LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2142, 27 December 1920, Page 8

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

> Tram traffic on the St. Albans Park line was held up for about six minutes from 1.15 p.m. to-day by a temporary failure of power. On inquiry at the tramway power-house it was learned that those in charge there were unaware of any interruption.

A tram train outward-bound to New Brighton came to grief just on the city side of the bridge late .on Christmas Eve. The car had to pass a loop line. Its front bogie kept the straight road and went ahead, but the rear bogie took the leop, with the result that the car came to a standstill, broadside across both lines, but still on its wheels. The first trailer, having followed the rear bogie of the car, bumped its leader heavily, and came to rest alongside. No one was injured. In accordance with time-honoured custom, Father Christmas, in full regalia, paid a visit to the Children's Ward at the Christchurch Hospital on Christmas Eve. at' a time when the children were fully awake. Besides the expectant tiny tots, there was a large number of doctors, nurses, parents and relatives to greet St. Nicholas. A huge Christmas tree, well laden and hung with coloured lights, occupied the centre of tho ward. Before tho arrival of Father Christmas, carols were sung, and Charlie Chaplin,yWitb. two huge dogs which wore boots, daused merriment with their initios. A great welcome was accorded Fatter Christmas, who engaged the children in confidential conversation and distributed gifts galore. There was no doubt that Christmas Eve was made as happy as possible for the children at the hospital. The patients at the. Cashmere Military Sanatorium were provided with att fexeellent Christmas dinner by the Christchurch branch of the Red Cross Society and the executive of the Lady Liverpool Fund. Christmas gifts and comforts were also gent by the congregation of the Bugby Btreet Methodist Church, the Y.M.C.A., the Y.W.0.A7 and the Salvation Army. About 50 of. the 80 patients had gone to their homes on leave, but the less fortunate remainder spent an enjoyable Christmas, nevertheless. For the benefit of the men about to go on leave, a concert and social fathering was held about 10 days ago. he generous citizens of Hawera recently subscribed £SO for Christmas comforts for the patients. This money was placed in the hands of the Returned Soldiers' Association, and has not yet been-expended. However, it will probably be put to some good use when the patients on leave return to the Sanatorium.

A novel suggestion —that a provision in the rules for preventing eollisionaat sea should be applied to road trafficwas made by the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout) in giving judgment in a road collision case at Hamilton. His Honour found that both parties were guilty of negligence, and accordingly entered judgment for the defendant, but awarded him no costs. "I have mentioned on previous occasions what I am now about to repeat here," 'said his Honour." "To my mind the Admiralty Law relating to collisions at Sea is decidedly more just and effective thafl the common law relating to vehicles on land. Shortly, it is this! If the accident is caused through the negligence of both parties the damage is. equally apportiofted. One learned author states 'This principle is probably a nearer approximation to ideal justice than the rule of the common law, but any. alteration of the law as it now stands must be introduced by the Legislature.' "

Robins have been revered by men for many centuries. They are always on the side of the good fairies, and there is superstition that bad luck will fall on anyone who kills a robin, or upon one who keeps a robin in a cage, and deprives it of its freedom. But, probably, when all is said and doue, the robin owes its popularity mainly to its red breast, aud tho cheerful picture it makes amid its bleak surroundings.