LOCAL AND GENERAL

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19986, 28 June 1920, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

An exciting chase took place a few days ago, when a prisoner named Tu Taaka escaped from a gang at Waikciia. Stealing a horse and bridle, ho rode far into Putaruru ranges, miles from any human habitation (states the Taumanmih correspondent of the Auckland “ Star ”). A posse, under Constable P. Doyle, To Awamutu, set out on horseback after the fugitive. They spent all Saturday in the Kawa flat near Gtorohanga, but saw no sign of the prisoner. On Sunday Constable Doyle and a Maori guide set out on a perilous trek across the Kangialea ranges to see if Tu Taaka had crossed the Maungoronga River. They rode all morning, having to undress'and swim rivers hooded by heavy rains. When they were practically exhausted from heavy going, at the summit of the ranges the Maori lad saw tracks of laaka s horse. A fast cl ia so resulted in. Ids being captured as he was just about to swim the river naked. When caught Taaka made but little resistance. He was reoouvoyed to the prison. Great praise is due to the Maori boy for his export guidance over roadless country. The police understand that Taaka slept within a few yards of his pursuers on Saturday on Kawa swamp. Air D. G. Sullivan, M.P., ns secretary of the Canterbury Members of Parliament Committee, has received a further communication'from the Minis-, ter of Public Works (the Hon J. G. Coates). The Minister states that hitherto the preparation of the detailed plans, specifications- and estimates of cost for the Selwyn bridge have not been treated as a matter of urgency, owing to the difficulty in securing hardwood timber from Australia. The Department was busy with plans for bridges and other works urgently required, and there was little likelihood of the plans and specifications for the proposed Selwyn Bridge being completed within two mouths from date. When the plans had been completed and the probable cost of the bridge was known, the question, of whether the" Department would take the initial steps to set up a Koval Commission’ to apportion the cost among the local bodies interested, would receive attention, Air Sullivan ha s replied to the Alinister, pointing out that Sir William Fraser, when AHnister of Public Works, had several months ago promised to have plans and estimates for tho bridge prepared. At the meeting of tho Sumner Burgesses’ Association on Saturday the state of tho Alain Bond was commented upon by several members, the chairman (Air H. W. Heslop) stating that at present the road was “absolutely unsafe.” It was also stated that tho holiday and week-end traffic was so severely concentrated upon the road that the borough could not bo expected to repair the abnormal wear and tear. A suggestion was made that tho borough should follow the lead given by tho counties in Taranaki and erect a toll-gate. Tho following resolution was carried:— “ That this meeting hears with satisfaction that the council is thinking of acquiring a portable stone-crushing plant, and desires to urge upon the council tho necessity for expediting the matt ter.” It was also .decided to discuss the danger of the motor traffic to pedestrians at Shag Rock corner at the next meeting. A pleasant little function took place at Alessrs Scott Bros.’ works on Friday afternoon, when opportunity was taken to farewell Miss G-. Harris, who after twelve years’ service is severing her connection with the firm to be married. In presenting her, on behalf of the members of tho works and staff, with a' handsome Doulton tea service and teapot to match, Air W. Peacock wished Aliss Harris every joy and happiness in her new sphere of life. Air T. E. Dench suitably responded for Aliss Harris, and the proceedings were brought to a conclusion with three hearty cheers and the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne.” A general meeting of the subscribers of the Children’s Convalescent Cottage at New Brighton was held on Jun© 25, at Airs Pairman’s, Latimer Square, Airs Holland presiding over a good attendance. Tho following appointments were made:—Airs Tobin, to tho committee, vice Aliss A. Cox. on leave of absence; Airs Pairman, assistant honorary treasurer; Airs Morton Francis, an official visitor to the cottage. The cottage was reported in excellent order, with sixteen children in residence. Tho matron reported that she would he glad of small knickers, the cupboard being empty. Tho honorary secretary reporting a change of residence to Simmer, tho removal of tho telephono was authorised. An interesting competition was held in connection with the winter show at Ashburton on Friday and Saturday, “the best and cheapest working man’s dinner for four.” The judges’ awards were:—Miss Purchase 1, AIi;8 A. J. Lewis 2, Airs C. Bowman 3. The bill of costs presented by tho first prizewinner is so interesting as to merit description in detail. The dinner consisted of soup, roast rabbit with potatoes, marrow swedes and onions, with baked apples for tho sweets. ’The total cost was set down at 102 d, and was set out as folloivs:—Pea-riflo cartridge to kill the rabbit sd, soup 2,} d, onions 2d, mar row Id, swedes 2d, potatoes Id, apples dd Agamst this was the sale of tho rabbitskin for Is, leaving a profit on the provision of a dinner for four of No item of the account was questioned, and tho dinner in appearance was excellent It should ho added that i’ as 3" d Se had done, the cost of tho rabbit (9d) had been added to the account, no allowance made for the skin and half-penny deducted for the cartridge, the dinner was still the cheapest, and cost just Is 7jd. The second pme-winner put on a dinner for ‘>s Id and the third 2s 2d, while tho other competitors put on dinners at 2s Bid -s lid and 3s 2d respectively. It mav bo mentioned that no allowance had been made by any of the competitors for cost ot fuel for cooking. , Hundreds of Christchurch citizens navo been cured by Dr Fellow’s Pile ot .¥T known remedy has failed. Price 3 S bd box, from chemists, or direct Loasby and Co., chemists (opp. Ballantyne’s). There is a distinctive quality in our wedding groups and portraits that makes them worthy as a record of tho happiest timo of your. life. Steffano Webb, Petersen g Buildings, 252 Hio-b Street. ’Phone 1989. 1 At tho piesent timo the following handy remedies should bo in everv home Special Influenza Mixture cer tarn cure, 2s bd; Special Nasal Douche and Gargle, lulls the germ, no vor known to fail 2s 6d; Creosote Cough Cure for Coughs and Colds, Is Gd • Sen tafmne for Catarrh and Cold s in tlm head. E. Cameron Smith (Chemtert 96, Worcester Street, just off S^re! Good Saucepan News.—The b'-stoL purest saucepan is undoubtedly tho aluminium one, but they have been so expensive of lato. Messrs Hastie, Bull and Pickering, however, have' just landed a splendid assortment at quite' moderate prices. j