NEWS IN BRIEF.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20292, 28 December 1927, Page 16

NEWS IN BRIEF.

A Whippet Racing Club has been formed at Palmerston North. . The substantial sum of £33,000 was paid out to the Opotiki Dairy Associations suppliers last week. ... , The Masterton Borough Council has decided to obtain suitable designs tor a coat of arms for the borough. For Special Tours of Great. Southern Lakes and Mount Cook, ring 13-444, White Star Tourist Services... “ This being the festive season, tfie Bench is inclined to take a lenient view of your onence,” remarked Mr L. G. Eton, J.P., when convicting and discharging two first-offending “ drunks ” at the Masterton Court the other day. Murchison, which has always been attached to the Greymouth Police District, will be detached from January 1. It will be placed in the Wellington district, under the control of the newly-formed Nelson and Marlborough district, into -which it will be merged once the latter is definitely formed. We solicit a trial of our famous sugarcured hams and bacon, after which you will reject all others.—Barton and Trengrove. Manse street, Dunedin... As damage had been done to a young plantation at Rakaia owned by the Ashburton County Council, by stock from an adjoining comity reserve, the council decided that the tenant be notified of the termination of his lease, and that action would be taken for damages. At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Nelson branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union a resolution was carried in favour of the union embracing political action and urging the Dominion Executive to give some definite lead in this direction. The rougher the work, the more need for Waters “ Chap-Lotion,” to keep hands fit. 2s. —Waters’ Pharmacy... “ Cut the wheat out and concentrate on lamb and wool —the present prices will pay you,” were the words of advice given by a raembei of the Farmers’ Union at the monthly meeting of the Timaru-St. Andrews branch during a brief discussion on the wheat question. Mr W. B. Martin, chairman of the Martinborough Town Board, has received word that the commission which recently sat in Martinborough had reported favourably on raising the status of the town to a borough. In view of this report it is now proposed to take a poll as required by section 131 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1920, Exceptional value: Flannel Unders, the well-known Doctor Brand, in Shetland and navy, 6s 6d 'ach; All-wool New Zealand Flannels—Shetland 6s lid, natural shade (unshrinkable) 8s lid, navy 9s 6d. posted anywhere for cash.—Kilroy and Sutherland. Ltd.. 192 Princes street, Dunedin... The opening, with quaint ceremonial, of Colchester oyster fishery took place at Brightlingsea, Essex. In mid-stream the town clerk read the ancient proclamation which declares the fishery open. The mayor made the first haul of the season, and the event was celebrated with gin and gingerbread. The King’s health was drunk and a message sent to his Majesty. Among the many tempting delicacies for Xmas James Gray and Sons, of Milton, havd a nice assortment of Peak Freens Biscuits... The police banned a “needle” fight (a contest which is the outcome of a quarrel) which was to have taken place between two Edmonton men—John iMeikle and Fred Peters—at the Edmonton Alcazar, Edmonton, N. The two men, who were employed in a timber yard, had an argument as to their ability to carry wood and other weights, and it was decided that their differences should be settled “in the ring.” Mr Harry Abrahams consented to the men fighting in a six-rounds contest under the usual rules, and it was advertised as one of the features. Mr Abrahams, however, was informed by the police that such a contest is illegal, so the “bout” was left out of the programme. Tennis players requiring smartly cut, high-grade white tennis trousers should forward their size and 12s 6d to the “ Ascot,” corner of Princes and Rattray streets, Dunedin. The trousers will be forwarded by return mail... Apparently a hopeless cripple—he had been unabl e to stand or walk for eight years—the 12-year-old son of a Manchester tram driver was cured in a remarkable way. The' boy’s right leg was stiff, and stuck out straight in front of him, as though locked at the hip. When, however, the lad went to Manchester Children’s Hospital to get a certificate, a distinguished surgeon discovered him to be a victim of hysteria. Twelve days later he was running about the tennis courts, acting as ball-boy for the doctors. Stay at the Prince >1 Wales Hotel. Good accommodation; best brands of liquors, ’Phone 10-721. —C. Hinchcliff proprietor... Man’s last excuse for being late for breakfast is destroyed by the appearance of a clockwork safety razor, which, it is claimed, will reduce the time spent in shaving to three minutes, however stubborn the crop. When a button attached to the handle of the safety razor is pressed the blade oscilates sideways, so that as the user draws the razor down his chin there is a double motion, which quickly clips away any growth, and is said to leave the chin clean and smooth. This new “ tem-per-saving ” razor, which takes an ordinary safety razor blade, has a companion in an electrical razor worked on similar principles—except that electricity is used. We simplify v our Xmas shopping. Inspect our range of seasonable gifts. Special attention to country inquiries.--Conn’s Grand Pharmacy... A man walked into the office of Messrs Wood and Co., coal merchants, near the station at Newport, Isle of Wight, where a young girl clerk named Ruby Lovelock was working alone. He said he was the son of one of the directors of the firm, whose name he gave, and asked the givi to let him have £2O, as he had run short of cash. The girl was suspicious and refused to hand over the money, whereupon the man forced his way over the barrier, threw lumps of coal at the girl, and then struck her unconscious with his fist. He searched the safe, but failed to get any money, and then went away unobserved. Another extraordinary boy-prodigy has made his appearance in America. He is Oskar Shumsky, born at Philadelphia nine years ago. Already he has played as soloist with three famous orchestras—the Philadelphia, the Boston Symphony, and the New York Symphony—and on each occasion aroused the greatest astonishment. Ho is said to posssess not only a fabulous technique but an unbelievable maturity of style and tone. His training is being very carefully attended to, his local teacher now working with him in conjunction with Professor Auer, teacher of so many famous violinists. Young Shumsky is confidently hailed as a future world star.

