LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9682, 5 January 1910, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A large area of turnips has been sown in the Kopuaranga district. The turnips should make rapid headway with the favourable weather now being experienced, writes our correspondent. There is at present an epidemic of whooping cough in the Masterton district, and more than one case has ended fatally. Yesterday morning Mr. and Mrs G. H. Cuilen, of Masterton, lost their son, William, aged four and a-half months, death being due to whooping cough. Unclaimed letters for the undermentioned persons are lying at the Masterton Post Office: -7- United Kingdom—Robt AlleD, John Bell, Miss Annie Black, Vincent Farrington, A. S. Jelks, Mrs A. Kinley, Thos. Robertson, W. H. Shackleton, J. Watts, G. Watts. Victoria —W. McAliece. At a conference of delegates of tinsmiths and sheet metal workers of Mew Zealand, a scheme of federation was completed on the lines of the Painters' Federation. The idea is to organise the trade throughout the country and secure the establishment of branch unions in smaller towns. A Press Association telegram from Napier states that Albert Farmery, a" youth, who on Christmas Eve amused himself by throwing a scale weight at a Chinaman, bitting him in the face, received a salutary lesson at the Napier S.M. Court yesterday, being bound over for twelve months to keep the peace, and fined £5 and costs.

A lather painful accident hapj pened to the secoi.d daughter of Mr JR. Graham, Upper Plain, on Sunday last. Whilst she was sitting on a swing she slipped and fell on to a reaper and binder. Dr. Cowie was summoned, and it was found that she was badly cut on the back of the ) head, necessitating three stitches. She is progressing as well as can be expected. The Agricultural Department of Tasmania is at present being reorganised. Hitherto agricultural matters have been largely controlled by semi-political Councils of Agriculture. These are being abolished, and affairs are being arranged on lines not dissimilar to those of New Zealand. The farmers of New Zealand are now moving in the direction of special organisation. The Stockowners' Association of that State, associated with the Liberal League, has written Mr Arthur H. Vile, Wellington (well-known aseditor, of the Ear,rners' the matter of conducting an organisation campaign, bat so far terms haveJnot|been definitely arranged.

No fewer than 28,000 Glasgowratepayers are, taking advantage of the'new scheme by which rates may be paid by instalments. There are twenty-seven unregistered racine clubs in the Gisborne district, which will be affected by the racing legislation recently before Parliament. The of forming a clerks' union in Dunedin is going, on slowly but steadily, and those who are in-> teresting themselves in the movement have hopes that it will be brought to a heed early m the new year. It ? s reported from Christchurch that the first sale of this season's barley has been made at 3s at a i country ntation. The line was fairly large, and the quality of the bailey was very good. Accidents and fatalities would appear to occur in cycl- s, and Christmas week has been ur usually productive of sudden deaths' in Christchurch. Two inquests were held by Mr H. W. Bishop, Coroner, en Thursday, Decr-mber 24th, one on Sunday, two on Monday, and no fewer than three on Tuesd»y, making a total of eight in five days.

The Timaru Chamber of Commerce recently discussed the'question of the handwrilii gof the comirg generation, the general .opinion being that that of the lads from the primary schools' was much to those who received a secondary education. As a result it was decided to offer a prize tu school, pupils next yesr for good commercial handwriting. The ' fortnightly meeting of the 1.0.R , was held in the Dominion Hall last night, Bro. L. Jones, C.K., presiding over a fair attendance of members. Routine business was transacted. The report of the committee re the advisability of 'forrniiig a juvenile brandi wps adopted, It was left to the com* mittee to canvass for members and make final arrangements for the opening. ' .'•■"■.

