GENERAL NEWS

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 3576, 6 April 1927, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS

A message from New Plymouth states that th e steamer Wetere was refloated yesterday morning, apparently undamaged and is now lying at the Mokau wharf. “Forget-me-nots with leaves as largo as rhubarb loaves” —those arc to bo found among our Alpine flora in New Zealand, stated Major Sandle at tho Lunch Club yesterday. A tree in Palmerston North, known as the “Whipcord Veronica” has, when grown under normal condltlono, no leaves. Wore this plant taken and planted in a hot-house, it would develop leaves of a koromiko-liko character —Major Sandlej at the Lunch Club. A piece of wood sent to tho Auckland museum, which was found some feet underground near the Awanul River, is believed to bo related to Borneo carvings. It is thought that this and similar carvings found at Kaltala five years ago open up a field for speculation as to the origin of the Maori, says an Auckland exchange. “There aro two Kauri trees in Palmerston North which, although growing many miles south of their natural habitat are in a flourishing condition/’ stated Major Sandle at the Lunch Club yesterday. One grew eighteen inches last year, the pair having increased their height over five feet during the past two or three years. Unemployment shows no sgn of becoming easier in Palmerston North, 16 more registrations being affected since Thursday last. There are now 67 dn the list with 113 dependents, the figures being made up of 41 married men and 26 single men. The officer in charge of the Department states that there Is practically no call for labour at present. “ No, sir, I cannot accept the office. My wife will not let me,” was the mirth-evoking reply made by a delegate at the annual meeting of the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union last week, when giving his reason for declining to accept nomination for a responsible office for which he was proposed. The unexpected sally created much laughter, and friendly banter from other delegates, A smile brightened the rather drab proceedings of the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, when, during the hearing of a case which involved a claim resulting out of a motor collision, counsel for the defence (Mr M. H. Oram) in order to establish a certain point in connection with tho collision, produced two toy motor cars, one red, the other blue, and proceeded to demonstrate on the clerk of ths Court’s desk, exactly how the two cars came into collision, New Zealand bush has not got the bright green colouring of the European bush in the springy nor has it the glorious autumn tints, but these facts are more than set off by its appearance in winter, when the European bush has the appearance of a New Zealand bush six months after a fire has raged through it. Tho winter season does not affect tho appearance of the New Zealand busn as tho trees are not deciduous: —Major Sandle at tho Lunch Club, yesterday. An unusual and what promises to bo a most useful household vegetable has been recently Introduced to this country. It is What is known as a New Guinea gigantlo butter bean, One specimen exhibited was four feet six inches long and has the appearance of an elongated pumpkin. It weighed about X3lb, but was by no means the largest specimen grown by Mr. C. N. Robinson, of Te Uku, near Raglan,; who has propagated the plants and is saving the better spedmens for the winter show. The grower says the vegetable makes a very delectable table-dish, prepared in the right way. As many as ten beans grow on one vine. ; In another column ? 9 it will bo noticed that entries close on the evening of Tuesday, the 12th instant, for the Manawatu Golf Club’s Easter Tournament which will bo held on the 16th 18th and 19th, instant. Enquiries for programmes have been coming very freely and it is expected that the Tournament will prove even a greater success than last year’s. The first event of the Tournament will start on Saturday, the 16th Instant, with tho qualifying round for the Easter Championship and the Hokowhitu Handicap. The Easter Championship is played for the beautiful cup presented by Mr. P, A. McHardy, and the winner will receive a large replica of same. A garden party will be held at the residence of Mrs A, Gibbs, 113 Ruahlne Street, to-day, in aid of the Willard Home. The municipal gas department will give a gas cooking demonstration In the supper room of the Opera House this afternoon. Ladies are cordially invited to attend. Ladies willing to assist In the candidtature of Mr Arthur Bennett at the Mayoral election ar e Invited to meet Mrs Bennett at Messrs Collinson and Cunninghame’s tea rooms on Thursday afternoon next at 3 o’clock. By special arrangement Reuter’s World Service, In addition to other special sources of information, Is used in tho compilation of the Oversea intelligence published in this issue, and all rights therein in Australia and New Zealand are reserved.