LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Waipa Post, Volume I, Issue 12, 26 May 1911, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mr Massey intends to take his case against the "New Zealand Times" to the Court of Appeal.

The only way to get out of debt is to stop borrowing, and, while it may seem ridiculous to suggest that New Zealand is anxious to adopt a self-reliant policy at a time when it is enjoying the expenditure of a huge loan of last year, we believe that the opinion of the country disapproved of that loan, and that the cessation of borrowing would be welcomed by all classes of the community.—Christchurch Star.

During the hearing of the bush fire case at Opunake on Thursday last the Magistrate (Mr Fitzherbert) pointed out that a farmer was liable once he lit a fire, for whatever damage it might do by spreading, however careful he may be to keep it in bounds. " And," said Mr Spence, " there is the other aspect, that where a fire originates accidentally the owner of the land is under no legal duty to put it out or prevent it from spreading." It appears from these statements that the farmer who wants his bush or rubbish burned should pray for some meddling stranger to do the lighting unasked.

A juror who asked to be excused from service at the Supreme Court, Christchurch' stated that he was a photographer of ships at Lyttelton, and urged that at present there were many ships in the harbour, so that his absence from the port would mean a loss to him. There were times when there were no ships, and he had to take advantage of the presence of vessels in port. " Then this is the time of your harvest," said his Honour, and when the man replied in the affirmative added, " Then we will treat you as a husbandman in the middle of his harvest, and excuse you."

An awkward mishap occurred at the Bluff upon the trawler Nile during repairing operations to her boilers, states a correspondent of the "Dunedin Star." The occurrence indicated the fact that engineers are apt to expand just as much when heated as the baser metals which they manipulate. An engineer had entered the boiler manhole to repair a bolt, but made his entry while the receptacle was warm, with the result that the heat soon acted upon him, making him expand. He was in consequence unable to get out at the conclusion of his work. He made a violent endeavour to wriggle out, but was unsuccessful, and he had to strip and be hosed with cold water before he was in a fit state to emerge at the aperture. A similar instance occurred a short time ago at the Ocean Beach Freezing Works, when a man expanded so much that he got stuck in the manhole, and had to remain in that awkward predicament for some considerable time. News was received in Te Awamutu on Wednesday of the death of Mr Alfred Cox at Christchurch. In the early 70's Mr Cox, with the late Hon. Jas. Williamson, took up the Rukuhia Estate, and for many years resided at Lake House, Hamilton. He took an active interest in all public matters, and for some time was a member of the House of Representatives. Church matters were one of Mr Cox's hobbies, and he and his family were regular attendants and workers at St. Peter's, Hamilton. After leaving Waikato Mr Cox returned to Christchurch, and has resided there since. At the time of his death Mr Cox was in his 86th year, but for some considerable time has been an invalid. Old residents of Waikato will, we are sure, extend their sympathy to the family in their bereavement ; and the Dominion has lost a fine stamp of settler and pioneer in the person of deceased.

The Empire Picture Company put on one of the very best programmes of moving pictures ever seen in Te Awamutu on Tuesday evening last in the presence of a good audience. The magnificent coloured views of New Zealand mountain passes were undoubtedly the finest set of scenes we have seen, and the audience showed its appreciation by frequent hearty applause. On Tuesday next another splendid programme is promised, including a beautiful romance of Erin entitled "The Lad from Old Ireland," which should appeal forcibly to all Irishmen, as it shows scenes which every Irishman will at once recognise as old Ireland itself. Three beautiful scenic pictures are also included, one showing the Dai i. River, with the famous Dartmoor Prison situated on its banks ; another gives a trip through Sumatra, and the third views ofVireggio. Several beautiful dramas, a cut/ent number of Pathe's Gazette, and a number of very amusing comics will all help to make a really firstclass programme.

The Rev. D, C. Bates sends the following weather forecast at nOon yesterday : —■ Northerly freshening winds accompanied by cloudy and unsettled weather. Probability of frequent showers. Glass fall.

It is reported that Mr J. R. Hamilton, of Winton, has consented to contest the Awarua seat against Sir J. G. Ward. MiHamilton has for several years represented the Winton Riding in the Southland County Council, and is favourably known in local politics.

