NEWS AND NOTES.

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXII, Issue 162, 27 January 1928, Page 6

NEWS AND NOTES.

After long and patient waiting, extending to close on ten years after peace had been declared in Europe, marking the end of four years' carnage in the greatest war in history, the hospital in Hastings, erected as a tribute to our fallen Hawke's Bay soldiers, is now completed, and the contractors are ready to hand-over the building to the Hospital authorities.

An Apia radio message from the “Samoa Guardian” says: —For the reason that it would be a friendly act, the Samoan Administration has refused Mr E. W. Gurr a passport to Pago Pago, unless advised by the American Government. Responding to a suggestion by the Police Inspector, Mr Gurr telegraphed to Pago Pago to advise the authorities at Apia of permission to land. The American Governor wired the Administrator to notify Mr Gurr that he would nor be permitted to return to Tutuila. This action supports the policy of amity between the two Samoan Governments. Mi’ Gurr's residence at Tutuila, in close proximity to Apia, might still exercise an influence over the Samoans.

The Hon. O. F. Nelson and Mr A. G. Smyth, who recently left Samoa, under order of deportation, arrived at Auckland from Suva on Monday. Mi’ Nelson said he had nothing to say at present, as he was going to Wellington to confer with his legal adviser. “We have been peacemakers all along,” said Mr Nelson. “Now it is for Major-General Richardson to keep offier if he can.” Mr Nelson indicated that he was going to Europe. Mr Smyth will take up a business appointment at Suva. Mr Smyth said the Samoan natives had declared a boycott, not only of New Zealand goods, but of all imported goods except soap, sugar, kerosene, and matches, which were regarded as necessaries. The natives, he said, had not paid last year’s taxes, and were refusing to pay fines.

Pictures built up of pieces of wallpaper are the newest “art” hobby. The inventor is a Sussex man who has turned out some very charming effects.