LOCAL AND GENERAL

Evening Star, Issue 20054, 20 December 1928, Page 12

LOCAL AND GENERAL

* Samuel Turner, F.R.G.S., of Wellington, accompanied h, his son, Cyril Turner, of Canterbury University College, climbed the peak in the vicinity of Mount Hooker, and made the first exploration and ascent of Mount Hooker recently vsays a Press Association telegram from Haasl). Aneroid measurements yet to ho checked indicate the peak to bo about I,oooft above the height given in the maps. Five days were occupied in reaching the base from Makarora, Lake Wanaka.' Mount Hooker is the highest, and had hitherto been tho only unclimhed and unexplored peak in the Haa cL . district of the Southern Alps. That slio thought her first husband was dead was tho reason given in the Hamilton Court by a _ middle-aged woman nanjod Annie Elizabeth Godfrey for going through _ the form of marriage at Hamilton with a labourer named Wilfred Leonard. On a charge of _ bigamy the accused _ pleaded not guilty, and was committed to tho Supremo Court for trial. —Press Association.

A Press Association telegram from New Plymouth states that a, borough loan proposal to borrow £76,500 for hydro-electric and water supply extensions was carried at a poll of tho ratepayers yesterday by a majority of 701. There was a very small poll, 1,178 voting for Llio proposal and 471 against it. Sickness in tho family was attributed by Paora L’angikauhatn (Paul Jenkins), a share milker, of Waikanac, as the cause of his failure, but when it appeared that ho had bought a motor car tho official assignee was positive that the bankrupt should make an offer lo the creditors. The assets were nil, and £IOB-Os 8d was owing to unsecured creditors. Tho bankrupt said he could pay perhaps £1 a week, and tho assignee said if no better offer could be made ho would expect £1 a week from tho date of tho bankruptcy. Tho meeting was adjourned sine die.—Press Association.

Tho iirst, consignment of a parasite for use against tho horntail borer of pine tree has been received by the Cawthron Institute. Tho parasites, which arrived in excellent condition from England, wero sent from the Farnham Royal Parasite Laboratory of tho Imperial Bureau ot Entomology. Owing to its prevalence in neglected woodlots and small plantations which servo as breeding grounds for destructive tree pests through out tho dominion, tho horntail borer is now universally established, and though not known to injure healthy trees it is almost invariably found in weakened or damaged ones. The parasite lays its eggs in tho boring lava of tho horntail. The work of controlling this pest is part of an extensive campaign inaugurated by Dr Miller for tho protection of the everextending exotic forests of the dominion from the depredations of destructive insects.

Henry Dixon Tyrer, aged forty-four, a hospital attendant at Porirua, was committed for trial at Wellington on a charge of doing bodily harm to a patient of tho institution. Dr Hayes, medical superintendent, said ho was present when tire complainant’s evidence was given at tho hospital, and ho was of opinion that the complainant was able to give rational testimony, lie said tho complainant was troublesome, but not violent. It was a common thing for patients to make complaints against tho warders, and all wero investigated. Dr Stout said lie considered that tho complainant’s injuries wero very severe. Tho injuries Wero consistent with the complainant having been kicked. Tho accused pleaded not guilty. Bail was allowed.

The Caversharn School Choir gave parents and friends a special Christmas treat on Tuesday evening, when a splendid programme of carols and concert items was rendered Interspersed through the programme were recitations by M. Johnston, H. Denford, N. Souncss, 11. Torrie, and B. Levic, songs by H. Dcnford and J. Coventry. A piano duet was played by Mavis Friend and Dorothy Harris. Miss Molly Johnston, with a neat spcoch, presented tho head master (Air Palmer) with a set of carvers on behalf of the choir, and m appreciation of his work as choirmaster. In returning thanks, Mr Palmer indicated that the choir next year would ho taken over by Mr Fleming, a member of tho school staff. An opportunity was given to Mr F. E L. Forrester (president of the Schools’ Sports Association) to present the Bing, Harris Shield and tho Ritchie Cup won by the school B cricket team and the A Rugby team respectively. Mr T. A. Brown (chairman of the committee) expressed to Air Palmer and the staff the appreciation of tho committee. Airs Burk acted as accompanist for the choir and solo singing. A special meeting of the executive of tho St John Ambulance Association was held on Tuesday evening to discuss arrangements in connection with the visit to Dunedir towards the end of January of the delegation consisting of Sir John Prescott Hewctt, G.C.S.L, K.8.E., C.I.E. (Bailiff Grand Crass), Bailiff of Eglo; Major Cohn AI Rae, C.B.E. (Knight of Justice); Lady Margaret APllae, 0.8. E. (Damo of Justice); and Mrs Lorn a Ethel Atkinson (Dame of Grace, and daughter of Sir John Hewctt), from St. John’s Gate, London. Tho delegation is visiting Australia and New Zealand to strengthen tho relations between ovei - seas branches and headquarters of the Venerable Order of the Hospital or St, John of Jerusalem, and is sent u tutor the authority o, the Duke of Connaught (Grand Prior) and with the 'concurrence and best wishes ot H.M. tho King (Sovereign Head of the Order in the British Realm). Tho meeting of tho Rescue Lodge, No. 105, International Order of Good Templars, was held on Tuesday in the Oddfellows’ Hall, King lAwfuß street, when Bro. H. Sincock (Chief lemplar) presided. There was a good attendance of members, and visitors were [.resent from Hope of Dunedin Lodge. Bro. b. Brain, late of tho Forest of Dean Lodge, Gloucestershire, England, was received on clearance card, and was cordially welcomed by the Chief templar. Special reference was made to tlw serious illness of His Majesty the King, and the members joined in the singing of the National Anthem. Greetings were received from Star of r reodom Lodge and Sister Bedford. After business had been dealt with several members rendered items. Iho Star ot the South Juvenile Icmple met the same evening, Bro. J. Hilton, S.J.W ~ in charge. There was a good attendmice of members, and tbo official visitors from the adult lodge were also present. On Saturday a combined picnic of the members of the Pride of Waitati, Ever Hopeful, and Star of the South Juvenile Temples was held at Waitati A good programme of races and games was held, and both young and old thoroughly enjoyed themselves.