NEWS IN BRIEF.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20316, 26 January 1928, Page 18

NEWS IN BRIEF.

The quantity of freight transported last week through the Otira tunnel totalled 827 tons (reports the Grey River Porpoises which paraded the seafront at Castlecliff last week re-appeared on Friday and again caused intense excitement amongst bathers (says the Wanganui Chronicle). Many took the visitors to be sharks and hurriedly left tho water. Stay at the Prince of Wales Hotel. Good accommodation; best brands of liquors. ’Phone 10-721. —C. Hinchcliff, proprietor... The fiftieth anniversary of the constitution of Hamilton as a borough falls on February 5, and arrangements have been made to celebrate it by holding a civic dinner, investing the Mayor with a chain of office and publishing a booklet. Just where most bathers, walk on their way from the dressing sheds to the beach at North Beach (states the Christchurcn Sun), scattered through the grass and stones is as nice a collection of broken glass is will be seen anywhere. Bathers who have found this glass pronounce it great for bare feet.

Barton and Trengrove want Pigs to supply the enormous demand for their famous sugar-cured Bacon. Highest price for cash. —Manse street, Dunedin... An Aucklander who returned, last week from a visit to Australia has a high opinion of tho railway service in Victoria tsays the Star). At a wayside station he misplaced his hat, and did not discover his loss until it had been left many miles behind. He reported his misfortune to tne guard, and gave the address of the hotel at which he would be staying in his next town. Four hours after his arrival the hat was delivered at the hotel. From the number of hands down wuh influenza, it looks as if there will presently be “no man standing” in some of tho business concerns in Westport (says the News). The complaint is, not regarded seriously, but leaves the victims, tor the time being, in a wretched state of mind and body. It is alleged to be due to the prolonged spell of -dry weather, affecting the water supply. ■ Hats for Men, usually sold at 25s 6d and 29s 6d, have been all reduced to 17s 6d for this week. only. See our window and pick your hat. ■ All Shapes, Shades, and Sizes. At the ** Ascot,* corner Princes and Rattray streets... Sunsets of almost unrivalled beauty' have been witnessed from the nearby sea coast during last week (states the Wanganui Chronicle). Cloud effects have been magnificent, and the smoky atmosphere resulting from numerous bush fires inland, has given the setting sun an unnatural appearance, removing much of the brilliance from the sky, but at the same time adding colour. The magnificent orb hangs like a huge Chinese lantern, before dipping below the horizon. The recent rains have considerably benofitted most parts of the Whangarei County, but Parua Bay, Whangarei Heads and Ruakaka are singularly unfortunate (stales the Whangarei correspondent of the Auckland Star). They have been subject to a prolonged drought, and it is estimated, that not more than one inch of rain has fallen since the end of October. The result is that the pastures are parched and cream production is reduced by at least one-third of tho supply under normal conoitions. Grandism (308) —Politeness is like an air cushion. There is nothing in it, but it eases the joints wonderfully. The Grand Staff are appreciated for their uniform courtesy always. You’ll have no corns if you use Kornbane Is 2d posted.—Waters’ Pharmacy... . Fishermen were having a royal time on the mudflats at the mouth of the Wanganui River the other day (reports the Chronicle), and good catches of flounders were made. The fish were mostly of a good size, and so many fell victims to the hunters’ spears that sales to local residents were made at the rate of three fish for Is. Among the fishermen were a number of up-river Maoris, who found the sport a welcome change from that of tuna catching. The high prices being paid for Hides must soon be reflected in higher Prices for footwear. Gray’s, of Milton, can supply you now at low prices... While fishing off Grossi’s Island, near Monaco. Stoke, recently, two residents of Nelson landed a shark 10ft 6in in length. When the shark was cut open it was found to be carrying 17 young ones, all about 18in long. The fishermen thus rendered useful service by ridding the channels around Monaco, which is a very popular camping place, of 18 sharks in one catch.

With a baby in her arms and a seven-year-old child, footsore and weary, trailing at her skirts, a woman was walking in the direction of Hobsonville the other day in broiling heat (says the Auckland Star). An Auckland motorist caught up to the tired pedestrians and gave them a lift for the rerolining two miles of their journey. The woman had travelled on foot 10 miles from where she set out. She added that she had to return the same day, but was hopeful of getting a lift on the way back. Low prices and high quality are an unusual combination, but this describes our leather suit and attache cases. Solid leather suit cases from 47s 6d; solid leather attache cases from 29s 6d. —Otago Farmers. Crawford street...

