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Otago Witness, Issue 3961, 11 February 1930, Page 29

A recent article on Lord Byron was read with more than ordinary interest by an Auckland resident, who says she remembers well that 50 years ago', when she was a child, an elder brother of hers had a shop in the house at Aberdeen where Byron lived for some time (save the Star). The shop was supposed to be exactly under the second storey floor which was said to bo the poet’s bedroom. Hundreds of people used to come from foreign parts to have a look at the house, which was known as Byron’s house, and Aberdonians of that period were very pleased to explain to the visitors, with pride, incidents in connection with the poet's life, and the caprices of his mother. Half a century ago it was customary for peoplein all walks of life in Scotland to have as large a private library as it was possible with their means to obtain, and the woman says a choice copy of Byron’s poems always had a prominent place on th ■ shelves.

Eight cases of scarlet fever occurred in the Canterbury health district last week. In addition there were two cases of diphtheria, seven of tuberculosis, three of pneumonia, one of hydatids, and one of ophthalmia neonatorum, making a total of 24 cases. One case of scarlet fever and one of diphtheria occurred on the YY’est Coast. No details were reported from infectious diseases.

James YVilfred Gray (aged 19) and Charles Robert Gray' (aged 17), who were recently in court in connection with the series of disastrous fires in Christchurch and suburbs, made another appearance in Court on Tuesday. The charges were theft of a watch and chain, valued at £3 10s; theft of a ring, an electric torch and Ils in money, to the total value of £3 15s: and breaking and entering and tl>- *' a brooch, a string of pearls, and 5s in cash, to the total value oi u.. Charles Gray was also charged with the theft of goods and money, to the total value of £l5 10s. The police stated that the charges had been cleared up, because certain jewellery had been handed over by the parents of the accused. Both accused pleaded guilty, and were committed to the Supreme Court for sentence.