The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1908. THE DOMINION EXPORTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2377, 18 December 1908, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1908. THE DOMINION EXPORTS.

It is very welcomo news which comes from the United States to the effect that American woollen manufacturers raise no objection to the free importation of foreign wools, but it does not follow that legiis&ihion based upon that - suggestion would pass Congress at tho present time. The farmers’ vote would almost certainly bo opposed to any reduction of the present tariff, which lias the effect of keeping the price of ivool at a very high rate in tho United States. This, of course, is all very well from the point of view of the producer, but it is disastrous to the consumer for it sets m value on wool that makes the wearing of woollen goods a very costly matter to the American. The result is that the masses wear almost exclusively cotton fabrics or at tho best a very inferior type of shoddy, and anyone who knows anything of the American climate, rigorous in winter and oppressively hot in summer, will re-' cognise that a larger percentage of wool in their clothing would be a distinct boon to the people. Theusual argument for a (heavy protective tariff Is that it will encourage a local industry, in this case the very important one of sheep rearing/ but the logic of events does not justify this particular application. Although there is an impost of over one hundred per cent on woollen goods imported into the United States it is a fact that the sheep industry of that country has not progressed in consequence. The reason is that climatic conditions in the greater part of the United States are not favorable to sheep raising, and even though the tariff were doubled it would be still necessary to import large quantities of wool from abroad. Thus the net result of the prohibitive American, tariff is that the consumer .is asked to pay an excessive rate lor an 'article of common use, while the pastoral industry is not stimulated to a material extent.. If Australasian wool were admitted free through American .ports the result would be to cheapen tho cost of the manufactured article, and this, in a market of 50,000,000 people would obviously have m pronounced effect upon the value of the raw product. It would be equally gratifying to New Zealand pastoralists if our American friends cou'id see their way to remove the heavy duties which make it impossible for >us to ship our mutton and iamb to the United States. Because of the general unsuitability of the climate for sheep raising it is difficult to get good mutton in the land of the Sars and Stripes, as is quickly made apparent to New Zealand visitors passing through, and the result of this as that beef is almost exclusively used. In the off season quite exceptional prices are paid by the •weaithy for a joint of lamb, and a, plump carcase will frequently bring from twenty to forty shillings in tho cities of New York, Ftluiladclpllia, Boston or Chicago. Even then the producer does not make a huge -profit from tho transaction, for he is compelled by the rigor of the clirm.ite to keep his little Hock under cover and feed them by hand. How much easier and more profitable all round it would be for the Americans to purchase their Jambs 'from us at that, time of year! Unfortunately tlioy arc the most conservative of people iin matters of international trading, and will apparently continue to grovel blindly lat the feet of the high protection fetish even though the 'whoi’.e country suffer in consequonce. From tlic producing and trading interests only there is a good deal to be said for the .removal of the restrictions upon our Taw products. ’•lf cargo boats were clafll'ing regularly at New York harbor with shipments of frozen meat the carriage of American manufactures to New Zealand would be greatly facilitated and America’s trade with tho Dominion in manufactured .goods would in all probability be more than doubled in a short space of time. It is v extremely unfortunate that the markets of the United States, Germainy and France arc closed to foreign meat; but it is only .a question of time when tlie consumers in those countries will compel tlie authorities to remove tlie present obstacles to the obtainmont of good mutton lat a reasonable price.

A , branch—the first in New Zea-land-^—of the Anti-Cigarette League has been formed in Dunedin.

The inspector of stock (Mr. Roes) yesterday, at the Matawhero saleyards, (condemned a cow 'Buffering from tuberculosis.

From Messrs Common, Shelton and Co., Ltd., comes an embossed reproduction of “Loves Dream” together with Christmas greetings.

It is notified that the offices of solicitors iin Gisborne will bo closed for the Christmas holidays from Wednesday, December 23rd, to Tuesday, January sth, both days inclusive.

Our London correspondent, writing under date of November 6, Gays: Since writing last very little change can be noted in 'the course of the ■wool market. Business is extremely limited, but everything is steady. The Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society Ltd., per Mr. James Dalryinpie, 'Gisborne agent, forwards to this office two of its handy wall calendars and a neat and useful blottingpad . The meeting of shareholders in tho Kia Ora Co-operative Dairy Company, which was to have been held last evening, was indefinitely adjourned. Dividends are .payable, at the secretary’s office on application. A special meeting of tlie Borough Council will Ibe held at noon to-day to consider la. proposition from the M.U., that Saturday, January 2nd, Star of Gisborne Lodge, 1.0/0.F., should be declared a public holiday.

