RULED OUT OF ORDER

Taranaki Daily News, 19 January 1935, Page 4

RULED OUT OF ORDER

COUNCILLOR AT ELTHAM QUESTION OF THE DUKE’S VISIT. NO GATHERING AT THE CROSSING. MAYOR MAKES EXPLANATION. A “breeze” occurred at the Eltham Borough Council meeting last night when Cr. Gawith asked a question regarding the visit by the Duke of Gloucester. After a brief exchange between the Mayor and Cr. Gawith, the atmosphere became calm again and the Mayor said he would overlook on this occasion the failure to obey his ruhng. Cr. Gawith asked why something could not have been done to enable local people to see the Duke when he passed through Eltham. He thought it could have been arranged for people to gather at the railway crossing to give the Duke a cheer as he passed. He asked why the point mentioned had been overlooked and whether the council could vindicate itself.

The Mayor, Mr. I. J. Bridger, said there was no neglect on his part. On reading the newspapers he had found that larger towns than Eltham were being refused visits and he realised it was futile to expect any change in the itinerary as far as Eltham was concerned. Had he known there was likely to be a large number of people at the station he might have wired the authorities asking that the Duke should appear on the platform of his carriage as the train passed through.

Mr. Bridger explained that he was away from Eltham about the time of the Royal visit, but he had returned and arranged to represent the town at the reception to the Duke at Hawera. As it was, they did not see very much of the Duke during his brief stay at Hawera. Cr. Gawith rose to speak again but was ruled out of order by the Mayor, who pointed out that Cr. Gawith had spoken once and could not do so again.

Cr. Gawith: Have I not the right to reply?

The Mayor: No, you have not. Please sit down.

Cr. Gawith remained standing and continued to speak. The Mayor once more ordered Cr. Gawith to resume his seat or leave the room, but the councillor refused. Finally the “breeze” subsided, the Mayor intimating that he would overtook the incident this time.

Gardener Disappointed. A Palmerston North gardener who last season saved a quantity of seed from a fleshy variety of pumpkins, and carefully planted the seeds a few months ago, was living in anticipation of a fine pumpkin crop this year, states the Manawatu Times. That was until recently, when, the fruit developing, he found that every pumpkin • seed had raised a marrow! Flax Wool Packs.

Experts and farmers who have been privileged to visit the textile works at Foxton recently, report that the wool packs now being produced from New Zealand flax there exceed all expectation of excellence. Not only are they lighter than jute, but of greater tensile strength, and free from loose fibre—when filled and pressed they remain flat and are stacked like boxes without a bulge. New Bicycle Design.

Bicycle construction has been revolutionised in England by the new traffic regulations, and the introduction of so many safety lines, which necessitate cessant stops. A new safe bicycle, which may be built in millions, was demonstrated recently at the Hercules Trade Show, opened by Sir Malcolm Campbell at the Piccadilly Hotel. This machine is so scientifically constructed that the rider can place both feet on the ground whenever h; stops, and yet ample leg room has been found in the frame to ensure perfect ease and comfort while riding.

High Cost of Living. Those who complain of the high cost of living in New Zealand would probably find more reason to complain if they lived- in France. The price level for common articles of food in the south of France is well illustrated in a letter sent to her parents at Christchurch by Mrs. A. C. Litster, of Villefranche, who was formerly Miss Ella Ruby Clark, of Christchurch. Mrs. Litster says that butter costs 3s a pound, tea from 6s to 10s a pound, meat 3s 4d a pound, and a small loaf of bread is sold at Bd. Other goods are in correspondence with these prices.

A Lively Mattress. Humorous incidents are inseparable from visitors’ day aboard a warship. Among the 4000 people who visited H.M.A.S. Australia at Lyttelton on Sunday, says the Christchurch Press, was an enthusiastic parent who was determined that her small boy should see everything. “Look, darling, this is where the sailors sleep,” she exclaimed, drag-, ging her offspring towards the only hammock slung in the seamen’s quarters. “See how beautifully it swings. And there’s such a comfy mattress on it,” she added, prodding the hammock with the point of her parasol. She ended with a little squeak of dismay as the “mattress” promptly sat up, revealing the tousled head of an indignant marine. Onlookers smiled as parent and child moved smartly away.

Rare Brandies. Described as “so-wonderful that there is probably not another like it anywhere in the world,” a collection of rare old brandies was recently offered for sale at London. The oldest brandies were of 1789 vintage, which is pre-Napoleon. It is interesting to note that one of Dunedin’s leading hotels has no fewer than three Napoleon brandies in its cellar, one being 126 years old and another 124 years. The third was guaranteed 80 years old when bottled. Two bottles of 1811 vintage met an unworthy fate a few years ago. They were purchased by Jascha Heifetz, the famous violinist, during his visit to Dimedin, and when he arrived at Honolulu he took them ashore with him, believing that the prohibition authorities would not interfere with such precious liquor. The officers, however, made no allowances for age, and the distressed violinist had to pour the contents of the bottles down a sink.

The Okau sheep fair on Friday, January 25, will be held in Messrs. Bower Bros, yards, when some 2000 odd sheep will be offered. These comprise the usual well-known drafts which are noted for their bone, etc., and no better lambs are to be found elsewhere.. The lambs are Romney cross and practically all mixed sex as dropped, and a fair proportion of them will be already suitable for the works. The ewes and wethers are also exceptionally good this year. Book your seats with the auctioneers, The Farmers’ Co-operative Organisation Society of N.Z. Ltd.*

Our Double Dry Cleaning process is now in operation. Suits and Costumes renovated for 4/6. J. K. Hawkins and Co., Dry Cleaners and Dyers, comer Devon and Liardet Streets, New Plymouth. Stratford depot: Rudkin’s Confectionery.