NEWS OF THE DAY.

Is There a Boom? Is New Zealand booming? The average Xew Zealande'r would say that it was not, but an Auckland firm of lawyers, has received a letter from a client in California aeking to be informed about general business conditions m Xew Zealand, and adding: '"'According to newspaper reports here, the whole of Australasia is booming." Possibly "Australasia" is a mistake for "Australia." A Pest in Pageant. That -(lie white butterfly pest has impressed itself on public imagination was illustrated at the children's fancy dress ball held in the Scots Hall on Monday evening, when one of the young competitors, possibly to emphasise the extent of this insect pest, presented a pram covered with green paper leaves and paper flowers, showing signs of the voracity of the butterfly in its caterpillar stage. In the pram a doll holding forth a long-handled net gave point to the purpose of the exhibit. " This Milk Business." "I have lost all faith in the Auckland City Council since this milk business," remarked the Mayor of Mount Eden, Mr. T. McXab, when the Mount Eden Borough Council was discussing last evening the proposed regulation of taxi fares. "The City Council was paid £250 to bring up that bill, and our people are suffering under it. Our relief workers are trying to live without milk, and we had a case in the borough last week of a child that died; whose mother was trying to bring it up on tinned milk." _ •

Naval Workshops at Devonport. A statement that, after the arrival of the new cruisers which will eventually replace H.M.s. Dunedin and H.M.e. Diomede, more accurate work would have to be done in the naval workshops at Calliope Dock was made by the naval oflicer in charge of the Devonport Base in a letter which came- before the Auckland Harbour Board at its meeting yesterday afternoon. The letter asked that the board, when repairing its sheds at the dock, should provide for additional skylights in the workshops. Reporting on- the request, the engineer stated that the roofs required recovering, and that it would be a simple matter to provide the additional lighting asked for -Jchen .the workshop was being re-roofed. That work, he said, would not be carried nut until the next financial year. It wae decided to reply to the naval officer in charge in terms of the engineer's report.

Reserve Bank Reaction. Remarking that lie did not think the result of establishing a Reserve Bank would lie as good or as bad as all the fues made about it saemed- to indicate, Mr. H. G. R. Mason, M.P., gave a candid expression of opinion to a gathering of ratepayers at Henderron. He eaid that one advantage was that all the shareholders would have to be residen,tis of 'Sew Zealand, which would prevent its control being dominated by outside influences. A disadvantage was that all its ollicialr,, from the head downward, would be drawn from a class with banking traditions, and, as they would naturally work with these in mind, the bank would be neither a revolution nor a reformation, but a support and a buttress to the old system.

Waterworks Schemes. Referring to his recent visit to the waterworks in the Waitakere Ranges, in company with members of- the City Council, the Mayor of Mount Eden, Mr. T. McNab, stated at last night's council meeting that he considered any extension of the waterworks there was undesirable.- Before the water was filtered it was dark brown with vegetable matter. He understood that the council proposed to spend a further £300,000 in dams in the ranges. "Is there any chance of getting that Waikato scheme through some time?" asked Mr. J. H. Walters. "Surest thing in the world," replied Mr. McXab emphatically.

A Missing Conductor. ''Where is tho conductor?" This question, addressed to the motorman of a tram bound for Papanui (Christchurch), not so Ion? ago, caused that functionary to start anil gaze wonderingly at the rear platform of the tram. It was empty. The tram had stopped at Bligh's Road when the question was put to the motorman by a pas&cnger, who had rung the bell and caused the train to stop. Some minutes later the conductor arrived on the scene by the courtesy of a motorist. He had alighted from the tram at a. stop half a mile nearer town, blown hie whistle for the tram to start, but missed his footing in stepping back on to the tranij which, quickly picking up speed, left him behind. The tram was only ii few stops from its destination lvcfore anyone became aware that the conductor was missing, and the motorman vVae more than a little relieved in hie mind when his partner in service reappeared.

