NEWS AND NOTES.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 May 1924, Page 1

NEWS AND NOTES.

“This strike goes to demonstrate the value of good roads,” said Air C. E. Danicll at the Alasterton Chamber of Commerce, states the ‘Age.” “It will create it much stronger demand for them,” he added.

“Where to menu,” queried a native at the Morrinsvillo Post Office the other ' day (relates an exchange). “The what?” came the bewildered voice from behind the counter. “To menu—you know —te book with the number.*’ was the reply. He wanted to see the telephone directory.

Some queer answers are given at times hy school children in reply to questions put to them by a teacher. Last week in an Auckland suburban school (states an exchange) the pupils of Standard 111 were asked if they knew what a martyr was. Immediately one hoy’s hand shot up, and on being invited to state his conception of a martyr he said: “Something that’s grown in the garden!”

There are now 275 electric ranges in use in Christchurch city. Up to 1912 there were only three, hut bv 1921 the number had risen to (i!i. In the next year it had nearly doubled (122) and at the end of 19211 it was 2fi7. In presenting these figures to the Christchurch City Council the council’s electricity committee quoted a statement by its officials that heyoml doubt there would lie a continued rapid increase in the number of ranges installed, whether the power supply permitted the to he vigorously developed or not.

“J am glad” said ATr X. P. Green at the annual meeting of tile Daiinevirke Golf Club, “to notice that the ‘groyne’ is wiped oil' the balance-sheet at last,” referring lo an item for the erection of thi- protection against river ero-inn which had disappeared from this year’s balance-sheet. “Yes,” rejoined Air W. L. Roberts, * “the groyne has gone—-wiped out because the river has changed its course. But.” he added amid the laughter of members, “it has given the club another six nr seven acres, so though we’ve lost the groyne we’ve got the land.”—“News."

“Is she a married woman?” asked the .Magistrate, at the Gisborne Magistrate's Court in regard to the defendant in a civil action, “She is described as a widow.” stated the clerk of the Court, hut the pin ititill' interpellated: "I think -lie married again, Sir. At least, if she’s not she’s doing her best.” The .Magistrate smilingly remarked that lie could not accept such a statement as a definite answer In his query.—“ Poverty Bay Herald.”

“It’s an ill wind that blows no one good.' The railway strike has been responsible for the sale of at least one motor-car that otherwise would probably he still in the sales garage. A young honeymoon couple from the country arrived in Hawera to find that the strike was on and their plans for a wedding tour consequently disorganised (says the local “Star”). The bridegroom bied himself to a local dealer, purchased a touring ear. took a couple of lessons in driving, stowed the luggage in I lie rear compartment.' and with hi- bride beside him drove triumphantly off to complete the interrupted tour.

A ease of furs, valued at just on £lO9, has had an extraordinary trip from Wellington to M'anganni (relates i In* “Chronicle"’). The consignors, a Wellington firm, despatched il some time ago. and before the railway strike started. It did not come to hand, and alter many anxious inquiries the case turned up at \Yaipawa. Il transpired that it had been transferred into tin* wrong train al Alnrton. Once more the case started for Wanganui, but again it went astray, and after another search was located at Hawera. Consigned once more il finally reached the consignees in M’anganni.

At a strikers’ meeting in Auckland dining the rcicnt railway tie-up. there was much merriment over the first resolution dealing with future movement.- (-tales an exchange). ’I he mo tion was to the effect that the men should meet daily at ID a.ill. lor six mouths, if necessary. After some mirth it was decided i i I’.i.vt daily without any reference to the duration of the strike. An official sug-ge-ted that 11 •:* men should bring their wives to the afternoon meetings, so that they might know exactly what the society was lighting for, and all that wa- involv’d. "Aline i- up in Waikato." cried a striker lugubriously, lo the great delight of the meeting. "You are one of the lucky ones," said a wag. •‘That’s all light.” remarked a sympathiser with the lonely Inis hand, "hut is lie going to get her home ?”

The attractions of New Zealand as n land for young settlers have received wiilesniead publicity in recent years, but one would not have expected residents of Morocco to he loaning on Taranaki as a place to make their homes (says an exchange). However, a New I’lvumuth resdiem has reieivcd the following letter from

a young Frenchman, dated Casablanca .Morocco, March 2nd. "What employment would can find two young Frenchmen who are willing to leave

-Morocco for another country. My colleague, 24 years old, is a lneeanieian (mechanician) is employed at the moment ns conductor of tractors on a farm. lie knows Arabian and Spanish, but not the English language. Personally, I have 29 years and am inspector on a farm. 1 know perfectly German and English and speck fluently Arabian. I am very well acquainted with bookkeeping.”