NEWS IN BRIEF.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20024, 15 February 1927, Page 16

NEWS IN BRIEF.

Fishing about three miles off the Molyneux bar recetnly, Mr A. Rein, of Nugget Bay, hooked a splendid specimen of quinnat salmon weighing 271 b. The fish was taken on a groper line in about five fathoms of water. Wanganui-ites are keen on keeping their city “on the map,” but evidently there are still some atlases they should set about correcting. A letter received there the other day was addressed to “Wanganui, Marlborough, New Zealand.” The Ready-to-wear Suit is now a triumph of sartorial art, and Lynx is unquestionably the best. To popularise this suit, Watkins and Neilson (Ltd.) opp. City Hotel, offer free to each Lynx purchaser in January a genuine 25s English felt hat... A form of gastric influenza appears to be fairly prevalent in Timaru at the present time (states the Herald). Although not considered to be of a serious nature, this mild epidemic has had the effect of confining quite a number of residents to their beds for a day or two. “Mathfera?” repeated Mr Justice Stringer at the Auckland Supreme Court when a lady gave her Christian name. “Is it Irish?” “No, it is a Maori name,” replied the lady. “No,” said his Honor. “It is an impossible Maori word.” Among the latest additions to the Wanganui Museum are some beautiful Indian swords and a valuable collection of Maori curios, once the property of the late Major Bates. The curios are a gift to the museum from Mr H. D. Bates, of Wanganui. The finest Pork Small-goods obtainable this side of the “Line” are retailed at Barton and Trengrove’s, Manse street... Satisfaction is being expressed as to the return of the Wellington city rates for the current year. With still six weeks to run, up to Wednesday last £375,999 had been received out of £405,000 —a little better than usual. While on her way up-river to the City wharf, the Canterbury Steam Ship Company’s steamer Calm ran on to a submerged bank near Imlay last week (reports the Wanganui Chronicle). The vessel, which had on board a large quantity of southern cargo, remained stranded all dav. Efforts were renewed successfully the next day, with the assistance of a favourable tide, to remove the steamer into deep water. Hams and Bacon.—Barton and i'rengrove’s famous sugar cured are the best on the market. We solicit a. trial to prove this assertion. Manse street... The .sawmill at Turangarere has cutout, and has been closed down, putting about 20 more men out of employment. The population of Taihape, according to a correspondent, is gradually drifting north, where the mills are in full swing. During the past 12 months no fewer than 11 mills have closed down in the Taihape and surrounding districts. During the past few days several people have commented upon the number of “fish” found in the drinking water (states the Stratford Post). These are about half an inch long, and somewhat resemble fresh water crayfish. Whilst the “fish” are quite harmless, it is somewhat startling to note one swimming round in what should be a glass of clear water. The effect of the regulation making it necessary for motor lorries to have rear vision mirrors has been considerably nullified by the practice of many divers of having loads on their vehicles which protrude sideways, obstructing a rear view (remarks the Wanganui Herald). This often makes it necessary for drivers of following cars to remain behind a lorry travelling at a slow pace for several miles. Use Waters’ Vioatta and keep your skin clear of blemishes; 2s fid posted.— Waters’Pharmacy... A moderate quantity of stock is now coming forward to the Gisborne freezing works, but a few lambs are being received for killing (the Poverty Bay Herald says). The big sheep are coming forward in about the usual numbers and some fine lines havo recently been put through. No fat cattle bookings have been made as yet and it is clear that none will be coming forward until much later than usual. Already one firm is making an offer for beef, the price being 22s 6d for ox beef and 16s for prime cow beef. An exceedingly interesting exhibjt at the New Zealand Libraries Association Conference at Wanganui was a case containing old “Black Letter” books, and a manuscript “Book of Hours,” probably written in the twelfth century, belonging to Mrs H. S. B. Harper. Most of the books displayed were at one time the property of the Rev. Richard Taylor. It is understood that the hooks will be left in the care of Mr R. G. Firth at the Wanganui Museum for a short time. There is luck in odd numbers. Here are three special ones: —Striped Palmer Nap Trousers, 8s fid; Men’s Twist Shirts (collars 14i to 17), 6s lid; Men’s Colonial All-wool Flannel Unders, 7s fid. Posted anywhere for cash.—Kilroy and Sutherland (Ltd.), 192 Princes street, Dunedin.. The claim of Mr and Mrs F. S. Shepherd, of To Atatu to he the first New Zealand born couple to celebrate their diamond wedding is challenged by Mr H. Howell, of the Veterans’ Home, Mount Roskill who states his, sister, Mrs Elizabeth Lister, who was born in New Plymouth in 1847, celebrated her diamond wedding on Match 20, 1926. Mr Howell says his family, was well acquainted with that of Mr and Mrs Shepherd, Mr Shepherd having also been born in New Plymouth. “Hullo Honi,” said the reporter, ‘‘what’s the scheme now?” “Oh, . just making te flying trip to Ratana to see te new prophet and get woipiro as I pass through Wa- I ngaiuii," replied Honi. “By corry," ho added, “I read in te Herald that _to American tourist notice te wahine swimming in te river and washing te clothes on the hank. Py corry, them old Yankee bucks see a lot I tink with him hornrimmed glasses.”

