LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 4, 14 December 1911, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

At yesterday’s meeting of the National Park Board the resignation of Mr. G. A. Marchant was received, and accepted with regret.

During divine service in the churches on Sunday night tiie gas gradually went out says the “Opunake Times.” The light of man—or of the Town ■Board—slid quietly into darkness before the words of the preacher were concluded. One preacher compared the material light to the spiritual light and the Town Board light (which was absent) did not get a third rate chance in the comparisons. However, the collection was taken up under the dim light of a lamp.

A traveller who had been cutting tilings rather line was seen to do a lightning sprint along the platform as the Main Trunk express for Auckland was steaming out of Palmerston station on Saturday afternoon, says the “Standard.” Considerable spice was added to the excitement of the event by the fact that it was witnessed by several police officials and two detectives, and there was some speculation as to the probable result. Just as the runner drew level with Ihe last car, however, the train was pulled up, and ho was enabled to board it without infringing the regulations.

The recent disastrous fire in Auckland occurred among some of the very oldest buildings in the city. In the vicinity was located the old gaol, and it was there that the public executions took place in tlie early days. Xear hy stood the “stocks,” which, like other customs, had been imported from England to aid in the administration of justice. Adjacent was the first Court-house, and the town pound, public notices being usually affixed to the door of the Court-house. Some of these notices would he con-

sidered somewhat unique viewed in the light of present-day environments. For instance, there were notifications warning the Maoris, of whom there were a great number in those early days, that they must outer the town properly clothed; also requesting Europeans not to throw broken glass about, lest the native visitors should cut their hare feet.

A pretty sight at present greets

He eye of the traveller between Levin and Koputaroa. A large field of

mustard is in full bloom, the mass of yc liow flowers making a pleasing contr.ist to the green grass of the surrounding land.

A resident of Oiaki has had the pleasure of picking from his garden last week a ripe orange whien was close upon inches in diameter. Tibs is further evidence of the excellent climate in the Otaki district. Captain Charker. of the Salvation Army, who was in charge of the Stratford corps some twelve months ago, and who is now stationed at Alarton, has been spending his furlough amongst old friends in Stratford, and leaves to-day for his home. Some of the farmers in the district are growing a considerable area of peas tnis year, says the Palmerston “Standard,” to lie used as fodder for their stock, the value of the pea as a fodder plant is not generally appreciated by farmers to the extent that it merits. Probably the example that has been set will be followed by others. Ensilage is also being made in one or two instances.

Eugene Arceau, belonging to the Fourth Battery of the Fourth Regiment of Foot Artillery, a native of the He de Re, has the distinction of being the biggest soldier among the conscripts of France. Fie weighs about 2421 b, and is nearly 6ft 9in in height. The authorities are less puz-

zled about his uniform than they are about his bed, for the beds are- said to be made of regulation lengths.

The National Park Board met at the Dawson’s Falls house yesterday, when there were present: Messrs. Armstrong (in the chair), J. R. Hill, \V. A. Collis, C. Goodson, R. McK. Morison, and H. Stocker (secretary;. The business done was of a routine nature. Everything in connection with the house was found to be in excellent order. The next meeting of the Board will be held at the Stratford house in March next.

A distinct compliment to the Auckland Bar in a general sense was paid oy Mr. Justice , Edwards when congratulating Mr. Thos. Cotter upon his elevation to the roll of King’s Counsel at the Supremo Court. “I am glad also to be able to say,” remarked his Honour, “that there are other members of the Bar in Auckland upon whom, though junior to yourself, and properly postponed to yourself, the same honour might worthily bo conferred.”

Following is the latest return from the Utility Poultry Club’s laying competition:—Pullets: Misses Bradley, 1025; T. Kennedy, 1009; A. 11. Browne, 1002; Heretaunga Poultry Company, 976; W. Nixon, 967: G. H. Robinson, 959; Heretaunga Poultry Company, 955; A. Tisch, 946 ; W. Nixon, 940; W. Halpin, 924; Rangiuru Egg Ranch, 917; T. Frethey, 898; Mrs. Mills, 893; D. Y. Gibson, 889; A. E. Wilson, 886; Willis and Son, 881; A. W. Irvine, 879. Ducks: Heretaunga Poultry Co., 1065; W. Knight, 1050; A. R. Browne, 938.

