General News.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8144, 18 November 1905, Page 3

General News.

" i.ou re a mug, that is what you are. You go and slave for a whole month, and then come ashore and get drunk, and fall into the hands of those who are, lurking about for your sort, and lose all your money." These remarks were addressed by Dr. M'Arthur, S.M., of Wellington, to a fireman on a coastal steamer, who had drawn liis wages, drank more beer than was good for him, and was relieved of his money. His lesson having already been a severe one, his Worship convicted and discharged the man, so that lie could go to his steamer.

The no-hat craze lias, spread to an enormous extent at Blackpool and. neighbouring seaside resorts. Young ladies have outstripped the men in this respect, and probably a quarter of the feminine visitors go about bareheaded. The girls have other methods of obtaining the maximum of comfort during the hot weather, for hundreds are to be seen parading the town stockingless, and a few even sleeveless. Many wear sandals. These customs are so prevalent that they excite no comment among tlie residents but with visitors it is different.

In the November issue of the Liberal Herald is a portrait of the . Premier taken on horseback. In this connection the Lib-Lab journal says:—'• Last month we gave a portrait of him (Mr Seddon) as Prime Minister in a thoughtful mood, looking as though light were flowing in upon his brain, illuminating some great problem that had hitherto been obscured in haze, but was, iv the new illumination, taking practical shape, which, later, translated into legislative form, should bring credit to the thinker and benefit to mankind. To-day we show him mounted on his trusty steed ready for such exercise as has under the direction of competent medical advisers, restored the health and strength that at one time waned to a degree that caused considerable anxiety." Tke Herald, which had previously described Mr Seddon as " the great intuitional son of nature," says," We are not of those who flatter; we know of nothing more detestable than sycophancy." Ahem!

Seldom have we heard of a more remarkable case of pluck, perseverance and adaptability to circumstances, than is told in the Post and Telegraph Advocate, of a young New Zealander, Mr E G. Moon, postmaster at Te Uku.' Owing to physical infirmity he cannot tise his hands, and is unable to walk. Not having the use of his hands, he learned to write and do everything with his feet. As a child he developed a love of nature, became an expert gardener, and maintained an excellent iiower and vegetable garden: He uses a mason's trowel for digging and he can sow seeds and plant out almost as well as a man that has the use of his hauds. ,At the age of fifteen his love of nature led him to attempt flower and landscape painting in water colours Several of his paintings have been.exhibited at the art industrial exhibitions, obtaining three first" prize gold medals at Auckland, Cambridge, and _Te Awamutu. When painting in the touches he holds the brush in his mouth. Gardening and painting do not complete the list of Mr Moens pastimes; he is also a carpenter, and can use all carpenters tools with his feet. As though his official duties were not sufficient,

Mr Moon undertakes. other rcsponsibuities of a clerical nature. He is secretary, treasurer, and librarian of the local library and agent and correspondent for the d strict to two newspapers.