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Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2696, 29 December 1909, Page 4

His Worship the Mayor, who has been spending a few days at his coastal residence, returned to town last even-

The ordinary meeting of, the Gisborne Borough Council will be held this evening at 7.30. Amongst other business the recommendations of the Works and Finance Committees, regarding matters arising out of t’he loan proposals, will be considered.

Another old identity of Gisborne, in the jJerson of Mr. Martin Casey, passed away yesterday morning at the advanced age of 70 years. Mr. Casey, who for many years was Borough Ranger, had been ailing for some time prior to his death, which was not altogether unexpected. The recent rush to dairying throughout Southland is now showing the effect on the cheese export (writes an Invercargill correspondent). The. quantity exported is already nearly double that despatched during the corresponding period of 1908. The cheese industry to date has yielded about £24,214 to Southland than it did during the early part of last season. Mr. F. W. Riacli, J.P. presided at the Police Court yesterday morning, when a first offending inebriate was fined the usual 5s and costs. Patrick Barrett was fined 12s, cost 10s, in default 48 hours’ imprisonment, for being drunk and disorderly at the Waerenga-a-hika social on Monday evening, and was further convicted and fined £l, and costs_2s. in default 48 hours’ imprisonment, Ibr resisting the police. Up to the end of November the total sales of wool in Australia this season reached the grand total of 2,725,032 bales, and it must be remembered that all this wool ha s made prices which are well above the normal, and the actual money value of the transactions to date must be between eight and ten millions sterling, a fact which very forcibly illustrates the magnitude of the _ great staple industry. As compared with the same period of last year, the operations show an increase of 112,827 bales.

Some of the people who “go on the land” display remarkable ignorance of the profession they are about to take up. At a recent meeting of the Auckland Land Board, the Commissioner of Crown Land s (Mr. James Mackenzie) told an amusing story illustrative of this. A man, he said, had just taken a piece of land, and one day a surveyor said to him, “That’s a fine section of yours; there’s a lot of kahikatea on it.” “Is that so!” was the reply. “I must get a gun; it will help to keep the pot boiling..” Evidently the settler thought the Maori name for white pine was that of some kind of game bird.

Mark Twain’s famous confession that he is the laziest man on earth, has been proved by a foreman printer, who, in his young days, was printer’s devil on the “Buffalo Express.” Twain was on the staff of that paper for many years. The famous humorist’s love of comfort was a notable trait in his character even then. “Part of my duties consisted in sweeping Mark Twain’s room ” says the printer, “and when I came to Mai'k’s desk, on which his feet reposed, he would' look over and ask me to go away. ‘I don’t want my part of the office cleaned up, ? h<2 used to say; ‘Please don’t- make me move, I’m so comfortable.’ Then he would give me a coin to get away from him and leave him in liis own corner without any of the debris cleared.”

It is reported (says the Hawera “Star”) that a most successful canvass has been made of this district for shares for the Patea freezing works. Practically tlie whole of the shares required have been applied for. It is satisiactory to note that a large number of shares have been applied for outside of this district. A number of settlers have approached the directors re going in for a- bacon-curing works, and the matter will be considered when the directors meet. It is urged that Patea would be an ideal place, handy to railway and port, and as there is already a freezing plant and manure plant for treating offal, farmers could start works much more cheaply by increasing the capital of the Freezing Company. The Linby (Midland Counties, England) Colliery Company have posted notices to the effect that their pits will close down in a fortnight’s time (says the “Daily Mail” of November 10th). The announcement has occasioned something like consternation as some three hundred miners will be thrown cut cl ! work at a time when their services should be fully occupied in coping with the increased demand for coal for the winter. The pits are situated near Nottingham, and the proprietors contend that the step, which has been taken most reluctantly is entirely due to the operation of the Miners’ EightHours Act, which makes it utterly impossible to work the colliery except at a loss. The company state that every effort lias been made to overcome the many difficulties to which the new Act lias given rise, but that their endeavors have been in vain.