A Wanganui farmer, who attended the farmers’ rally at Dannevirke last week, said that as far as educating .ue townspeople was concerned, it was “a ghastly failure.” Obanisra: The finest display of Liquor and Liqueurs in miniature sizes is on.view at the Oban Hotel. The Small House with the Big Reputation... ‘Of all the Jersey cows I have seen in New Zealand, I regard Dr Walker's Abberley Naomi the best,” said Mr E. D.. M'Lennan, judge of the_ Jersey section at Kawakawa. This, he said, was his honest opinion. Abberley Naomi has now been milking continuously for 500 days, and was giving 251 b of milk the day she calved. Last year she produced 6031 b butterfat. Mr H. E. B. Watson, who returned from Australia a short time ago, stated that he had seen nothing equal to her in Victoria. Japanese waterproof floral Sunshades, reds, blues, and greens, clearing price, 3a lid. Also Ladies’ Rubber Aprons, pink, grey, and green jazz patterns, with shoulder straps, tie belt, and pocket, only 3s 6d. —T. Ross, 130 Princes street... An amusing story is told regarding am inspection of the Pearson crossing signal by some railway heads when the invention was first tried. out. They considered that it would use too much battery, and that there was a mechanical defect. Instead of assisting to remedy this ■ defect they shied off. It did not take the Australian engineers long when they saw the advantages of the signal over all other# to put the defect right, and then they jumped at it. Owing to advancing season we are now clearing many sports lines at reduced rates. Lawn Tennis Rackets, reduced prices, 15s, 18s 6d, 21s, up to 85s. Improved Birmal Aluminium Racket, practically indestructable, now 29s 6d. Cricket Bats, Croquet Mallets, all reduced. Several sets Taylor’s best Bowls; see these.—• Laidlaw and Gray (Ltd.)... An amusing piactical joke was played on an unsuspicious young lady at the races at Ngaruawahia. She was anxious to have a bet on a race, and asked a gentleman if there were any “bookies” on the Ground. He pointed out a certain gentleman standing a little distance off. and told her aha could get a bet with him, but would have to be very careful, as the police were about. She approached the alleged “bookie” and in a tremulous whisper asked him what odds he was giving on Town Hall in the Raglan Handicap. Smelling a’ joke, he whispered back that the odds depended on what ho got in the bag. It was some time before she found out that she had been put on to a detective. Direct from the English factories: Aluminium ware. Sets of 5 stewpans, 17s 6d; jam pans, 12in 12s 6d, 14in 15s 6d; kettles, 4-pint 6s 3d, 6-pint 7s 6d. Teapots, 8-cup 5s 6d. Frypans, 5s 6d, 6s 6d. Otago Farmers, Crawford street... Conversing with Mr E. J. Bell, of Christchurch, a delegate at the New Zealand Libraries Association Conferenoe, a Chronicle reporter was told that Wanganui was well supplied with perfect motoring roads. Mr Bell said he was surprised with the fine state of the roads in the Waitotara County, which, be said would gladden the heart of any Canterbury motorist. “Your city is also very fortunate in having such a short distance for citizens to drive before they arrive in beautiful native hush,” said Mr Bell. “Jones.” — The most efficient and reliable Domestic Sewing Machine ever offered to a discerning public. The British-made "Jones,” with beautifullyfinished drop-head stand in Real Oak. Price 14 guineas. N.Z. Agents: Glendermid (Limited), 18 Dowling street, Dunedin.. . “The wealthy American expects comfort when he travels, and he is willing to pav. and pay big. for luxuries,’,’ said an American who arrived in Wanganui last week by river steamer. “If this little country of yours wants to do business with American tourists it must provide accommodation similar to what is available in the States. Your hotels need not be as large, but they should be equipped with all modem conveniences in use in America. We Americans like our tub better than our meals, and we don’t like having to wait in a queue to get ■t. A bath tub to every bedroom’ should be the motto of your hotels if they want the American tourist’s patronage.” the handiest tool a farmer can have is a Bull Wrench and -Staple Puller combined; 6s 6d each at Gray’s, Milton... The Christchurch City Council has had many letters lately from tradespeople asking if, in the event of their supplying