GOSSIP FROM THE QUEEN CITY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18008, 19 November 1926, Page 9

GOSSIP FROM THE QUEEN CITY.

(Special to the “ Star.”) AUCKLAND, November 19. The Royal Show.

In the course of an editorial under the caption of “ Some ( Show Reflections,” to-night’s “ Star” says:—"Auckland has come well through the ordeal of its first Royal Show. We say ordeal advisedly, for the local association was on its trial. There was opposition to the show coming to Auckland, and the association knew that its management would be judged by a high standard. It was well aware also that the facilities at its disposal were not equal to those in some other places- The showground at Epsom, in important respects, is inferior to those at Palmerston North. Christchurch, Dunedin and Hastings. However, the local officials applied themselves vigorously to the task and the arrangements they made drew warm praise from the president of the Royal Agricultural Society. The question remains in the minds of the farmers whether, owing to the cost and risk of moving valuable stock over long distances, it would not be better to hold the show alternately at Palmerston North and Christchurch, but Auckland lias shown that there is no other reason why this city should not have its turn.” Legality in Question.

Mr Sullivan (counsel) and Mr Hunt (magistrate ) in the Cavenett case, which created Dominion-wide interest, and in which the decision was upset on appeal, crossed swords again yesterday when the legality of a game called “ Pegla ” was questioned by the police. Thomas Francis Durran was charged with playing the game at the Royal Show, and when the case was called Mr Sullivan, who appeared for accused, asked for an adjournment until to-day.

Mr Hunt: All right, but only on the distinct understanding that the game is not played this afternoon.

Mr Sullivan: But, your Worship, I can refer you to a case in Dunedin where the magistrate decided the game is not illegal.

The Magistrate: Well, it’s not going to be played here until the police are satisfied it is legal. If it is gone on with to-day the police will bring a second prosecution.

Mr Sullivan: I think it is highly regrettable that the game should be judged illegal before the case is heard. Horse Takes Fright. The even tenor of the milkman's round was interrupted in Remuera Road in the small hours of yesterday morning, when, following a collision between a delivery waggon and a motor truck, the horse became frightened and wrecked two shop windows, valued at £36, before its career was arrested. Freezing Dispute. So far the freezing dispute in the south has not affected Auckland, but it is quite possible that the permanent hands will be called upon to cease work, as did the men employed at the Feilding freezing works yesterday. The position in Auckland is that killing has not yet started, so that there has been no call for hands, but any day now a call may be made. The men engaged in the industry held a meeting, when it was decided to abide by any instructions issued by the Freezing Workres’ Federation and the Alliance of Labour. This means that at any time the permanent men may be called upon to cease work, while the killing hands will not turn to.

Death of Prominent Citizen. The death occurred last evening of Mr Arthur Pearson Friend, of The Avenue, Parnell, who was for many years prominent in public affairs in Auckland. Mr Friend was born at Kingsbridge, England, in 1856. From 1883 to 1889 he was secretary to a large electoral company in London. He arrived in Melbourne in 1890 and joined the staff of L. Stevenson and Sons, Ltd., of Flinders Lane. Three years later he was selected by Sir F. Sargood to fill the position of secretary to the Kauri Timber Company in Auckland. In 1898 he established an accountancybusiness and a year later was appointed district manager lor the Ocean Accident Guarantee Corporation. Mr Friend held three Cambridge University certificates and was fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Accountants. He is survived by his wife and daughter.