In the Dominion

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 199, 22 August 1929, Page 11

In the Dominion

Understood English. A Maori witness in the Police Court yesterday was giving evidence through an interpreter, when he nodded assent to the latter’s English translation. The magistrate promptly noticed this, and observed, to the amusement of spectators in Court, that although the witness could not speak English, he seemed, all the same, to understand a good deal of it. Historic Bagpipes.

Bagpipes that were played on the march of Sir Colin Campbell to the relief of Lucknow in 1859 may now be seen in the Otago Early Settlers' Museum. They belonged to the ’late Mr. D. M. Fea, and have been presented by his widow. The gifts puts Dunedin into direct contact with an outstanding historic event, for the relief of the Lucknow garrison was practically the final act in the Indian Mutiny. Nails on Street.

Many motorists have had the rather exasperating experience of picking up nails in the streets. It was stated at the last meeting of the Otago Motor Club that nails were most in evidence where new buildings were being erected. Shopkeepers who opened cases outside their premises were also responsible for many of the stray nails being cast on the streets. It was decided to request the Dunedin City Council to frame a by-law to eliminate the nuisance. A Bare Coin.

An Aucklander called at the Star office the other day to display a 7/British gold piece which was issued in 1806, Incidentally, he mentioned that it had been 123 years in his family. In appearance the coin resembled a gilded sixpence. He said that he had shown it to a bank manager and the latter had said: ‘‘Pay it into your account, and it will be quite all right.’’

Cause for Envy. A diversion was created at halftime during the Poneke-Old Boys game at Newtown Park on Saturday. A hare appeared from the eastern side of the park, did the length of the field in record time, and scaled tho western bank at express speed. A dog joined in the game at this juncture, and pursuer and pursued soon disappeared among the pines, which cover the ridge. “Ah!" sighed an Old Boys’ supporter when the uproar had subsided, “if only our backs could run like that." Well-Known Character.

A well-known Chinese character in Greymouth, whose name was Long Gee, but who was always known as “Old Charlie," became ill lately, was removed to the Grey Hospital, in which institution he died. “Old Charlie/' who must have been well over 70 years of age, was iook at a hotel in the town until about six months ago. It was customary for him every day or two to take off his apron, approach the proprietress, and say, “Missy, me go one week. Thanks." But he remained in the position for 13 years until failing health obliged him to retire. Why Pick on Him?

Each of the principal speakers at the opening of the new social hall built in connection yyith. the Otahuhu railway workshops had a story to tell. Mr H. T. Clements, Mayor of Otahuhu, who was the final speaker, drew laughter and applause by drawing a personal analogy. ‘‘l am like the man in an unemployment procession,' ’ he began. “A sympathetic individual offered him a few days' work, and he made reply: ‘See all these men here, mister. Well, they're seventeen hundred or more. Why the pick on me?" Mr Clements then-- remarked that there were many high Departmental officials and others qualified to perform the official opening ceremony and asked, amid a general outburst, ‘Why pick on me?’ "