News in Brief

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 194, 17 August 1931, Page 8

News in Brief

A Distinction. The sharp distinction between ignorance and forgetfulness was emphasised by Mr Justice Frazer in the Arbitration Court at Auckland. A witness who was being questioned by counsel on the point remarked that he considered the two mental conditions were the same. " That is wrong,” his Honor commented. “ There is a considerable difference. An ignorant man may possess an extremely good memory.” Respite for Jurymen. “ It is my custom to give the jury a brief respite every* now and again,” said Mr Justice Blair in the Supreme Court at Wanganui. “ I realise that jurymen are not so accustomed to sitting for long periods as I am. The Court will adjourn for seven minutes, after which time I shall expect you to be back here and when I say seven minutes that does not mean seven minutes and another minute,” added his Honor. Hawsers in Suburbs. A suggestion that the licensing of itinerant hawkers be removed from the control of local bodies and placed in the hands of the police was favoured by members of the Auckland Suburban Local Bodies’ Association. The chairman of the meeting, Mr C. L. Slyfield, said it was a subject that needed attention. They were all aware of the large number of hawkers now pestering suburban housewives. A lengthy discussion arose as to whether the police, if they took control of the matter, would expect also to collect the fees and as to what losses this would inflict on local bodies. Eventually it was decided to support the suggestion and to acquaint the Minister of Justice of the meeting’s decision. Less Ten Per Cent! The first economy measure urged by the United Government, the 10 per cent reduction in wages and salaries, has had farreaching results. Some people even allowed thoughts of it to rankle when they were awav in the mountains seeking pleasure. Some time ago the Prime Minister (Mr Forbes) stayed a while at the Hostel at Arthur’s Pass, and while there was induced to sign his name in the visitors’ book. \ esterday another visitor idly glancing through the book while waiting for the to ease off came across the signattire, G. \V Forbes, Hurunui,” and after it, written in pencil and with evident bitterness, the words, “ less 10 per cent.” Bullock at Large. Men scattered with a speed and nimblcness that would have done credit to any All Black when a long-horned bullock escaped from the race and careered about the deck of the steamer Foxton, loading fiftysix cattle in Wanganui for Lyttelton. The animals were being driven up a race, the gate out of it being shut after each bullock. One beast escaped from the race before the door was closed, and gave about eight men on board several minutes’ vivid interest in life. Eventually, after half an hour of “ freedom ” on the deck of the Foxton, the bullock was lassooed and successfully lowered into the hold with the rest.