LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3598, 2 April 1924, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Particulars of railivay timetable alterations operating from Monday, April 7, are advertised in this issue.

The amalgamation of Gonvillc and Castlecliff with the borough of Wanganui came into force yesterday. The united borough will have a population of, about 23,000, thus entitling it to be gazetted a city. It has been remarked that the trees in certain streets, whether native or imported, mad© bettor progress than in others. This is most clearly shown by comparing those in Main street or even Church street with the trees in Fitzherbert street or Broad street. A gardener points out that sulphurous coal smoke is Inimical to plant life, hence the differences in their relative growths.

“Yes, I gave a receipt for the amount,” said a lady witness in the Palmerston North Court yesterday to counsel, "and put a stamp on it!” she concluded in a tone that indicated that her last action had been a praiseworthy one. “Oh, that doesn’t' matter!” said counsel, In respect of the stamp action. “I thought It did!” answered witness unexpectedly, with an attitude of great surprise, and glanced at her lawyer, as if seeking the support of a superior understanding.

Settling the question of witnesses’ costs after a Court case is oft-times a ticklish business. At the conclusion of a civil action in the Palmerston North Court yesterday counsel asked defendant of the action if ho had lost anything by attending the Court. The defendant repl'ed that ho had lost a day’s pay. “It has been said in Court that ho doesn’t work,” growled the opposing counsel. “Ho docs!” cried defendant’s wife, from the other end of the Court. “He works two days a week!” (Laughter).

While passing the old gas container in Short Street yesterday, a pross--man wag arrested by. the sight of countless large vcrmlllion patches on its exterior. With the container’s rejuvenated past in hla mind, he drew near and hailed one of the workmen on the job. “How many patches have you put on this time?” asked the reporter. “About a hundred so far. not counting the top,” was the man’s reply, "But its going to he gpod when its finished,” he added quickly. “How many patches will the container need altogether?” asked the reporter again. The workman paused and thought for a moment. “About a thousand,” he said solemnly, adding quickly, “but its going to be good when its finished!” Generally witnesses who swear to t§ll the whole truth at the Palmerston North Court conduct themselves quietly, and are generally serious and subdued. In a motor-car case yesterday, a youngish woman who took the box after the case had been dragging on wearily for several hours, swept the Court like a cyclone with her hilarious manner. Counsel’s first question was a perfectly serious one, but witness found plenty of humour in it, and took tbe Court considerably aback with a burst of laughter. In answering the next question she cooed merrily at counsel. Poor counsel managed to ask if a male concerned had any luck in his attempt to start up the car. “Any luck!” Witness had a convulsion and then volunteered: ‘‘Oh, he only put in a four-inch nail and broke the startinghandle!”

In dealing with the question of the Condominium of the New Hebrides in Wanganui Presbytery yesterday, Rev. H. Barton, Foreign Mission secretary, said that there was at present a strong movement in favour of handing over the whole group to Franco. Some officials in the Old Land had declared that If It had not been for Presbyterian influence in '•’he Dominions, the whole islands would already have been handed over. If this happened, It would strike the death blow to our mission there. Mr Massey was entirely sympathetic, and had done what ho could at the Imperial Conference to prevent the loss of our influence In the islands, hut the Prcsjjyterian Church in Australia and New Zealand must never cease to show keen interest, public spirit and unfaltering determination to secure proper Government and to arrest the present tendency.

For those intending ta run up a nice warm dressing gown for themselves bt home, there’s outstanding value in ripple cloths at The C. M. Ross Co , Ltd. it is 40 inches wide, and has a pretty self-stripe effect. Obtainable in thirteen smart colours; only 2/11 yard net cash.