A correspondent of the "Danneyirke Advocate" writes:—-Two thoubarid'sheep:passed through Weber on Tuesday morning, en route for the Gear Company's meat works at Petone. Eleven shillings and sixpence is not ah over-high price to pay for good freezers, but the question for the grower is cart he do better by freezing on his own account. One farmer refused 13s, and then shipped on his own account, to find that lierealised 8s per carcase. From present indications it nay boforecasted almost with, certainty* says the /'Southland Times;". *hi& next year will establish" a new re* cord in invercargill so far as neyr works and haw buildings are concerned. If the preliminaries are arranged with reasonable expedition a beginning will be made with the construction of tlie new tramways, which will involve an expenditure of be~ tween £50,000 and £70,000, and give continuous employment to a large amount of labour. Then there is the reclamation scheme,, which will be carried out under the management of the gaol authorities. Indirectly, however, local business must gain irom a work of such magnitude. A number of private buildings and works will also be put in hand early in the ■year..:..',' '-"■:-' The ousting ot Canada by New Zealand from the English cheese market is being noted by the American press, writes a Sari Francisco correspondent. The ony hope for the Canadians, according to a message published in the "Chicago Record Herald" from its Ottawa agent is that butterrroakihg may again become more profitable than cheese-making in New Zealand. "New Zealand make of cheese," the "Herald" says, "has now displaced the Canadian make on the English market in the winter season. The present prices do not encourage the farmers of Canada to in-, crease the number of their cows.' They will not continue in the dairying business when they can make. money out of their grain and hogs. The only hope for Canadian cheese lies in the possibility of New Zealand returning to the manufacture of butter, in which science New Zealanders excel uanadians easily." Some interesting information has been supplied, says the "Otago Daily Times,' by the chairman of the water Committee ot the City Council, in regard to Dunedin's water supply and consumption. At the latest computation the consumption of water in Greater Dunedin is now 2,262,000 gallons per day, or an average of 55 gallons per head of population, as compared with 75 gallons per head at this time last year. From this it is not to be budged that the regard which the people of Dunedin have for cleanliness has diminished in any way for the reduction effected is placed to the credit of the system of leakage inspection, repairs to races, and general supervision. Since July last 1,465 leaks have been discovered, of which almost 600 were connected with balltaps and over 500 with domestic taps, while the remainder were service leaks. 1 One of the leaks dissevered was responsible for a waste of as muqh as 10,000 gallons a day. The introdu tion of the inspection system has e tailed a Baving of, practically 700,00q gallons per day.

The story of the coffin-lid in the British Museum, which bears the painted face ofJ|an Egyptian priestess of Amenra, leaves the superstitious little to desire. Five years ago a well-known young writer recounted in the "Dafy Express" how an Englishman, who bought it in Thebes, lost his son by a gim exploiion when returning to Cairo; how its next possessor at once lost his fortune and soon died} other members of the party suffering like fates; how the London lady who acquired it suffered - great misfortunes; how a photographer who photographed it fouond a "living" face in the picture instead of the lifeless one on the lid, and died mysteriously soon afterwards, andjhow the man who carried it to the Museum died within a week, and his mate had a serious accident. The writer died soon after his story appeared. Ihe "Express" now resumes the record, 'two of the attendants in the room at the Museum have died; and of two visitors, a scientist of repute and an engineer of standing, who joked about the lid, one committed suicide soqn.afterwards and the other;had a serious fall; Letters have poured liit» tb teHing of i financial disaster to others who have Been the lid, or even illustrated accounts of it.|" • -

