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Otago Daily Times, Issue 18673, 30 September 1922, Page 8

Two stone coffins of the Merovingian period have been found by navvies relaying a gas main underneath the Rue Saint-Marcel, in Paris. • Ninety per cent, of the cases of trains being stopped by means of the emergency communication cord are said to be misuses of the privilege. Ruins of a former building more than 13 centuries old have been discovered during the restoration of Whitby Abbey, England.

Tlie Edievalo community' singing, which proved a great success during, the winter, was brought to a close this week, when an evening was held at Springfield, the residence of Mrs John Edie. The singers turned out in full force, including several visitors who were in the district. ■ It was a gratifying circumstance that Mrs Edie, now in her eighty-seventh year, was able to be present, She was described by one of the members as the “Mother of Edievalo”—a description endorsed by all who have enjoyed the hospitality which she has extended for more than 40 years. Several vocal and pianoforte solos were given, and much appreciated. During the evening Mr R. F. Smaili, on behalf of the community singers, presented Mr Fowler (the leader) with a silver-mounted and inscribed ebony baton, and Mrs Fowler, the pianist, with two Donlton plates as an appreciation of their. unfailing efforts given in a generous, manner in the interests of the community singing. Mr Fowler responded in'’a happy speech on behalf of Mrs Fowler and himself. Mrs Edie was also thanked for her hospitality to the singers and all heartily joined in rendering, “She’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” “Auld Lang Syne” and “God Save the King” brought to a close a most enjoyable evening and successful season. - . Some weeks ago there appeared in a letter to the Editor of the Lyttelton Times an account of 'the efforts of an enterprising young philanthropist of 'Waiau, who, after sacrificing his own birthday present, collected some five pounds odd in small donations on behalf of what he called the '“Help the Children Fund.” Sir James Allen (says oar London correspondent)-, sent the cutting on to the officials df the “Save the Children Fund,” who -have-promptly replied, thanking the High Commissioner for his letter and for the interesting information the paragraph contained, and also intimating that it is Lord Weardale’s intention to write personally to the little boy of Waiau thanking him for. the gift. The fishing season will open on,October 1 and present prospects are for,- ,a, successful beginning. The following reports have been received by Mr R. Wilson, secretary of the Anglers’ Association: —Waipahi River is in first-class order- for-the opening of the season. The fish are reported to have been rising very freely during the last 10 days. , Everything points to good bags being received on the opening day.—Waiwera- and Pomahu.ka Streams are in first-class order; fish rising freely last week, but not so noticeable now owing to the east wind.—The Shag River is very low and weedy owing to continuance of dry vyeather. The rain will have little effect unless it continues:—Waikouaiti River will he in good order for the opening. Good numbers of fish are moving. .' . Word has been received in London (says our London correspondent) that the. First Lord of the Admiralty (Lord Lee, of Fareham), in the course of a visit this week to Gallipoli, expressed to the officer in charge of the Imperial War Graves Commission’s operations at Anzac, Suvla, and Helles his appreciation of the dignity of the design and the simplicity of the treatment of the cemeteries, at those' places. He further commended the spirit in which the work on the cemeteries was being carried out and the care displayed by those concerned in it. The High Commissioner (writes our London correspondent) is taking every opportunity to discourage the use of the word ‘‘Australasia,” and so to prevent the tendency to which- this word gives rise, for people generally to look upon New" Zealand as a part of Australia. Sir James writes to banks, produce companies, and other important institutions which have habitually used the word, and in every .case he has received intimation that it’won’t occur again. One New Zealand produce firm in London says': “Your point is an excellent one and we’ shall' not lose sight of it.” The -Secretary of the Royal Colonial Institute has issued instructions to all concerned that the word “Australasia” should not bo officially used by the Institute, and Colonel Amery has assured Sir James that in matters touching the Overseas. Settlement Committee he will gladly do all in his power to eliminate 1 the phrase' and to speak of “Australia” and “New Zealand” when dealing with matters touching the two countries.

The custom of the members of the Waterside Workers’ Union ceasing work to attend the funeral of a fellow-workman 'who has lost . his life while carrying out his duties -was - referred to at the Arbitration Court; Wellington, on Thursday. Mr L. Glover, president of the Waterside Workers’ Federation, said that feelings of comradeship and sentiment prompted the members to pay such a mark of respect. His Honor Mr Justice Frazer said that while ho quite appreciated the men’s feelings' in the matter, it did not seem a reasonable' thing -to him that all work'on the waterfront-should bo suspended. Many of the waterside workers must not have known the deceased as a friend. It would be a peculiar thing if every employee in the building trade were to leave work if a man happened to fall off a building in Wellington and bo killed. Ninety-five per cent.: of the carpenters, bricklayers, painters,, and plasterers would not know the man at all. Mr Glover remarked that his Honor evidently did not understand the psychology of the waterside worker. IT is Honor replied that perhaps that was so, but he could not understand why every watersider should see fit to march in .procession as far as Molesworth street and then fall" out. If they went all the way to Karori he could understand it, but they did not. Mr Glover said that if the cemetery were not so distant every waterside worker would bo present at the graveside. - There are about 40 varieties of osier willows known to botanists.