Mr H. Atmore reaffirmed his political independence in the course of his address at the Theatre Royal recently (reports the Nelson Mail). Hitherto, he said, he had not joined a party, notwithstanding the overtures made to him, because he considered he would do better work as an independent than if tied to any party.— (Applause.) What was needed was to get moderate men in town and country together. A warning to Sounds picnic and camping parties to beware of sharks was conveyed to a Marlborough Express representative by Mr A. H. Derbyshire, of Onapua, Tory Channel. Mr Derbyshire stated that there were more sharks in the Sounds this year than had ever been known, and it was common to see them 14ft or 16ft in length, while he had seen an 18-footer. Mr Derbyshire said visitors to the vicinity of Tory Channel would be well advised not to bathe anywhere in the vicinity of whale flesh, as there was almost sure to be a shark in attendance. A Pictou resident stated that a sft shark was seen off Wedge Point on Sunday. Ladies —“ Vi-Oatta " is the best ol all skin tonics. 2s (posted 2s 6d). —Waters’ Pharmacy, Dunedin... The new Kaikoura lighthouse is now in use. The lighthouse was manufactured by Messrs Chance Bros., lighthouse engineers and contractors, of England, and is known as an automatic acetone-acetylene two-cylinder light, and will be visible at a distance of 14 miles. The tower stands 12ft high, with a diameter of 6tt, tha lamp proper being 2ft high, with a diameter of equal dimensions, and has two 25-litre burners. The dioptric lens flashes a second of light, with 15 seconds of darkness, and is controlled by a sun valve, which shuts off the light during the daytime. The gas cylinders require replacing once in five months, so that there is no need for anyone to be in charge of the light. To Country Stores. —Barton and Trengrove allow liberal concessions for handling their famous smallgoods. Largest output in South Island. —Barton and Trengrove. Manse street. Dunedin Referring to the new political party which he said would be formed early in the nsiw year, Mr Atmore, speaking at the Theatre Royal (reports the Nelson Mail), said that in his opinion the party would consist of men like Mr Poison and those representing the primary producer. “ Sir Joseph Ward, I believe,” added the speaker, " is best fitted to lead the party at the present time with the finances in such a parlous state.” —(Applause.) Save your eyes. Consult Peter G. Dick, D.8.0.A., F. 1.0. (London) optometrist. Peter Dick, jewel'ers and opticians, 400 Morav place (opp. City Hotel)... Fishing in the Eangitata during the week has been the best for years, according to local anglers (states the Ashburton Guardian). Some large bags have been taken, the fish ranging from 61b to 121 b. The river is beautifully clear, and prospects for sport during the holidays are bright. Some good catches of sea fish have been made at Hakatere, and the prospects for the Ashburton River for the holidays are also considered good. The Rakaia is reported to be poor for fishing, but this river is always late, fish not running well till about January or February, Clinstmas Gifts now obtainable in great variety at Laidlaw and Gray. Big Dolls and Toys for the girls. Meccano and Wireless Sets for the boys. Dainty Handbags and other beautiful articles' for mum. Shaving Outfits, etc., for dad. Father Christmas has now arrived, bringing gifts for all boys and girls accompanied by father or mother. Come and see him at the big store.—Laidiaw and Gray, Rattray street... Motor registration plates in New Zealand next year will be figured in white on a chocolate background. This is almost a return to the old easily-distinguished black and white plates. Registration will commence on Debruary 1. A Hawke’s Bay motorist who recently returned from England, raised the question with a Napier Telegraph reporter whether it would not be a cheaper and more easily workable proposition to carry the registration certificate in a visible holder on the car, as is done in England, and change the colour ' of these certificates yearly instead of going to the expense of an annual renewal of plates. Chic bathing dresses, made of pure wool by New Zealand mills. Bright, bold colours; could distinguish you a mile away; 8s 6d. Also British-made Trouville colours and shapes, pure wool, from 16s 6d.