GENERAL ITEMS

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 3203, 25 February 1930, Page 2

GENERAL ITEMS

"Py korry, Mr Reporter," said Honi, "I sec you at te court thi3 morning." "That is so, Honi," replied the reporter. "I often attend the court." "You see me there too," said Honi. "Yes." "Well, py korry, I tell you something. Any amount of pakcha him like to have his name in te paper, specially if him attend a wedding or a bridge party. Well, I attend te court to-day with te summons, and I'm not like te pakeha at te party. I don't want my name in te paper."

Shadow boxing is recognised as one of the best methods of training to develop a boxer, but when it comes to similar antics being performed in an almost deserted street at night, it may be guessed that it is not done with the .aim of development of physical (says the Ashburton Guardian). At a late hour the other evening a man was observed to act .in a strange manner in Peter Street. He made frantic grabs at the air and accompanied his efforts with the exclamations, "Come here," and "Got you." After measuring his length several times on the ground ho finally desisted, and sat, peacefully on the side of the channel. A few minutes later he rose and wended him erratic course along the footpath.

Some time ago an Invercargill resident began to tell .a story of an eel that ate out of a man's hand. As this story followed several other fishy fish stories, the listener openly showed his disbelief. Later, however, he was convinced, for he was shown a photograph which settled all argument. A man was seen standing at the edge of a small creek, and an eel was eating out of his hand. The reporter was informed that for six years the eel had been a great friend of the family, and came to its meals when called. It would raise its head six inches out of the wat.eV to seize a piece of meat, and would let its benefactor pick it out of the water.

i "There is a tremendous amount of sheep-stealing going on throughout the. Dominion," said Mr John Cocker, at a South Taranaki Farmers' Union meeting, following the receipt of a circular from the Dominion secretary. "Sheep-stealing is very prevalent in Taranaki, more so-than many realise," said Mr Cocker. "I. myself have lost hundreds of sheep, which I cannot account for." ... One great trouble, Mr. Cocker thought, was that there was not enough room on the sheep's ear to put all the necessary earmarks, especially when sheep wore already earmarked when purchased. "Hanging was the penalty for sheep-stealing less than 100 years ago," continued Mr Cocker, "and sheep-stcalcrs are still shot on sight in parts of America to-day."

Churches may not be the best-lighted of buildings at night time, but perhaps the ceremonies and services in their precincts gain in solemnity thereby. Still, complete darkness is a trifle awkward, as a carriage party found in St. Paul's pro-Cathedral, Wellington, on Saturday night. All was in readiness for the bride's arrival—guests assembled, bridegroom and wedding attendants waiting—and then, just as her car drew up—out went the lights! Followed some bewildering but not uuamusing moments. The bridegroom was offered a torch, but refused; candles were unearthed and lighted and cast a flickering glow over the bridal couple; guests struck matches, and shielding these with their hands, endeavoured both to increase the illumination and to follow the service. In this unusual manner the ceremony proceeded until the nuptial knot was tied—and then the power came on again!

"I think we shall all be happier if wc smoke!" Thus Mr Justice Frascr, .at a sitting of the Auckland Transport Appeal Board. • His Honour then lit up, and counsel, clerks, officials and reporters followed suit. The judge evidently believes in the power of the weed* to make people happy: So it docs—provided it's "the goods." But most imported brands reek with nicotine, and tobacco like that never made anyone happy—for long. The Avorld's purest brands are the New Zealand. They arc all toasfed, which process not only improves enormously flavour .and aroma but renders them absolutely safe to smoke. You can indulge as freely as you please without fear of consequences. And, note this!—they are the only toasted tobaccos on the market and once you have tried toasted 'baccy, you won't hanker after the other sort! There are various brands of these beautiful goods, perhaps those most in demand being "Cut Plug No. 10," "Navy Cut," "Riverhcad Gold," and "Cavendish."* ■