LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10150, 21 December 1910, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

There are at present four inmates of the Solway Home.

About a thousand head of wether sheep will be slaughtered at the Waingawa works to-day. The "net overdraft of-the plasterton Borough Council .at dato is £5274 8s 9d. Rates • outstanding .amount to £6391 13s. _ ; ., The first draft of sheep and lambs put through the new freezing works at Waingawa, came from Tiriui.

The Union Steamship Company's steamer Mokoia will make a New Year excursion to the Marlborough Sounds.

The Masteifcon Hospital Trustees decided yesterday to recommend the Charitable Aid Board to provide a second bath-room at liie Solway Home.

The ■following tenders were received by the Masterton Hospital Trustees for alterations to the drainage system at the Hospital:—R. E. Jones £76 3s (accepted); Welch and Hope £B9 10s 6d. The total amount dispensed in casual relief by the Masterton Benevolent Committee last month was 13s. There were only five applicants for relief.

During the Christmas and New Year holidays, race meetings will be held at Auckland, Dunedin, Palmerston North, Thames, Takapuna, New Plymouth, Bulls, Hastings, Inveroargill, Wairarapa, Stratford, and the West Coast. Truly, this is a sporting country! . There were fourteen patients in the Masterton Hospital at the beginning of last month. Thirty-four were admitted during the month, and twenty-five discharged, leaving twenty-three in the institution at the end of the month.

This is how the operations of labt.r.,: unions react on workmen. During the hearing of a metal-workers dispute at Dunedin the representative of a large local firm remarked that mi'lor ordinary or normal conditions they should not be handicapped with competition with the outside world, but if the men insisted on higher wages they would have to import more material. As a matter of fact they were now importing thousands of pounds worth of goods that formerly manufactured locally.

An amusing incident happened m connection with the dog show at .Vow Plymouth. Someone saw an I'higli.,li setter running about the show grounds, and thinking it had got away from the dog tent, caught it and fastened it to one of the empty pens. Soon afterwards judging commenced, and when the setters wtvo in the ring the dog was awarded second place. Later in the afternoon the owner was astonished to see his dog penned and among the winners, for it had not been entered at all. It so happened that the man who chained it to the pen, put it into a peii which had been provided for a setter outside, which had been entered but had not been forwarded. Some time ago Mr Thomas Mawsim, of Ashburton, obtained from the Government Agricultural .Department a quantity of seed of a new 'orage plant, Chow Moellier. He has now a large number of strong, healthy plants, and has already given ;iu;iy close on 2000 to different farmers io experiment with, the same as Mr Mawson himself is doing. The plant in appearance is somewhat closely allied to the field kale, and is said to bo an excellent and most nutritious food for stock, especially for oattkv Mr Mawson is anxious for as many farmers,as possible to make a trial of the value of this plant—that is to. say, new so far as the Ashburton district is concerned.

,The question whether the quality of cow's' milk is influenced by the quantity yielded has been the subject :A' investigation by' Professor Wilson, of the Royal College of Science, Dub".in. who has made an exhaustive analysis 6f the milk records published by the Ayrshire Cattle Society, and 'finds the quality of the milk is in no way dependent on the quantity. It is a common belief among dairy farmers that heavy milking cows are lilceiv to give milk of poor quality, and tint rich milk will be obtained' from cows whose yield is small. Professor 'Wilson has examined the records'of nearly 3000 cows, and finds that there is no justification for this belief.

During the past few weeks a large number of workers have left New Zealand for Australia. Trade is said to be very good in the Commonwealth, at present, and work is plentiful. We take the following advertisement from a recent copy of the Sydney Morning Herald, and this notice is only typical of many similar ones appearing from day to day:—"Wanted.—One hundred men. We are now prepared to employ fifty extra spa wlers (9s 6d per day), and fifty labourers (8s 6d per day). Lane and Peters, Barren Jack Works." When it is taken into consideration that, the purchasing power of 9s 6d in New' South Wales is equal to 12s (3d in-New Zealand, it is very evident that there is at present a "boom" in the labour market in the Mother State.

