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Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 173, 22 July 1903, Page 2

In our report of the Police Court proceedings in connection with the alleged theft of goods from a warehouse, we reported yesterday that Harold Skinner, in evidence, stated that he gave £5 for goods valued at £ 14, 10/8. The witness asks us to state what he did say was that he gave £5 on account of these goods. The ranks of the veterans are rapidly thinning. Death has once more stepped in and claimed one of our defenders. William Whitmarsh, late of the 58th Regiment, of Windmill-road, Mount Eden, died this morning, aged 82. The mysteries of red tape are marvellous. On the 20th January a package arrived for an Auckland firm by the Omapere, and was placed in one of the wharf sheds. Six messages were sent by telephone to the firm regarding that package, but it was not removed, the aforesaid firm holding that notice should be given in writing. The matter wag mentioned at the meeting of the Harbour Board yesterday, when Mr. Alison and tiie chairman, Mr. Julian, both expressed UiP opinion that it would be better for notice to be given in writing before sellnig the package for storage. It is a good many years now since, on the 22nd of -July, the British troops had a skirmish with the Maoris near Rangiliri. The fact oi this being the anniversary of that affair recalls to memory that the militia saw service on that ocuision, and one man who fell had a bullet hole right Ihiough a letter from his wife. Years afterwards, when the land giants were given, the widow claimed her share, and produced the letter in evidence, but although the man left his bones in the country it was held he was not a settler, and his widow failed to get the grant. Included in the cargo by the schooner Ysabel is the material for the erection of the new Free Church at Tonga. Tlie Devonport Borough Council met last night for the transaction of business, the deputy-Mayor (Mr W. Handley) being in the chair. The main discussion of the evening was on the subject of building: permits. An ru<r>i : "M n was submitted for a permit to build on a street which had not beep !.!i:i . ,_\ taken over by the borough. The question was sent to the Streets and Water Committee for and five other permits of orthodox nature were granted. The tender of Parsons and Sons for the carting contract was accepted for 12 months to come. Mr Edgoeumbe's motion for a report to be furnished on the subject of the disposal of the borough's house refuse was carried, and the matter transmitted to the inspector for the necessary report. The other business was of a formal character.