Local and General

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 158, 10 May 1940, Page 4

Local and General

The Real Reason. "The real reason lliat tho New Zealand Rugby Union is cutting oul the big matches, such as the Nortl Island-South Island game and Ranfurly Shield contests, this year, i* so that recruiting will not be impeded," said Mr W. Henderson, president of the Whakatane Union and Bay ol' Plenty delegate to Wellington at the local Union's meeting or Wednesday night. Court Humour. During the hearing of a case in the Opotiki Police Court on Monday, a plaintiff who Avas conducting his own case, was informed that he would have to pay 25s into Court before the case could be heard. Plaintiff hurriedly searched his pockets and then rushed to the rear of the courtroom where he interviewed a man in the gallery. jHe then rushed outside the room inlc the street. "The court will adjourn for fifteen minutes," remarked the Magistrate, "while the collection is being taken tip." Older Mea Enlist. Of the recruits presenting themselves at the Rotorua Defence Office recently, most have been over 35 years of age. It has been evident for some time that there is greater recruiting enthusiasm amongst those approaching middle age, and before the age limit was raised from 35 to 40 years, many adopted subterfuges ,'in an endeavour to be accepted for service. One volunteer this week told the military authorities that he had turned 40 since the outbreak of war in the hope that this would enable him to enlilst; however, he could not be accepted.