The now gaming legislation comes into force on January 31st, 1911.

The camp of Territorial adjutaats and instructors is to be held on tlie Tauherenikau racecourse.

A profit of £IBO was made on the Auckland Literary and Musical Competitions Society's recent festival.

Influenza and whooping cough are reported to bo very prevalent hi Elthanl.

Smut has made its appearance in. some of the cereal crops in the Masterton district.

The Wairaraps. Bacon Factory at Carterton will continue operations under the direction of Mr Ben. Rayner, of Masterton.

The meeting of Lansdow.no School Committee, which was to have been helcT on Monuay night, lapsed for want of a quorum.

Oh. Friday last Mr Moorhouse, Tourist Department ranger, netted a trout in Lake Rotonia of about 6011) weight. It was sold by the Department. Southland flaxmillers are seriously considering closing down on account of the low market value of tha fibre.

Caterpillars are much in evidence on the Waimate Plains, and in some districts crops,of mangolds and carrots have been entirely destroyed.

Moturoa (Taranaki) has sent 25 barrels of petroleum Home consigned to Xew Zealand's High Commissioner for Admiralty testing purposes.

Several Mastertonians have expressed their intention of proceeding to Wangauui on Monday next, to witness the sculling match between Webb and Pea roe.

Harvesting on Messrs Percy Bros.' property at Te Ore Ore is now in full swing. Three reapers and binders are at work on the oats, and the wheat crops are fast ripening.

Permission has been granted the Wairarapa Cricket Association. by the Masterton Borough Council to use the Public Park for a cricket match with a Nelson team v on January 3rd and 4th. [

Says a London daily : We English must feel a little shame in reading that in China, "in the draft of the new laws, it is prohibited for the newspapers to recount crime at length as sensationalism is believed to - inflame more crime."

Considerable difficulty will, it >.s thought, be experienced in providing funds to send the Masterton Fire Brigade team from Mastertjn to Hokitika in March next. Tho Brigade will gladly "receive "public or private assistance- tffw-ards -this object. -.,,.-- -^

A report which has been in circulation in Masterton to the effect that the Fire Brigade were implicated in a recent police raid, was ememphatically contradicted at the meeting of the Brigade last evening.

A United Christmas Service will be held in the Congregational Church to-night, commencing at 7.30 o'clock, to which everyone is welcomed. The Bev. C. H. Olds will conduct the services.

Mr E. Rawson, &.M., at Westport, formerly clerk in the Masterton S.M. Court, remarked that it was recognized that victims of excessive drinking were, to some extent, suffering from disease, but the legislature provided for the infliction of monetary penalties, and he had to carry out the law.

Two inmates of the Westport Old People's Home, both over 70 years of age, have left the institution with the object of entering upon a prospecting expedition. Forty years ago one of the. two found encouraging prospects in the. country to which they are now about to turn their attention, and he and his,mate have now set out to further examine the ground. Prospecting in the wild West Coast ranges at 70!

With reference to the rumour published by the. Stratford Post so mo time ago to the affect that a, Minister of the Crown would contest a Taranaki seat at the next election, the paper says it has now the heist authority for stating that in all probability the Hon. T. Mackenzie, Minister for Agriculture, whose present decorate has been wiped ott, will contest tne Patea seat.

The New Plymouth Pioneer Settlers' Memorial committee have . accepted the design for the memorial to ] be erected at Moturoa. It takes the j form of a large obelisk 20ft high and ' will be composed of stone taken from j the Harbour Board's quarry. Near the, centre of the monument will be a I granite panel and on this will be inscribed in raised letters the names of I the first six vessels to arrive in the | New Plymouth roadstead.

