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Southland Times, Issue 19157, 29 January 1924, Page 4

Mushrooms have made their appearance in Wharehuia, Taranaki. This is at least two months earlier than usual for that district

An old Oamaru resident states that ir the early days tutu wine was in commor use in North Otago. The juice of th€ tutu berry is not poisonous, as some people may suppose. The poison is contained it the seed only.

“It seems Ito me to be the wrong time to lend money,” said Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court at Auckland, when a moneylender sought judgment against a young man who had borrowed £3O just before the races.

An Invercargill business man suggested to a reporter yesterday that it would be a good move in view of the increasing popularity of Riverton Beach, if suitable bathing accommodation, in the shape of a few sheds, was built.

A frank admission was made at New Plymouth by a bankrupt under examination regarding an agreement allegedly signed by him, “He got me full, and I don’t know what was in the agreement. There was no solicitor; just a pencil and paper.” “In other words, you signed when you were tight,” commented one of those present.

A peculiar position was mentioned at a sitting of the Native Land Court at Greytown on Monday last. A Native agent, referring to the fact that certain Natives would like their names added to the original list of owners of the Wairarapa Lake, said there was a song composed by the defeated foe for ownership which told what they would do if opportunity arose. Those who wished their names added now to the ownership list were probably the descendants of this very foe.

The gala promoted by the Ashburton Band to finance its participation in the forthcoming band contest realised £250. —Press Association.

By the entry of sheep-dip into a stream in the Puketitiri district, Hawke’s Bay, an extremely large number of brown trout were killed, many of the fish being of quite a fair size.

A meeting of the Timber Workers’ Advisory Board will be held in Christchurch on February 6. Mr T. O’Byme, who is a member of the Board, will attend the meeting.

Although farming is generally supposed to be at a low ebb in the Old Country, and the present Government proposed to pay a subsidy of £1 an acre on cultivated lands, land values do not seem to have suffered very greatly, at any rate not in all districts. A small agricultural estate in Shropshire was sold at an average of £9O an acre for accommodation land, and up to £144 an acre for the homestead.

In the opinion of the medical superintendent of the Wellington Hospital (Dr. D. M. Wilson) it is desirable that the Hospital Board should make a rule that “no liquor shall be brought into hospital premises by any 'member of the staff.” Any offender should be liable to dismissal. “This is an unwritten rule,” says Dr. Wilson, “but I think it might be made a ‘written’ one.”

The Lyttelton watersiders decided to lake their postponed annual holiday yesterday; consequently there was no response to the call for labour, and no work was done in the port. A cargo of Nelson fruit by the Cygnet is liable to damage, as a part is consigned to Invercargill. The shipping companies have made a complaint to the Labour Department that the picnic day was selected without the consent of the companies.—Press Association.

In response to the recent representations by the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce regarding the express train services, the Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister of Railways, has written stating that he is unable to say at the present time when he will be able to be in Invercargill, but that it will probably be some time next month. As soon as definite arrangements had been made, however, he would advise the Chamber as to his movements.

“Mushrooms for breakfast, 7.30 a.m., January 23, 1924,” reads an entry in a local man’s diary on Wednesday morning (says the Wairarapa News). Such an event is surely worthy of record, when one considers the burnt up state of the countryside. These mushrooms were gathered on the banks of the Kaipatangata creek near the falls. The country in this part is green and fresh, and shows no sign of drought conditions. The foothills have had a great deal more rain than the valley lands.

At a sitting of the Native Land Court at Greytown on Monday, a party appearing for the Natives asked that a certain case be determined before Parliament sat. Asked the reason why, he said there might be an election shortly afterwards, and if a new Government got •in the obligations of the old Government may not be kept. Chief Judge Jones said he need not worry himself on that score, as no Government would dishonour the promises of its predecessors.

A member of the Wanganui Acclimatisation Society had an opportunity during the week of inspecting some of the deer herds in the district. He states that the deer ar in good condition, and a large number of young ones were noticed. In one locality there was evidence of illicit shooting, and this was substantiated by the fact that a dog with the party went into some scrub and brought out the head of a young deer that had been killed a few days. On going into the scrub the party found that the skin was missing, which was clear evidence that the deer had been shot.

The long spell of dry weather, with only a few showers of rain, is going hard with the dairymen along the coast. The supplies of cream being railed to Wanganui, which were well maintained during the last two seasons, have this year dropped off considerably (says the Wanganui Herald), and the assistants in the local factories are not now called upon to work so hard in dealing with the contents of the incoming cans. Railwaymen are also finding the work of handling the supplies less strenuous.

