GENERAL NEWS

Waikato Times, Volume 93, Issue 14521, 19 November 1920, Page 2

GENERAL NEWS

A correspondent forwards the Cromwell Argus particulars of a successful bird-scarer. Between stakes at each end of the special crop to be protected bindpr twine is stretched. From this arn hung on string pk'res of tin six to eight inches long and two inches wide, the tin being bent something in the nature of a propeller blade, thus causing (he*tin to revolve. It has been found most successful. Although an increased area has been sown in wheat this year (says an exchange) the prevailing opinion is that poultrynien will not fare much better when the new season's supply is available than they did during tlie present year, and that they will have to be content with a large percentage of the meal mixture. The millers, of course, will have first preference in the new supply, and it will depend largely on the condition of the weather "during harvest whether much damaged grain will be available for poultry feeding.

There are increasing signs that a universal half-holiday is coming (says the Southland News.) The latest convert, who is setting an example to othermembers of his trade, is a butcher in South Invercargill, who, from now onwards, will close at 6.30 on Friday evenings, and 12.30 on Saturdays. Having been given a. lead others wilt perhaps follow his example. It has always puzzled us (says the Christchurch Sun) that the "police whose Job it is to enforce observance of the law have found it so difficult — apparently—to locate the regular bookmakers when every second man interested in the sport knows their telephone or box number. The big "firms" are on the telephone list, under another name, perhaps, bill there, disguised or otherwise. How does this come about? The telegraph restrictions have done something to reduce ante-post betting, but, from what can be gathered, the good old game of Living the odds is as flourishing and —we have no doubt— as profitable as ever.