The half-yearly summoned meeting of the 1.0. R. was held in the Dominion Hall last evening, Bro. J. W. Andrews, C.R., presiding. "Bro. Easthope was elected Tent representative on the Executive Committee for Park beautifying. The delegates of the Friendly Societies' Council reported on the arrangements with regard to the picnic. The business paper and balance sheet for consideration by. the District Officers and representatives at Napier in February next was discussed at some length. The election of officers resulted as follows; C.Ri, Bro. L, Pearce; D.R., Bro. Wainwright; Secretary, W. M. Easthope; Treasurer, Bro. Heyhoe; 8.5., Bro. Tyacke; C.S., Bro. Whittaker; L., Bro. Sutherland; G., Bro. W. Andrew ; Auditors, Bros. D. B. Thompson and D. Threadwell. Funds for the evening amounted to £24 Is Bd.

THERE'S STILL TIME TO WIN THAT VALUABLE CAMERA. "After awl seel and done the gran sekret of winning is to win," is one of Josh Billing's statements with a whole lot of sound truth in it. The "gran sekret" of winning one of the fine cameras offered as prizes in the Great Photographic Competition is to get a start right away and so have a good chance'to beat the other fellow's best picture. The competition closes on the last day of the year, so that only a few short weeks remain in which to take the pictures that may possibly win ono of more prizes. New Zealand country life is full of good opportunities for the "enterprising photographer, and at this time of the year especially many beautiful and interesting pictures may be taken almost every day,. The competition gives you the chance of securing an up-to-date camera for the trouble of sending a note for the entry form, enclosing a penny stamp for return postage, and if voir wish it, a large free catalogue of cameras arid photographic ae'es'sc; ories -will be sent you by the same msrl.

"Writ-? for th? entry form and cntaloe'.i •• r.nw, to the Jffipern' Camera

,' The public baths in Masterton ar& I to be closed on December 26th.

A London cable received late last night stated that tl?o floods were abating. * • A billiard-room license has been granted by the Masterton Borough Council to a Native- named Moan a. Rimcne. At a meeting held in Eketalmnaon Monday night, it was decided to form a swimming club in that township.

The shop of Messrs Da vies, Ltd., tailors, of Westport, was burglarised on Monday'night, and about £6O in cash stolen.

Oaten sheaf chaff is still ruling high in Palmerston, the price quoted being not far off double what was quoted this time last year.

The Nireaha Cheese Company will pay out this month about £ll3O /or butter fat at the rate of 8d per lb. The last shipment of cheese comprised 255 cases.

The tender of Messrs Welch and Hope, of Masterton, has been accepted by the Wellington Education Board for alterations and additions to the Lower" Taueru school.

During the month of November this year, thirteen per cent, more gas was consumed in Masterton than in the corresponding month of last vear.

A sub-committee of the Masterton Borough Council has arranged prices for the disposal of the disused portions of the old gasworks plant. These are to be placed.under offer to the Greytown Borough Council.

The offices of the Master ton Borough Council are to be closed for tho Christmas vacation from Thursday next until January 10th. The reading room will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The Masterton Borough. Council last evening granted auctioneers' licenses to the following auctioneers:— Messrs "W. B. Chennells, J. B. Moodie, J. lorns, J. A. J. Maclean, and A J. Johnston..

"What are we going to do .with the old gaswoi-ks?" asked Cr Hoar at the meeting of the Masterton Borough Council last evening. The Mayor stated that the Council had iiot yet considered tho matter. Cr Pauling suggested that the works be utilised as a rubbish destructor.

The law affecting Christmas Day came up for discussion at the meeting of the Masterton Borough Council last evening, when... Messrs Thompson and Payne asked-forppe r mission to give a' ; cinematograph entertainment on Monday,TJecember 26th._ -After some discussion, .the permission asked for was granted." "

. The gas manufactured at the Masterton gasworks last_ month was 1,073,000 cubic feet, being an increase of 227,000 feet on the quantity manufactured in the same month last year. The coal carbonised was 175 tons 2 cwt. The coke sold during the month was 1954 bags, and the tar sold 1341 gallons.