An unusual sight was witnessed in the main street the other day (says the Taihape Times). A sheep harnessed to a go-cart, in which was an infant, was quietly pulling its load without the slightest effort. Apparently it was under complete control, and behaved in a most exemplary manner.

A new method is being practised in rooting out old gorse hedges on the Estate, Southland (states the " Mataura Ensign"). A couple of horses are attached to a long wire rope, which is slipped round a three or four yards length of hedge, and by a long strong pull the gorse is rooted out and drawn some distance away. Another length is made ready in a few minutes, and in the course of a clay several chains are thus disposed of.

What, promises to be a most enjoyable evening is the concert in connection with the Te Awamutu Philharmonic Society co be held in the Town Hall on Wednesday, July 12th. Members of the Society have been practising for some time, and both orchestral and vocal sections will contribute some very enjoyable items. The preliminary arrangements are now well in hand, and even at so early a date several items have been promised by vocalist- and instrumentalists from other districts, and lovers of music can with confidence look forward to hearing a programme which will rank amongst the foremost of concerts held locally.

At the request of several of our leading citizens Mr Geo. Stephenson's Musical Costume Company has decided to give a performance at Te Awamutu on Wednesday evening next. Throughout its tour this company lias been welcomed by large and appreciative audiences, and press reports speak of the entertainment as a very creditable one. We can with confidence recommend our leaders to be present, and trust that Te Awamutu will give encouragement for high class companies to include this Town in their ithiery. Four rows of chairs have been procured to ensure the comfort of patrons the box plan for which is now open at Warburton's, opposite the Rani; of New Zealand.

The fact is very few people tjave any idea of the extent to which the dead hand of the Gov ernment's Native policy I? hold-

ing back the settlement of the country. We are convinced that at the present moment the most urgent need of the Dominion is that the Native land problem should be attacked and settled. But as long as Mr Carroll and Mr Ngata are allowed to control this matter in accordance with their particular views we shall not make progress. The worst of the case is that these unoccupied lands are a menace to the neighbouring settlers.. They do not pay any contribution to the maintenance of roads and other local works, and they breed all the pests which the Government demands that the farmer should extirpate. The farmers ,have a hopeless task as long as these areas remain idle. —" Napier Herald."

Constable McCarthy, who for the past twelve months has been stationed at Kihi Kihi, was notified early in the week that the Department was transfe..-ing him to Cambridge.. This notification will be received with considerable regret by residents throughout the district, more particularly at Kihi Kihi, for, in spite of the period of their residence here being so short, both he and Mrs McCarthy are deservedly popular. As an officer of the Department Mr McCarthy was always respected, while in social life both he and Mrs McCarthy were always ready to assist in any movement, and in this sphere their absence will be marked considerably. We congratulate him on the promotion that accompanies the transfer, and extend congratulations on his receiving such wellwarranted promotion. Mr Mc Carthy succeeds Sergeant Mc Namara at Cambridge, and Constable Ryan, of Taupo, will take charge at Kihi Kihi.

At "Green Hill" on Tuesday evening the members and friends of the Te Awamutu Polo Club were entertained by Mr and Mrs Win. Taylor, i here were about 70 guests present. Throughout the evening both Mr and Mrs Taylor showed • every consideration for the enjoyment of their guests, and the veVy evident pleasure of all bore testimony that their efforts attained the desired effect. Cards were played for a considerable time, the results of a progressive euchre

tournament being Mrs E. I. Miller, winner of the ladies' prize, and Mr W. F. Stewart winner of the gentlemen's prize. In the gentlemen's section Messrs W. F. Stewart, W. I. Taylor, and b. Potts tied for first place, the finals resulting as above: The second prizes went to Miss K. McGovern and Mr F. Potts. The first prize for each section was a handsomely-framed photograph of the polo team, which formed a very fitting trophy. During the evening the president (Mr ¥/. Taylor) presented the members of the team —Messrs W. Kay (captain), E. Potts, O. Kay, and F. Taylor—with suitably inscribed medals. In a brief speech he complimented them on winning the cup, this being the first occasion a local team has claimed this honour. , The individual members of the team responded thanking Mr Taylor for his thoughtfulness throughout the season which, together wilfh the great interest taken by Mrs Taylor, had to no small degree inspired enthusiasm and made the season the enjoyable one it had been. Several musical items concluded a most enjoyable evening the party finally dispersing at an early hour.