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Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 83, 10 April 1922, Page 4

During last week the Waiuku Mounted Riiles held an encampment at Waiuku and it was most successful from every point of view. The members of the equadron paid their own expenses, and, with the exception of three, who were absent from the district, all attended. The squadron during the weekend was reviewed by Colonel H. R. Potter, officer commanding the district, and he expressed a high opinion concerning the training carried out and the efficiency of the unit.

During March 7450 bales of hemp and tow were graded at the ports of the Dominion, as compared with 7537 for tile corresponding month of last year, n decrease of 57 bales. For the twelve months ended 31st March, the number of bales graded was 5H.000, as compared with 82,836 for the previous twelve months, a decrease of 34,836 bales. Dirr- : ing the monbh 1844 bales of tow were graded, as compared with 1320 for the same month last year, an increase of 524 bales. For the twelve months ended 31st March the number of bales graded was i 12,985, as compared with 17,019 for the previous twelve months, a decrease of 4634 bales. Twenty-four bales of stripper slips were graded, as compared with 485 for the corresponding' month last year. For the twelve months ended 31st March the number of bales graded was 590, as compared with 203*2 for the previous twelve months, a decrease of 1442 bales.

The Auckland Isthmus is still eruptive, according to some people. Professor A. P. W. Thomas states that he had been told recently that steam was seen issuing from the ground at a spot not far from this city. Soon after (the Professor declared to a W._A. gathering on Saturday) he observed a similar phenomenon at Mt. ICden, when the rocks from which the steam issued were distinctly heated. Investigation, however, revealed that the rocks, which had previously been covered with moisture, had [become heated by tho sun's rays ; —hence the "steam."

In these times of pessimism, when many people think that the good oUI times are gone for ever, and that things arc going to the dogs, it.was a happy inspiration that made the Rev. J. Lamb Harvey, of Jit. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, preach on the subject of '"Talk Health, Talk Happiness, Talk Faith" last night. His sermon acted like a tonic to all those present, and lie reached a high pitch of optimism when he quoted to prove that no evil was permanent, and he uttered a strong rebuke to all the little Bethels who thought they were the light of the world, yet who spread gloom all around them, and who would have God finish up the world according to their own dismal forebodings. Christ said that God would in His own good time root out the evil thing. People often expected too much, just as the man who was rescued from drowning complained about being wet. or complained about the loss of his hat. What the world wanted to-day was not gloom and the I rain, but the trumpet and the sunlight. We should never inflict our troubles on I others, and he had a great regard for the person who was sick when he changed the subject when you asked j him how his health was? Mrs. Wilcox's poems some people said were jingling rhymes, but she was the most popular poetess oi her day, and her books sold by the million because of the spirit of hope she inspired in her poems. The whole effort of man should be to raise the tone of our lives by inspiring others by talking health, talking happiness, and talking faith. There was no fear of the world, and optin*ism was what was needed amongst the people.

Kohimarama' Presbyterians worshipped yesterday in a church which as late as the day before did not exist. The building was the result of one of those one-day working bees which have been so popular of late years. Under the guidance of Mr. Johnston Clarke (architect) and Mr. 'H. E. Jones (builder) about a hundred volunteer workers toiled all day Saturday, and by the evening they had erected a very creditable structure capable of seating about 150 people. Tt says much for the activity of the church that it could organise such a splendid effort. The first services yesterday were well attended. The Rev. D. C. Herron, ! of St. David's, preached in the morning, and the Rev. J. Pattison, of Somervell Memorial Church, in the evening. The dedication services will be held on the 122 nd of the present month.

The Ulimaroa. with 45 bags of Australian mail aboard for the Dominion, left (Sydney for Auckland at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Auckland's share of the consignment is 25 bags.

A movement is on foot to start a Community Club in Auckland for territorials and senior cadets on the lines of the one that has proved such a success in Wellington. Mrs. M. H. Chatfield, of Wellington, is at present in Auckland in connection with this work. The Mayor, Mr. J. H. Gunson, has convened a meeting of citizens in the Town Hall on Tuesday night. By advertisement in another column all persons interested are invited to attend. Colonel Potter. officer commanding Auckland military district, has signified his intention to be present, and General Sir Andrew Russell will he there to explain the objects of the Community Club. Mrs. Chatfield, of the National Defence League of New Zealand, will also detail the work already accomplished by the club in Wellington.