A pumpkin weighing 1401 b, recently sent from France to England by aeroplane, exploded at the Savoy Hotel London. It was destined to be made into pumpkin pie for a Thanksgiving Day celebration by Americans staying at the Savoy, and it was believed to be the biggest pumpkin ever imported into England. It was, however (says the Taranaki Herald), quite small compared with a pumpkin grown at Mangorei many years ago by the late Mr Z. Wells. This one weighed 2131 b and was 27ft 9in in girth, and was sold for £l, half going to Wellington and the other half to Auckland for exhibition.

“What is the ‘mystery’ skirt I hear so much about —I note sounds of suppressed laughter amongst those who refer to it?” asked the innocent inquirer. “Why, that’s the new long skirt—ankle deep,” replied the girl in our office, with a saucy smile. “But where’s the mystery?” pursued His Innocence. “Well, as you probably know (you’re old enough to, anyway), some girls have thin calves and some have them shapely. You could see for yourself with the short skirt; with the long skirt you’ve got to guess. That's the mystery—under the skirt.” —Auckland Star.

The Clyde correspondent of the Dunedin Star telegraphs:—The weather during the last week has been gloriously fine, and with a steady, high barometer, indications point to a continuation of the weather for which Central Otago is famed. It has been very warm—really too warm for the busy fruitgrower, who is finding it almost impossible to harvest his crop. With the temperature at over 120 deg. in the sun, in some orchards picking had to be suspended. Even unripe fruit is being softened by the intense heat. Following the recent good rains, the heat has caused rapid growth, and feed is now plentiful.

An exceptional tomato plant was recently inspected by Mr L. Paynter, Government Orchar Instructor, at St. Martin’s, and it was considered of sufficient importance to be photographed (says the Wanganui Chronicle). It was grown by Mr Charles Pope, and had no fewer than 63 tomatoes on one truss, or bunch; there were four trusses on the plant and the total number of tomatoes was 161. The plant was grown in the open, and not. under glass. At the time Mr Paynter saw it some of the tomatoes had ripened and some had just set. A truss on another plant, at Mr Pope’s had 55 tomatoes on it. For a truss to have 20 tomatoes on it is considered good; the average is about ten.

At the invitation of the Mandeville branch of the Farmers’ Union Mr E. Bowmar addressed a meeting in the Public Hall on Saturday evening on Power Board matters (states the Mandeville correspondent of the Mataura Ensign). Some twenty gentlemen attended. Mr Bowmar spoke for an hour and a-half, and gave a very interesting and instructive address. In very simple language and with a careful avoidance of decimals, he gave all present a good idea of what an average farmer would require, so that when the Board’s canvasser called each one would have a guide to assist in deciding what their requirements would be. He impressed it on all to make as much use of the current as possible. The power would be there, and the more used the better for everyone. He regretted that owing to delay in Australia the poles for this and othqf districts had not been erected yet. The contracts were let, and the Board all in its power to hurry the delivery of the poles. Several other matters of interest to farmers were dealt with,- and at the conclusion a number of questions were answered. On the motion of Mr H. W. C. Horrell, a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Bowmar.

With an aggregate of over 3000 runs and an equal record of thirteen three-figure innings in one season to his credit, Hendren is the champion batsman of the year in England.

The Canterbury College Board of Governors passed a resolution yesterday, says a Press Association telegram, protesting against the decision of the Education Department not to permit of the employment of architects in private practice in the erection of secondary and technical school bulidings. A copy of this protest is to be forwarded to the governing bodies of all secondary and Technical High School Boards in the Dominion.

“Cycling on the footpath is a good deal in vogue in the Borough,” reported the South Invercargill Borough Inspector at last night’s meeting, “and I am afraid it will never be dealt with satisfactorily until the Borough brings in a licensing system and cyclists have to carry number plates on bikes, for unless he knows the offender an inspector gets only impertinence instead of the name.” “So many bikes get stolen these days that it would be necessary to make the cyclists themselves carry the number plates,” said Councillor Holloway, amid laughter.

Yesterday evening at the Showgrounds a gathering of cricketers was held to make a presentation to Mr M. Stanton, who is leaving to-day for Hanmer. In making the presentation of a case of pipes, Mr R. Abercrombie said that during his connection with the game in Southland, Mr Stanton had done a great deal for cricket, particularly mentioning his work last season in preparing wickets. Mr A. Hamilton endorsed Mr Abercrombie’s remarks and called for three cheers for Mr Stanton, which were given with a will. Mr Stanton made a suitable response. At a previous gathering the Marist Club presented Mr Stanton with a travelling rug.

The attention of boys who are leaving school for good, and who are over 14 years of age, is directed to the necessity for registering under the Defence Act. It does not appear to be generally known that the obligation to enrol is on the boy, and neglect in this direction frequently results in the prosecution of cadets. All lx>ys not attending secondary schools, where they are registered automatically, are required to undergo training from the time they are 14 years of age until they reach the age of 18 years. It is the duty of a boy immediately he leaves school, and providing he is of the required age, to make a written application to the Defence Department for registration.

