NOTES AND QUERIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2375, 7 September 1899, Page 46

NOTES AND QUERIES.

Questions for reply in coming issue to 6e received not later than MONDAY night.

Septuagenarian writes : — '

•" Whatever may have

been the extent of Mr Eichard Henry's observation in early days among the Australian black 3, he is certainly far wrong in saying in his article in the Witness of August 24 that the boomerang has 'no -ability to return' to the thrower. I have seen it done; but only when it was sent clean through the air without striking an object at all, and come back too with terrific force within a few feet of the thrower. I related an instance in your columns a few months ago. But every blackfellow does not possess the skill. ' Mahanga Bay Disaster. — In this connection" Mr Robert Forbes, Sandymouut, writes: — " Perhaps the following will account for the cause of the above disaster: — Fire by Compression of Air. — It is stated that the Burmese 'are acquainted with the mode' of obtaining fire by the compression of air. They take a piece of tough wood, three or four inches long, in which they bore a small cylinder of rather less length than the piece of wood. A piston having a small hollow at the lower end is then fitted to the cylinder. To make the. piston work airtight in the cylinder a little waxed thread is wound round the lower end. The upper end terminates for convenience in a knob When fire is wanted, a piece of cotton wool or touchwood is placed in the hollow end of the piston, which is then inserted in the cylinder and driven home by a smart blow of the hand. On the piston being withdrawn the wool or touchwood is found to be alight." —(See Family Herald, April 13, 1878). Inquirer. — We think you have had quite enough latitude so far as "A Banker" is concerned, but we have no objection to giving space to Lamartine's estimate of the character of Voltaire, which you quote : — " If we judge of men by what they have done, then Voltaire is iucontestably the greatest writer of modern Europe. No one has caused, through the powerful influence of his genius alone, and the perseverance of his will, so great a commotion in the minds of men. His pen aroused a world, and has shaken a far mightier empire than that of Charlemagne, the European empire of a theocracy. His genius was not force, but light. Heaven had destined him not to destroy, but to illuminate, and wherever he trod, light followed him, for Reason (which is light) had destined him to be first her poet, then her apostle, and lastly her idol." Elevator. — You have not sent your name with your letter, which is withheld pending compliance with this well known rule. Joker. — (1) Ace. (2) We presume yoii mean in a newspaper ; if so, yes Constant Reader.— The ship Wellington, Captain Cowan, arrived at Port Chalmers with immigrants, on her maiden voyage, on February 25, 1875. As the Piako did not come here on her first trip we are unable to give you her date, which, however, would probably be in May, 1877. Tnquirer.— (1) Not quite 3ft, price 545, at a. and T. Young's, Princes street. (2) 1 h.p. nominal oil engine, £90. Thi3 works up to three effective h.p. At Mr Fieldwick's, Octagon. A. C, Shotover, sends the following extraci from the Leader of June 24 last in euswer to M. J. F..'s query:— Trumper's stylish and effective play was the subject of special eulogy, which is not surprising, and it is remarkable in connection with this match that the two highest scorers are the two youngest members of the team,' Trumper being 21 vear3 and 7 months and Hill 22 years and 3 months old.. A. P. — Charles C. James's book came out from Home for notice, and we do not think it js in stock in the colony. Any bookseller will order it for you if you leave a deposit as a guarantee of good faith. J. W. Stone. — None of the motions rhscjua'h'y a director from acting and exercis ng his full powers, unless there is a provision in the articles of association that they shall do so. Redgauntlet. — Any person may change his or her name as he or she may plea3e. There is nothing unlawful in doing so, but as it is frequently done for fraudulent purposes, it is generally regarded with suspicion. It is not necessary to obtain a license to do so, but it is usual to execute a deed poll notifying the change. Johnnie. — When you sell property the ownership and right of possession pass to the buyer, and the seller has no right to take the property away even should the price never be paid. W. Brown. — If a married woman goes into business on her own account the husband does not become liable for the debts they may incur in carrying on such business. Outsider. — (1) It is not illegal for a county councillor to get his son employed in county work. It is open to comment. (2) The county inspector of works, if there is such an officer. (3) A ratepayer has "\a right to inspect the treasurer's accounts and take copies from any part of them at all reasonable times. (4) The county council cannot close a road except with the consent of the ratepayers of the district in which the road is situated. Busn.—(l) A would bo entitled to nominal i damages if the timber cut by B fell on A's grass. (2) The notice, if a proper one, should ] he good for all time. (3) The question of the right to impound rattle is not affected by the notice to fence. No occupier of unfenced land is entitled to lecover damages for the trespass of cattle impounded by him. D. M'Taggart, jun., Waitahuna.— After inquiries, involving considerable delay, we are infoimed that in connection with "The Science and Art of Mining, ' a publication at Wigan, monthly instruction and examination in mining and engineering by correspondence ire conducted under the direction of Mr C. M. Jf ercy, M.E., F.G.S., of the Wigan School of luines. Certificates are granted, but they do not carry with them degrees. A syllabus will be supplied free on application.