GOSSIP FROM THE QUEEN CITY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18013, 25 November 1926, Page 7

GOSSIP FROM THE QUEEN CITY.

(Special to the “Star.”) AUCKLAND, November 25. Verandahs Suffer. The attempts of two motor-cars to avoid a collision following difficulties in which one found itself through the presence on the road of three pedestrians, had the result of wrecking shop verandahs for a length of about forty feet in Karangahape Road just before ten o'clock last evening. The manoeuvres of one car ended in its backing with such force into the iron support of the verandah fronting Oldham’s tobacconist shop that the post was uprooted, bringing with it all the heavy wooden superstructure. One of the supports of the v’eraodah of a gramophone parlour adjoining was also dislodged, but the verandah remained intact. The footpath was to some extent obstructed with the verandah, which was converted into a species of lean-to. The Freezing Trouble. The deadlock in connection with the slaughtering of export stock that has arisen in Auckland continues. The ordinary operations at the various freezing works are being carried on. It is understood that no further call will be made this week, the companies not being desirous of forcing an issue until compelled to do so. In the interests of the producers definite action, however, must soon be taken, as the season is advancing and stock maturing must be dealt with.

Mormon Church. Astonishment that the Mormon Church had any recognised standing in New Zealand was expressed by Mr Justice Herdrrtfcn in the Hamilton Supreme Court yesterday. He questiored the Crown Solicitor, Mr H. T. Gillies, regarding the institution, and Mr Gillies replied that the church was authorised to solemnise marriages. His Honor: I did not know that. I am astonished to hear it. Dazzling Headlights.

** You are not a moth, you know,” said Mr E. C. Cutten, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday, when a motorist. whose car had collided* with a taxi said that, although he had reduced speed, the lights of the other car dazzled him, and he could not see. “If you wire dazzled it was your duty tQ pull up and wait for the other car to pass,” the Magistrate added. Defendant was fined £1 and costs. Fishing at Taupo. It was an ideal fishing day at Taupo yesterday, and good catches were made. Mr and Mrs Macdonald Hodges, of London, fishing from a launch at Waikora, -caught thirty-one trout, averaging 81b, the best a splendid specimen of 1011 b, which Mr Hodges considers is one of the best shaped and marked fish he has ever seen. He is having it stuffed to take back to England for show purposes.

The Wool Sale. At the first wool sale of the season in Auckland an endeavour will be made to-night to dispose of offerings comprising approximately 9000 bales. There will be a large attendance of buyers, representing practically all the wool consuming countries. Keen competition for the clip is expected. Discussing the prospects yesterday, a woolbroker stated that the indications were that prices generally would equal those realised at Wellington, which was the opening fixture of .the Dominion series. At the subsequent sales in Hawke's Bay and Wanganui the Wellington rates were maintained, and values apparently were on a firm basis. Good clearances had beer, effected at the southern sales, which was always a favourable indication A gratifying feature was the excellent quality of the wool now being offered in Auckland. The large amount of eleventh hour arrivals have increased the total offering to 18,155 bales, com pared with last year's record offering at the first sale of 16,156 bales.

New Railway Station. A suggestion that work for unemployed could be provided by the erfetion of the new railway station in Auckland was made to the Minister of Public Works recently. Mr Williams has now replied to Mr Parrv, M.P. for Auckland Central. The Minister of Railways made inquiries and found that the architects will not have the plans of the new station ready for six months. Under the circumstances he regretted that nothing can be done in the direction desired in the meanwhile. Commenting on the Minister’s letter, Mr Parry said it was very regrettable that the plans had not been expedited as the work would have given employment to hundreds at present workless Mr Coates was waited on regarding the matter during the winter. A Record Bullock. A bullock killed at Westfield on Monday returned a dressed weight of 19601 b. a figure that is claimed to be a record for Auckland- The huge beast was a competitor at the Royal Show, and the exhibitor, Mr Edward Alien, of Cambridge, sold him to the Auckland Meat Companv for killing. The bullock was a Hereford-Shbrthorn cross, and when hung reached from the ceiling to the flo^r.