LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10124, 21 October 1910, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The latest returns from teh Masterton dredge are 16oz. 6dwts. fox; 124 hours' work, and thei Mystery Flat dredge 12oz. ldwt. : fori 138 hours' work. .A cable from London received last night stated that crossbred sheepskins had declined a farthing, and merino skins an eighth of a penny. A five-ycar-yld child at Boolanra (Victoria) weighs eight stone, and is gaining two pounds weekly. The doctors are puzzled.

Six wool buyers from Yorkshire arrived in the Dominion by the Rualiine from London for this season's operations.

The Waitara Freezing Works will commence slaughtering for the season on Tuesday, November Ist. The Patea co-operative freezing works have already started, and anticipate a good season.

Stations in the Porangahau district have made an early start with their shearing. At Mr Geo. Hunter's station the shearing is> completed, whilst Mr i'aul Hunter's flock is also practically finished.

Mr Laracy, the general secretary of the New Zealand Shearers' Association, cabled to the editor of the "Worker," Sydney: "Maoriland workers congratulate Labour; party on victory."

Statistics for 19i)9 show that the death-rate for South Australia was 9.28 per 1000 of the population. This is the lowest rate recorded in the Commonwealth.

"The Government fully intend to push the Bill through," said the Minister of Internal Affairs on Saturday morning, when questioned regarding the proposals to give State assistance in maternity eases.

"The spectacle of University graduates, really clever and eminent in the medical profession, unable to write three consecutive lines without a spelling mistake is, says the Hospital, (London), "one that is not only painful, but, unfortunately, far from rare."

South Canterbury butchers Lave now to pay as much as £2 pel - 1001b for beef, which is in very short supply. Fat sheep have also gone up in price, and as a result the Timaru butchers have found it necessary to increase the retail price.

The little grey owls recently liberated by the Asliburton County Council are evidently spreading themselves all over the country. It is stated that no small birds are to be seen anywhere near the owls.

The Stratford Agricultural Society hay communicated with the Taranaki society, suggesting a conference to consider, among otJier tilings, raising the price of admission shows from Is to 2s.

It has been suggested to the Government by Mr Witty that it should favourably consider' the advisability of assisting to obtain a market for New Zealand meat and dairy produce in Austria in the.same way as is being done on behalf of Australia,

According to reports to hand, there is a great deal of sickness among children in the country districts around Ashburton,ihe prevailing epidemics being whooping cough and influenza. Several of the schools have been closed, and.,at others the attendance is exceedingly low. Already a few strawberries are coming to hand from across the harbour, says the Auckland Herald, bringing wholesale prices of Is to Is 4d per Ilb box, and retail prices of Is 6d to Is 8d per lib box. There have not been many, but it is a beginning, and the beginning comes about three weeks earlier than it did last year.

A huge meteor made its appearance over Johannesburg on the evening of October G. It was about half the size of the moon, and during its passage it lighted up the country with a brilliancy like that of broad daylight. It is estimated that the meteor was 100 miles from the .earth. Scientific circles are puzzled over the phenomenon, which they declare is against all reason.

There are now some. 120 visiting Maoris at Parnwanui pah, near Bulls (says the Wanganui Herald), while fresh arrivals from all parts of the West Coast are swelling the number daily. The magnet drawing them to the pah in question is the Maori,woman who has lately set up there as a healer of the sick. She repudiates'] the suggestion of tohungaism, and, it is stated, now describes herself as j a Christian scientist. J

| The Dunedin correspondent of >.h3 [ Christchureh Press states:—The ret I results of Sir Joseph Ward's visit will be that he will advise his colleagues to continue the construction of the Lawronee-Roxbtfrgh railway to Beaumont, aijd not to entertain the I pvoposal for the construction of the Clutha Valley railway at present. The Otago Daily Times says: "It will hardly be supposed anywhere that the judgment Sir Joseph Ward has now formed on the subject, was based upon what he saw and heard in the course of his meteoric flight through the country." A series of experiments are at present being conducted in England with herring ova in the hope of acclimatising the herring in New Zealand waters, so the Hon, J. A. Millar told the House on Saturday j morning. Life had been suspended in | the ova, for fifty days. Last year's | experiments were a failure, and the I request had been made that the experiments should be continued. It was believed that the. herring could be obtained, with the ova, but if they found that they could not get the ova they would try to bring the fish out.

