TOPICALITIES.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18063, 8 March 1923, Page 7

TOPICALITIES.

His old club mates will be glad to hear that Mr J. C. Smith, late of the Park Bowling Club, has won the singles championship of his club in Christchurch, going right through without a loss. It is the intention of the President of tho Farmers’ Union (Air W. •* ■ .Poison), to attend a meeting every executive of the Union in iSew Zealand, at an early date. An accident happened at the waterfront in Timaru yesterday, when a Mr Bursey, who was assisting to unloau the Waikouaiti, had the little linger o his right hand badly crushed, throug a lump of coal falling on it. A blight which is stated to be seriously affecting tree plantations in the Rangitikei district was discussed at a meeting of the Manawatn Fruitgrowers’ Association. It‘ was stated that the disease was not fireblight, as bad been reported, but was a variety of scale, which was doing a considerable amount of damage. “When I was a hoy,” said a member of tho Manaiwatu Fruitgrowers Association at the annual meeting, the Provincial Government of that day tried to pass a law providing a flogging for any hoy who broke a sparrow s egg. As a contrast to this, another member stated that he had bought 44 dozen blackbirds’ eggs from one hoy during last season. Altogether 400 dozen eggs had been bought. At the Magistrate’s Court in Timaru yesterday, ..before Mr J. G. L. Hewitt, S.M., an offender for drunkenness -was fined 10s. Janies Rogors (Mr W. D. Campbell) proceeded against John O’Loan for possession of a house, and an order that possession should bo given on or before April 18 was made. Costs amounting to £1 17s were allowed. In the civil case J. O. Trengrove v. Joseph Watt, judgment for plaintiff was given for £2 12s 6d, with costs, £1 13s'6d.

How greatly opinions of‘good cooking differ was demonstrated at a show recently held in Masterton. A Masterton lady cooked a number of articles for entry in a certain section. After selecting the hest for her own exhibit, she passed on the culls to a friend, who entered them. The lady’s breath was almost taken away when she learned that the judges had awarded the culls a prize, and her pet entry was placed among the “also starteds.”

The Press Association representative at Trentham telegraphed last night that tho rifle championship meeting was fortunate in tho weather, winch was fino all through except for a slight drizzle early yesterday. The arrangements proceeded without a liitch, and the marking generally was excellent. A total of 440 challenges were not sustained, and therefore brought £55 10s to the Association’s ; offers. Of the total challenges not more than 10 per cent, succeeded. During the six days 73,000 rounds of ammunition were expended.

The fortnightly meeting of the Juvenile Branch of the Loyal Timaru Lodge of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, was held last nignt. Bro: K. Brown presided over a fair attendance. The sick report showed one member on the funds, the result of an accident. The secretary gave a short lecture on “loyalty.” stressing its importance inside and outside, the Jodgeroom, and illustrating the rewards that accompany its practice. Next lodge night is quarter night, and the summons for it was duly circulated. Accounts were passed for payment and the lodge closed.

Springvale lias a fertile soil, but it proved singularly infertile for a young Mormon missionary who toured that suburban district in search of adherents to his creed, states the Wanganui “Chronicle.” Although Springvnlites do desecrate the Sabbath to the extent of gardening and other works of necessity, such as painting and drawing, they are strong supporter’s of various creeds. The visitor’s experiences varied from mild disinterestedness to hostility. At one place he departed amid profanity on the part of an irate householder, while another, who is a watei-sider and Biblical student started an argument that was hot and strong. In tile course of some remarks at tiro presentation of prizes in connection with the Fife Brigades demonstration at Dunedin, Inspector Hugo stated that he had watched the parade of firemen on Sunday from two-or three different positions, and he. was very proud to bo associated with such a body of men. He did not think the public realised that to a very great extent the firemen there were the pick of New Zealand. Most of them were members of the smaller brigades,. and were the most active men in their towns. The speaker took . advantage of the opportunity to ' congratulate the Dunedin popple on the excellent way in winch the demonstration had been carried out, end concluded hv stating that he was very pleased with the invitation to bo present in Dunedin two years hence. Commissioner and Mrs Booth Tucker, who have received a splendid reception to this country, left Wellington by ferry for Lyttelton last night and will pass through to the southern city to-day, returning to Timaru on Friday when the Commissioner will give liis interesting lecture on India. It is quite certain that this Army leader is the greatest authority the organisation has on that great country. This is more than confirmed by General Booth s recent visit to that country. Wherever the General went dense crowds assembled to do honour to one whose efforts had done so much for them Mafiy of the natives well remembered the visit of the foundei* 30 years ago and have themselves been staunch Salvationists ever since. Now, where once persecution was rife, a. gratia, work of reform is in action. Native Princes and European leaders alike have done honour to the General.