ASK THE WITCH DOCTOR

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 29, 4 February 1928, Page 2 (Supplement)

ASK THE WITCH DOCTOR

Astronomer makes two (pieries, one of which lias previously been answered. In tlie issues for December lOtfi and 31st. The other Is: How many miles away is tlie nearest tlxed star?— The distance to Centaurus, wh.'ch is thought to be the nearest, has never actually been measured. Astronomers estimate it, however, to be two-thirds that of Cygni, which is -JO billion miles away. It is an interesting: fact that the light of Centaurus takes Tour and a-third years to reach the earth. Charlie asks: (a) What gives electricity the power to drive things? (b) Why is a revolver called a "revolver?" —(a) Electricity has beeu denned as "an invisible agent known only by its effects and manifestations." The greatest scientists in the world cannot explain electrical ■force. Perhaps you mean "in what way is electricity generated?" (b) This name comes from part of the mechanism, a cylinder with several chambers, each meant to contain a cartridge. As the weapon is llred the cylinder turns round, briiugiug a fresh cartridge into position for the next shot. Hence the name "revolver." Pourquoi puts the question: What subjects is it necessary to take Tor a diploma In journalism and when could one take it? —The three compulsory subjects are practical journalism, English and history. There are nine others from which any three may be chosen: (l) Economics, (■<) Constitutional History and Law or Political s&ience, (3) Latin, (4) Philosophy, (5) Geography, (6) Statistical Method, («) History or Political ideas, (8) a modern roreign language to B.A. standard, y) Applied Mathematics, Physics, ChemisVi 7' Bola "l r ' Zoology. Geology or Psycholit'V'iu tilis is a university examination it. wm Do necessary Tor you to matriculate before sitting.

f Tui is anxious to know \vlirrc Father Christmas lives all the 3t>i days.—He is in the .Never Never lantl, sorling and packing- toys In preparation Tor December 05. Avis Inquires: (a) How many native birds has iS'ew Zealand at present and how many had she before any were extinct? (b) What was the date ol' the Japanese earthquake about live years ago.' (a) There are now i:>s variettes. Hemains which have been discovered belong to the Moa, Aptornis—a giant woodhen: Notornis Mantelli —a huge coot or which tiiree living- examples were afterwards obtained, a gigantic bird of prey, an extinct goose, a giant penguin and several other species of wingless bir*ls. <1>) U began about two minutes before noon 011 September 1, 19:t. The initial shock was followed by a second and third quake. Many other shocks of more or less in tensity occurred at snort intervals, spreading everywhere the work of destruction. Quizzical wonders: (a) Whether it is possible for stories to be criticised by a by a New Zealand paper. (!>) How a girl of eighteen, -who lias a desire to travel, can work round the world. — (a> As a rule editors are willing to give their opinion on a story's merits if a request is made to that effect, (b) I advise you h> wait a year or two. There have been cases where a thoroughly eillcient short-hand-typlste lias travelled from city to city, following her calling in one place until ready to move on to the next. Situations for domestic helps are also fairly plentiful. Passage 011 board ship may be worked as a stewardess. This, however, is more suitable ror an older woman accustomed to sea travelling. The position of governess or nursemaid to a ramily on its way Home has also been utilised, hut such an opportunity occurs only very rarely. N.R.—No more than two queries will be answered at a time Tor the same correspondent. Those wishing: to ascertain the whereabouts of certain books will Had the information readily obtainable from any bookseller. The Witch Doctor is too busy to answer such unnecessary questions.