NEWS IN BRIEF

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 121, 15 February 1935, Page 13

NEWS IN BRIEF

Tug-of-war With Octopus That an octopus, even though a moderately small one, has sufficient strength to more than hold its own in a tug-of-war with a man was proved by an incident at Point Jerningham, Wellington, yesterday. A bather who had just left the waler was sitting on the beach when he noticed an octopus swimming in shallow water near some rocks. Its full measurement was probably. about live feet, and tlie man, thinking lie would be able to pull it from the rocks and throw it ashore, made chase and took hold of two tentacles, eacli about as thick as a broom handle. Despite every effort against it in a continued pull, tlie octopus not only hold its own but steadily backed into deeper water and finally escaped.

Dogs on Beaches. ‘‘Beaches with little children playing around are no places for dogs; the children need protecting,” said Cr. W Appleton at tlie Wellington City Council meeting last night. On his motion it was decided that the inspectors be instructed to take definite action in the matter.

More Water Inspectors. The Wellington City Council decided last night to appoint twelve water supply inspectors in addition to the ten already engaged on the work. Tfie pay will be 2/6 per hour, tlie work being night work.

Tunnel Motor Traffic. Cr. W. Gaudin drew tlie attention ot tlie Wellington City Council last night to tlie practice of motorists passing one another in the Hataitai traffic tunnel. He predicted a serious accident if tlie practice were not stopped. The Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, promised to have the traffic inspectors investigate.

Warships’ Visits. H.M.S. Diomede arrived at Wellington yesterday morning from Gisborne, and berthed at the Clyde Quay Wharf. She will remain in port until Monday, when she will depart for Queen Charlotte Sound and Lyttelton. The sloop Leith also is to make a call at Wellington, arriving from Auckland on March 8. She will return to Auckland after a brief stav here.

Large Gorse Fire ' Before any damage had been done to other property, Wellington fire brigadesincn suppressed an outbreak of tire over a large area of gorse near Milne Terrace, Island Bay, early yesterday afternoon. Dense clouds of smoke made their task difficult, anti they were kept working on the fire for about an hour and a half