NEWS In BRIEF

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 201, 26 August 1939, Page 7

NEWS In BRIEF

Lightning Kills Ewes. — Lightning killed four ewes, 'but in no way affected their eight lambs, what they were struck during a thunderstorm, while grazing in an open paddock an the farm of Mr. R. R. Blade, of Ahuroa, nine miles from Warkworth. One sheep, which apparently received the full charge of tlie lightning as it ran to earth, had the wool practically torn from its back, and this was scattered for about 40ft around. After striking the first ewe the lightning travelled along the ground, burning a path in the grass for a distance of about 30 yards. It then must have struck the three other ewes, which it killed, but it left no marks on them. The lambs were huddled near their mothers' bodies, quite uninjured, when Mr. Blade discovered his loss.

Aid for Refugee Students.—The Canterbury University College Council iiai decided to remit the tuition fees of two approved refugee students for one year, the position of the students to be reviewed at the end of that period. The decision lias just been conveyed to the Student Refugee Committee, which made representations to the council in Juk>. The committee has also been informed that the granting of some reduction in boarding fees of refugee students at Rolleston House will be decided by the high schools and hostels committej of the council on the merits of each individual case. The selected refugees will probably be science or engineering students.

Art Union Winner. —'"Tide waiter,** winner of the first prize of £2000 in the art union drawn last niglit, is preserving a discreet silence as to his or her identity. The only information that the Christchurch agent for the sale of the tickets could give to-day was that the' ticket was bought at a hairdresser's shop in Colombo Street. Most of the tickets for this art union were sold during race week and the nom-do-plume suggesv* that the winner of £2000 was a keen racing enthusiast.—Press Assftciation.

Fatal Collapse.—Mr. John Lawrence Long Lupton, married, aged SS, hotel proprietor, at Tangiteroria, collapsed whilst working yesterday and died at 4.30 p.m.—Own Correspondent, Dargaville.

Flats for Pensioners.—The first project of it>3 kind in the "Dominion, a city council block of old age pensioners* houses adjoining Sydenham Park, was officially opened by the Mayor, Mr. R. M. Macfarlaiie, M.P. The fiats are let at 12/ a double unit, and 10/ a single unit, which will meet all costs. — (P.A, Christchurch).