A residence at Kaiparoro, owned by Mr J. Hofmeister, and occupied by Mr E. Hansen, was totally destroyed by fire at 3 a.m. on Monday. It appears the occupants were staying for the night with their relatives on the opposite side of the road, and the house was almost burned to the ground before the fire was detected. No cause cau be assigned for the outbreak. The house was insured for £SO in the. National office, and the furniture for £IOO in the South British office.

A very fine line of 1350 Southdowncross fat lambs, purchased from Mill. L. Levin's Westella property, near Feilding, by Mr Alex. McKeuzvo, buyer for Clarkson arid Son, Chns'cchurch, was sent away from Feildingon Friday to Gear's Freezing Works, at Petone. Mr McKenzie is very well" known, having been a buyer for the Wellington Meat Export Co. for veiy many years.—Feilding Star.

The usual fortnightly -meeting of the Masterton Fire - Brigade was held last evening, Superintendent T. Jenkins presiding. Leave of absence was granted to Deputy Superintendent Pickering and Firemen Cole and Blinkhorne. The Town Clerk wrote in reference to the Park Fete Day, and solicited the co-operation of the Brigade. It was decided to assist at the Fete, and the question of arranging the Fire Brigade events was left to the Superintendent. The TJ.F.B.A. forwarded a subscription list, in aid c.f the widow and family of the late Superintendent Lucas, of the Spit (Napier) Brigade. The list was freely subscribed to.

1 Owing to insufficient entries havI ing been received for the wood-chop-I ping events at the Caledonian SoI ciet'y's sports on New Year's Day [at Masterton, the Directors have? I decided to strike those events . out of the programme and substitute three bicycle events as follows: One Mile Pace, for youths under 18, to start at 1.45 p.m., nomination* Is, acceptances Is, first prize £3, second £1 10s; Two-mile Race, open/ to start at 2.50 p.m., nominations 2s, acceptances Is, first prize £4, second £2 ; Onc-i:;ile Race, open, to start- at 4 p.m., nominations Is, acceptances Is, first prize £3, second £1 10s. Only roadster machines are to bo allowed. Messrs D. O. Brown, R, Pook, # and A. S\ Wilton will .act as handicappers. 'Nominations will close with, the secretary (Mr W. Gillespie) on Wednesday, the 28th hist., at 9 The handicaps will be declared in the Wairarapa -Age \on Thursday, the 29th inst.,-! and acceptances close on thp ground half-an-hour before the ra ;e starts. This will he practically a road race on the grass track, and as there are a great number of cyclists in the district, it is anticipated tlvit there will be a good number of entries, and the events should prove interesting and exciting to the pinlie.

FOUR CREAT PIANOS. ... THE BROADWOOD THE RONISCH THE LIPP THE STEINWAY. The Dresden Piano Company has just received a big new shipment of theso famous pianos, all jiew instruments, in brilliant condition and tone. Time payments if desired. The Dresden' system of deferred payment is so reasonable that clients scarcely miss the instalments. Moreover, those who buy in this way are only charged legitimate catalogue prices. This firm carries the largest, stock of pianos in New Zealand, and lias instruments from the lowest to the highest price, so that all can be. readily suited. Intending purchasers can be assured that they will receive courteous consideration and every possible attention. * THE DRESDEN PIANO CO., LTD., WELLINGTON. North Island Manager: M. J. Brookes. Full particulars from the. Local Representatives, Ir:us siriifc' Goddard, next Club Hotel.

At the meeting of the Mastertou Borough Council last, evening, the Inspector of Nuisances reported a case of scarlet fever within the Borough. -The infection had taken place in Hastings, from whence the patient came. This is the first case of infectious disease reported in the . Borough during the last three .. . It was stated at the meeting of the Masterton Borough Council last evening that the caretaker of the Public Park worked on an average seventy-two hours per week. After some discussion, it was decided that - the caretaker he granted his annual furlough early in the year, and that he he given a bonus of £5. The Masterton Employers' Association addressed the Borough Council last evening, stating that a Holiday Committee had been ..formed by the Association, and asking that the Council consult this Committee before holidays are proclaimed. Several Councillors expressed the opinthe Council should not delegate its powers to any private institution. The lett-er was received.

