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Taranaki Daily News, 11 June 1931, Page 6

'Evidence as to the mildness of the autumn is furnished by the fact that cherry plum trees arc already out in blossom in a number of orchards in and around Wanganui. A resident of St. John’s Hill, says the Wanganui Herald, has no fewer than seven trees in blossom.

“I wonder how much New Zealand politicians owe to the reporters,” said Mr. L. F. de Berry, headmaster of the West Christchurch District High School, during an address at Christchurch on 'Saturday night. “Everyone who speaks in public owes a wonderful debt to the reporters,” he added. “His sentences are never finished; his phrases are left in the air; yet in the Press next day he finds them all beautifully rounded, and congratulates himself on his speech.”

When the Presbyterian General Assembly was receiving the names of ministers to whom messages of sympathy should be sent on account of illness, the name of a Dunedin minister was suggested. “Oh, he’s up and about again,” said the veteran clerk, the Rev. J. H. McKenzie. “I don’t think we should send a message to a man to make him think he is worse than he really is. When I receive a message from the assembly I will think I am getting on towards the end.”

Some touches of humour brightened the closing stages of the 1931 session of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church at Wellington. The Rev. J. H. Bredin, Wanganui, in proposing a vote of thanks to the past and present Moderators, was in the midst of complimentary reference to the present Moderator, Rev. Professor J. Corrie, for the able and tactful manner in which he had conducted the assembly, when Mr. Corrie, who was the official timekeeper, leaned over and saved his blushes by the simple expedient of touching the bell.

At a meeting of the Kairanga County Council the question arose as to whether an Alsatian dog could bo classed as “fancy” and taxed at the rate of 10s. per annum, or whether an owner was able to obtain a 2s. 6d. “working” collar for such an animal. The dog-tax collector stated in a letter that a certain owner had registered at 2s. 6d. while other owners were content to take out “fancy” licenses. “I think it is about time this was cleared up,” said the chairman (Mr. J. Batchelar), when asking the council to au'horise the collector to urge an increased registration. Members were in concurrence.

“I don’t know whether Wellington is too pessimistic, or whether Dunedin is too optimistic,” said Mr. J. H. Duncan, who returned to Dunedin from the northern city last week, says the Evening Star. Mr. Duncan said that the business people of Wellington were in a state of despair and could see no light on the horizon. There was a mueli brighter atmosphere in Dunedin, and he was glad to get back home again. “I believe,” said Mr. Duncan, “that the northern cities are exaggerating the position. Business is showing signs of improving, and the passing of the winter months should show a most decided change,” added Mr. Duncan.

The New Plymouth Rowing Club dance committee have arrangements well in hand for their second annual ball to be held in the Agricultural Hall on Thursday next. Every precaution is being taken to ensure this year’s function maintaining the high standard set by them last year. Patrons arc reminded to retain this night io enjoy the best ball of £ha >-ear.