On the eve of his departure from Waihi, Mr. R. H. Nicholson, late stationmaster, was the recipient of a handsome pipe and divan chair, whilst Mrs. Nicholson was presented with a silver cake dish. Mr. 'Nicholson has retired after 40 years' service in the railway, and is succeeded by Mr. F. J. Hoddenott, of Auckland.

"This Court, it appears to mc, has wisely to consider whether there is evidence to go before a jury," said Mr. Justice llosking, when an application for a new trial in a criminal case was being considered by the Court of Appeal.

"The New Zealand Court has not been given powers so wide as those of the English Courts, because the Governor's clemency is so readily appealed to in the Dominion. If your action in this Court fails —that is, if we consider that there was evidence to go before a jUTy —i then it is still open to you to appeal to the Governor for clemency."

The Prime Minister has informed Mr. J. A. Nash, M.P. (states the "Manawatu Daily Times") that it is his intention to make provision in the programme of legislation for next session for the exemption of A. and P. associations from the amusement tax.

The Hon. D. 11. Guthrie (Minister of Lands) inspected the Reporoa Settlement on Saturday. The party was entertained to luncheon, after which Lieutenant Jickell, speaking for the settlers, laid several requests before the Minister. Mr. Guthrie made a very sympathetic reply. He promised to grant some of their requests, and to inquire into others. Mr. E. E. Vaile, president of the Settlers' Association, pressed the claim of the Rotorua-Taupo railway. Replying, the Minister said a commission of inquiry had been set up, and he promised to appoint, in addition to those members already announced, a representative of the State Forest Service. He assured the settlers that all possible expedition would be used in getting the commission to work.

During the twelve month, ended March 31, the gold duty received by the Waihi Borough Council showed a reduction of £1310 11/6 as compared with the twelve months ended March 31, 1021. The shrinkage in goldSelds revenue rerepresented £1240~4/S.

An incident probably quite unique in* the annals of cricket is puzzling local and other experts in the game. Out at Ti-tree Point, on the East Coast, two teams were playing a match. One team had already finished its innings, and the other side had lost nine wickets, and had still two runs to make to win. One of the batsmen hit the ball a tremendous

"skier," and, lo and behold, the ball broke apart into two halves in the air. A fielder tried to catch one half in its separate descent, but dropped the hemisphere. Picking it up again as the batsmen commenced to rua again, he threw in quickly and hit the wicket when one batsman was out of his crease. Then he confidently appealed: ""How's that?" The umpire was faced somewhat with the judgment of Solomon. There is nothing in the rules about broken balls, but, having no rule and no precedent,, the cricket judge gave a verdict "Not out," and added an '"As you! were!" The batsmen were ordered to return to their original positions before the ball was bowled, the ball and the score off it were not counted in the score-book, and the game proceeded as if nothing had happened. But the controversy remains. "Chit" say some authorities: "not out" say others: and; others will not commit themselves. It may well be left for a higher court of jurisdiction.

A commodious Methodist Sunday school is to be erected at Northcote, the contract price exceeding L'2ooo. The walls of the building will be constructed of Clark's blocks and rough cast. The hall will be 55ft x 30ft, and will include an infant room 25ft x 16ft, and a number of class rooms.

At Rongotea may be seen an example of the maternal instinct rising superior to racial differences and colour lines. A elucky hen has taken charge of a family of young kittens, who follow their foster-mother to the utter discomfiture of the eat, whose every effort to win liaek her family has proved futile. The kittens are thriving, despite the fact that the hen's diligent search for worms remains unappreciated.

A remarkable experiment in roadmaking is now being made in America, according to Mr. A. Campbell, of Wellington, who has returned from a world tour. He stated that in one city half a mile of roadway has been laid down, the | process and the material differing each thirty yards. Underneath this small i stretch is a wide tunnel, and the weight ■passing over each point of the rond is tested, as well as the compact forces. "Huge motor-lorries run over the road during the whole of twenty-four hours j each day, and the observations which were being taken wore extremely coni- , prehensive. America expected to learn I much from this costly experiment, and ■probably other parts of the world would I learn as well.

Previous to the closing down of the Waihi (iraud Junction Battery 74 men were employed on the W'aihi-Tauranira sction of the East Coast railway during February, but the number has vow increased to upwards of 100.