—At T. Ross’s, 130 Princes street. Advt. Having been informed that silica sand contained rock phosphate and was good manure for turnips and other plants, Mr W. G. Gallagher, at a special meeting of the County Council, suggested that investigations should be made in connection with tlie sand at Mount Somers (states the Ashburton Guardian). He understood that Professor R. Speight, of Canterbury College, had analysed the sand, and he moved that the professor be asked to supply the information needed. The motion was carried. Car leaving Dunedin for Te Anau and Manapouri, returning via Queenstown, departs Dunedin, January 3, has vacancy two or three passengers.—Ring 13-444. Telegrams: “ Wnitestar.”.. Germany always comes into prominence in New Zealand at Christmas time, and Wanganui is no exception (states the Herald). Most of the local toy shops stock a large percentage of German-made toys, and many of the greeting cards purchased are of German manufacture. It is rather ironical that Christmas cards bearing paintings of New Zealand’s native flora and fauna should be made by a German firm, and even leather kiwis and tikis, which are purchased for despatch to friends in England. Just landed, ex Somerset, a full supply of new season’s Blue Mountain Jamaica. The finest Coffee grown on earth.—A. Durie and Co., coffee specialists. 32 Octagon, Dunedin... A few mornings ago a settler who lives within 100 miles of Whangarei was called upon by a boy, who asked the settler to grant a loan of £5 to a well-known goodnatured Maori (states the Northern Advocate) . The request was unsuccessful, the settler stating that he did not possess the £5 required. A little later the Maori’s son apeared bearing the following note: “ Not believing the boy this morning that make me send my own youngster to see if you could give me the amount of money I wanted this morning. Couldn’t you give me the poor beggar £3 please give two give me something Bill 2 any rate your not broke you don’t tell fibs sometimes I am late in fixing up with you its better late than never. I’ll kiss you Bili I am your obedient ” Such an appeal surely deserved its reward. We are not responsible for the weather, but we are for the 2s 6d in the £ reduction on all Showroom Goods for tnis month. A big saving, and on our usual low prices. Buy now. The Mosgiel Warehouse, A. F. Cheyne and C 0... Since the advent of daylight saving upwards of 20 old subscribers to the Ashburton public library have failed to renew their subscriptions (reports the Guardian). This is accounted for by the fact that the extra hour of daylight is taken up in outdoor pursuits, and by the time artificial lights are required indoors, the evening is so far advanced that reading is almost out of the question. Those who have deserted the library list are not all late additions, but have been connected with it for many years. They, of course, will join again when the winter comes. Your Holiday? Motor Tour through Otira Gorge, Franz Joseph Glacier, Duller Gorge, Marble Mountains, Pelorous River, Hanmer Springs. Car leaves Dunedin 24tb December. Ring 13-444, White Star Tourist Services... Reference to the discontinuance of visits to New Zealand of American tourists parties is contained in the annual report of the New Zealand Tourist League, >vh ; ch says: “Since last annua! conference the executive has met regularly, and given close attention to many phases of tourist business. The opening of direct services from America that began so auspiciously with the visit of the Carinthia in December, 1825, was followed by a repeat visit from the same boat in 1926, and by a call from a steamer under charter by Messrs Thomas Cook and Son in February, 1927. Unfortunately the experiment has not been so successful as hoped, and temporarily, at least, the world-cruising boats from U.S.A. will omit New Zealand from their places of call. The complaints made by the American companies of unfriendliness to visitors seem to have had more point in Australia, but it is possible that financial considerations may have had some influence in curtailing the tours. ’ Much discussion in the papers just now Re politics, prayer book, and drink; No wrangle ’bout Hitchon’s bacon now; ’Tis “ par excellence,” so do our readers think.