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Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 58, 5 February 1927, Page 8

A Press Association message from Auckland states that a motor hearse was completely destroyed by fire at Waikumete. The vehicle, which was valued at £6OO, was leaving the cemetery after an interment, when the engine back-fired and set fire to the woodwork. On Wednesday afternoon a resident of Thames Street, St Albans, Christchurch, left her home for the afternoon and when she returned the place was in disorder. The contents of the cupboards and chests of drawers had been strewn about and a thorough search made of the rooms. There was no money in the house, but a diamond ring is missing. Entrance had been effected by a fanlight. Judgment was given at Wellington yesterday by the Chief Justice, Sir C. P. Skerrett, on a new point relating to the payment of costs. His Honour ruled under section 241 of the Code of Civil Procedure that costs awarded to a defendant in a case discontinued by the plaintiff must be paid before permission is granted for the case to be recommended, even if plaintiff were to proceed in forma pauperis the difficulty would still exist. On the suggestion of the chairman (Mr C. Campbell) it was decided, at yesterday afternoon’s session of the annual conference of secretaries and executive officers of the power boards of the Dominion, to extend invitations to the chief district clerk and accountant of the Public Works Department to attend future conferences. In putting forward tire suggestion, the chairman remarked that these officers came in close contact with the accounts of the power boards. Four men were bathing in fairly deep water at New Brighton yesterday afternoon when one of them noticed a swirl in the water and the dark form of a shark making for the group (says a Christchurch telegram). All hastily scrambled back to the beach and an excited crowd soon gathered to catch glimpses of the unwelcome visitor. Several bathers have reported the presence of sharks just outside the breakers this season and surfers are not venturing out very far in consequence. The present season has not been particularly good for lamb production in Southern Hawke’s Bay, the flush of grass as the result of rain at a critical time having affected the quality of the output, states an exchange. In spite of this some farmers have sent forward good linos to the works. Mr J. H. Gibbons, Waione, this week consigned 1200 lambs to the Waingawa works, which averaged 37 lbs. Waione is almost in the back country and this fine result was achieved after the lambs had been driven 40 miles.

One paper presented at yesterday’s session of the power boards secretaries’ conference dealt with the important subject of depreciation, reserves and sinking funds, which had been termed by Mr A. M. Owen, F.R.A., accountant to the Christchurch municipal electricity department as ‘'provision for wasting assets.” A letter from the past president, Mr H. A. Smith, of Wanganui, who was unable to attend the gathering, was read expressing appreciation of the taking up of such a weighty subject. On the motion of the chairman (ATr C. Campbell) a special vote of thanks was passed to Mr Owen.

A member of the Tabley family in Christchurch, which lays claim to the Tabley millions, stated yesterday that of the nine Melbourne claimants, four are really the Christchurch Tableys. Two of them are sisters of the New Zealand family, and three are cousins. The cousins are the children of a younger brother of the late William Tabley, and it is anticipated that their claim will he ousted by that of. the Christchurch family. The sisters did not participate under the will of their mother, who survived, and was the sole beneficiary under the will of her husband. It is believed that two of the Christchurch -family will leave for England next month. A dog story possessing unusual features is in circulation in ’Wanganui, states the Chronicle. The proud owner of a cherished dog went away for a holiday, and on his return was informed by a neighbour that the dog had been run over by a car. It was now under the sod in the owner’s section, the kind-hearted neighbour having given it a suitable interment. He was thanked by the bereaved owner, and the matter dropped- But it was revived again when the dog inspector called on his rounds, and insisted on the exhumation of the corpse. From the subsequent examination was evolved the theory that the dog had been shot. Further developments are now said to be pending. In to-day’s paper will be found the Railway Department’s advertisement giving particulars of the issue of cheap excursion tickets to Dannevirke and the alterations to the train service on 10th February in connection with the Dannevirke Show.

For these hot days, what is nicer and cooler than a white voile jumper. Those dainty garmonts have half sleeves and collar, with a hemstitched design down the front, finished with real filet lace at foot. Were 29s 6d, but now ofijrred at half-price. Us 9d, at Collinson and Cunninghamo Ltd. —Advt.

Schoolbags for school children i Wo have the pleasure of being able to submit the largest and cheapest range of this lino to the public of Palmerston North. Our stocks as you can see in the window are varied both in shape and design, solid lfSnther, canvas, pig skin and sheep skin, all sizes. Prices to suit every purse: 2s 3d, 2s lid, 3s 3d, 3s lid, 4s 6d 5s lid, 6s 6d, 7s lid, 8s 6d, 9s lid, 12s 9d each. Choose yours from our window. Collinson and Son, Broadway and Kingsway. Palmerston North.—Advt.

Yesterday at Christchurch eight defendants were fined £2 each in the Magistrate’s Court for using unlicensed wireless sets.

The actual gain in the population of the Dominion through migration during the year ended December 31, 1926, amounted to 12,414 persons, a decrease of 388 compared with 1925. Leslie Ball, aged one year and eight months, died in the Wellington public Hospital last evening as the result of a scalded chest caused through boiling milk being spilt on him on Thursday night.

Our Auckland correspondent telegraphs that a memorial service to the late Sir Henry Brett will be held at St Mary’s Cathedral this evening. The preacher will be Archbishop Averill. The service is to be broadcasted.

The Director of Town Planning (Mr R. B. Hammond) has arranged to attend the Municipal Conference at Palmerston North on Wednesday next. On the Tuesday evening Mr Hammond will deliver an address to the town clerks attending the conference. As the result of a gift of 539 volumes by Mr Lewis 11. Eadv, a special music section is to he established at the Auckland Public Library. The gift was accepted by the Auckland City Council last night, appreciation of the generous offer being expressed. Advertising on power poles with a view to securing revenue therefrom was a matter included in the order paper at yesterday’s session of the conference of secretaries and executive officers of power boards. However, it met with short shrift, the proposal being promptly turned down. A young man named Hurold Arthur Farr appeared at tho Police Court this morning before Messrs W. F. Durward and G. H. Bennett, j.P.'s, on. a charge of fading to provide maintenance. On the application of Senior-Sergeant O’Grady, a remand to Taihape was granted. During 1926 97,265 persons (including the crews of vessels) arrived in New Zealand from overseas, 17,868 immigrants intending permanent residence being included, an increase of 2164 immigrants over 1925. The total of tourists was 9509, against 7898 in 1925. Departures during 1926 numbered 84,851 (including crews) against 77,267 in 1925.

About 10.15 last night the launch Nelson was totally destroyed by fire at Maeandrew Bay, the result of an explosion and subsequent fire (states a Dunedin telegram). Two men were aboard at the time, and one, A. Ledgerwood, was blown clean out of the cabin door, but escaped injury. The Nelson was formerly a naval cutter and had a length of about 40 feet. The boat, which was burned to the waterline, was not insured.

Tire heat at Christchurch produced a remarkable number of mirages on the country roads (states the Press). At about the middle of one morning, looking . from Rolleston towards Burnham, a distinct stretch of water was seen, with a background of buildings and spires jumbled into a heap. For the past month or so mirages have been seen also along the tarred roads on the city, a stretch of water appearing about 1000 yards off. As the mirage is neared it gradually, disappears.

Two further interesting articles associated with the early history of the Manawatu have been secured for inclusion in the pageant at the forthcoming jubilee celebrations. One is the first plough used in the district and the other a waggon which made trips through to Pohangina with stores in the days when the river had to be crossed 17 times before attaining the upper reaches. It is anticipated that in order to convey a true mental picture of the days long gone, both implement and waggon will be drawn by bullocks.