Local and General

Northern Advocate, 7 January 1938, Page 4

Local and General

Pig Takings at Waipu Sports. The gate-takings at the Waipu Caledonian Spurts on January 3 amounted to £l9B. the highest receipts since the jubilee gathering. The proceeds of the concert in the evening were £sl. rhew! You will probably agree with the thermometer that today was-, one of the hottest we have had this summer. At least that is what 'a thermometer at the “Advocate” office revealed early this afternoon when the mercury hovered around 97 degrees in the shade. Horse Attacked by Bees. A Marlborough farmer had an unusual and exciting experience. While he was riding along a narrow track, his horse was attacked by a swarm of bees, and after the horse had careered around for some time the rider scrambled off, suffering severe bruises in the fall. The maddened horse jumped over a cliff and was killed. Heard About Here. A representative of the “Northern Advocate” was told yesterday that it is no uncommon thing for visitors at the local hotels to make the remark: “Oh, there is nothing to do in Whangarei and no regular service to places of interest, and it costs too much for one or two people to hire a taxi to take them about.” “There should be more excursions to our scenic attractions,” stated the informant.

High Standard of Speech. Reference to the high quality of speech of New Zealanders was made by Mr J. J. Almond, a round-trip passenger who left Bluff by the Maunganui. ‘The speech of New Zealanders was something which could not fail to impress us,’ ’said Mr Almond. “The enunciation and choice of language of the average citizen of the Dominion \s above the average, and reflects favourably upon the educational system of the country.” , Building in Whangarei. The total value of building work done in the borough during the nine months ended December 31 was £59,969, this being £22,339 more than for the corresponding period of 1936. During the period, 91 permits were issued, these including 30 for new dwellings to the total value of £*23,492. These figures do not include the 12 houses being built under the Government housing scheme or the 17 for which tenders have been called.

Bush Lawyers’ Fees, A party of Hastings picnickers had their day spoilt recently as the result of eating a quantity of lawyer berries. The party were walking about the fields and along the banks of the Tukituki River, and several ate of the berries. Only one had ill-effects, however, and she developed a vivid rash, with much vomiting, and medical aid was sought. The victim responded by the evening to the treatment, the diagnosis being that the condition was a form of poisoning. The eating of lawyer berries is quite a common practice, but, like many other native berries, it is a case of “one man’s meat is another’s poison.”

More Margarine Consumed. Figures of margarine consumption in Britain for the past four months show the marked increase that occurred during the period of rising butter prices. The average weekly deliveries during August were 3200 tons, in September 3500 tons, in October 3800 tons, and in November 4300 tons. The last figure, is the highest reached for many years, and it coincided with the highest retail butter price for a considerable time—from 1/6 to 1/9. Opinion in England is that recent events have clearly shown a sharp restriction in demand when butter rises above 1/4 per lb., together with a rapid increase in the use of margarine.

An American’s Comments, A few humorous criticisms were directed against New Zealand by Mr Ray Simonds, an American tourist, who, in general, expressed “approval of everything in New Zealand.” He said that the waitresses in the restaurants should be taught to smile, and that hocks should be provided to hang clothes in hotel bathrooms; but he added that his criticisms applied mainly to the North Island. He also had a word to say about the difference between the ways of saying things in New Zealand and in America. When describing a certain feature of play in baseball Americans would say “he is trying to get him out,” but New Zealanders said “he is endeavouring to dismiss him,” a method of expression which he said had caused some amusement to an American editor to whom ( he had mentioned it. But he did not! explain why Americans talk of ole-1 vators and auditoriums where New j Zealanders simply say lifts and halls.!

j Norfolk Island Listens. | Settlers on Norfolk Island listen in | to the broadcast debates of the New Zealand House of Representatives, and one of them has paid a wax’m tribute to Mr. E. J. Howard, M.P., as Chairman of Committees. In a letter to Mr. Howard, he says:—“As an ex-New Zealander. I have been interested in the recent parliamentary debates. While I am not in sympathy with the policy of the present Government. I would like to congratulate you on the very able and impartial manner in which you discharge your duties as Chairman, of Committees. I have not delected the slightest sign of partiality or lack of firmness towards your own parly, and it has been a pleasure to note the able manner in which you handle what, at times, must be a very difficult position. . . . P.S.—The reception here is quite good, and it costs i us nothing.” . I

“Cheap enough to lose!” That’s how a lady expressed it when told of the cost of the children’s bathing costumes at Henry Wilson’s liquidation sale. These costumes are in great demand, especially just now, when every boy and girl spends every available minute in the water. Ladies and men’s allwool bathing costumes also in stock, from 5/11,

Hcreklno Sports. Thanks to the enthusiasm of a few leading people the Herekind Sports' Club has been preserved as a live ; body, and interest in the annual rneet- ■ ing has never languished. The presi ent club has been in existence since 1903, and with Mr Herb. Powell as i secretary, preparations are in hand for I the next meeting to take place about i the end of February. Financial supj port is being given freely by local j people, and the committee will be able jto put on a programme much more I attractive than usual.