Tlie Duke of Abruzzi, who has announced his intention to climb Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, is the most adventurous royal personage in Europe. He has just completed one of the most sensational climbs in the history of exploration by reaching the record altitude of 24,600 feet- in the great Himalaya Mountains. Ever since a lad he has had a passion for exploration and travel. His former exploits include the daring ascent of “The King of the Clouds,” the highest mountain peak in Central Africa, reputed to be 20,000 feet high. In 1900 lie got nearer to the North Role than any previous explorer. Tlie Duke has bad some thrilling escapes. He -lias been shot over a precipice while motoring, lias listened wliil-e the ribs of bis ship cracked in the pack-ice iii'tlie Arctic regions, surveyed tlie world from tbo clouds in bis balloon, and attained to points upon the Alps which no other man’s foot has been known to tread.

“With regard to girls taking up official duties (work in offices), I have a word or two to say,” said the principal (Miss Marchant), at the Dunedin Girls’ High School breaking-up ceremony. The demand for girl clerks had, sho believed, become a permanent one, and the masters told her that they preferred girl clerks.for many parts of their work. For a few j r ears the demand was greater than the supply, and she was afraid that a number ill-equipped for '«.»»« work had been able to get places, but the standard of requirements was now rising, and she wished to impress upon parents that a mere smattering of bookkeeping and shorthand was not enough; only disappointment and disillusionment could overtake those who rushed into duties of this kind ill-prepared. A great many of tho girls did not complete the two years of their free education at. the high school. The course was laid down by tho Government as a two-year course, arid it was intended that the pupils should complete the two years, and she really thought that it might be necessary : to demand some kind of bond from paronts that unless unforscen circumstances arose children who had been granted free places should complete the whole term. It was a serious matter, and it should be taken into serious consideration.

An Australian author recently dedicated a book-to Mr. .Bland Holt with these words:Sometimes in the midst men you’ll find one.” Unclaimed letters from places beyond the Dominion for the following persons are lying at the Post Office, Gisborne: Mrs. W. W. Birch, A. Bauls, A. H. Canning, F. W. Collard, Miss A. Collyer, N. ICyser, Wm. Matheson, M. O’Connell.-

The high tides and heavy seas of the last few day s have caused considerable erosion of the railway embankment, near the wharf. At one place the sleepers are projecting over the edge for about six inches, and the ground in the vicinity appears to be rather unsecure.

The recent wet weather has still further retarded shearing operations throughout the district, several sheds being nearly “cut out” when the rain commenced before Christmas. The season has been a very bad one for the shearers, many of whom have earned little more than enough to keep them. There was a moderately large attendance in His Majesty’s Iheatro last night, on the occasion of the final performance of the Austral Unisoope Comnany’s pictures. Many excellent films were projected on to the screen, and apparently were enjoyed by the audience. During the evening Master Prisk contributed a vocal item, entitled “The White Squall.” Alter removing the superfluous hirsute growth of a patron who in years has exceeded the allotted three score and ten, a Gore barber was somewhat astonished Wien his aged customer on rising from the chair remarked: “You are somewhat honored to be the first barber to cut my hair.” The old gentleman then explained that previously his hair had been cut bv his mother, and afterwards by his wife. Nine Swiss farmers, fresh from the highland pastures and fertile valleys of the “playground of Europe,” arrived from Sydney by the Manuka at Wellington last week, and intend to take up land in New Zealand. Other European foreigners who came by the same boat were two Germans, a Norwegian, and a Swede. They all satisfied the Customs requirements with regard to admission of foreigners into New Zealand.

A report from the Waitemata Fruitgrowers’ Association states that there has recently been a great scarcity of fruit of all kinds, and prices have been ruling very high. Tomatoes have reached as high as Is per lb., strawberries Is lOd, apricots 9d, plums 6d, peaches 10s a case. Local armies are fully three weeks later than they should be, and are selling at 4s 3d the half-bushel case. The demand has been heavy, but not to. the same extent as at ’other Christmas seasons, considering the smallness of the supply. When it recently became known that triplets-—two boys and a girl—has been born at Becks universal delight was manifested in a matter of such rare occurrence, and a movement was (says the (Dunstan “Times”) forthwith set on foot to mark, in a practical way, the interest of the friends of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Thurlow, who have the honor of their parentage. Subscriptions -were accordingly responded to in a manner which, rendered possible the presentation pf a substantial purse of sovereigns by the subscribers resident in Becks, Waipiata, Cambrian, and Lauder districts.

