WORLD HAPPENINGS.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18256, 18 February 1931, Page 10

WORLD HAPPENINGS.

TUSKED-PIG WEALTH. FIVE WILL BUY ISLAND WIFE. Wealth among the native population of the New Hebrides is reckoned by the number of tusked pigs a man possesses. If he is rich in pigs be is in great demand by all the eligible f 61T131G S. So said Captain Xavier Sianz, Government medical officer at the French settlement at Segand Channel, in the New Hebrides, who arrived at Sydney by the Makambo on his way to France on furlough. Captain Sianz spent three years studying the natives in the New Hebrides, and he stated that generally a wife could be obtained for five to ten tusked pigs. Pigs without tusks were valueless. On the number of animals that a native gave to his wife depended tier status in life. Captain Sianz added that the pigs were worth about £5, and after the marriage they were eaten. The tusks were kept as charms. MUSICAL NATIVES. VOCAL POWERS IMPRESS VISITORS ■Much impressed by the hospitality o'f the white inhabitants and the natives of Lord Howe Island, Madame Aida Baker, music-teacher, returned to Sydney by tile Makambo after a holiday trip. Madame Baker said that she was surprised by the natural vocal powers of the natives, and she had promised them 'that she would give them singing lessons when she returned to the island next Christmas. When she leit she received gifts, including food of all descriptions, and many souvenirs. Another who was enthusiastic about the natives’ aptitude for music, was Mr Frank Hutchens, pianist of the Conservatorium, who returned from the island after a five-weeks’ sojourn. Both he and Madame. Baker entertained the inhabitants with music, which was greatly appreciated.

NEWSPAPER BOY TO MAYOR. RUSSIAN SETTLERS MAKE GOOD. — —— > The success which has been achiexed by a Russian family who went to Canada twenty-four years ago has been disclosed following the election of the eldest son as Mayor of Windsor, Ontario. Four sons of llillel and Minnie Croll, born in Russia, are to-day occupied as follows:—David, aged 30, a lawyer in Windsor, who has been elected Mayor of that city; Leo, aged a 8 an eye, ear, nose and throat specialist in Detroit, U.5.A.; Sam, aged 2G practising dentistry in Detroit, ana Maurice, aged 25, an extraction specialist in Detroit. Of those born in Ca.na.d3., Cecil, &&c I 21 is to 1 graduate in law at the end of'this term at Osgoode Hall, Toronto, and Evelyn, aged 20, the only girl m the family, is a dental hygienist in Detroit. , , . When the family went to Canada m 190'G the elder boys sold newspapers in the streets of Windsor. David, the reeenllv-elected Mayor of Windsor, was selling papers as recently as eleven years ago. lie is said to ! be the flist jew to he elected mayor of a Canadian city. 75 RELATIONS. BIG MEETING AT FUNERAL. More than 75 members of his family attended the funeral of Mr George Padlleld, of Loughlon, Essex, at Loughton parish church. Those present included his six sons, all farmers, and three of his brothers who followed him from Somerset 70 years ago to take up farms in Essex. More than 50 of Mr Padfleld's relatives are farming in the county. Mr Padfleld. who was 76, was one of the best known farmers in Essex, and one of the first members of Hie National Farmers’ Union. His was the first death in the family for 30 years.

ISLAND SHARK FACTORY. NEW INDUSTRY AT LORD HOWE. Lord Howe islanders have established a new industry, according- to Mr R. E. Baxter, a resident of the island, who arrived at Sydney by the Makambo. He told a reporter that 17 of them had formed a syndicate and built a factory for treating sharks. Mr Baxter added that the industry was still in its infancy, but after the whole thing had been established on a proper business basis he and his colleagues hoped to find a ready market for their products. At present skins were treated and sent to Sydney. The flesh was being specially treated and was in great demand by the Chinese coolies of the islands. The oil was being stored until members of the syndicate decide what to do with it. “Catching sharks is a great sport,” said Mr Baxter. “W’e never use anything but thick hand lines. The biggest haul in one day was 120, hut tna average catch is 25.” GIRLS’ POVERTY PLIGHT. BAGGED CLOTHES BAR TO W r ORIv. Allegations that there were girls and women in Auburn who could not go outside their homes to search for work because their clothes were in ruins, and some of them were without footwear, were made by Aid. Davidson at the meeting of Auburn Council, says a Sydney paper. lie said that only that day he had seen a clever, well-educated local girl, who could not leave home to search for work because she had no shoes. Belief meant more than feeding people. It meant giving them clothes, also. Aid. Atkinson stated that he would have shoes sent to the girl in question.