LOCAL AND GENERAL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XVIII, Issue 1778, 1 March 1923, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Parliament will meet before the end of June next, acording to a statement by the Prime Minister.

The following will represent United against Te Kuiti on Saturday at the Domain:—Martin,, Dingle, Davidson, Bryden,'Bennett, Cook, Kitto, Gough, Pope, Aimes and Dooley.

A witness in the Supreme Court at Wanganui stated that he had been reliably informed that as much as £5 had been paid for a bottle of whisky in the Raetihi district. The usual price varies from 25s to 30s.

“Would you care to join in the game of cards?” said a young man to Lord Jellicoe at St. John’s Club at Wanganui. “No, thanks,” replied the genial Governor-General. “Cricket is my game.”

What may safely be assumed to be a district record, says the Napier Daily Telegraph, is reported from Mr H. N. Kebbell’s station at Alfredton. There were 281 ewes turned in one paddock, and from this 133 per cent of lambs were obtained.

A cable message states that heavy fighting is reported at Glenofaherlow, in Ireland, between, the FreeJ Staters and the Irregulars.

It was stated at the War Memorial Committee yesterday that the weight of the column alone would be between 35 and 40 tons.

Patrons of the Excelsior Fortnightly Assembly are reminded that the Assembly’s opening dance takes place in the Municipal Hall on Monday ' next.

So far no word has been received as to when the officer from the Agricultural Department in Wellington will visit this district to report on the spread of noxious weeds.

When discussing the drinking abilities of men, counsel mentioned in the Supreme Court at Wanganui that he knew a man in Wanganui who had drunk a bottle of whisky every day for 20 years. He would not give the name.

Mr H. Parkinson, monumental mason, Auckland, informed the War Memorial Committee yesterday that the proposed Te Kuiti Memorial was far in advance of anything he had seen in other town of a corresponding size.

While the Main Trunk express was standing at Newmarket station early on Sunday morning, a successful escape from custody was made by James Williams, a prisoner who was being taken to Auckland. He has not yet been recaptured.

Counsel, addressing Maori witness at the Cambridge Court: “Were you under the influence of liquor?" Witness: “No!” “How many drinks had you had?” Witness: “Ten." “How many drinks would it take to make you drunk?” Witness: “I don’t think I get drunk at all. I can drink like a fish all the same.”

A prisoner who was before Sir John Salmond, in the Palmerston Supreme Court, had rather a novel explanation of how he came to be separated from a policeman when under arrest. He certainly did not run away, said the prisoner. “I was walking along quietly with the policeman, when he sort of disappeared in the fog.” (Laughter.)

An amusing story is told in connection with the visit of the ViceRegal party to the races at Wanganui. Lord Jellicoe and party were leaving the course prior to the last race, and as their motor passed through the crowd one of the spectators, out: “Why don’t you wait until after the last race?” “Because they have > to get home to milk," came instantly from another bystander, who doubtless spoke feelingly.

“I hope that his defeat will not mean that he will not offer his services on some future occasion,” said Mr G. P. Mitchell, ex-M.P., with reference to Sir Andrew Russell, who was present at a gathering at Newtown (says the Times.) He regretted that the people of Hawke’s Bay had forgotten the services of one who had done so much for his country, and whose wisdom and foresight in time of war had saved hundreds of lives. (Hear, hear.)

Late on Tuesday afternoon, when a handful of spectators were holding an inquest on a dog run down by a motor-car, in front of the Municipal Buildings, a horse, with reins dangling loose and drawing a Cart containing a small child, bolted violently over the crossing. With commendable presence of mind, Messrs J. Henderson and J. Jamison headed the animal into the wire fence, bringing it to a halt, and thus averted what: might have been a serious accident..

In a certain country hamlet, not: more than 45 minutes’ journey from: Te Kuiti by rail, a certain wellknown Stipendiary Magistrate was having his wants attended to in the local store, when what must be presumed to be a local punter strolled casually in, and addressing the storekeeper, said: “I say, Jimmy, have you got a ‘double’ card for Wanganui tomorrow?” It has taken the storekeeper two weeks to recover.

The question of granting free places in secondary schools, to overage pupils of primary schools who have gained certificates of proficiency form the subject of a circular which has been issued by the Education. Department to principals of second- < ary schools. Clause 3 of the free place regulations states that “any pupil who has obtained a certificate of proficiency, but who, by reason of age, is not qualified for a free place, may be admitted to a free place ini a high school if he has been recommended therefor by a senior inspec- • tor of schools, and takes a course of ' instruction which meets with the' \ -- approval of the director.” of secondary schools have now been 1 asked to refer all such cases to the' f'--senior inspectors, who are requested' to inform the department whether' in their opinion a suitable course of' instruction has been chosen in sucht case. '