Tbe “Wairarapa Daily Times” says: “A local dairyman has discovered what he asserts to be a certain cure for contagious mammitis. Two of his cows that were suffering from it have been completely cured, and so certain is he that the remedy is all that he claims for it. that he will undertake to cure, free of charge any cows that may be submitted to him for treatment. The treatment, he states, is as rapid in its effects as it is simple and effective. Should the cure turn out to be all that he claims for it. he will have made a discovery that will be almost invaluable and which will be hailed with general satisfaction by all dairy farmers.

What is said to be a record in lamb slaughtering was made at the South Australian Government export depot, Port Adelaide, on October 20th, when 6251 lambs were slaughtered. This total was achieved by 63 butchers in 6 hours 50 minutes actual working time. It is the greatest number ever killed for export in one day in South Australia. No fewer than 32 slaughtermen accounted for over the 100. The maximum tally was 158 by Arthur Verity. This accomplishment, it is noted, was not at the expense of good work, and the manager is naturally pleased with the combination of care and speed to the credit of the men. The Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, the Earl of Aberdeen, who suggested the withdrawal of Mr. Bernard Shaw’s play, “Blanco Posnet,” is a man of strong views and does not hesitate to express them. A characteristic act was witnessed some years ago, when he was Governor-General of Canada. He was present at a concert at which Mine. Melba was the principal artiste. His Lordship found the National Anthem was omitted from the Programme, and, at the close of the concert the audience were preparing to depart without that expression of loyalty being given effect to. His lordship quickly jumped to his feet and, in his clear voice, commenced singing the first line of “God Save the Queen.” The effect was electrical. The audience bounded to their feet, with uncovered heads, and swelled the chorus, showing clearly that the omission was not of their choosing. Mr S. Barrow, a leather merchant and tanner, who has been visiting Christchurch, attributes the scarcity of hides, which caused some sensation about a year ago, to the development of America and Canada, and partly also to the civilisation, of China and Japan. He points out that an enormous population is flocking to Canada, and that whenever two or three civilised men are gathered together, leather, in some form' or other, is brought into use. He thinks that the ordinary laws of supply and demand are rilling the conditions again, and that the supplies will soon be equal to the demands. He sees great possibilities before Australia as a cattle-producing country. New Zealand, he thinks, will always" restrict its pastoral efforts to sheep. If he was a New Zealand sheep-owner, lie would not regard the Argentine with anxiety. He does not think that that country will ever be a great competitor - bn the frozen lamb and mutton market, as its climatic conditions are hot favorable for the development of the industry. V _ Just as every man thinks he is a judge of music, so pretty well every inventor has a lingering idea that he can run his own business in tho matter of his patents. Never was a greater mistake. The wise inventor puts himself under the guidance of a skilled agent. Messrs Baldwin and Ray ward, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin,- are agents of repute. They see to the preparation of working drawings, and ritand between the inventor and liis risks.

To-nhdit there will be the usual performance of Bathe Pictures. A new series of films will be shown, all well up to the high standard set by this popular company. Mr T. Harney, one of Timru’s oldest residents, states that Thursday, ember 16th, was the hottest day he has ever experienced in Timaru. He has thermometer, whicii, during the day, recorded a temperature of 100 degrees in the shade. “It is one of the most deplorable things in New Zealand that everybody s homestead and home is, as a general rule, for sale. I know nothing worse than the constant lack of love for one s home that is displayed. —Hon. U. Samuel. A local tradesman complains bitterly of "the loss sustained recently in several consignments of strawberries he bas received from Auckland. W hether through bad packing or other causes, the fruit has been arriving practically m pulp, and only 50 per cent, has been available for consumption. The gale experienced on Saturday evening and Sunday had a disastrous effect on many gardens, several of tne taller growths being laid completely low by the blast. Orchards also suffered more or less severely, in some cases considerable loss being sustained, while in others comparatively little damage was done.

Mr. Alfred Cotter, the Australian fast bowler, whose expresses have terrified many a batsman, was, on one occasion, bowling in a local match in. the neighborhood of Sydney, and inadvertently hit- one of the opposing batsmen. "Whereupon the p.ayer who was to go in next suddenly got up from his scat and inquired: “Is there a telephone office near this ground. A telephone office! What do you want with a telephone office?” asked his astonished friend. “That’s Cotter, isn’t it?” “Yes.” “Well, I want to increase my insurance policy.”

