News in Brief

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 457, 19 May 1932, Page 8

News in Brief

Hard-drinking Monkey. A skipper who is now master of one of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company’s cargo steamers once owned a monkey which was a confirmed drinker. During the war period the monkey was with its master on a destroyer, and when the rum ration was served it regularly lined up with the men. If the captain’s locker was left open, the animal would seize a bottle of spirits, break the top off, and dash to the masthead to enjoy a long drink in peace. Later the monkey would be found holding its head in both hands and swaying sorrowfully from side to side, as if to say, “ Never again.” Putting on the Brake. A proposal of the Karori School Committee to ask parents for voluntary contributions towards the sporting, social and other activities of the school was criticised at the annual meeting of the Wellington Schools Committees and Education Federation. The executive committee of the federation, in a report, opposed the action of the school committee on the grounds that “ voluntary contributions ” under such conditions could very easily be accepted as “ moral obligations.” Under the existing laws parents were taxed directly and indirectly for educational purposes and, whilst ever willing to assist in voluntary efforts to raise funds for school improvements, other than general maintenance, the committee was opposed to any action . that would inflict undue hardship on parents and scholars.