j Tlio Hawke's Bay Herald, referring to Wairarapa exhibits at the Hastings show, says ;;—The Penrose ■ breeder, Mr. W. Perry, is always a hard nut to crack wfth Lincolns, and he again took the bulk of the prizes, together with the championship for rams, with some splendid sheep. Mr. Short's place, however, was well taken by the Masterton Lincoln breeder, Mr. W. Perry, who, judging by the quality of the stock sent by him to this show, is going to be >as great a thorn in the side of Romney Marsh exhibitors as he has for many years been to Lincoln breeders. He showed a number of Romneys of grand type, and won in every class in which ho competed. He easily carried off the ram championship with a very fine sheep indeed. The championship for ewes went to the Wairarapa breeder, Mr. G. E. Allen, who always has something good to trouble his opponents with.

The 'Poverty Bay Herald says the potato blight is reported to have made its appearance at Matawhero.

Operations at the Gisborne freezing works will commence about the end of the present month.

The criminal list at the Magistrate's Court in Matserton to-daj? will be comparatively light.

It has been reported to the Masterton police that jewellery to the value of £lO was recently stolen from the premises of a local business firm. The police are making enquiries, but so far have been unable to obtain any clue to the prepetrators of the theft.

The old members of Court Loyal Enterprise, A.O.F. (members of over 15 years' standing), intend to entertain the other members of the Court at a social evening after the ordinary meeting to-night. All members are requested to" attend.

A Government in specie: - informs the Eltliam Argus that blackleg is. nearly stamped out of Taranaki now, but that it is necessary to continue the operation of innoculation of calves and will be for some time yet. Contagious mammitis is a diseasethat gives'considerable l trouble, and the Stock Department is giving it very close and careful study; iff ishoped that an efficacious remedy will yet be discovered.

The. ordinary meeting of the Friendly Societies' Council was hold in Mas'terton last evening, Bro.. Darrocli occupying the chair. A. letter was read from the Railway Department, agreeing to run a special train to Pigeon Bush en Boxing Day. The secretary was instructed to notify the Carterton, G'reytown, and Lower Vaiky Lodges that the. combined picnic would be held at Pigeon Bush.

In the Magistrate's Court, Masterton, yesterday, hefore Mr L. G. Keid, S.M., judgment was given, by default, for the plaintiffs in the following cases:—J.' C. Ewington v. Gecrge E'. H. Anson, claim, £56 I3s 2d, costs £1 10s, solicitor's fee £1 10s; Mauriceville Hall Company, Ltd., v. Neil W. Albrechtsen, claim, £7 ICs, costs Bs, solictor's fee llis 6d; 'I horn as JRidgway v. A. Rom&nson, claim, £1 15s, costs ss; Archer' Hosting v. i any Remington, claim, £9 ss, costs 13s, solicitor's fee 15s 6d.

A plucky little act was performed by a lad named Rangi Elers in Worksop Road, Masterton, yesterday morn, ing. Whilst a milk vendor was supplying one of his customers, the horse attached to his float took fright and made off at top speed. There were a number of school children in the road at the time, and the lad Elers, seeing the danger in which they were placed, rushed across the road, jumped into the float, seized the reins and had the horse in subjection before-the slightest damage was done. The plucky action of the lad was suitably rewarded by the owner of ihe float.

Mr John Murray, manager of the Cheltenham Dairy Co., Ltd., which held the New Zealand championship for butter, was on Saturday asked his opinion of the Arbitration Court award for dairy workers. He said that he considered it a very reasonable one, and that neither side in -the dispute had any cause for complaint. In some cases the Cheltenham Company was already paying more than the new rate. Mr Murray considered that the court did what was right in making sixty hours a week's work in butter factories, r.., seventy hours was too long.

Recently a letter was received in Sydney from a boston wool-buyer bemoaning tlio increase of Romney Marsh-wool i;i'New Zealand, and declaring tliat the wool was very harsh. It ran off to a very bacl point, and was difficult to spin. He says that manufacturers who nave depended largely on New Zealand wools will be forced to use more South American, because it will be a superior article to that grown in New Zealand. This complaint cannot he very well founded, otherwise Romney Marsh woolgrowers in New Zealand, especialy in the North Island, where the breed is so popular, would not he getting such splendid returns for their clips.

