LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 25, Issue 40, 26 May 1914, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Debts of N.Z. Cities.— Dunedin’s debt ia £680,300, spread over a population of 67,000, giving an indebtedness of £lO 5s per head, while that of Christchurch works out at £3 2s 6d. Auckland at £lO IBs 7d, and Wellington at £l6 15s.

The Conway River.— The Kaikoura “Star” records the fact that the mail coach for Parnassus has been three times blocked during the week by the Conway river. The advent and the erection of the bridge will be an illuminated blessing.

Progressive Socials.— The fifth of the series of Progressive socials was held on Friday night, and although not so largely attended as some of the previous ones, was nevertheless very enjoyable. Miss Scott provided the music and extras were kindly played by Miss E. Scotland Mr Morris. The latter also contributed aconple of songs which were much appreciated.

Shipping.—The s.s. Huia did not arrive at Havelock untill Saturday evening, her departure from Wellington having been delayed by the stormy weather which has been general throughout the Dominion. She landed the usual amount of cargo inwards, and amongst the items outwards were about 30 crates of cheese from the Havelock factory, and 5 tons of acheelite from Wakamarina'.

Fire at Deep Creek.—Last Wednesday night Mr George Humphries, one of the contractors at the Golden Bar mine, Deep Creek, had the misfortune to lose all his, personal effects through his whare being destroyed by fire When discovered the flames had got well under way but the bucket brigade succeeded in putting it out after strenuous efforts. Nothing however was saved and Mr Humphries’ loss includes books and papers that can never be replaced.

Imperial Pictures.—Through a mishap to the cinematograph machine, the Imperial Picture Coy. were unable to get through on Saturday to show in Havelock as announced. We understand that the company intend to install a plant permanently in Havelock for use locally, and in the surrounding district, so that the difficulty of transit ever long distances will be overcome.

Danger op Petrol.—The danger of taking lights near petrol was demonstrated at Kaupokonui a few days ago. While the Kaupokonui Dairy Company’s motor waggons were receiving their supply of petrol in a shed in the vicinity of the factory, an acetylene lamp, held -by a man standing by, caused a sudden ignition of the petrol vapour. A sheet of flame shot up to the roof of the building. The clothing of some of those standing around was set on fire, and there were some narrow escapes from serious injury. The roof of one of. the motor waggons was set on fire and destroyed. No room for colds in the man or woman, boy or girl, who uses “ NAZOL." This scientific and reliable remedy also relieves Inflnenzi, Bronchitis, and Sore Throat. Buy a bottle to-day— l/6 for 60 doses. Ketch Blown Ashore.—During the gale which raged in the Sounds a few days ago; the ketch Comet, 21 tons register, coal laden from Puponga to Nydia Bay, was blown ashore at Admiralty Bay in front of Mr Isaac Turner’s residence. Anchors were let out, and the little vessel was floated off on Sunday morning’s tide. It is understood (says the Nelson Mail) that the Comet is leaking slightly, and latest information from the French Pass on Monday afternoon to the effect that she was anchored in Admiralty Bay waiting for the gale to abate before proceeding on her journey. Mr George Williams and his son constitute the crew of the vessel. —The Comet arrived safely in Havelock on Sunday morning.

How about a nice pair of reindeer gloves suitable for driving—Father will appreciate our lined at 6s 6d, or fur lined at 10a 6d—Geo. Fowlds, Ltd., Wellington. Farmer’s Extraordinary Experience.—Mr James Fleming, a Pungarehu farmer, had an extraordinary experience a few days ago. He was removing fencing, hauling away the posts and wires in long lengths attached to a dray, when the wire, catching on the slope of a hill, tipped the dray into a stream. The horse, after struggling for an hour or so was drowned. It was not until four hours later that Mr Fleming was found. He had been pinned, face downwards, in the stream, but was able to keep his head above water. He made a pillow for his head with the stones, and had stood his long exposure with wonderful fortitude. He suffered severely from his immersion in ice-cold water, and from a contusion of one leg, but he is not likely to experience any permanent ill-effects.

Vagakiks or Bookkeeping.— A ludicrous accident recently cost a firm of American grain merchants 100 dollars. It was found one day that, according to the books and ledgers, 100 dollars (about £2O) had mysteriously disappeared. Immediately the firm sent for an expert accountant, and paid him far more than the missing 100 dollars to find out what had happened. The expert accountant went through all the books. He checked and counter-checked, referred and compared for a solid seven months, and -still there was no explanation of the entire disappearance of that 100 dollars. And still the firm was determined to trace it if it cost them ten times as much. One day the accountant was trying for the heaven knows what time to detect the error, when his pencil happened to touch the figure “1” of a certain entry. To his astonishment the figure promptly snapped in two and skidded down the page. Examination showed that the supposed figure, which had been added up with the rest, and thrown the accounts out to the extent of 100 dollars, was nothing but the leg of a fly, which had been shut in the ledger and had adhered to the page. It had made an entry of 40 dollars road 140 dollars.