Here are some iripoli proverbs:— “Do not run after destiny: it will find you.” “Sweet words sometimes break the mouth.” “Everything is gall to him who has bitterness in his mouth.” “If I expect nothing from thee in adversity, I want nothing in 1 prosperity.” “He who obliges promptly confers a double favdhr.”' “Death is the consolation . of the poor!” “The wise man possesses humility, the foundation of all virtues.” “If the stars shot bread, we .-mould spend our nights out of doors.” “The sick man is_ the physician’s granary.” “The pahtridge loves beans, list not those with which he stews in the pot.”

The prophecy that the opening of the Main Trunk railway would tremendously develop the country tapped, is being quickly justified. Although the line has been but a short time in running order, within that time three of the leading towns in the King Country (Te Kuiti, Ohakuue, and Taumarunui) have been formed into boroughs. Te Awamutu, which is just within the northern boundary, and enjoys a portion of the prosperity of the King Country, is likewise contemplating taking unto itself similar honours and responsibilities. Te Awamutu, by the way, is a very old centre. Several intermediate townships are also assisting to proclaim the great change that is taking place in a region where, years igo, the European dare not venture. The railway is undoubtedly a civilising as well as a progressive force.— "Feilding Star.” An interesting ocean race from Auckland to London between the Ty-S'-r liner Marere and the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Co.’s steamer Matatua was completed on the afternoon of September Sth, the Marere winning by five hours. , The Marere and Matatua left Auckland for London direct on the afternoon of July 2fith. The Matatua cleared the railway wharf at 1 p.m. on that day, and was followed three hours later by the Marere. At daylight next morning the Marere sighted the Matatua, and kept her in sight for three days. The Matatua then gradually forged ahead of her rival, the Marere taking a more southerly course. The vessels wore in sight of each other i minding Cape Horn, but again separated. The Marere rut out the distance from Auckland to Cape Horn in 17 lays 7 hours, and met with extremely stormy weather. During the latter stages of the voyage the Marere appears to have outstripped her rival, as she u.'sscd Dover light at 9.25 o’clock cu the evening of September 7th. the Matatua passing several hours later. The Marere’s actual steaming time from Auckland to London was 44 days 21 hours 52 minutes. Surely one of the most novel applications of electricity is that of the development of physical and mental growth through its instrumentality. Some years ago certain Swedish scientists instituted an experiment which has been carried on in one of the schools of Stockholm ever since. Two groups of twenty-five children each were selected, who were as nearly as possible alike in size, weight and general health. The two class rooms in which the respective groups were taught were exactly similar as regards lighting, ventilation and air space, but one had the additional fea-

turn that it was constantly exposed to electric currents. At the end of a period of years the two groups were examined, and it was ascertained that the “electrified” children had developed faster, bo tlx mentally and physically, than the others. Further experiments are to he initiated in other schools with a view to a further testing of the theory that human life

and mental power can bo electrically stimulated. There is another view of the matter,_ which should not he lost sifjht of—viz., whether this artificial stimulating of the physical and mental capacity of the rising generation will prove ultimately beneficial. There may he a possibility that it may have quite unanticipated and manifestly undesirable results. There is always more or less risk in trying to expedite Nature's processes.

Tho recount in connection with the electoral poll is now finished with tho exception of a 'few absentee voters ’permits still to come in. Tho weight-guessing competition in connection with Holy Trinity Shurch sale of work resulted as follows: Weight of sheep, 46.Vlbs. Mcsrss A. W .Budge and R. Archer tied for first place and divided first prize. AJ r Budge has generously donated his portion to the funds of the church. Tho awarding of the Singer sewing machine to the person who judged the weight of tnc fat bullock at the Stratford A .and P. Association’s Show has occasioned some difficulty as three persons are entitled to the prize, together with the second prize. At last night’s meeting of the executive a letter was received from Mr A. B. Gamlin in which he stated that he thought that under the circumstances the Association should see its way clear to allot cash instead of the machine, and hold the machine over for next year or dispose of it in some way. For his part he was willing to take £4 for his interest 01 would be willing to toss or play a game of euchre with the other foitunate “guessers” to see who should take the .lot. Another suggestion he made was that one man should take the machine and pay the other two say £4 each. The letter was received amidst much laughter.