A weed that for some time past has been a terrible scourge to turnip growers in Southland has invaded. North Canterbury, and may be seen growing among oats with great luxuriance in paddock No. 30, on the Linwood Agricultural College farm. This is the weed known as yurr, or corn spurry, a plant that grows about a foot in height, and may be known by the threadlike bunches of leaves ranged in tufts up the stem at intervals of about two inches. Corn spurry is a very prolific seeder, but as it is an annual, it should not be much trouble to keep it within bounds. Growing as it does in the paddock referred to above, it forms a thick sole close to the ground, through which it is difficult to drag the feet when walking. In Southland it is bad enough to prevent the sowing of turnips on the infested flats. About half a dozen katipo spiders have been found on the Waikuku Beach, near Woodend, in Canterbury, by Mr. W. Thompson, a resident of Rangiora, who is camping there just 1 now (says the “Lyttelton Times”). The first one was found accidentally, and a search showed that others were present. One, which was forwarded to Christchurch is an exceptionally fine specimen. The body is larger than usual, and the bright orange-red stripe down the back is very conspicuous. Several of the specimens shown in a window in Rangiora attracted attention. , The kapito has been found in other plac-es* near Woodend, which is believed to be close to the southern boundary of its habitat. It has never been recorded south of Banks Peninsula. It inhabits the Malay Archipelago. India, and parts of Australia, as well as New Zealand.

That popular actor, Mr. Fred Terry tells an amusing story of his school days. He was sent to a school in France, and before going he promised his mother that he would not quarrel or fight. This promise he kept so faithfully tkatl for some time his life was made a misery by the boys, who, finding that he would not hit back, punched him on every possible occasion. At last he could stand it no longer, and wrote to his mother asking to be allowed to break that- promise about not fighting. His father replied to the effect that he had better,fight if it was necessary for liis happiness, but to “get in tho first hit, and hit hard.” That was enough for Terry. The next boy who interfered with him had to stay in bed for a few days to recover from the effects of “too much Terry. - ' “In the course of the next few days.” said the actor, “I fought four pitched battles, and after that I was quite happy.” It- is said that “mason bees” are becoming so plentiful at Purau as to constitute a serious nuisance to the residents (says the “Press.”). The habits of these insects are, to put it mildly, open to grave objection. Their living rooms they construct, with much ingenuity, out of mud," and when they choose the interior of a house as the site of their tiny dwelling places, the householders are inclined to object. No corner, I'eceptacle, piece of furniture, or article of clothing which affords shelter or concealment, is safe from their attentions. Another habit, which is also remarked on unfavorably, is credited to the female insect. When it is about to lay its eggs, an essential item in the programme is the forcible capture of a spider. The unfortunate web-spinner is stung with paralysis, and then located in the vicinity of the nest. The egg s are then laid and hatched, and the young ones find meals of paralysed spider ready to hand. Miss Helen Mathers, who has announced her intention of whiting lio more novels, wrote her first story at nine, and at thirteen composed a poem which called forth the praise of Rossetti. Miss Mathers, whose real name is Mrs Henry Reeves, firmly believes that a new frock has something to do with the acceptance of her first book, “Coming Throiigli the Rye.” At tho time Helen Mathers was a charming girl in her teens, when, with a schoolgirl’s pride, she donned her best frock and took her half-finished MS. to a publisher. The novel was immediately accepted, and she had to write the last half at express speed. Her friends declared that if she liad sent her MS. by post it would not have been so successful. Miss Mathers, however, sold all the rights of “Coming Through tho Rye,” her most popular book, for £3O. Had the young authoress been content with a small royalty she would have probably received several thousands of pounds for this novel alone. Are you aware that your personal appearance is vastly improved by a visit to our Hairdressing Saloon. Our Operators are Artists in their profession, and make a careful study of the gentlemen who come tinder their care and . treatment. Don’t forget! We have the finest equipped saloon in the city. Try our Ice Shampoo and note that we always givo our customers an Ido Wash after a shave. We are tho solo agents for, the far-famed “Parasene” lmir-restorer. “Parasene” is no local concoction and is. entirely free of acetic acid or any ingredient that will injure the hair or head. C. Morse’s Central Hairdressing Saloon, Gladstone Road.*