Noisy Speedboats. The proposal of the Auckland Harbour Board to make a by-law controlling the speed of motor boats passing through protected areas, or when close in to bcaclies, was discussed last evening at a meeting of delegates to the Auckland Yacht and Motor Boat Association, and was unanimously approved. The fitting of eilencer.a on largo motor boate, it was pointed out, was unnecessary, as the majority ■of these, craft already had water-! cooled or under-water exhausts. Outboard motor boats and some of the auxiliary trading vessels, the delegates agreed, should be dealt with in this manner, a member pointing out that a few of the auxiliaries made more noise than outboarde. Several other proposed by-laws, including a proviso that clubs should obtain a permit to hold motor or yacht races, were not approved, and a subcommittee was set up to obtain fuller information on thesematters.

Mayor Remembers His Boyhood. "They are no worse than I was myself when I was a boy," remarked tlic Mayor of Mount Eden, Mr. T. McNab, when a letter was received at last night's meeting of the council from a resident, who complained that the lawn at Xormanby Road wae used every Sunday by youths for football. "I have done the same myself, as a boy, and I don't think they are doing any harm." Referring to a further complaint from the same writer that children repeatedly climbed over the young plants on the rockeries, Mr. McNTab said that he had not seen any signs of damage, and he did not think the council needed to take any action.

An Impressive Ceremoivy. "I should like yon to know how very delighted* I was with the Returned Soldiers' Anzae Day service and parade, which wae held to commemorate those who from all parts of the Empire sacrificed their lives fn the Great War, whether at Gallipoli, in France, or elsewhere,', writes his Excellency Lord Bledisloe to Sir George S. Richardson. "The whole ceremony created a profound impression on me, as I feel sure it must have done upon the large and repreaentaitve assembly which participated in the Service of solemn yet proud remembrance. The carriage and general bearing of the men when marching past the saluting base under very trying weather conditions were most commendable, and I was glad to note the 'esprit do corps' which still clearly animated those who had been comrades in, the same war units as each passed with its identification banner. The inclenipnt weather did not detract from the fine bearing of the men nor from their steadiness, and quiot reverence, during the short and* very appropriate service at the Cenotaph."

Trout Fishing Season. One of the best trout fisliing seasons experienced for several years closed in the Auckland Acclimatisation Society's district on Monday. In practically all of the favoured streams good sport has been provided and the fitsh have been in excellent condition. Among'the best stretches of water has L.en the Waikato River between Arapuni and Horahora, the section yielding some line catches; Fishinn- below the spillway at Arapuni on Sunday, a party of three Hamilton anglers landed 14 fish, averaging over 41b, while other parties had similar success.

Faulty Legislation. "Legislation dealing with unemployment has been placed on the Statute Book with small regard to its effect in future years, states the annual report of the Canterbury Society for the Protection of Women and Children. "An example of this is the case of single mo", who have found it almost iinpos,sible to obtain employment. An inducement has thus been held out to them to marry in haste in order to stave off destitution, with tlie natural result tluit unsuitable marriages have been contracted. Our society will be called in to patch up matrimonial diffi ulties and rescue innocent children from uncongenial surroundings."

Gifts of Bush Land. Some years ago Sir K. Heaton Rhodes presented to the Summit Road Trust six acres of bush on the west slope of Case Peak, and, speaking to Mr. H. G. Ell recently, Sir Heaton suggested that the open land found the bush should be planted with native trees, especially tbtaras. Mr. Ell, who is organiser of the trust, has agreed to do this (states the Christchurch "Press"), and Sir Heaton will assist. Sir Heaton also stated that he intended giving a patch of bush half a mile further on to be a Summit road 1 scenic reserve. Mr. Ell told a reporter of the "Press" that this would be a most valuable gift, and one that would be greatly appreciated.