A correspondent writes: A youthful resident of Awarua Bay named Chas. Buddle, had a somewhat exciting experience on Thursday morning last. Equipped with two strong groper hooks attached to a stout line, he set out to capture a fish which for some time had frequented the locality. He was successful in hooking his quarry which towed his boat for some distance before it finally gave in and let its captor beach it. Contrary to expectations the creature turned out to be a shark over eight feet in length and having a girth of four feet. Evidently the shark had been in the habit of cruising round the boats at the Bluff, having in its stomach at the time of capture a quantity of meat, apparently beef scraps.

At last night’s meeting of the South Invercargill Borough Council the Chief Postmaster at Invercargill, Mr G. R. Cooper, wrote advising that the matter of the extension of the postal delivery to South Invercargill had been considered by the Department and it had been decided to institute a once daily delivery by postman to Clifton and adjacent parts of the South Invercargill Borough. One condition was that all intending participants were to erect boxes at their gates. It would be some little time before the delivery could be commenced as certain re-arrangements of staff had to be made. “Very satisfactory,” said the Mayor, Mr G. McChesney. “We have been hammering away at this for two years now. The Borough is greatly indebted to the Southland League, as it is only through their efforts that we have succeeded.”

Perhaps one of the most impressive sights in the early morning is the view of Ngauruhoe from Waimarino. The Main Trunk train, after plunging along through the darkness, with many a

“kick” on the corners—“square corners,” a much-travelled person termed them—climbs the spiral and comes to a halt just at daybreak at this time of the year (states an exchange). To the east lies Ngauruhoe, silhouetted against the dawn, lazily emitting black smoke. Further down the line lies the massive Ruapehu, the cause of the - heavy frost which covers the ground for miles, and makes travellers wrap themselves more carefully in their coats and rugs. As the train continues on its journey new views of the mountains are unfolded, until at Waiouru the three—Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro—may all be seen. These views are magnificent, yet one found that few people in the carriage seemed to take much interest in the scenery. It is a pity that the expresses pass over the best scenic parts of the journey during the hours of darkness.

In view of the high prices of raw wool the Sale at THOMSON & BEATTIE’S affords a golden opportunity for money-sav-ing. Our usual heavy Sale discounts are shown on all everyday Woolien Lines— Flannels, Blankets, Underclothing, etc. Don’t miss this opportunity.— (Advt.)

The Beverage!—That is, of course, BAXTER’S RAVA TEA. Sales not only keep up, but are steadily increasing. RAVA TEA is of excellent quality, the price very reasonable, especially as the market continues to rise. Baxter’s Famous Rava still 2/8 per lb, 2d reductions for 51b and 101 b packets. S.P.QR. —(Advt.)

Picnic Committees will find an exceptionally fine selection of trophies at Hyndman’s, Dee Street. Useful prizes take pride of place and the prices give plenty of variety. Hyndman’s cater for some of the biggest district picnics in Southland, the committees of which are keen appreciators of value.—(advt.). LAND AGENT BITTEN. A land agent badly bitten in the face by Mosquitoes was recommended to rub in Q-tol, which not only gave prompt relief, but also made his shaving much easier.— (Advt.) CUTLERY AT WHOLESALE PRICES. For one month only LOW’S, LTD., 69 Lichfield Street, Christchurch, offer i-dozen Extra Quality Sheffield Stainless Dessert Knives at 20/- per Table Knives, same quality, 22/6 per 4-dozen, Dixon’s Nickel Silver heavy quality Tea Spoons 5/-, Dessert Spoons and Forks 9/-, Table Spoons and Forks 12/-, all per 4-dozen. Posted free to any address. —Advt. “The Summer night’s filled with barks.” —Xyades. There’s nothing more irritating than a Summer cough or cold. Fortunately, such annoying complaints can easily be banished with Baxter’s Lung Preserver—famous for over 57 years as the most dependable remedy for bronchial complaints. You get relief from the first dose of “Baxter’s.” It is rich, soothing, and penetrating. Also has splendid tonic properties. Generous-sized bottle 2/6; family size 4/6. All chemists and stores. —(Advt.) We place at our clients’ disposal firstclass vehicles and efficient, courteous men. The result is that people employ us time after time.—The New Zealand Express Co, Ltd.—Advt. We are fully stocked with the latest productions in watches and jewellery. Our full range of ladies' wristlet and pocket watches from 14/- to £l4, cannot be surpassed, each watch being guaranteed. Gent’s watches in metal cases from 9/6 to £3 10/-; silver £2 10/- to £9; gold £4 10/- to £3O. Buy your watch from the practical watchmaker, T. M. Rankin, Tay street, InvercargilL—Advt.