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Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 206, 28 July 1930, Page 6

The first stocks of Chinese gooseberries offered for sale in the retail market in Auckland attracted considerable interest in a city fruit shop last week. The fruit, which is about the size of a passion fruit and is covered with short, fine hairs, tastes like a mixture of gooseberry, black currant and apple of good flavours. “This is not a very illuminating statement of appeal,” remarked Mr Justice Frazer in the Arbitration Court at Auckland. The case was an appeal by an apprentice against his dismissal and the ground of the appeal was stated as “wrongful dismissal.” “It just amounts to this,” said His Honour, “I appeal against being wrongfully dismissed, because I was wrongfully dismissed. I am merely drawing attention to this for public benefit.” Counsel in the case quickly supplied several more grounds of appeal.

The laugh was against the Government when the Minister of Education, Hon. H. Atmore, visited the School for the Deaf at Sumner, Christchurch. The pupils of a senior class were asked by the teacher what the Government intended to do this session and the answer was: “They are going to deal with unemployment.” “How are they going to deal with it?” the teacher asked next. “They are going to have a debate about it,” was the reply, which caused no little amusement, the Minister enjoying the joke as much as anyone else.

How much would it cost you to replace your dwelling if it were destroyed by fire to-night? Would your present insurance cover the loss? If not, consult the Mercantile and General Insurance Co., Ltd.— R. W. Priest, Times Building, Broadway, District Agent.—Advt.

Tho Rangitata arrived at London from New Zealand yesterday. Keenness to serve in their old units in a voluntary capacity during the suspension of compulsory military training is being shown by territorials in Auckland.

Satisfaction that about 60 unemployed ex-servicemen had earned 30s each after waiting over two days in the queue to obtain tickets for the third Rugby Test match was expressed at a meeting of the executive of the Auckland Returned Soldiers’ Association.

There is still no news of Mr William Davidson Munn, of Devonport, Auckland, who disappeared on Thursday evening, July 17. Mr Munn was last seen leaving the Devonport ferrywharf. During the week the Takapuna and Devonport police have conducted wide search on the North Shore without success. A party of police were to make a thorough search of Rangitoto Island yesterday. When counsel becomes engrossed in a cross-examination, and a witness is inclined to be excitable, sparks begin to fly (says an Auckland exchange). At the height of a cross-examination in the Arbitration Court Mr Justice Frazer remarked: “I’m afraid if you two go on roaring at each other you will make me deaf.” Counsel for plaintiff in the action suggested that it might bo better if he stood further back, but His Honour replied: “I will let you go nearer if you don’t roar.” The manner in which money begets money is exemplified by Mr 11. E. McDougall’s gift to the city of Christchurch of £25 ; 000 for a new art gallery. The gift was announced on March 10. 1928, and soon after Mr McDougall’s cheque was received by the City Council and put into a trust account. According to the financial statement presented at the latest meeting of the City Council, the total amount to the credit of this trust account was £26,862 7s 9d—on deposit £26,800, and tho remainder in current account.

The recent reductions in tram fares at New Plywmouth have not resulted in a greater patronage of the trams and the revenue from fares continues to diminish. Commenting on the position, tho tramways manager, Mr G. J. Wyatt, said the reduction in the price of concession cards had not had any effect on the number of passengers carried. The only effect it had was that passengers who previously paid cash were now using concession cards and thereby travelling at a cheaper rate. The finances of the department would be seriously, affected by the recent reduction. The Mayor (Mr HV. S. Griffiths) said the public would have to pay for the trams one way or another. If they did nof pay in fares they would have to pay in rates. The snowstorm that struck the country between Taupo and Napier a few days ago had some unusual features (writes a correspondent). The weight on the telegraph wares canted over the poles for more than a mile, and several miles of line were damaged. Curiously, the only pole that was broken was composed of two railway rails bolted together. Perhaps the cold made the iron brittle. The wood poles bent over with the weight of snow, so that they cannot be climbed, and have to be practically re-erected. It has interfered with the telephone communication with Napier, but other routes are available. A large pine tree at the Rangitaiki Hotel was pretty well stripped of its branches. As no other trees there have ever been stripped, it proves the unusual weight that wires will hold. A camp of ten men has been formed at Rangitaiki to repair the line.