LOCAL AND GENERAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21554, 27 July 1933, Page 8

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A Higher Barometer Tho barometer has risen considerably since tho week-end, when it was unusually low. The reading at midday yesterday was 30.50 in., which is l.icin. higher than on Saturday afternoon. Measles Prevalent at Whangarei Measles aro still prevalent in Whangarei, and nt the Whangarei Central Primary School this morning 155 children out of a total roll number of 4GO were absent on this account. With tho continuance of the fine weather experienced during tho past few days it is expected that a decided improvement will soon take place. Motor and Piecart Considerable amusement was caused in a Dunedin picture theatre last week when a notice was thrown on the screen. It appealed earnestly to a motorist, tho number and make of whoso car were given, to remove his machine from where ho had left it standing so as to allow a piecart to occupy.its usual location. City Tire Alarms Six of tho old iron gas-lamp standards used in Queen Street in the days when tho city was lighted by gas have been recovered from tho City Council's stores and converted by the Metropolitan Fire Board into suitable standards on which to fix firo alarm boxes. Tho standards will bo re-erected in Queen Street to take tho place of the telegraph poles which are in course of removal and which havo hitherto been used to carry tho alarm boxes. Missing Jurors During tho empanelling of a jury in tho Supremo Court yesterday two jurors failed to appoar when called, and to avoid a prolonged delay, both were formally "challenged" by the Crown. The missing men were later located and when brought before Mr. Justice Smith they stated that they had been waiting in another part of the Court buildings and did not hear their names called.. His Honor accented this explanation. Depopulation in Melanesia The serious decline in the population of Melanesia in recent years was mentioned by Mr. A. T. Pycroft during a lecture at tho University College last evening. Citing the New Hebrides group as a case in point, tho speaker said the population was 75,000 in 1908, but it was now estimated at 25,000. According to those who had studied tho question, the main cause was the introduction of disease, and considerable mortality from influenza had recently been noted in parts.

A Witness' Mistake A witness in the Supreme Court yesterday, hearing the name called of the criminal case in which he was interested, stepped forward promptly into the dock, with the result that ho was immediately escorted to the cells below and subjected by the police to tho search customarily given to all accused. When the mistake was realised, the case was called again, and this timo tho accused, who had been on bail, came forw'ard and took the place that for a few minutes had been so readily occupied for him by the witness. Railway Passengers' Entertainment Some amusement was caused at a meeting of the Transport Appeal Board yesterday when the provision of facilities for passengers at the Paparoa, railway station was being discussed. The chairman of the board, Mr. Justice Frazer, asked what the facilities at the Paparoa station were, whether there were the usual provisions such as fireplaces and waiting rooms. In assuring him that these requirements were met, Mr. F. W. Aickin, Railways Board representative, added: "The notices on the walls are all new and they can read them." Home-grown Tobacco "I have grown tobacco in my own gcrden which I much preferred to that I bought at a tobacconist's," said Professor A. P. W. Thomas, chairman of the Auckland Grammar School Board, at a meeting of the board yesterday, when there was received from Mr. F. W. Gamble, headmaster of the Mount Albert Grammar School, a proposed schedule for the agricultural work of tho school, including the growing of tobacco. Tho amusement of members at tho idea of schoolboys growing tobacco prompted tho chairman's remark. Young Man's Misfortune Consideration was shown in a practical way for a young man who was injured seriously some time ago in a motor-cycle accident and who was charged before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., m tho Police Court yesterday with negligently riding his machine. It was stated for defendant that ho was without money to any extent and that ho had been three months in hospital suffering from injuries which would handicap him for life. The magistrate said that, in' view of the circumstances, lie would order defendant to pay the costs of prosecution only. Two of three witnessed who were asked by tho Court if they would seek appearance expenses, said they would not do sc. The third witness required transport money for a fairly long bus journey into tho city. New Justices Sworn In Twenty Auckland citizens, including two women, who were among the 200 justices of tho peace appointed recently, were sworn in for their office by Mr. Wyvern Wilson, S.M., senior magistrate, at Auckland, yesterday. Under the Promissory Oaths Act, ]9OS, two oaths, the Oath of Allegiance, professing loyalty to the King and his successors, and tho Judicial Oath, requiring service to tho King according to law and observance of tho laws of New Zealand without fear or favour, wero sworn. These oaths are also taken by the Chief Justice, Judges of tho Supreme Court and the Arbitration Court, coroners and sherids. Neglect to take any required oath causes the vacating of an office by an officer if ho has entered upon it, or his disqualification from oflico if ho has not entered upon it. Quiet Day in Port The' Port of Auckland was very quiet yesterday, there being no arrivals or departures other than local coastal vessels. The only large steamers in port were the Union Company's cargo vessel Waimarino and the intercolonial steamer Marama, and it was an idle day for a large number of waterside workers. No call for labour was made, men working cargo on the vessels in port having been engaged earlier in the week. The conditions will improve toward the end of the week, when a number of overseas ships will arrive. The American steamer Golden Coast is due to-day from Los Angeles, and tomorrow the Canadian Constructor will Hrriyo from Melbourne and the Zcalanilic from Liverpool. The Monterey is expected from Sydney and the Tainni from Wellington 011 Saturday, and the Raugitiki is duo from Tokomaru Bay on Sunday.