News in Brief.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20341, 26 June 1934, Page 6

News in Brief.

Tourists’ Choice of Curios. 44 It is difficult to understand the psychology of tourists who purchase Maori curios,” said Mr H. Hamilton, director of the School of Maori Arts and Crafts at Rotorua, in a'lecture in Auckland. He said their main consideration was that the articles should be small, so as to fit conveniently into handbags and suitcases. Little attention was paid by tourists to the merit of the mementoes as representing Maori life and customs. f Well-known Steamer Sold. Advice has been received that the New Zealand Shipping Company’s twin-screw steamer Otaki, which has been a regular trader between the United Kingdom and Australia and New Zealand for many years, has been sold. The Otaki is a comparatively new ship, having been built in 1920 by Barclay, Curie and Co., Ltd., Glasgow. She is 449.1 ft long, and has a gross measurement of 7976 tons. She arrived at Liverpool on May 25 last with cargo from Australian ports. Rat in a Motor-car. A Taranaki settler, before leaving for New Plymouth the other morning, in view of a possible examination decided to assure Mm self that he had his motor-driver’s license with him He lifted the cushion of the front seat of the car to look underneath—that being the place where he kept his license—when to his surprise a huge rat jumped out. The license was there but was badly torn, part of it having been utilised by the rodent as material for the nest which it had built under the seat. “ I Know the Course.” Not infrequently cases quoted in Court by Mr P. J. O’Regan in support of his contentions in actions for compensation are cases in which he has actually appeared, says the 44 Post ” He has established a wide reputation in this field, and when he cites a case his intimate knowledge of it has often been gained by having been engaged in it. There was an instance of this in the Full Court at Wellington. Mr O’Regan cited two cases— 44 both his own,” he said With a smile the Chief Justice (Sir Michael Myers) asked whether they were any the worse for that. 44 That is the reason I know them so well, your Honor,” Mr O’Regan replied. 44 If I may use a sporting term, I know the course.”