the Duke of York with goods during “his visit here, they will be permitted to use the Royal Arms and advertise that they are under Royal patronage. Th.e council made inquiries from the Department of Internal Affairs and was informed that any goods supplied were supplied to the New Zealand Government, as host of the Duke of York. A recent rule states that only tradesmen who habitually supply the Royal Household are allowed to use the Royal Arms. Stay at the Prince of Wales Hotel. Good accommodation; best brands of * liquors. ’Phone 721—C. Hinchcliff, proprietor.. . An American lady was asked by a Wanganui Herald reporter where “Pussyfoot” Johnson had got to of late. The lady replied that apparently he had sunk into oblivion. He paid a visit to Scotland, returned to America, and had not been heard of since. "Perhaps your people sent him over the border to Canada,” suggested the reporter. “Oh, no,” replied the lady, ‘That would bo first-aid.” It will be remembered that some time ago a cable message stated that “Pussyfoot’’ had intimated that he was tired of trying to turn people dry, and if they wanted to drink there were at liberty to do so as far as he was concerned. » Waters’ Chap-Lotion clears the hands of chaps and roughness; 2s posted from Waters’ Pharmacy... A youthful Scotsman at Tokanui, just lately from his native Glasgow, went shooting hares with a colonial friend on the outskirts of the bush Having no luck with the hares they decided to explore the bush. They had ba.ely entered before they completely lost each other, and the Scotsman roamed round and round wishing he could sight a Glasgow tram, but instead something sighted him, and that something was a very aggressive specimen of Captain Cooker. By no means approving of this unknown animal he scaled the nearest tree, there to think with bitter thoughts of his friend with all the ammunition. The Captain Cooker was slow to retire, so young Scotland spent the night up the tree, finally finding his way out next morning at 11 a.m. But he will accept no more invitations to shoot, hares, as he didn’t like either the size or manners of the one he taw! Sale now on. A. F. Cheyne and Co. Big reductions at A. F. Cheyne and Co. Big furniture sale at A. F. Cheyne and Co. Shopping in Mosgiel pays at A. F. Cheyne and Co. There’s a saving on every purchase made with us.—A. F. Cheyne and C 0... • When witnesses appear in court to give evidence aeainst motorists accused of having broken a by-law. they are frequently asked the number of the motor car driven by a defendant. Some witnesses adopt strange methods of preserving the number (remarks the Auckland Star). Mostly they jot it down on an envelope. The other day at the Police Court a tramway conductor was giving evidence concerning the case of a motor driver who had passed a stationary tramcar, when the prosecuting sergeant asked whether he had taken the number of the car. “Oh, yes, here it is!” The witness took a tobacco tin from his Inside coat pocket. Although he had any amount of paper on which to write the number, ho had transferred it to the tobacco tin, explaining' that ho might lose the slip of paper but not the tin. Coffee lovers will find the "Bourbon” brand of coffee and chicory reliable and satisfactory right throughout the year.— Manufactured by A. Durie and Co., coffee specialists. Octagon, Dunedin... A treasured relic in the possession of the Ngapubi tribe in the north is an ancient musket, a gift from King George TV (states the Auckland Star). It is carefully looked after by the Maori elders,_ but on rare occasions, State or ceremonial, it is produced. On the occasion of the first visit of Lord Islington to Whangarei the old musket travelled with a Maori delegation and was presented for inspection. Eiberaltv coated from end to end with rank pork fat, the musket was handed round. As befitting rank, it was first handed to Kls Excellency, who smiled wanly and endeavoured to look pleased. An old rangitira next thrust it into the lavender glove-clad hands of her Excellency. In turn each of the official partv fondled the greasy musket, as was becoming for the_ occasion. Those who shook hands with his Excellency later have memories both of an historic visit and the Ngapubi musket which is so tenderly cared for. Some “Hamlet” we have, And some "Bacon” for you; So “Shakespeare” ordered "Hitchon’s” for two...