Local and General.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXIV, Issue 3757, 14 April 1908, Page 2

Local and General.

Captain Edwin reports:—Westerly moderate to strong winds; glass little movement.

In connection with the fire in the White Block, Hamilton, on Thursday last, Mr T. W. Maunder, the owner of Mr Tyler's \ remises, in which the outbreak occurred, informs us that the insurance on the property, which was covered by the London and Lancashire office, for which Messrs Bell and McGuire are the local agents, has been settled satisfactorily. Our Te Mata corresondent writes: Coming events cast their shadows before. In this case the shadow was a most substantial one in the persen of Mr Allen Bell, the Opposition candidate, who during his tour of the disj trict visited our picnic, making himself generally agreeable, especially to the ladies, and at the same time keeping a vigilant eye on the main chance politically. Japan, the hero of yesterday, is losing her glory fast in the eyes of other Powers, in spite of the existence of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, of the entente with E'rance, and of the fresh treaty with Russia. The nation is meeting obstructions to her enterprises in all directions, and experiencing unfriendly treatment all round.' —'Kokumin,' Tokio.

A licensed auctioneer in the city, says the Otngo Daily Times, wrote to the Council lately complaining of the conduct of Inspector Donaldson, who visited their auction rooms as their auctioneer was in the middle of a sale, and demanded that he should show his license. Mr Donaldson was not satisfied with demanding the license, but sent two policemen to him to ask for it. This sort of treatment was very annoying. Inspector Donaldson later on apologised, but as the insult was made in public a public apology was due to the firm. The matter was referred to the General Committee for a report.

The first of a series of winter social gatherings in connection with the Hamliton Baptist Church was held in the church last evening, and was well attended. A choice musical programme was rendered, the following ladies and gentlemen contributing items: —Miss Henderson, Mesdames Henderson and Burrows, Messrs J. and D. Mill, and W. Davies. Pastor Mill, who presided, took the opportunity of saying farewell to Mr and Mrs H. Morgan, who are leaving for Auckland; Mr and Mrs Gibb, who are settling in Morrinsville; and welcoming several newcomers to the church.

The concert to be given by the Hamilton Hodges Concert Party tomorrow evening at the Town Hall, Hamilton, promises to be a musical treat. Of Mr Hamilton Hodges' splendid powers much has been written all over New Zealand. His declamation, enormous tone power, and truly artistic performances have placed him in the very front rank of singers. Mrs M. Hamilton Hodges, a dramatic soprano also ranks equally with her gifted husband in giving the fullest enjoyment to the audience by her unique interpretation of music. Mrs Ernest H. Queree, the solo pianist, and Miss Blanche Garland, are also artists of sterling merit. This is the only concert that can be given at Hamilton. It is stated that a traveller through the Catlins Bush cannot help this year noticing some great changes on the conditions of a few years ago, remarks the "Lyttelton Times." The most regrettable is the decrease in native birds. The pretty little robins that used to gather so interestingly round visitors to the bush are now hardly ever seen, says the "Bruce Herald." Residents say it is the same in all parts of the bush, only an occasional robin being seen. There is also a marked diminution in the numbers of parrakeets, kakas, and tuis. There are a few tomtits and pigeons yet left, but even these, away back from the settlements, are by no means so plentiful as they used to be. The cause of this dearth of bird life in the bush is set down by the settlers to the weasels, which are becoming very plentiful, and which play havoc with the birds which build near the ground and in the hollows of trees, where the eggs, the young ones, and even fully grown birds fall an easy prey to the unatural enemy. In his annual report on his department for the year ending June last, 'Mr 11. C. Prince, Chief Protector of Aborigines in Western Australia, states on the question of the neck chaining of native prisoners, that the following report has been sent to the Secretary of State: —With regard to the neck chaining of native prisoners it has been conclusively proved by all medical and other evidence that this method is most humane, and after full considertion the Government has approved of its continuance. The chains are of light description, the weight of the chain carried by each native being one and threequarter pound, and fastened loosely about four or five inches below the chin, so that the hand can be passed with ease to either side of the neck. Four prisoners are generally chained together. It will be seen, I think, how far preferable is this method of neck chaining to that of securing prisoners by waist, ankle, and wrist. In my opinion it would be most cruel to secure natives either by the waist, wrists, or ankles when travelling. For Children's Hacking Cough at night, Woods' Great Peppermint Cure is 6d and 2s 6d.

! The Chicago News declares that the woman who puffs cigarettes is throw--1 ing ashes on the wings of Cupid and blowing smoke in the Love God's j face. Three men were injured and a i workshop was wrecked by the burvt- ] ing - of a huge flywheel at the work : lof Arthur Lee and Sons, Sheffield. j Pieces of the wheel, weighing several | hundred weights, were hurled hundreds of yards. I On Thursday next Ihe New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company I hold their Hamilton stock sale and I will' offer fat steers and cows, store cattle, fat sheep, pigs, etc. Strong calves, mostly steers, are wanted at this sale. The sale will commence at 12 o'clock.

The native mutton birders are now, says the Southland Times, resorting to the islands in preparation for the season. The Rakiura had been chartered to take the natives from Colac Bay, Riverton, and the Bluff but, owing to a mistake, about a dozen of the Bluff natives were left behind. The Mayor of Campbelltown is in communication with the Marine Department in order to obtain permission for the Kekeno to take these belated natives down to the islands so that they may not lose what is to them an annual harvest. The usual monthly meeting of the Tamahere Road Board was held yesterday at Matangi. There were present: Messrs L. B. Ewen, chairman, A. Furze, T. Newell, A. Edmonds, and J. Shaw. Messrs Shaw and Moroney, representing a number of Tauwhare settlers, asked the Board to contribute towards the metalling of 12 chains of Scotia Valley road. It was decided to subsidise it to the extent of £2O and provide a spreader, the settlers to put down 10yds to the chain. The Board also decided to meet Messrs Hooper, Moroney and Ramsay and inspect the work on the roads now being done. Mr Drikin made application for the Board to take over the road drain abutting on his property, and keep it in order, but the Board declined to assist. The following accounts were passed for payment: W. McLeisb, £BS; Eastwood and Co., £24 13s 9d; R. Nei 1 , £4; A. Neil, £lO lGs; O. Lynd, £8 9s; S. Ticklepenny, £1; J. Newman, 30s 6d; J. Searle, ss; C. Dalbeth, £3 12s 6d; Waikato Times, 22s 6d; Waikato Argus, 22s Cd; Richardson, 21s Gd; Legal expenses, Bs. Mr J. Shaw resigned his membership of the Board.

It is because of the existence of a King's regulation permitting the canteen in a military camp that the volunteer camps of New Zealand are frequently furnished with a canteen. Under the regulations, the officer commanding troops in camp is the person who allows the carrying on of the sale of liquor in a canteen. All fees received from the contractor who runs the canteen are expended on the reduction of expenditure on food supplies. Canteens are opened from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.. are closed during the hours of "Divine Service" and such other times on Sunday as the officer may direct. A picquet is provided to keep order at canteens. No person in civilian clothes may obtain liquor unless he is accompanied by a soldier in uniform, and no civilian may obtain liquor on Sunday. No gambling is allowed in canteens, and no person who is in the slightest degree under the influence of alcohol is to be served. The liquor and stores in any canteen may be inspected by the O.C. or the medical officer at anv time either thinks fit, and the O.C. may close a canteen permanently at any time should such a benefit be used indiscriminately or the behaviour of soldiers render such a course advisable. Canteens are not permitted in any military camp in any prohibition district in the Dominion.