NEWS OF THE DAY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 38, 15 February 1943, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY

Auckland's Largest Family Recently a picture appeared inthe Star of seven children in one family attending an Auckland school. A correspondent has written to say that there are six children attending the Convent School at Remuera, all members of a family of 17, in which there are eleven daughters and six sons. Four of the sons are in the armed forces. The correspondent inquires if anybody knows of a larger family in Auckland. Mystery Threepence A mystery which requires explaining has been passed on by Mr. W. P. Glue, of Christchurch. A few days ago, he bought some Greenfeast peas from a farmer in North Canterbury. While they were being shelled a hard ridge was felt inside one of the pods. Carefully opened, this ridge was found to be a threepenny piece, firmly embedded in two of the peas. How the coin had got there no one -could explain. Traffic Danger A dangerous practice by some tradesmen in running delivery vehicles on the wrong side of the road with the excuse that they were thereby saving petrol and tyres was condemned by the -Christchurch traffic inspector, Mr. J. Bruorton. He said it Was admitted that petrol and tyres must be conserved, but using the wrong side of the road was dangerous. A lost life could never equal any saving in petrol or rubber. Inspectors had been asked to keep a check on this offence. Atmosphere Was Cold When evidence is being given in undefended divorce petitions it has to be meticulously accurate as to certain legal and domestic dates and acts, but the Court shows no particular interest in the sordid details of domestic infelicity that have no direct bearing. As a result experienced counsel develop a technique of leading their clients in the box past embarrassing family confessions. As an instance, a barrister who had a client in the box in the Supreme Court last week condensed the whole story, of a troubled married life from the point of marriage to the point of separation in one leading question thus: "You became estranged, and In 1930, owing to the cold atmosphere you left home?" "Yes," replied the petitioner, and that was that. When the Court was satisfied that the separation had been recorded as a mutual desire of the parties and had remained in full force and effect the decree was granted without further probing.

Day of Camouflage Following the camouflaged army vehicles seen nowadays, a .small boy in the Mount Albert district has endeavoured to conceal his trolley from the gaze of those in the distance by painting it similarly. However, its military appearance was spoilt, as a battered metal notice had been nailed on the back reading: "Seven standing if full inside!" Seaside Outing In bright weather yesterday a party of 160 wounded United Nations' navy, army and air force personnel visited Mission Bay. The transport was provided by the Red Cross Transport Corps, the stretcher cases being taken by St. John Ambulance. The mobile canteen presented by the Pixie Club was again a valuable asset. Mr. Norman Tate assisted to entertain the visitors. The Mission Bay picture theatre has been offered to present a screen programme at any time when weather conditions prevent outdoor entertainment. Flew With Famous Airman The interesting experience of flying in a transport plane with Dick Merrill, famous American airman and holder at one time of three transatlantic records, fell to PilotOfficer M. O. Guthrie on his return journey to New Zealand. Merrill, who became one of the most expert pilots flying passenger planes, and is still doing this work, caused a sensation on one of his Atlantic trips when he loaded the wings of his plane with pingpong balls so that his craft would float if he was forced down. In 1936 he joined Harry Richmond, actor, singer and' amateur airman on a trip to England. "He's a grand guy," was Pilot-Officer Guthrie's tribute to him. Works 17 Hours a Day "Bo you mean you work from 3 a.m. until 10 p.m. seven days a week?" asked Mr. J. W. Neate, member of the No. 2 Armed Forces Appeal Board at Morrinsville, of a reservist. "Yes,. sir. I have been doing that for the past three years, as I am unable to get any assistance," replied the reservist. The reservist stated that he had owned a milk vendor's business for the past 15 years. He also owned a property of 60 acres which was carrying 46 cows, one bull and two horses. He had two daughters still at school, and his wife assisted with the milking. He had to serve 210 customers and delivered 64 gallons of milk a day. Undue hardship would be caused to the public and his family if he entered the army, he maintained. The case was adjourned sine die.