H. Jackson, chairman, presiding. A » good deal of business of a routine character was transacted. The direc , tors decided to meet again on the 17th ir.st., when the annual' report and balance sheet will be considered. The annual meeting of shareholders will be held on January 6th next, and the nominations of those desirous of standing for election to the directorate must be in the secre..Jtary'a hands fourteen days prior to #ihe meeting.

The usual half-yearly examinations in- plumbers' work, conducted under the auspices of the Wellington Technical Education Board, are being held in the local Technical School, this

week. Five eandidatea have entered for examination in the theory and practice of plumbing. The theoretical part of the examination took place in the Technical School, last evening, under the supervision of the secretary of that institution. The practical part of the examination will take place in the Technical

School's workshop on Saturday afternoon next between the hours of 2 and '"t p.m., and will be under the superintendence of Mr R. E. Jones, of Maaterton.

At St. Patrick's Schoolroom, last a very interesting and enlecture was delivered ay W. T. Mansfield, Treasurer of the branch of the Navy League. JpTThe Very Rev. Dean McKenna presided, and the Rev. Mother Supsrior, was also present The schoolroom was well filled with scholars and a number of parents were also among the audience. The indefatigable secretary (Mr E. R. Daniel) accompanied Mr Mansfield, and Mr A. O. flfeevien manipulated the lantern slides, the lecture being illustrated with splendid views of the leading navies of the world. The assistance rendered by Mr Levien at the Navy League lectures is much appreciated. Mr Mansfield dealt ably with his subject, and referred to the progress of the League since its inauguration as the result of the visit made about a year ago to Masterton by the JNavy League Organiser (Lieut. Knox). The importance of the Navy to the safpty of the Empire was the theme which the lecturer chiefly referred to, allusion being made to Tsew Zealand's gift of a Dreadnought * ' 'to the Navy. Mr Mansfield emphasised the importance of New Zealand boys adopting a seafaring life, pointing out that the supremacy of the British Empire was the result of Britishers being "sons of the sea," not in name only but in fact. He was confident that there was equally as good material in New Zealand boys as any that Britain had produced, and that he was addressing some of the best material for "Jack Tars" that there was in the Dominion. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded •10 Mr Mansfield at the conclusion oi bis address.

j A man was arrested for drunkenness in Masterton last night. Tfce Dannevirke Racing Club made a profit of £96 lOsjJd un the recent meetting.

A young man was arrested in Masterton yesterday on a charge of theft of a dog at Te Parae. A meeting to consider the plans for the new fire station and to discuss matters in connection with the accommodation was held in the brigade station last evening. Captain Dixon, of the Fire Police, attended and said that owing to insufficient notice the members of that corps could not attend. It was decided to hold the matter over till Tuesday next, which Captain Dixon suggested would be a suitable date.

It will perhaps interest local farm ers to read the contents of a letter received from a well-known seed merchant in the Old 'Jountry by a farme* 1 recently of Sandon district. The letters informs him that there is a great shortage this year of ryegrass at Home, and therefore it is expected to fetch a good price this season. The writer and several other merchants have a large order for New Zealand ryegrass seed this year, the estimate lor which is over 2,000 tons. All old stock has already been sold at a good figure, and a sample of Sandon seed which was sent Home last year was thought highly of by numerous merchants. There also appears to be a great shortage of ryegrass seed in Den-, ; mark.

The concert given by the Masterton Brass Band in the Town Hall last evening in aid of the Salvation Army Funds was well attended, and was a decided success. An excellent progamnie was provided, and each item \ociferously applauded, encorts being frequent. The programme was as follows:—"Jubilation," Masterton Band; accordian solo, Mr C. Vollheim; trombone trio, Messrs G. W. Hutchinson, Clayton and Gray; cornet duet, Messrs Collins and Swanson; trombone solo, Mr G. W. Hutchinson; concertina solo, Mr J. Arthur; selection, orchestra; Coon Land, fantasia, Masterton Band; 'cello solo, Mr A. W. Russell; double BR bass solo, Mr A. Briden; violin duet, Messrs Armstrong and Gray; instrumental quartette, Messrs Say ers, Ward, Collins and Gray; accordian selection, Mr C. Vollheim; selection, orchestra. Mr K. Scott, of Te Parae, has for sale totara posts, strainers, stays and battens.

A notice appears in another column from the Masterton County Council in reference to a proposed loan for the Fernridge water supply district. An advertisement dealing with the Grand Christmas Carnival now in full swing at the "Economic," Wtliington, appears on page 6. The new railway timetible, as it affects the departure and arrival of trains at Masterton, on ahd after Monday next, will be found on pase 1 of this issue.

A first-class farm in the Hawke's Bay district, 999 years' lease, all good agricultural land, with commo dious dwelling of 14 rooms, orchard, etc., is advertised for sale by the owner, Mr Eustace Lane. Four hundred acres are newly ploughed, and 100 acres in crop, and the property will carry three ewes to the acre. The rent is only 3s 9d per acre, and possession can be got for £8,500. Particulars appear on page 1 of this issue.

The household furniture to be sold at the residence, No. 6, Miriam street, to-morrow, by Mr J. R. Nicol, on account of Mr G. R. Irvine, comprise a good range of leading lines, which will be cleared w»thout reserve.