NEWS IN BRIEF.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 473, 16 August 1915, Page 5

NEWS IN BRIEF.

The Customs receipts at Christchurch on Saturday amounted to £1407 7/5. At the Magistrate's Court this morning a mother sued her son for £2 for board. Mr Bishop said he thought it was rather a new idea. The Superintendent of the Fire Brigade has received a cheque for £5 for the Recreation Fund from Messrs P. J. Delacour and Sons, in recognition of the services of the brigade in extinguishing a fire in their premises in Gloucester Street.

No medical examination of recruits will be held in Christchurch this week. The men who were notified to attend at the King Edward Barracks to-mor-row evening for medical examination will not, therefore, present themselves until Tuesday of next week. The following is the Dominion meteorological weather forecast: —Wind: The indications are for variable and strong breezes, but strong to gale to easterly and backing by east to north shortly. Weather: The weather appears likely to be cloudy and unsettled; rain is probable, and snow on high country. The barometer is unsteady. The director of the Ashburton Technical Classes, in his report to the board of managers and the recent meeting, said that larger attendances could be looked for in the shearing classes this year, as, "judging by the remarks of farmers, there was likely to be a shortage of shearers, which would lead to a large number seeking instruction in the work. On Saturday evening the Fire Brigade i received an alarm, the fire being at the i premises of Messrs Brown Bros, 641 Co-i lombo Street. The fire occurred in a] rubbish bin near a door in a right-of-way from Lichfield Street, and the doorj was badly burned. The "damage probably amounts to £2. The Woolston Band gave an excellent concert in aid of the funds of the local branch of the Red Cross Society at the Woolston Band rotunda yesterday. During the interval Miss Lucy Cowan recited "The Absent-minded Beggar." A ! collection resulted in over £7 being added to the Red Cross Fund.

At the Tennyson Street Congregational Church on Sunday night, the Rev. Mr Tanner made feeling reference to the death of Lieut. Voyce, -who was killed in action at the Dardanelles. A resolution of sympathy with Mrs Voyce t—a member of the church—was carried, the congregation standing, while thd Officiating clergyman prayed for solace and consolation for the bereaved mother.

The number of ship officers who have left their vessels to proceed to the front has caused a considerable shortage of mates. It ,is understood (says the ''New Zealand Times) that one. of the largest New Zealand companies is now engaging any men who have the necessary certificates, regardless of restrictions previously imposed. Mr Malcolm Hardy, of Te Kuiti, has been awarded the New York Photoplay Clearing House's prize for the best story submitted during the month; The drama is "The Mystic Legacy," and has attracted attention from the "Motion Magazine" proprietors. "The value-of the dairy produce exported from New Zealand is practically £5,000,000 a year, and the National Dairy Association sees to almost all the shipments that leave the Dominion,'' said Mr Harkness, at the Fruit-growers' Conference at Wellington on Friday. "And we pay just as much attention to the smallest'shipper as we do to the largest. We deal out even justice to them all> and' they understand that we do so." ' .

The nature of an epidemic which has broken out at the Mental Hospital at Porirua has not yet been announced (says the "New Zealand Times"). It is believed to be measles.. During the last few months, it is reported, several soldiers from Trentham Camp have been committed to the institution, and it is possible that they; have introduced the disease there. .All leave of the attendants has been stopped. What the European war has done for the American motor ; car industry is strikingly told in Customs Tecords of the port of New York, just made public (writes the San Francisco correspondent of the "Post"). During the 11 months from August 1, 1914, to June 30, 1915, automobiles, automobile parts, and tires, valued at £8,200,000, were shipped to Europe through New York. The shipments embrace more than 21,000 cars. The rate of increase is shown by the fact that in August last 168 automobiles were exported, as com.pared with 3674 in May of this year. The Wellington Technical Education Board has lately forwarded reports to technical classes on the matter of training returned disabled soldiers in suitable occupations. One such report was received by the board-of managers _of the Ashburton Technical Classes at its last meeting, when several speakers gave their opinion that the matter should have the most earnest consideration of the board. The subject will be discussed more fully at the next meeting of the board. There have been many references of late to shirkers, and what they are thought of by the boys in the trenches. By last mail a letter was received from an officer in Egypt, in which he says:— "I hope the result of the casualty lists has been a boom in recruiting. When visiting the various hospitals the wounded often ask me that question. Every single man who is fit and not bound by family responsibilities, should bestir himself, and the lot of the single slacker should be made as uncomfortable as possible.'' Tel. 1989. —Family Groups become invaluable.. More so as the years go by. Make arrangements now with Steffano Webb, 252 High Street. .342 In the Fighting Line, Bombarding the Prices. We are going to make our Annual Stocktaking Sale the Event of the Year. It is to be an ADVERTISING SCHEME. Cycles—Cut down by .. .. Half Tyres—Splendid quality at ... ■ Cost Cycle —Accessories Prices Bedrock Motor —Accessories Prices Liberal