LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Waipa Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 1482, 27 March 1924, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mr F. C. Bunyard, superintending engineer of the New Zealand Co-op Dairy Co., Ltd., has been granted sick leave on account of ill-health, and in consequence has resigned his duties in the capacity mentioned. A large new White motor bus, substantially upholstered, passed through Te Awamutu yesterday afternoon from the north bound for Raetihi, where it is to run in the RaetihiOhakune service for the Raetihi Bus Co.

The point was raised before the Assessment Court in Oamaru as to whether occupiers of State owned houses were entitled to concessions in rating values on account of the fact that they were unable to dispose of their properties at a profit without the consent of the Government. The Magistrate ruled that the restriction thus imposed did hot constitute a sufficient ground for granting a reduction in the rating value.

An abundance of illustrations in this week's issue of the N.Z. Sporting and Dramatic Review makes this journal of paramount interest to the general public, subjects of wide variety being featured in interesting fashions. Special space is afforded the Auckland Automobile Association's motor races at Muriwai Beach on Saturday last, the views plainly demonstrating the enormous interest taken in the event. Stage and film are • attractively presented, and in addition there is a numerous miscellany of careful selection. A small' band of real enthusiasts has been devoting attention of late to the work of improving the garden plot and rockery at the War Memorial with a view to having it look its best by Anzac Day, a month hence. Tlhe fountain has been receiving special attention, and a very effective result has been obtained. Those responsible are the enthusiasts of the local Beautifying Society, who have set an example that could well be followed by others interested in improving the scenic attractions of Te Awamutu. More work at the Memorial site has yet to be done, and the Society—which undertook the work as a labour of love —would be glad to accept offers of helpful co-operation.

On Saturday next Alexandra Street should present quite a gala appearance, for that date has been selected as "country day" in connection with Anglican Church activities. Bands of enthusiasts from the neighbouring districts will be conducting stalls and other attractions in the street, and as there is a certain amount of rivalry as to which section will secure the greatest net return for their wares there will be much interest. At the annual meeting of tihe Cambridge Amateur Athletic Club on Monday night Mr W. Wilkinson moved that the chopping block used by Mr D. Pretty, Dominion champion axeman, in his splendid chopping feat at the American complimentary sports held at Cambridge last year, be sent to the Empire Exhibition. It will be remembered that the block, an 18-inch one, was chopped througih by Mr Pretty in the world's record time of 1 7 2-ss. Tihe Club decided that the block should be polished, suitably inscribed and sent to those in charge of forwarding exhibits to the New Zealand court.

Last Saturday evening, at the Waihi boxing tournament,. a Pirongia youth (Clarke) put up a good showing against a more experienced opponent in Crompton, of Hamilton. Commenting on the bout a correspondent says Crompton entered the ring with a swollen nose, having had it bumped while sparring. Clarke deserves credit for the gallant battle he fought against a better man. He made Crompton think a little when he connected with a beautifully-timed right swing to the jaw, dropping Crompton, who was up/ immediately, but seemed a little shaky. The gong sounding for the finish of the second round was like an Oriental sundae to Crompton. However, he won a good fight in which many solid punches were delivered.

Apparently the need for the rebuke administered by the Governor-Gene-ral at Runanga when he was asked to visit a Convent School, the point being that on a previous visit the assemblage had not sung the National Anthem, does not apply to one of the local schools. A few mornings ago the headmaster of the District High School walked into the infant school and immediately the whole class ceased the ordinary lesson and sang "God Save the King," starting off quaveringly and soon growing in volume. The teacher, conscious of an unusual honour but not wishing to rebuke the well-intentioned children, smilingly complimented them on their singing. The Governor-Gene-ral could not have been accorded a more hearty welcome. Question afterwards, one of the children said their lady teacher had not started or inspired the anthem—it was quite impromptu.