The ordinary meeting of the Masterton Fire Police was held last evening Captain Dixtin presiding over good attendance. Lieut. Budd was granted two months" leave of .absence. Seasonable greetings from a large number of Fire Police Corps and Fire Brigades were received. The low pressure of the town water supply during the outbreak of the fire yesterday afternoon, was the subject of a good deal of comment by % the onlookers. There was much V speculation as to what the consequences would have been had the fire -. been in a large two-storey building. It is worthy of mention that the pressure which registered 601bs at the Central Station dropped down to 281bs, while the Brigade were coping with the outbreak with two leads of hose. In connection with the robbery reported from a church in North Sydney, an amusing solution has been found. The police were looking for the silver jug, surplice, cloth, etc,, that were said to have been j, stolen, traced them to the house of a "( well-Known and highly-respected \$ citizen, who is a leading member of the kirk. The good gentleman had taken the articles away to clean them. The police are quite satisfied with the explanation, and no fur th:r proceedings will be taken. A serious mortality has affected a dairy herd at Mangawhare. Five valuable cows have s'lccumbed during the past week. The tymptoma point to poisoning through the agency of pasturage (writes the Dargaville correspondent of tie "New Zealand Herald"!. The animals are affected in the hind legs, and post-mortem examinations have revealed peeling of the membrane of the stomach. The Stock Department has'been communicated with, and has notified that a veterinarian is proceeding to the district to investigate the outbreak. Mr R. Stevens informed the "Dannevirke Advocate" that until quite recently it was a matter, for surprise to him that rabbits did not increase in the Tamaki district. Some years ago the rodents "were fairly numerous in that district, and rabbiters had to be put on to keep them down, but tney have aince then not made any headway; in fact their numbers have been lessened. Mr Stevens now believes he has solved the reason for this. A few days agohisaen found the dogs much excited near a log and on turning over the timber about a dozen healthy stoats were discovered making a meal off a full-grown rabbit. * In the Melbourne County Court last week, an action was brought by Baron: Marks against "Tommy" Burns, the ex-champion boxer. Plaintiff claimed £3B 8s for injuries sustained at the Royal Arcade Baths recently. He alleges that Burns, while wrestling with his brother-in-law, Keating, caused a window to break, the glass of which penetrated, in some instances, an inch into plaintiff's body. The glass was broken, it was alleged, by Keating's feet coming in contact with it. Counsel for plaintiff said the action was framed for an assault, but he had given notice to amend the claim so as to charge negligence in breaking a window. Defendant pleaded no negligence, ard contributory negligence. Judge Box gave a verdict ior £ls. It has been an «pen secret among astronomers for several weeks (says the "London Daily News," of November 13th">, that Messrs Cowell and Crommelin, of Greenwich Obeervatory, would be declared winners of the international competition for the most accurate prediction of the path and movements of Halley's Comet, and in this week's "Nature" the decisbn ot the Astronomische Gesellaschaft is announced according to these expectations. Germany occupies such a proud position in the mathematical world that the success of the Greenwich mathematicians is peculiarly gratifying. The task set the competitors was one of the most difficult mathematical problems to solve, so many different and constantly changing sources of disturbance which would affect the comet's passage in its orbit having to be separately computed and allowed for. The Gotbic Head memorial stained glass window, which has been placed in the Wesleyan Church, Masterton, in memory of the late Mrs F. W. Temple is a really beautiful sample of work. It measures eight feet by four feet six inches, having as a centre' piece a life size representation of St. John, the Evangelist. The window bears the following in- i scription:—"To the glory of God, 1 and in memory of Eleanor Mary Temple, who died on January 18th, 1908." Surrounding the central figure is a handsome border, in which numerous rich colours are perfectly blended. The window, which is one of the largest and best of its kind yet seen in the Wairarapa, was manufactured by Messrs R. and E. Tingey, of Wellington, and is equal to the very best \ sample of imported English manufacture. The window is a fitting memorial to the late Mrs Temple, who was a valued member of the Methodist Church congregation for many years. Yesterday afternoon an alarm of fire .was sounded on the bell at |he Central Station. The outbreak proved to be in a large store shed, the property cf Mr W. Corlett, Bannister Street. The Brigade promptly responded to the summons, but the flames had thoroughly enveloped the structure by the time they arrived on the scene. Two leads of hose were concentrated on to the building, and in spite of the low pressure of water. the flames were quickly extinguished, but not beiore the building was gutted. There was a large quantity of oats and chaff and other material in the store, valued at about £7O, which was all destroyed. The stable adjoining was also damaged to some extent by the fire. The origin of the fire *s a mystery, as Mr Corlett, who was inside the building less than an hour before the alarm was given, saw no signs of the outbreak. Mr Corlett is a heavy loser, as the buildiner, which was valued at over £2OO, was only insured for £BO, while there was no insurance on the stock. The stable was insured for £2O. Both insurances were in the Liverpool and London and Glooe Insurance Company's office, for whom Messrs Levin and Co. are the local agents. Mr W. Corlett inserts a notice of thanks to the Fire Brigade and Fire Police for the assistance at the fire in Bannister street yesterday.

One of the large plate glass shop front windows in the Exchange Buildings was accidentally broken yesterday a'ternoon, through a sud "en gust of wind blowing a step ladder on to it. It is understood that the win dow is insured. An experienced milliner seeks position in charge of millinery workroom. Messrs J. Graham and Go, require a boy for their grocery department. A smart boy is wanted for the Central Garage. Mr F. P. Welch advertises for competent butchers, station hand used to bullock team, cowman, etc. An advertiser wishes tu rent a ten or fourteen-roomed house in a central position.