The roads in most parts of South Canterbury are showing signs of disintegration under the influence of dry weather and heavy traffic (reports the Timaru Herald). The dust nuisance is becoming increasingly bad, and users are looking forward to the prospect of an increased mileage of tar-sealed road. In the meantime, motorists would welcome a fall of rain and more extensive use of the graders. A common source of complaint is the alleged undue amount of coarse shingle. “ How is the Agricultural College progressing? ” asked a Wanganui Herald >-o----presentatiye in a talk witu a Palmerston North resident, who is closely connected with primary industries. “ Very disappointingly/’ he replied, “ to my mind, and tnac is the opinion of many good farmer s whom I know. The officials are canning out the work of preparing the area in a very expensive manner." He went on to refer ro the draining operations vhicn, he saia were not being done as practical farmers would do them. He thought that far too much—“ in fact £2O too much ” —had been paid for tho land, ‘out’’ he added with enthusiasm, ’* the college is going to mean a lot to Palmerston.

To most people It will come as a surprise to read the report that the “ Mary ” of the “ Little Lamb ” rhyme is still living. According to the report, a disastrous fire at the Tyissa Farmstead, Llangollen, Wales, the birthplace of Mrs Mary Hughes, the Mary of Llangollen, made famous in the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” has destroyed all the outbuildings and Dutch barns. Mrs Hughes, who is 86, once tended the lambs on the hillsides. She is now an invalid living on the South Coast. Among the “ lost property ” found in T/ondon’s underground railways during the past year were 20.000 pairs of gloves, 12/)0O umbrellas, and 5000 walking sticks.

Since the Auckland Police Court opened in the New Year 411 criminal cases have been dealt with (states the New Zealand Herald). This has necessitated unusually heavy work for the staff in the criminal department of the court. An insurance manager was recently -a need of the services of' an adjustor to examine a claim outside Auckland (says tea Star). The first he asked was not available until some distant date, a 3 he had 42 inspections on hand. The second would be able to attend to the matter in five days time, the third could not possibly be tioa within four days. In desperation the nanager sought an adjustor who could attend to the claim without delay, and i is perseverance was at length rewarded the discovery of a man who was willing to leave for the scene of the fire the same day. Passing through to Milford Sound, a well-known business man called at a farm, house. Three sturdy children rushed out and stood gazing inquisitively at the stranger. On perceiving them exceptionally well dressed, he questioned the mother as to how she did it. She proudly answered: “I obtained a sewing machine from Laidlaw and Gray’s, and, with pattern books, am able to make all the clothes they require, and save money... The abnormal mortality at the Auckland Zco in the early part o? last month involving the loss of a msui »rang-outang, two chimpanzees, and several toucan, wsa the subject of a report by the Parks Committee to the City Council the other evening (says the Herald) It was stated the committee went thoroughly into the present arrangements for the oversight, feeding, and care of the animals and birds. »hile nothing in the nature of neglect or carelessness was indicated, the committee had given instructions which it wa s confidently anticipated would result in increasing the efficency of the working of the zoolo-ical park.

Exceptional value: Flannel Uuders, the well-known Doctor Brand, in Shetland and navy, 6s 6d each; All-wool New Zealand Flannels —Shetland 6s lid, natural shade (unshrinkable) 8s lid, navy 9s fid, posted anywhere for cash.—Kilroy and Sutherland, Ltd., 192 Princes street, Dunedin... Some time back a blueberry tree was planted in Palmerston North, but tha borough curator (Mr P. Black) tojd a Manawatu Standard reporter recently that it was not doing well, for the plant required an acid soil such as that in the Tongariro National Park. The commercial blueberry. \va s a native of North America, and there were 20 or 30 different species. The plant, which was considered to have a future in New Zealand, was a hybrid or of hybrid origin, and had been introduced by private enterprise. Although some of the plants were showing promise, said Mr Black, he doubted whether the blueberry would ever become popular ag a commercial fruit, partly on account of the difficulty which would be encountered in the transport of such soft and tender berries. For all your Medical Wants special attention given to country orders. “ Conn’s Sell it for less.”—Conn’s Grand Pharmacy...

