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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 11 February 1913, Page 6

Tooth-prints are the latest aid to the detection of criminals (states a cable iressage in the Sydney "Sun.") A burglar who broke into a house in Paris regaled himself on all the dainty things he could find in the place, and, having then secured all the valuables on which he could lay his hands, quitted the premises without leaving any apparent clue as to his identity. The police, however, arrested a man whom they had reason to connect with the robbery, and the prisoner was astonished when, at his trial, a pat of butter, off which he had bitten a piece, was produced in Court. The tooth marks tallied exactly with those that would b« made by the prisoner, and the Bench was so satis fled of his guilt that the suspect was ordered, to be imprisoned.

For some years the coaches to the West Coast have not gone through that very fine fern drive between Otira and Hokitika. always a favourite spot to those who have once seen it, but Mr G. W. C. Moon, the officer in charge of th« Christchurch Tourist Bureau, says the "Times," has now arranged that whenever required the motor should meet the Cass coach at Otira", taking passengers through the drive and landing then? in Hokitika at 7 o'clock on the same evening. This, with the present time-table, will enaihle a tourist to go from 'Christchurch, say, Thursday, jto down to the Franz Josef Glacier, and be back in Christchurch on the following Wednesday, after spending two days at the glacier. The new trip is proving very successful.

A resident of San Francisco stated in Christchurch the other day that New Zealand had before it a .grand opportunity of becoming the playground of rich Americans. Already its many attractions were becoming known, being advertised best by those who had been here. The Exhibition of 1915, to be held in San Francisco to commemorate the opening of the Panama Canal, gave the country a great opportunity, for if New Zealand made a worthy display there it would attract the attention of many who want a good place for a holiday, and at the same time would likely lead to business between the two countries. The time was ripe, too, for already the shortage of wool in the United States was being felt, and as the sheep were pushed further back, the want would grow more keen, and conditions of trade would have to be alleviated.

The British North Borneo "Herald" of December 6th publishes an account of the tragic death of Mr J. Scott-Mason, Governor of British North Borneo. Tho fatality took place on the morning of December 6th. The Governor was riding in the vicinity of Government House. His horse was somewhat *resh, but his Excellency had it well in hand. The horse plunged, however, and the Governor was thrown and killer} instantly. The terible news spread quickly, and a large concouree of people erathered at Government House in the afternoon to ioin in the funeral procession. A public meeting to express sympathy with Mrs Scott-Mason was held in the courthouse, Jess'elton. on th? afternoon of December 7th. and a memorial service was held in Sandakan Church tho same evening.