LOCAL AND GENERAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22464, 7 July 1936, Page 8

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Injured Boy's Condition No improvement has occurred in the serious condition of the six-year-old boy, Bruce Ewen Culpan, son of Mr. H. Culpan, of 43 Hackett Street, Ponsonby, who was admitted to the Auckland Hospital on Saturday afternoon suffering from severe concussion. He fell 20ft. down a clay bank to an asphalt path at Point Erin Park. Easter Traffic Accidents "It was the night before Good Friday, traffic on the Great South Road was very heavy and everyone seemed to be in a hurry to get to his destination," said Constable H. J. Olson in the Pukekohe Police Court yesterday. "There were five smashes within five hours on tho 12-mile stretch south of Mercer." The constable was giving evidence in a collision case.

Clergyman's Novel Excuse An original excuse for not having renewed his driving licence by June 5 was offered by a young clergyman in the Magistrate's Court at Whangarei yesterday. "On May 30 my wife went into hospital and the following day presented me with twins," he said. "That drove everything else from my mind." The magistrate, Mr. G. N. Morris, S.M., smilingly remarked: "Well, 1 will let you off with costs of 10s under those circumstances."

New Zealand Buildings "I want to see something of your New Zealand buildings," said Mr. A. Koper, a Dutch architect, who arrived at Auckland by the Monowai from Sydney yesterday on his way from Java to Holland. "Hero they are not so beautiful as in the East and the offices are not so big," he added. "We have very big ones in Java. There are several hundred thousand Dutch people there and the country is much more civilised than many people imagine."

Limited Express Arrives Late The north-bound limited express, which was delayed on Sunday night through a waggon which left the line at Paekakariki station at 6.30 p.m. causing a blockage of the main lino for several hours, arrived late at

Auckland yesterday. Instead of reaching the city at 9.40 a.m., it did not arrive until 1.42 p.m., just over four hours late. A slip between Utiku and Mangaweka and signal trouble in the King Country caused the south-bound limited to be 84 minutes late in arriving at Wellington yesterday. Dearer Leather Goods

Harness and leather goods have advanced in price owing to increased labour costs. One Auckland firm has advised its customers that from July 1, prices for saddles, strapping and harness were increased 7\ per cent, horse collars by 15 per cent, canvas goods by 5 per cent, leather travelling goods by 7$ per cent, and fiborkane travelling goods by 5 per cent. While invoiced goods would bear the percentage increases mentioned, it was proposed after September 1, when shorter hours would operate, to issue new price lists.

A Sportsman's Paradise The favour in which New Zealand was hold by many American sportsmen because of its fishing and shooting was commented upon yesterday by the film actor Mr. Victor Jory, who arrived by the Niagara yesterday on his way to Sydney. Mr. Jory said he had been amazed at the number of his friends who had described the Dominion as a sportsman's paradise, and he accordingly was eagerly looking forward to the period he proposed to spend here after the picture he was to make in Australia was completed. Mr. Jory said trout-fishing was one of his main relaxations, but he also hoped to spend several days' deer shooting.

Monowai's Trip Until fairly rough seas were met when approaching the New Zealand coast late on Saturday night, the Monowai, which arrived at Auckland yesterday from Sydney, experienced an uneventful trip. Foam and spray beat over the ship in the Saturday night gale and a particularly high sea damaged the port gangway. The Monowai brought 263 bags of mail, including three Empire air mails. There also were on board two two-year-old trotting horses, imported from Australia by Auckland sportsmen, two boxes of Australian finches, and a tin of live fish. Among the passengers were over 30 Australians who will leave by the vessel to-day on a cruise to the Pacific Islands.

Traffic Inspector's Courtesy "You do not often get bouquets like that," remarked Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., at the Otahuhu Magistrate's Court yesterday, when a motorist charged with speeding, wrote expressing his appreciation of the courteous manner in which Mr. F. Jones, the Manukau County Council traffic inspector, had approached him. Evidence was given that defendant's speed ranged between 58 and 60 miles an hour on tho main road. "I might have fined him £5, but. for his nice letter," added Mr. Hunt, in entering a penalty of £2 10s and costs. Seven other motorists, whoso speeds on the main highway between Westfield nnd Manurewa varied from 39 to 60 miles an hour, were fined from £1 to £2 10s, with costs.

Confidential Police Reports "I never allow myself to bo influenced by matter in a police report which counsel for tho accused has not had an opportunity of considering," said Mr. Justice Callan in the Supreme Court yosterday. Counsel appearing for a prisoner had told His Honor that a police report about his client had been lodged, but it was treated as confidential and he had been unable to view it. "Oil well, 1 will give it to you," said His Honor. "You ought to have it. Take your time. I will wait for you." His Honor added#hat even if counsel had not mentioned the report he had intended to ask him a number of questions arising out of it. Counsel examined the report handed him by His Honor and commented on a number of statements in it.

Corps of Commissionaires Tho co-operation of tho Lyttelton Harbour Board was sought by the Now Zealand Corps of Commissionaires of Returned Soldiers in its efforts to provide uniforms and suitable positions for its members. Captain T. Lawson waited upon the board in support of the request, stating that the organisation now had 30 members, six of them in uniform. All were good men, and held special qualifications. They could do almost anything, said the speaker, and he suggested that tho board "go fiftyfifty" with tho Tramway Board in tho employment of ono of the men as a permanent commissionaire. After consideration in committee, the board instructed its secretary to refer tho matter to the Returned Soldiers' Association and to report back to the board.