The old-time Maoris are great students of Nature, and their predictions of the weather are usually fairly accurate, but in he case of an elderly Keiwhaike Native one hopes that his prediction will not be correct (says the Wanganui Herald). Speaking to a representative about the regatta, he remarked that the weather for this fixture would be fine, and that tho present dry spell would continue for another month. The Maoris also say there will be a “ big-man ” flood in the Wanganui River before many moons have waned. “We have to check the Maori census figures very carefully,” said Dr E. P. Ellison, director of Maori Hygiene, speaking at the annual meeting of the-Native School Teachers’ Association (reports the .>ew Zealand Herald). He explained that when making a return the head of a Maori village was inclined to exaggerate the population grossly. When asked the reason for doing so, he would ingenuously explain that it was in order that the Government night be influenced to attach more import mco to any representations that might be made on behalf of his people. Quality, Quality, Quality, Quality, Quality, Quality—all the time. —Barton and Trengrove, Manse street... A tourist motor proceeding the otner evening through Greymouth, on its way to South Westland, attracted general notice from the fact that it had for a trailer a sleeping compartment, mounted in- two wheels, resembling the old covered wagons in shape (states the Argus). Tho co,tiling was-of heavy green canvas, and upon its pneumatic tyres the trailer moved easily in the wake of the motor, aboard whic* there were several people. Very many of the motors visiting the glaciers this summer are equipped with tents, but this innovation would seem to be one oi greater convenience.

Forty-sixth annual summer sale a huge success. A few of this week’s specials; Ladies’ Tailored Coats and Coat Frocks, 39s 6d each; ladies’ straws and ready-to-wears, from 3s lid up. A call will be to our mutual benefit. —A. F. Cheyne and C 0...

WEen speaking of unemployment, a well-known farmer in the Turakina Valley relates a good story (says the Wanganui Herald). A few days ago he was haymaking in a field when he noticed three young men with their swags up. He got down off the stack and called out to them, and offered to pay them 2s per hour if they would help him to complete getting in his hay. They refused point blank, and actually increased their stride to get past the farm quicker. “If any person wants to know further particulars about the incident, you are at liberty tc give them my name,” he added. Your skin won’t age if you use Waters’ Vi-Oatta; 2s 6d posted.—Waters’ Pharmacy... “ The danger from fires is very real this year,” said Mr R. G. Robinson, superintendent for the Selwyn Plantation Board, in conversation with a Lyttelton Times reporter recently. “ There has been an unusually vigorous development of grass and undergrowth generally along all the road lines, and everything is as dry as tinder.” Mr Robinson said that motorists should be very careful not to throw lighted matches about while travelling. The chief danger exists between Christchurch and Rakaia, within a radius of 10 miles on each side of the main road. The board has cut fire breaks for the protection of its own plantations where practicable, but nothing can be done along the road lines.

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 16* 6d.—At T. Ross’s. 130 Princes street. Advt.

If gorse crops can- be accepted as a it is certain that the soils of Mount Eden and Mount Albert lend themselves equally well to exuberant growth (says the Auckland Star). Just now the gorse is dry, a menace to householders, and a nuisance to fire brigades. About 9 o’clock the other evening the Mount Eden and Mount Albert Fire Brigades received calls simultaneously, and as the engines dashed along Dominion road and Edendale road respectively with the sirens wailing loudly and plaintively people began to think there was a call to a fire that needed a dual effort to conquer. The Mount Albert Brigade dashed to Calgary road, and valiantly tackled a blaze on two sections, where the gorse was, in places, as high as Bft. The Mount Eden Brigade made for a gorse plot in Lambeth road. It was not such a luxurious crop, but the acreage was rather more extensive. Just landed, ex Somerset, a full supply of new season’s Blue Mountain Jamaica. The finest Coffee grown on earth.—ADurie and Co., coffee specialists, 32 Octagon. Dunedin... We learn from the New Zealand Small* holder that an up-to-date fruitgrower nowadays goes through his orchard several times in a season with a duster. It is not a feather duster, but a thing on wheels pulled by a horse. It is agitated by engine power, and. instead of flicking 'little bits of dust off the leaves, as the feather duster of every well-trained parlourmaid would do. it . deliberately creates a dust—a gigantic dust cloud that envelopes the leaves, the trees, the entire orchard, and the operator himself if he is not nimble enough to keep ahead of it. Its destiny is to kill little codlin moth babies just entering the apples, and to prevene fungus infection. In a test described (with illustrations) the orchardist declares he can dust in three hours singlehanded 1200 trees that used to take him and two men three days to spray in the good oid liquid fashio. If my dreams would all come true, As" I have said before, I’d have Hitchon’s bacon every day, I’d buy it more and more...