A conference of dentists is to be held in AVellington early in the New Year, when representives of the profession will attend from all parts oi New Zealand, also from San brancisco, Brisbane, and Sydney. Pm-raising cintinues to be one of tho leading industries of tho Feildmg district. The price obtained is not so good just now as it lias been, blit the number of pigs continues to be of the. highest of any district in the North Island.

The Chinese of Saltwater Creek, near Timaru, have progressed with the rest of the town, having increased the size of their vegetable gardens from about 25 to 100 acres, all of which is under cultivation this year. A Southern inventor has patented an implement, rafter the fashion of a grain drill, for planting potatoes. As the result of a practical test held the other day, the inventor ascertained that he can thoroughly plant half an acre of land in an hour.

A special general! meeting of the Poverty Bav Rowing Club will tie held at the" Cosmopolitan Club this evening to consider the proposition to erect a new chub house, on tlie section at the foot of Bright 'Street, permission having been granted ‘by the Harbor Board.

It is understood that the Railway Department has in contemplation the running of night trains between AA ellington and Auckland _ during ■ the Christmas and New Year holidays. The train to Auckland will probably leave Wellington about 10.30 p.m. and reach Auckland about t ocioCii the following evening. The Southward express will most likely start from Auckland at 8.30 p.m., and arid vo at AVellington about 6 p.m.. December 22 to ’ January 2 will, in all probability be the duration of this service. The present two days’ service will bo run in addition.

Referring to tho work of Signor Borzoni, who is to arrange a grand military carnival next month, ail Invercargill paper states as follows: — “Yesterday evening tlie first performance of tliis gorgeous spectacular display was given and seating accommodation was fully occupied. Signor Borzoni’s work was not unknown in Invercargill but the majority of the public must have been surprised to see the magnificence and magnitude of “The Birth of the Empire.” Tho exhibition is an artistic series of tableux, dances, and fascinating evolutions. It is a symbolical story told in the poetic story of music and motion and illustrated with a wealth of color.” About 200 ladies .and girls are wanted for the Gisborne display, and Lieutenant Mitchell is at present receiving applications from those desirous of participating therein.

The higher rates of postage which are in force in Australia are frequently commented upon by New Zealanders who hare taken up their residence in the Commonwealth, as well as by those who, as visitors to the “sister States,” have the same fact forced upon their notice. It takes tlie resident of the Dominion some little time to become accustomed to the necessity for placing two penny stamps upon' letters directed to New Zealand in reply to missives which have been carried to them by means of the penny post. Another anomaly lias been mentioned by an ex-Aucklander, who is at present a resident of New South AVales. He states that ho was recently required to pay 9d postage on a copy of the “Auckland Weekly Nows.” which lie was sending to a friend in the Old Country. The reason .given was that the newspaper was published outside .of Australia. In New Zealand no such distinction is made, there being tlie one rate of postage for all /newspapers. It does not scent To be generally known that Hamilton conferred the freedom of the city upon two American officers during the United States fleet’s visit to Auckland. Tlie New York “Sun’s” correspondent, after likening Hamilton to a central Kansas City, encloses a copy of the freedom certificate. Finding themselves stranded in Hamilton, having missed the Rotorua train, the officers received an unexpected public welcome from. Hamilton, and the following document was presented to them:— “Greetings. The municipality of Hamilton, New Zealand, bids you welcome and presents you with tlie freedom of the city and its key. Your misfortune is our gain. AVe welcome you as brothers. We have a common ancestry, a common language, a common literature,. common institutions. AVe. remember that ‘blood is thicker than water. 5 Let our motto hereafter be ‘Hands Across the Sea. 5 AVelcome to our city.—James Bond, Mayor.” The address was beautifully printed and illuminated, and accompanied by a couple of keys. The use of motor cars for high speed travelling is coming largely into vogue both in Europe and America, somo of them attaining a speed of nearly sixty miles an iiotir, to keep up with the pace this week it s Rapid potato mashers for fivepence eacn at Parnell’s _ Popular Saturday Sales, nineteenth inst. only.

A Press Association, caible received from ' (Melbourne last night states that the supplies of hides are small, and the market very strong lor an cilasses. 1

A Press Association telegram from Dunedin states that the man Flynn, a/rresed on Wednesday, was charged at the Police Court with polygamy and remanded till Tuesday next.

An emergency meeting of Lodge Montrose, S.C.,-wdl beheld in the Masonic Hall at 8 p.m. tx>-day, when Pro. McCudlough, D.G.M., will give an address. Brethren or sister dodges und visiting brethren aie invited.

A “Gazette” notice declares silybum marianum— commonly caviled milk thistle, variegated thistle,- blessecl thistle, holy thistle, maria thistle, or Our Lady's thistle —to be .a lioxiouo weed, and the Department of Agriculture directs farmers in the Cook County to clear their lands ol the pest.