Remarkable Strawberry Crop. A basketful of magnificent strawberries, large, well ripened and delightfully flavoured, was shown to a representative of the "News last week by Mr. W. A. Willis, of 24, Sydney Street, Invercargill, who grew the fruit in IC open in his garden. The strawberries came from the plants of the variety known as "Everbearers," a title which is evidently a true indication of their capacity, since Mr. Willis has been picking: fruit since November and the plants are still laden with strawberries and flowers. Ho saye that provided they are protected from frost the plants will continue tearing for another two months. ''How's that for the Southland climateV" Mr. Willis remarked. "Mv strawberries were ready as early as the northern ones, and we aru still getting fruit from them every day. , ' Father Shocked. The idiosyncrasies of juveniles are well known, and generally lind an outlet in a penchant for collecting things—anything that happens to be the vogue with the younger generation. At the present time the crown top from a well-known brand of ale finds much favour with the youngsters. Tressed into contact with a garment and the cork washer pushed into place from the inside, the kiddies have a badge emblazoned with the word "champion," a name which goes far with juveniles. One little fellow, vho was bewailing the loss of his badge, accosted his father with the- request, "Say, dad, will you get some bottles of that 'cordial,' because I want the tops?" The joke was on father, as dad was a staunch supporter of the water wagon.

Pirongia as National Park. The opinion that Pirongia Mountain should be designated a national park was .expressed by Mr. E. Phillips-Turner at the annual meeting of the Hamilton Beautifying Society. Mr. Turner pointed out that there was a fine growth of native bush on the mountain, and he - considered that in view of the fact that the land about a level of 1500 ft was unsuitable for settlement, steps should be taken to have the mountain bush, set aside as a reserve. Pirongia Mountain was within easy reach of Hamilton, and tlie people should take an interest in the matter. A resolution from the speaker that representations should be made to the Government to have the upper levels of the mountain declared a national park was considered, several members supporting the proposal as a step in the right direction, but after discussion it was decided to refer the matter to the committee for further consideration.

Evidence of a Slot Machine. Some of the causes of the elamp-aelling machine in the private box lobby at the Lybtelton Post Office becoming out of order were shown to a representative of the Christchurch "Press" by the Lyttelton postmaster, Mr. McFarlanc. These consisted of a collection of articles which had been inserted i'i the machine by persons trying to obtain stamps without putting in the necoseary pennies. In tlio collection were several discs of tin, crown tops flattened to pass through the slot, odd bits of metal of various shape* and sizes, and pieces of cardboard. Mr. meFarlane explained that it in practically impossible for stamps to be obtained from the machine without the proper coin being juserted; but the attempts of dishonest persons to insert other articles frequently result in the machine becoming blocked, resulting in inconvenience to the public and annoyance to the Post Office officials.

" Quite Insignificant." Disillusionment conies in various forms in the list of authorised names issued by the Honorary Geographic Board, states the "C'hristchurch Times." For instance, Mount Coates on the Two Thumb Range, close to D'Archaic, named after the. lit. Hon. J. G. Coates, "is quite insignificant," lM>ing merely a point on the south arete of the massive D'Archaic, while Mount Forbes, in the same locality, is not named after the present Prime Minister, but after a noted geologist. Indeed, if it had not been for the present action of the board, there might have been no Mount Forbes at all. Those who think that the Maori name of Mount Cook, Aorangi, means "sky-piercer," or "cloud of heaven," have been sadly misinformed, for Aorangi was the name of a child in' the Arai-te-Uru caiioo that coasted Canterbury. When a Maori was asked why the name of a child was given to the loftiest mountain, he replied that the child was carried on the shoulder of hi* father, and so was higher than any of them,

Fifty-five Years Ago. P Mies A. E. Phillips, president oi tlio London Teachers' Association, in her presidential { address at the annual conference, caused t Laughter by quoting from evi'dence given be- ■ fore a Select Committee of the House of ! Commons in 1871). The inquiry concerned 2 extravagant expenditure by the London School 1 Board, and a witness said: "Geography, sir, I is ruinous in its effects on the lower claeses. i Keading, writing and arithmetic are comparaI 1 tively safe, but geography invariably leads to - revolution. . . . Physiology, besides being ! costly and uselees, is an immodes.t subject. - When the Author of the Universe hid the ij liver of man out of eight, He did not want 1 frail human creatures to see how He had done -it. ... Grammar is an enervating exercise, 1 which the good , sense of vestries has ext eluded from all parochial discussions. The ', whole effect, sir, of extra subjects is to I diminish the fierce virtues of an ancient ' people'. . . . The dominating qualities of the race are passing away day by day."