Judging by the programme in preparation, ,tlie coming concert of the Masterton Orchestral Society pro-* mises to be a great success. The date has been fixed for November 10, and every effort is being made by Mr Inns, the energetic secretary, and the committee, to perfect the arrangements. The young lady engaged as vocalist, Miss Rosalie Handley, has now arrived in Masterton, and is residing with her parents at Lansdowne. The Taranaki Daily News thus refers to a recent appearance of Miss Handley at an Inglewood concert:—"The 'star' of the evening was Miss Rosalie Handley, who had j been specially engaged for the occas- | ion. This young iadv has a very pleasing stage manner, and this, combined with her excellent singing | of several difficult items, served to establish her as a popular favourite from the outset. She has a sweet and pure soprano voice of great power, and so well controlled that an infinite variety of expression is given to her items with greatest ease. This was well illustrated in her rendering of 'Love, the Pedlar,' a song which abounds in high sustained notes and difficult vocal passages demanding varying interpretations, the pathetic parts being as well depicted as the more florid portions were brilliantly executed. She was rewarded with an encore, and in response sang 'The Little Irish Girl,' a pretty song with a humorous turn that delighted the 'gods.' In the second part she gave an excellent rendering of 'Because,' and for an encore 'Rosalie.' Recalled again she bowed her acknowledgments." •

The stock treated for the year by the Gisborne Freezing Company was: Sheep 186,521, lamhs 52,162, cattle 8020, calves 29.

A poll of ratepayers in the Mangatoki Riding of the Mtham County, which was taken on 'Wednesday, sanctioned the raising of a loan of £30,000 for road works.

Sixty-live birds were hampered in Masterton last night by the Homing Pigeon Club, and leave for Taumaruuui by train this morning. '.Lhey will be liberated-at 10 o'clock on Saturday morning. The distance of this "fly" Is 100 miles.

The dairy cattle entries at the Wairarapa Show to be held at Carterton next week are better than they have been for years, and wLi he looked upon as quite a special feature of the show. Another feature will be the Shorthorns, some of the Te Ante herd being .amongst tho competitors, and will give an additional interest to the section.

The sheep classes are weii filled at the Wairarapa Show next weeic, and visitors will have the pleasure of witnessing the same keen competition in the different sections as in former years. There are flocks expected which have not been to the vVairarapa Show before, and tliee*; will no doubt attract the attention of those interested in wool and. mutton.

The Appeal Court in the application to strike J. J. Patterson off the Rolls, decided that he be suspended for two years, with permission for liim, after six months, to apply for a removal of the suspension if he can give a' satisfactory explanation regarding his books, Patterson to pay the costs of the rule, fifteen guineas, and disbursements.

Our Pahiatua correspondent writes:—The Foresters' Minstrel Troupe gave their first performance in the Olympic Theatre on Wednesday night, when there was a crowded' audience. Mr. Bert. Neale was "Tfimbo," Mr. Tom Gore "Bones," and Mr. W. Boyens interlocutor. Tlio entertainment concluded with a sidesplitting farce entitled v, TJp the Elevator to the Haunted Room."

A very enjoyable euchre party and dance, under the auspices of the Masterton Fire Police, was held in the Exchange Buildings last night. There' was an attendance of about sixty couples, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. At euchre, Mrs. N. Hatch and Mr. J. Thompson were successful, while Mrs. Pinkney and Mr. J. Dew carried off the "boobvs."

Speaking in tne House of Representatives on Wednesday night on the third reading of the Water Power Bill, the Hon. R. M'Kenzie said there was a very fair scheme to be developed from'the Makuri, and good- prospects of a market, for Paliiatua was within ten miles, Woodville sixteen miles, Eketahuna sixteen miles, Ashhurst twenty-two miles, Palmerston North twenty-four miles, Dannevirke twenty-six miles, Masterton thirty-two miles, and Feilding thirty-two miles. These towns had a total population of at least 40,000, and if that did not pay he would like to know how they could make it pay in Wellington.

The Poverty Bay Herald of Tuesday says:—The anticipations of a number of the sheepfarmers who are opposed to the demands of the Shearfirs' Union, that they would have no difficulty in carrying through their shearing with non-union labour, seem likely to be realised. Shearing was reported to be in progress to-day at several large sheds. Mr.' H. Kenway, of Waimata, had a full board of non-unionist Maoris employed, and Mr. J. Clark, at his Opon and Waipaoa sheds, had also commenced shearing at the usual strength. At Mr. Black's Pakowliai and Arakihi stations shearing is also in progress with full boards of station hands and non-unionists. Arrangements, we were informed to-day, have been completed to carry through the three Wairakaia, and also To Puru, sheds with non-union men./