Mr J. Butement has ,to lease a three-acre paddock with six-roomed house, orchard and outbuildings. The Colonial Sugar Company announce that the price of all grades of sugar has been advanced 5s per ton. Travellers who appreciate a good flask will find a large assortment at Mr Frank Dupre's jewellery establishment. The Masterton County Council invite tenders to close at noon on Monday next for road metalling contracts. An advertiser has for sale a stumping jack, butter worker, bonemill, chain tlock and numerous other useful reauisit?s. The goods can.be seen at Messrs Beale and Parton's, Ltd. The demano's of the holidav season having been filled Mr A. J. Giddings, in a new advertisement, remiuds his patrons that saving money is making money. He claims that this can be effected by purchasing at his store. Price lists will be forwarded on application. Mr A. Henderson, watchmaker and optician, has a choice stock of goggles for motorists and cyclists glasses. At this season it is necessary to take means to preserve the eyes from.the.effects of the sand and dust. Mr Henderson invites inspection of his stock. "

To-morrow morning, Messr George and Kersley, of the "Economic," Wellington, will start their New Year bargain sale, for which they have to hand large stocks purchased in Australia at big discounts. The firm notify that this sale will be absolutely the best bargain sale of the season. Messrs Cole and Westerman will open their half yearly sale in their Gjueen Street premises on Friday next. In order to permit of the whole of the stosk being marked down, the premises will be closed all day to-monow. An inset will be circulated with to-morrow'a issue of the Age giving full particulars of the bargain 3 that will be offered. Resi dents can rest assured that unusual value will be obtainable for money.

There has been another recent and great success for Hawkes' famous band instruments, which are now so popular with bandsmen throughout the Dominion. This further success is the first prize of £2OO cash and champion certificate won by Ballarat City Band (Mr W. M. Partington, conductor), playing complete "Hawkes" trom soprano to monster. The Dresden Piano Company, Ltd., Wellington, are sole agents for New Zealand. The work of keeping cool during cooking operations is indeed a problem to most housewives. To assist in the solving of this problem Messrs Graham and Co. advertise in another column a very efficient oil stove. The new Ardent Cooker combines not only an up-to-date cooking stove, but a brilliant lighting and heating apparatus which ought to apppeai specially to the cooker. Its special features are the absence of smoke and smell, highly finished and light and strong in construction.

For their change of programme this evening, Messrs Thompson and Payne announced that they have "a surprise packet" for patrons. So well has their entertainment been patronised that the firm intend to present even better programmes than they have done in the past. "The firm are highly delighted with the support acorded to them," said Mr S. Pearson, the local manager, "and they intend giving Masterton patrons some real surprise packets in cinematography, as they have secured some particularly fine films from Europe." Scenic and dramatic films will boom largely in the programme this evening, and patrons are assured of a first-class entertainment.

What the pleasure gardens of the Wellington suburbs are to dwel* lers in the Empire City so is the Liskenna Tea Gardens in the Upper Plain to residents off Masterton—a popular resort at which to pass a pleasant hour or two. The gardens are filling a long-felt want as far as Masterton is concerned, and it is now becoming- "quite the thing" to cycle or motor to the gardens, which are situated opposite the Fernridge School, partake of tea, raspberries and cream and other delicacies. The grounds are beautifully laid out, including a tennis court and the proprietress. Mrs Anketell, intends to spare no pains to make the gardens popular and ensure patrons enjoying their visit.

A Douglas motor cycle 2| h.p., twin cylinder, spring forks, practically new, is advertised for sale. The weight is about lOOlbs. Two Douglas motor cycles ran in the six days 1,000 mile reliability trial in El l ".nd in 1909, m which all the leading heavy and light weights machines competed, and never lost a mark. Special gold medals have been awarded the Douglas for the London to Edinburgh and London to Plymouth runs, as well as for the 100 mile non-stop run. Special features oi this machine are absence of vibration, ease of starting, reliability, and its capabilities as a hill climber. The machine for sale may be inspected at Mr J. J. Spillane's cyclery, Exchange Buildings, Masterton, from whom all information as to | price and terms may be obtained.

Effervescent Saline, purifying, refreshing, invigorating to all who suffer from sickness, headache, sluggish liver, etc Price, 2/6. H. T. Wood, Chemist and Pbarniftftiafc <by exam,), Masterton • Customs and Uorwardmg' Agents-rJ. J, CUBTIS & CO., Customhouse Quay Wellington, will clear your goods and forward to you, or you may consign goodß to them, and they will forward to their nltimate destination. Moderate charges,