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Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 285, 2 December 1925, Page 6

The chief postmaster has been advised that the mails that left Auckland by the R.M.s. Aorangi on October 27, per Vancouver, arrived at London on November 29.

During the visit of the Minister of Lands to Devonport yesterday he was discussing the question of subsidies for recreation grounds. At the time the Hon. McLeod was looking over the sketch plans of the proposed new municipal offices and town hall. Mr. A. Harris, M.P. for the district, asked: "Doesn"t a town hall come under the headin_ of recreation?'' Quick as a shot the Minister replied. "Yes, every three years, at election time,"' and the whole of the deputation enjoyed the joke.

Licensed porters will soon be on the platforms of the larg-er railway stations in New Zealand. They will have the recognition of the Railway Department. and be allowed to handle passengers' luogage at the following rates: Single article Gd, for more than one trip to or from a cab, tram, vehicle, railway carriage, parcels office, or part of station directed or appointed, as the case may be, 1/ per trip. These licensed porters will not be employed by the Railway Department, and the Government will not be liable for their acts or defaults. the time he is on duty in connection with ■his calling every licensed porter shall wear a cap lettered and numbered, and i- _, I »i y f an4 v ßuitably dressed " Provision is made for licenses to be transferred

The claim for £325 10/ for mesne profits and £12 9/3 rent arising out of litigation regarding the Merrilands estate at One Tree Hill, was concluded in the Supreme Court yesterday afternoon before the Chief Justice, Sir Robert Stout. The plaintiffs were John Pater-

son, James Paterson commission agents, and Helen Paterson (Mr. Richmond, instructed by Mr. Lowrie), and the defendant, John Foote, farmer, Auckland (Mr. Leary). After - lengthy evidence, his Honor reserved judgment.

Driving up Queen Street in the Ministerial car yesterday afternoon, the Minister of Lands was particularly struck with the busy appearance of the city. He turned to the "Star" representative, who was accompanying him, and said, "It seems to mc that there are only two kinds of people in this city of Auckland nowadays, the quick and the dead—if you don't be quick in these streets you're dead."

Supporters of Mr. M. J. Savage, M.P., to the number of about 200, assembled at the O'Neill Street HaU, Ponsonby, last night, to congratulate the member of Auckland West on his return to Parliament. The gathering was a most enthusiastic one, and when Mr. Oliver Poison, on behalf of Mr. Savage's admirers, presented the member with a very line travelling rug at the conclusion of a warmly eulogistic speech, there was a remarkable uemonstration. Mr. Savage made a brief but feeling reply, in the course of which he most gratefully and cordially thanked those who had worked so hard to secure his return, and expressed gratification at their kindly gift. The evening was brightened by an enjoyable musical programme and with dancing.

The stamp of efficiency ' has been placed I'Don the Seddon Memorial Technical College company of senior cadets by their selection to represent the .Northern Command in the annual competition for the Riddiford Cup. A parade will be held in the Outer Domain to-morrow afternoon-at 2.30 for the purpose of a final inspection. Colonel AY. L. 11. Burgess, acting officer in command of the New Zealand Forces, Major P. B. Henderson and Capiain A. E. Conway will be the members of the inspecting party. The Riddiford Cup is presented annually to the most efficient cadet company in New Zealand. Last year it was won by Nelson College, and the previous year by Scots College, Wellington, both of which companies are again representing the Southern and Central Commands respectively.

A refusal by the Education Department to pay for the cost of forms used by two of the Auckland district schools in lieu of desks, resulted in a protest by Mr. H. S. W. King at the Education Board meeting to-day.- He held that a certain numW of forms- should be ihe regular equipment of all schools in these d.tys of open-air teaching, when pupils were frequently taken out under the trees for elasses*_n hot weather, and it was more desirable that they should be seated on forms than allowed to lounge on the grass. Mrs. Ferner supported this view, holding that tlie practice of sitting on the grass was subject to special risks by girls, who should have the use of forms to sit on at luncheon time. The board decided to make representations to the Department on the lines suggested.

Satisfaction was expressed by the Auckland Education Board to-day with the willing spirit of two teachers. One teacher was a young lady who could not get accommodation in the district of a small school she was teaching in the King Country, and who cycles fifteen miles to the school each day and back again to her quarters. In the second case, an English teacher, who had received a country appointment at a place where there was no accommodation, had set up a tent for himself and family, and intimated that he would get along quite well until such time as the hoard could secure a grant for the erection of a teacher's residence. "He has the spirit of the pioneers and will get along all right,*' oommented the chairman.

Mr. G. W. Wild, an instructor under the Department of Agriculture, missed his footing on a steep hill at Ohiwa on Sunday, and fell about 30 feet, eventually bringing up about 200 feet away. He was picked up in an unconscious state, and conveyed to the Opotiki Hospital, where an examination revealed that one of his legs was broken above the knee. There were also severe abrasions to his head and body. Mr. Wild recovered consciousness before reaching the hospital, but was very weak. He is now doing as well as can be expected.

The trustees of the New Zealand Sheepowners' Acknowledgment of Debt to British Seamen Fund have purchased Mr. Walter Strang's residence and 30 acres of land at Awapuni for the purpose of a girls' hostel. It is the intention of tho trustees to bring out sisters of boys at Flock House and train them in domestic duties appertaining to farm life. When the boy's leave Flock House following their period of training they will in future be accompanied by sisters who come to New Zealand under the new scheme. A remarkable accident happened at Medbury (Canterbury) on Monday. Mr. Cecil Brooker was harrowing "on his farm when the cleets of the tractor caught in the chain attached to the harrows. The harrows were thrown into the air and descended on the machine and driver. Mr. Brooker had his left arm broken and his chest crushed against the steering wheel. A boy who came along enabled Mr. Brooker to extricate himself and seek medical attention.

An interesting point was raised in the Magistrate's Court to-day before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., when it was contended by Mr. J. J. Sullivan that in the case of a dwelling house once subject to the War Legislation Act, it remains subject to that Act irrespective of the fact that the rent has been increased over the amount that would ordinarily take it out of the Act. The matter stands over until Tuesday.

Giving evidence regarding the death of Alexander Stewart, who was fatally burned in a hut at YVinton. a taxi driver told the coroner that deceased was intoxicated, and that, in his opinion, a burning candle resting on a block of wood caused the fire. A verdict of accidental death while intoxicated was returned.

According to the Minister of Lands. his Department is negotiating with the Defence Department for 11 acres at Orakei. His Department could get this land by paying for it. and if the Defence Department had lands at Devonport which were no longer needed, then he was of the opinion that the borough, or others should have the opportunity of buying it.

Cheap week-end railway tickets from Wbangarei to Opua will he issued on Fridays, from next Friday until the end of February.