LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 March 1920, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Hawera Borough Inspector reported to the Borough Council on Wednesday that during the past week influenza notifications in the borough totalled 110, hut the majority of cases were mild.

The Eltham school picnic was held yesterday at the Kast End beach, a most enjoyable day being spent. There "was a large gathering, the special train which came to New Plymouth consisting nf !>' ■•'• 17 carriages, which were crowded with picnickers.

There were a number of eases heard in the Magistrate's Court, Now Plymouth, yesterday', against offenders for breaches of county and borough by-laws, in respect to straying stock and exceeding the speed limit. The Magistrate (Mr. T. A. B. Bailey) again imposed a fine of £lO on a motorist, who had exceeded the speed limit on the main South Road. ,Tnst before the express arrived at the Hawera station on Wednesday evening a flock of sheep, which were being driven along the street, got out of hand, and about a dozen of them rushed on to the station. They found their way on to the railway line, and an engine advancing at the moment went over them, killing one. outright and taking a foot off the other. —Star.

The question of the value placed on articles, which figured in the hearing of charges of theft against the Magon Bros, yesterdav. revealed some strange notions as to just what figure could lie put udoii some nf them. One young man, who had lost nn oilskin'overcoat, identified orr -i-mluced as his property. Tie said he purchased it four months ago for £3 17s fid and valued it now at £4 10s. The Magistrate said that such articles did not usually, inerense in value bv usage. Some one was hoard to remark something about profiteering, and the witness finally agreed to put the value down at the price for which the coat had been purchased.

"You must be very wooden-headed if you can't understand that," was the remark of a witness to a solicitor in the New Plymouth Magistrate's Court yesterday. Under such circumstances solicitors usually assume a legal dignity and inform witnesses that they are not expected to comment on the intelligibility of counsel. In the case in question, however, the solicitor contented himself with remarking: "We are not here to discuss that," and the incident closetf-

T)>f! Hawera Borough Council lias appointed a committee to interview Mr. Khirrock, whose appointment as engineer expires in June, with reference to a re-engagement.

i In the Magistrate's Court at NewPlymouth yesterday a witness, who deposed to losing an. overcoat on the night of a social in a certain country district, ; was ashed by the solicitor for the men who were accused of stealing the coat, as to what his (the witness') condition was on the particular night. "What's that to do with you?" was the rejoinder of the witness. When further pressed on the point lie replied, "I was in very good condition," and there was an outburst of laughter in the Court. When this was suppressed the witness was asked to explain what he meant,' and it transpired that though he had had some drinks he still regarded himself as "quite solier." At a smoke concert tendered to the competitors at the recent motor cvele meeting at Ilawera the following prizes were presented: P Coleman (Palmerston N.), £33; W. W. Davy (Hawera) £3O; H. Moeller, £25 6s; F. Sykes (Ha■cera), £18; L. Mangham (Otaki), £l2; W. J. Claringbold (Hawera), £l2; F. H. Champion (Hawera), £lO 8s; R, j! ■Tones (Pnlmerston N ), £10; F. J. Busing (Hawera), £6; 'C Rongonui' (Hawera), £3 3s; ,T. Sweeney (Palmerston N.), £3; S. Osgood panncvirke), £2; H. Richards (Palmerston N.), £1 i s; U 0. Thor.huni (Waverlev), £1 Is

The author of "The .Songs of a Sentimental Bloke." "Ginger Mick," "The Glugs of Gosh," etc., is favorably known to_ most readers, and his latest work, "Jim, of the Hills," is sure to find rapid favor. It is a verse story which takes the reader into the bush-clad hills, amongst the sawmills, with its quaint characters, and depicts the daily life of t!l ? J;» s!l -workers with vivid precision. "Jim" is the outstanding character, and the way he tights his wav through is told in Mr. C. J. Dennis' most pleasing and decidedly unique verge. We are indebted to the__"B.K." Book Depot.. New Plymouth, for* a review copy. A public meeting to make arrangements for the visit of the Prince of Wales to New Plymouth will be held in the Soldiers' Club on Tuesday night. Visitors to the Jersey cattle field day at Mr. Salway's property, Bell Block, to-day, are reminded that a bus will leave 'Hook-ham's corner at 10.30 a m returning at 3.30 p.m.

The "Hayseed's Melbourne Cup," Beaumont Smith's Australian production, after two nights of phenomenal business at Everybody's, concludes its local season at the People's to-night Micro, all who were unable to obtain admission last night at Everybody's may have the opportunity of enjoying this fine production. ' '

The Melbourne Ltd. will he opening out the following lines during the next few days, and customers arc asked to defer purchasing until goods arrive Ladies all wool cashmere hose", 5s Cd and as lid: men's trench coats, 110s; damask table napkins, Is each: lace curtains, 17s fid and upwards; ladies' trench coats Tfls Cd and 99s 6d; Duchejse sets 2s lid to or fid.