LOCAL AND GENERAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22350, 22 February 1936, Page 12

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A Mass of Evidence Some indication of the quantity of evidence that a jury is called on to consider in an important trial is given by estimating the words so far recorded in the case of Eric Mareo. Yesterday was the fifth day of the trial, and already the typed notes of evidenco occupy over 140 foolscap pages. This represents nearly 60,000 words, or the size of a largo book. Failure of Electric Light A temporary failure occurred in the electric power supply in Remuera, Ellerslie, Onehunga and surrounding districts at about 9.15 last night. The trouble was caused by a defection in an insulator at the Penrose substation, and although heavy rain was falling the fault was quickly located and repaired, light being restored in about 10 minutes. American Judge at Trial An interested spectator at the Mareo trial in the Supreme Court yesterday was Judge C. Summers, of Los Angeles, who was passing through Auckland on his way to Australia by the Mariposa. His Honor sat in the body of the Court until the final adjournment for the day, when he was introduced to Mr. Justice Fair and the principal counsel in the caso. No Tender Received Surprise that no tenders had been received from contractors for the reconstruction of 60 chains of School Road, Titirangi, was expressed at yesterday's meeting of the Waitemata County Council by the chairman, Mr. W. A. Bishop, who said he could not recollect a similar position having occurred during his connection with the council. It was decided to make fresh application for tenders.

A Reward of Neglect Many gardeners who had neglected to clip their tecoma hedges before the recent storm are now probably congratulating themselves. Tho ragged outside twigs took tho full forco of the salt winds and were badly scalded, but a light clipping has removed the unsightly surface, leaving a fresh green hedge beneath, that contrasts strongly with tho bare appearanco of many hedges that had been clipped before.

Enthusiastic Fisherman So enthusiastic is Colonel J. L. Sleeman, Chief Commissioner of the St. John Ambulance Brigade Overseas, concerning a brief experience of deepsea fishing off Mayor Island recently, that ho hopes to enjoy another day's sport before leaving for Australia next Saturday. Colonel Sleeman bad a day's fishing after bis recent illness at Tauranga, but found himself .not sufficiently recovered to land a fighting game-fish which ho hooked.

" Wings, Not Running Shoes " Sharp criticism of the Now Zealand Poultry Board was expressed at a general meeting of the Christchurch District Council of the New Zealand Poultry Producers' Federation. The complaint was rnado that the board was doing nothing to assist the industry in return for the taxation levied. " The board is not one of those which wants running shoes," declared Air. C. Morgan Williams, M.P., "it wants wings, and unless it can show better results in the near future I shall do all I can to wipe it out of existence."

Value of Two Tugs The value of having two tugs at the port of Auckland was emphasised yesterday, when much time was saved in the berthing of tbree vessels. The William C. Daldy was used to berth tho Mariposa, which arrived from Los Angeles at 7.25, and immediately this was completed left Prince's Wharf to assist in the berthing of the Simonsido at Queen's Wharf, this vessel having arrived from Antwerp at 6.30. While these operations were being carried out the To Awahina accompanied the Antiope, which had arrived at 4.45 from Cuba with sugar, up the harbour to Chelsea, and assisted in tho berthing of this vessel. Problem For Minister Two separate deputations, one representing the Port Christchurch League, which solicited his support for tho establishment of a port in the Estuary at Sumner, and the other representing a large number of local bodies and public organisations, which asked that tho Government undertake the construction of the proposed tunnel road to Lyttelton, waitod on the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. 11. Semple, in Christchurch. The Minister remarked that ho was sorry there was a difference of opinion on the question oi; port facilities for the city and he hoped he was not expected to referee the quarrel. Sheep as Barter

A sheep that came unexpectedly into tho possession of a party of Auckland motorists returning from Ohopo Beach, near Whakatane, recently, proved a burden until an ingenious means was found of disposing of it to advantage. Tho sheep was killed when struck by the car, and tho motorists, having recompensed tho drover, took possession of the carcase. Having tried unsuccessfully to sell it to a butcher in one of the toAvns visited, they were at a loss how to dispose of the sheep until a tourist resort , was reached. A party of Maoris there, however, gladly accepted the carcase as payment for their services as guides.

Sailing Ship and' Aeroplanes The full-rigged ship Joseph Conrad, which arrived afc Auckland yesterday in the courso of a voyage round the world, left Harwich, England, in October, 1934, almost simultaneously with the start of the Melbourne Centenary air race. A contrast between old and new modes of travel is provided by the fact that some of tho aeroplanes which took part in the race made the return trip to England in a matter of a few days, while to-day, after a lapse of 16 months, tho little Joseph Conrad is practically just starting on her leisurely homeward trip. Her owner and captain, Mr. A. J. Villiers, does not expect to roach England until the end of the year. Larger White Australia

"Thero seems! to bo a pretty general opinion that the Commonwealth Government should consider relaxing its immigration laws sufficiently to allow tho influx of immigrants on a larger scale than has hitherto been considered politically advisable," stated the Kev. Solomon Katz, Rabbi of Wellington, on roturning home after a visit to Sydney. Thinking men, he said, seem to be convinced that there is at present insufficient population for so largo and productive a country situated in such close proximity to countries with teeming populations. The opinion, on the other hand, was held by many that a large influx of people would intensify the unemployment difficulty. Mr. Katz does not agree with that view, holding that a big population creates its own needs and those needs mean employment.