Councillor T. Hoar objected to the accounts being passed for payment at the meeting of tho Masterton Borough Council last evening, because.a sum of money, for liquor appeared in <v certain account.. lhe Council decided, in the meantime, to risk an auditor's "tag.'' The liquor was used at a recent public function. The Mavor reported to the Mas- - terton Borough Council last evening - that there was a difficulty in remov.4sU the' tea kiosk in the Park, as -desired" by the Swimming Club, owing to the building being used by the Municipal Band for practice and -forage purposes. His AVorship was of opinion that a band-room and a tea kidsk would not-run well together.' He moved that the SwimmSr Clnb be advised that the Council "egrets that it cannot, in the see its way clear to re- . move the kiosk to the the Swimming Club The resolution wai..seconded by Cr Morris and carriedV, - ,

A good, steady, sober driver4s adfor. ipSessr* A. J. Johnson and Co. hold » "special sale of Christmas poultry at their rooms, Lincoln Road, on Friday next, at 2.15 p.m.

The Wellington Farmers Meat Company invite tenders for ploughing 20 'acres at Wamgawa. Specifications may be seen at the offices of the Company, Queen Street, and also at the works office.

Entries for competitions for best built stack-,.,open to amateurs only, close with the -secretary oftlie Masterton Agricultural Association on Saturday, 31st .December,-. 1910.

To-day Messrs W. B. Chennells and Co. sell by auction, by order or the mortgagee, at their .rooms, Perry Street, a building eite in Wev- !& Street, South" Road, Masterton, ■Warning a. little over half an acre of land. This freehold property is pleasantly situated, and would make an ideal site for a home.

It's been a "braw time" for Masterton since Hamill's pre-Christmas sale started. We never remember <-eeing so many pleased and smiling women folks about the streets before. All and sundry seemed to have drapery parcels-r-labelled Hamill's— in their possession. In a replace advertisement with to-day s issue Mr Hamill urges the necessity of shopping right now ere the opportunity passes, as Christmas rwe -4-ill see the curtain rung down on VJthis almost historic sale. The preparations for the festive season made by Mr.-'J. K, . BhnkItorne, tobacconist,, are most com- ; plete. The show cases and windows are.full of the newest an*- best stocks of every description. The new goods include all the latest presentation goods, which are all marked at very reasonable prices. Inspection is invited.

'* In a replace advertisement Mr A. Hendry draws attention to'a few of ■"the useful Xmas presents to be seem ' in the windows of his shop in Abraham and Williams' Buildings, '^u«n Street. A few of the lines are quoted, stie»h as ties for ladies and gentleman, >'■ hosiery, mercery fancy goods, rugs, umbrellas, hats and bags, all of which are good lines.

What-are you going to take wtth you on your holidays? The problem ci holiday time is what to take and then ' what to take it in. Hyde and Co. " havo a suggestion to make with Regard to dress baskets. Having lan.l.'jd a large consignment of these splendid, goods they are offering them to Masterton people at a special holiday price. .See their advertisement en page 2. ~ "Only a few more days to Xmas," and Messrs Hugo and Shearer would like the public to visit the Exchange :. Buildings, Queen Street, and decide tne B lfts tnev would like to buy for their friends. They do not recommend the public to spend all their money on perishable articles. On the contrary they recommend that which is useful as well as ornamental", and - if given as presents mean lasting appreciation. Reference to their a Ivor tisement on the leader page of this ?s----sue will disclose the class of go'.-.ds they provideffori r Xmas presents, tmd the prices being quoted, intending purchasers will need to waste no time in. deciding what to buy.