LOCAL AND GENERAL

Northern Advocate, 25 April 1921, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The flags will be flying at Kensington Park for the trotting meeting next Thursday. The Dominion exported gold to the value of £109,173 in Jahuary and February last, as compared with a total of £92,593 in January and February. 1920. tome 1893 tons of phormium fibre, vauled at £64,276 were exported in January angl February last, as against; 2070 tons, valued at £68,590 for the fint two months of 1920. The taking of the census in some countries entails considerable difficulties. In Zulu-land, for instance, the natives make their record on a stick of wood. Notches are cut divide ing the stick into as many parts a3 there huts in a kraah and then smaller notches are cut in >each division, representing the people in each hut. The sticks are threaded on "strings and are then collected by the' British police. .The dismissal of men in various commercial and other firms in Christchurch continues. Some firms are making a more drastic cut than others, but the total is growing steadily. In one city office six men have been paid off lately. Another big institution is reducing hands as mercifully as possible, and giving them a month's holiday in which to look round for other employment. In the case of big stock agencies is is expected that there will be a decided shortening in the country agencies.

The Lady Eva arrived on Sunday morning from Auckland with the keel yacht Mizpah in tow. the latter having been purchased by Messrs Weston Bros of Whangarei. The luxuriously fitted large cruiser Sterling Girl has also berthed at the town wharf. The Iliaito, . opp'osite the Town Hall, Whangarei, has undergone a cnange of proprietorship, and tomorrow will commence business on new and up-to-date lines. A hot mid-day meal will be available daily, and special provison will be made for afternoon tea and aftfir-picture supper. The aim of the proprietor, Mr H. Hancock is to give quick and efficient service at all timfcs. At S o'clock to-night nominations aor seats on the Whangarei Schools Committee will close with the chairman of the present committee, Mr If. Cutforth. The Education Act now provides that in the case of every school having an average attendance exceeding 120 children only written nominations can be taken, and they must 'he handed to the chairman of the retiring committee not later than 8 o'clock to-night.

'"How many children have you to support?" asked Mr W. J. Hunter, counsel for a judgment creditor, of a witness in a ease heard in the Christchurch Magistrate's Court. "Thres," was the answer. "What are their ages?" inquired Mr Hunter. ."Three and eight," was the reply. ."That only accounts for two of them." said Mr Hunter. "What about f;he third?" '"'Ch, two of them are twins.'' said the witness, amidst laughter.