Fogwell, the Australian sculler, who has been acting as pacemaker to Arnst, states that 'he has arranged that his match with Whelc.li will 'bo rowed 'at Akaroa at Faster, ocetasion being taken of the • two days’ - shorse-racing to be held there during the holidays. Tlie stake will be £IOU a-side, which may be increased under certain cireujmstances.

At a meeting of the Southland Education Board, Mr. J. C. Thompson, M.P., stated that parents who had children at the High School had told him that they would withdraw them on account of the expenditure required in the matter or school-books. He strongly favored the proposal that text-books should bo supplied by the State.

At the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, Hon. Capt. Tucker and Mr. A. H. Wallis, J.’sP., were the presiding justices. Judgment for plaintiff by default was granted in the following civil cases: Ik os. Aston Coleman (Mr. A. T. Coleman) v. Albert Geo. Williams, claim £5 18s fid, and £1 3s 6d costs. Joseph Gurzinski (Mr. H. Bright) v. Joseph White, claim £2 7s, costs 7s.

A Press Association telegram states that the fin til meeting of the Wallace Testimonial Committee was held at Wellington on Wednesday night-. The treasurer said there was a balance of £72. In addition to the £250 already presented, a cheque ’ for £72 was ihanded to Mr. Wallace, together with au illuminated address, expressing appreciation of Mr. Wallace’s career as a footballer, and tabulating his performances.

Quite a number of sporting enthusiasts (says the Auckland ‘ ‘Herald”) from Waihi are going to Sydney for the Christmas holidays in order to see the fight for the heavy-weight championship of the world between Burns and Johnson. It is stated that one large _ party of young men is taking £7CJ in sovereigns for the trip, presumably as spending money. fn Australia the interest over the coming contest is very keen, and a good deal of betting has" taken place over the result. It is stated that if Johnson wins lie intends to go on the stage, and aspires to Shakespeare roles. He contemplates Othello, and Mrs Johnson, who is a white woman, is anxious to play Desdemona to her husband’s jealous Moor.

Tlio fortnightly meeting of the Carpenters’ Union was he'd in Townley’s Hall last evening. Four applications were received for admittance, two new members were proposed and two initiated. It >wMs decided to summon all members who are over sixteen weeks in arrears on January Ist, 1909. Bro. Maddi.scn was reelected as president for the ensuing term, and the retiring committee was ■re-elected. A discussion took place on the subject, of some employers reducing the hours on existing contracts being carried out under the* old rate of Is 3d per hour. Severnl members considered that the old rates Should be adhered to on existing contracts. A motion that the discussion bo adjourned was carried, and the meeting cflosed.

A special summoned meeting of •Lodge Turanganui, No. 7, U.A.0.D., was held last evening in the Masonic Hall. There was a large (attendance. The question of medical benefits was discussed, and it was unanimously decided to revert to the old system of having only one Bodge doctor. The election of officers resulted in Bro. S. J. Spiers being appointed District President, and ‘Bro. Geo. E. Darton Grand Lodge Representative. The installation of officers -was performed in an impressive manner by Bro. A. Wade, Grand Guardian. A hearty *vote of thanks was passed to the outgoing officers, and it was decided to present Bro. W. J. Whinray with a P.A. diploma, taud Brt>. G. E. Darton with a Past Secretary’s collar. The official presentation of diplomas and collars will bo made at an early date.

. “Do you believe in coincidences?” asked Mr Tuck, of Wanganui, of a “Dominion” representative on Monday last. In reply to an answer dn the affirmative, Webb’s backer said: —“ln the first race hero against Stanbury I was thrown from /my bike, and was considerably shaken up. When I went to Sydney with Webb for the'Towns race Charlie Siddels died as we were going into Sydney Heads on the Wi miner a-, and today I -received a cable announcing the death of my uncle, Alderman Towers, of Lancaster, England, who was responsible for my bringing-up for several years. I was as lively as a iliirk up till this afternoon, but the death of the old chap has knocked une out a< bit. Alderman Towers, who was 7S years of age, was known in Lancaster as the ‘Father of the Corporation.’ ” The merriest morning of the year, when the members of the family come together with gifts in their hands, is drawing near. CJlupstmas is so close that it would be sheer folly to postpone or longer delay your Christmas shopping. Christmas is rightly the happiest time for the children and their gifts should be secured at once, but there is the shopping for the grown-up. Your remembrance need not be expensive, what the recipent Avill value more than the acutal gift is the kindly thought that prompted the present, and we know of no store so well able to meet your requirements as Wtn. Pettie and Co.*