Orders on Judgment surammi «s were made as follows in the Magistrate's Court at Masterton yestor.biy bv Mr. L. G. Reid, S.M.:—VV. !< Sliaw v. Jesse Donaldson, claim CIS 15s. 3d.; order made for payment forthwith, and default forty-';.\l.t hours' imprisonment, the order to be suspended on the payment of £.4 3d. on or before January 20th, IT.'.. Hole and Welch v. W. H. Man - .!, era, claim £1 Is.; order made for i'uv ment forthwith, in default twityfour hours' imprisonment, the t to be suspended on the payni'-'it <i the amount before 17th November, Pickering Bros. v. Charles Bragging claim £ls 9s. 2d., order made for payment forthwith, in default fortyeight hours' imprisonment, the order to be suspended upon the payment of £1 per month. Pickering Bros, v. Thomas Malonev, claim £2 65., order made for payment forthwith, in default twenty-four hours' imprisonment, the order to be suspended on the payment of £1 per month. Mr Doherty, inventor and patenteo of the seamless knee breeches, has a replace notice in this issue. A pocketknife of some value, with initials engraved on it, awaits ownership at the local police station. " A good general servant to assist is advertised for by Mrs. W., B. Ingram, Taueru Hotel, in the "wanted" columns of this issue. Messrs. J. A. J. Maclean and Co. add one dogcart and harness, practically new, to the sale that takes place to-day at N0.,41, Villa Street.

A meeting of the Masterton Labour Party will be held in Murray's Hall at half-past seven this evening. Ladies are especially invited.

Written applications, addressed to tho Principal., Maori College, Clareville, for the position of instructor in gardening and farming, close at noon on Monday next.

Members, intending members, and all women interested in the Masterton Ladies' Swimming Club are invited to attend a meeting to-night in the Dominion Hall at 8 o'clock. Mr. J. Fraser, land agent and valuer, reports the sale to a locai resident of 141 acres, lots 4 and 5, of the high-priced land, part of the subdivision of the McGregor estate, near Masterton.

Messrs. L. J. .Hooper and Co. have a choice selection of summer dross goods, including the new rer-ilda cloth, Myaaski crepoline, satin striped aeoaline, Nagarkai crepes, linens, and real Irish linens.

A leather bag, with shoulder strap, containing a pair of boots, was found between the Waipoua bridges yesterday afternoon. Owner may obtain same on paying the cost of advertising.

Mr George Hill, special representative of the British Jmd Continental Piano Company, reports having disp jf.cd of several first-class instruments in the district. Public inspection of the pianolas and pianola piaw for which the company are the sole agents, is invited.

Messrs. J. A. J. Maclean and Co. will sell to-day on account of Miss Clemison, who is leaving the district, a very superior lot of furniture and effects, at the residence, 41 Villa St.

The steamers "Macedonia," "Moldavia," and "Morea," which will leave Auckland, on 15th February, loth March, and 12th April respec r tivelv, will call at Hobart en route from Sydney to Melbourne.

For the races Mr Hay ward, the ladies tailor, of Lambton Quay, Wellington, is showing fashionable ready-to-Wear linen and shantung costumes, and he invites ladies to call and view the same.

A notice to shearers appears on page one of this isue. A complete outfit dungarees, sox, trousers, flannels, shirts, braces, coats, rugs, and all a shearer's requirements can be provided right out at Messrs McGruer and Co.'s, Queen Street.

Separate tenders will be received up to Monday, October 24th,"for the leasing of 230 acres, Miki Miki, for one or five years, as a dairy or grazing farm. For particulars and address apply 'Mrs. Murray, 8, Cornwall Street.

Messrs W. B. Chennells and r o., advertise for lease 100 acres dairy farm,, four miles from Wairarapa township, and close to factory. The section is well improved, and is offered with stock and good will at a low figure.

On page four the W.F.C.A., Ltd., draw attention to the advantages of buying footwear at their store. The Fancy Department has a few words to say on the subject of new goods now showing in that Department, sucli as tea sets, ornaments with hand-painted New Zealand scenes ; also a wonderful watch, which they offer at a ridiculously low price.

At Knox Hall to-night, under the auspices of the Knox Literary and Musical Association, a Beethoven ercital will be given by Mr. G. H. Ralph. Tlje programme will include overture to ''Ruins of Athens," Rondo a'Capriceio, Moonlight Sonata, Sonata in A ilat with funeral march, variations on an Italian air, Sonata "Appassionato," L'Adieu. Admission will be free and a collection will lie made.