CITY AND SUBURBAN

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 7, 3 October 1929, Page 13

CITY AND SUBURBAN

At present there are in camp at Trentham about 200 trainees, drawn from various districts. They are signallers who are undergoing their annual'signalling course, and the training is expected to last for fourteen days.

Two perfect spring days have marked the opening of the trout-fishing season in the Wellington district. So far there have been no reports from the more remote parts of the district, but in the streams within easy reach of the city the water is said to be in good order, and some quite satisfactory bags have been made. Should the weather continue fine it is expected that there will be a considerable number of fishermen out during next week-end.

A remand until Wednesday next was granted in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday in the case of Leonard Hollobon, an artist, aged • 40, who was charged with having indecently assaulted a male. In asking for the remand, Chief Detective Lopdell stated that there would probably be a further similar charge preferred against accused when he next came before the Court. Hollobon was granted bail in the sum of £lOO.

Sports bodies are reminded that tenders for leasing portions of Gear Island close on Friday. This is considered a splendid opportunity for a combined effort to secure a playing area that must be an asset to the Hutt Valley in the years to come. The sympathetic co-operation of the Hutt River Board, sports bodies, school committees, beautifying societies, and progress leagues could do much to assist in developing this suitable open space along lines that must be of great advantage to the progressive boroughs of Petone and Lower Hutt.

Candidates for degree, diploma and professional examinations conducted by the New Zealand University, have been advised that the examinations will be held from November 4 to November 19 inclusive. No announcement has yet been made as to when the matriculation examinations will be held. It is understood that the University authorities will again use the Winter Show buildings for examination purposes, despite the unfavourable comments passed last year, but it is stated that every effort is being made to make the structure as comfortable as possible.

The rapidity with which frolicsome boys wear out their clothing occasions most mothers a good deal of concern, but it is certain that they would be driven to distraction if they had to provide knickers for burly giants such as formed the pack of the Maori Rugby team which met New Zealand at Athletic Park yesterday afternoon. “I am afraid these will never see the game out,” remarked M. Kahu, the Auckland lock, who weighs 17st. 21b., as he critically regarded a diminutive pair of white shorts in the dressing-room before the game. “I think it would be safer to wear my trusty black pants,” he said. As the Maoris were playing in white uniforms, the Auckland man was persuaded to risk [“e little white garment. Kahu’s judgment was sound, however, as the fray had not proceeded far when the big Maori lock was seen returning to the stand. He reappeared clad in his trusty black nether garment, which for the remainder of the game was in the thick of the burly burly.

Clarence Moore, a carrier, aged 29, who pleaded guilty before Mr. E. Page, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday to having assaulted a young married woman with intent to commit rape, was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence.

HAPPENINGS IN AND ABOUT TOWN

The Lyall Bay bowling green will open for the season on October 19.

In a reserved judgment given by Mr. E. Page, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Murrie Spiers (late of Wellington, but now of Dannevirke) was convicted and fined £5 and costs on a charge of carrying on the bnsines* of a land agent without a license.

A member of the Lower Hutt Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club was asked at last night’s annual meeting if he would accept office if nominated. “No, I would only cause arguments,” he replied amidst laughter.

“I will never miss a chance of seeing the Maoris play Rugby,” declared a spectator at Athletic Park yesterday afternoon. “They are the most spectacular players in the world. They do not care whether they win or lose; they simply play the game for the game’s sake, and it is a delight to watch the dazzling manner in which they toss the ball about. If all teams were to make the game as open as do the Maoris, grounds would be all too small to accommodate the crowds who would flock to see the fun.”

Reference was made at the meeting of the Competitions Society on Tuesday to the strenuous work done during the competitions by the stage managers, and it was decided to place on record the thanks of the executive to those members of the committee, who had given a great amount of time to the work. The thanks of the executive was also conveyed to Mr. 11. Hatch, president, for the able way in which he had filled the office during the past year.

During his lecture last evening before the Historical Association on the subject of New Zealand Naval Defence, Sir James Allen mentioned that the mine-laying operations of the raider Wolf were discovered in a very haphazard way. On the raider there was a prisoner of war who placed in a bottle a record’ of the location of the mine fields, and the number of mines dropped overboard. The currents carried the bottle to the Celebes Islands, and from thence information was sent to the Admiralty and New Zealand.

A supporter of the Wellington Competitions Society has written to the executive suggesting that a presentation should be made to the young lady Maori singer at the last festival. The society should be able to get twenty or more Native artists next year amongst 3000 entries. The singing of the selection from “The Messiah” by the competitor in question was a revelation from the Maori people. Otaki now seemed to be the home of tjie Native artists, and was as close to the Empire City as to Palmerston North. The writer thought that a Native class would be an excellent attraction at the competitions. It was agreed to thank the writer of the letter and to pass on the suggestion to next year’s executive for consideration.

A strong revival in wrestling has brought about the existence of the Wellington Wrestling Association, which has already staged several successful bouts, the last of which, between Ailey and Ecklund, was considered one of the finest wrestling matches ever witnessed in Wellington, and has been the cause of enlisting many more patrons for the ancient sport. Amateur wrestling is to be encouraged by the association, but its big “draws” will of necessity be those that bring stars from overseas together in this city. The arrangement under which these prominent professionals are engaged is for the association to take 20 per cent, of the net profit, and for the wrestlers to divide the other 80 per cent, between them on a basis to be decided before the event.