General News.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19177, 7 December 1927, Page 10

General News.

Now that cherries are beginning to ripen in local orchards growers arc having their almost yearly troubles with thieves who work by night. A Heathcote grower reports that recently he found the netting protecting his trees badly cut about, doubtless by some party of cherry robbers: At the quarterly meeting of the Board of Agriculture, the position of the Central Development Farm at \Yeraroa was carefully considered, and it was decided to recommend to the Government that the farm be sold, and the proceeds set apart for the development of experimental and research work of the Department of Agriculture. The possibility of the City Council's decision to close the Art Gallery being rescinded brought from the Mayor (Mr J. K. Archer) yesterday the comment: "You may be sure that the Gallery will never be re-opened for dancing except under certain conditions." Re-opening would depend on negotiations and would be permitted only under stringent conditions. The New Zealand bowling team, 20 strong, which is to take part in the Australian bowling carnival at Melbourne, sailed from Auckland by the Ulimaroa for Sydney. Mr S. M. Stone, of Wellington, a vice-president of the New Zealand Bowling Association, and Mr E. Farrow, of Ponsonby, are joint managers of the team, which includes a large proportion of Auckland players. Clerical and lay representatives of the cures comprised in the recently constituted rural deanery of North Canterbury met at Rangiora on Monday afternoon. The acting rural Dean, the Rev. J. F. Feron, presided. The business transacted was of a private nature and included consideration of the report of the Commission of Finanoe, which is to be dealt with at a special session of Synod next year. Regarding the running of trams for the New Brighton Trotting Club's Meeting neyt week on Thursday and Saturday, Mr Prank Thompson, general manager of the tramways, stated yesterday that he had nothing further to say than what already he had told the Trotting Club—that the Board intends to run cars on the No. 5 route as far as the junction of Park road and Bowhill road. The tracks on the No. 10 route are still laid to the course, but the difficulty of using them is the Order-in-Council issued in accordance with the poll of the ratepayers in April last. Replying to questions arising out of the discussion at Monday night's meeting of the S.P.C.A. regarding the exhibition of freak animals at sideshows at agricultural shows, Mr G. G. Denniston, secretary of the Canterbury A. and P. Association, told a reporter yesterday that, speaking personally, in this particular instance he was quite satisfied it was cruelty to show such an animal. He thought that the matter was one purely for the S.P.C.A.. which should be empowered to prohibit the exhibition of freak animals, or to order their destruction.

A pitched battle, in which iron pickets, bottles, sticks and a revolver were used, in Princes Park Tennis Courts, was described at tho Police Court at Carlton, Melbourne, recently, when four youths were sentenced to one month'B imprisonment for riotous behaviour. Evidence was given that when tho youths wero remonstrated with for using bad language near the children's playground, they rushed on to the tennis courts and threw bottles at the players. One of them placed a revolver at a player's chest, and said, "Now, I've got you." They were chased away bj> cricketers, but later returned with iron bars and immediately cleared everyone off the courts. In reference to a rumour that a large number of men have been dismissed from the outdoor staff of tho Post and Telegraph Department in Auckland, it is officially stated that the number dispensed with ig 20. These are all temporary employees, whose engagement has come to an end in the natural course with the completion of the work on which they were engaged. The question of holiday leave does not arise until a man has been two years in the employment of the Department. The rule is always to give married men preference over single men in tho matter of employment.

Few people know that within 16 miles of Morrinsville are to be found some magnificent kauri trees. In the bush on tho hills behind Hoe-o-tainui there are hundreds of giant kauris, which are believed to comprise the most southerly-situated group in the Island. When the Hoe-o-tainui Valley was thrown open for settlement, the sections where a large number of trees grew were excluded, but the land was taken up by a couple of settlers. At that stage timber milling was proposed, but fortunately for the preservation of the kauri trees the block of bush was made a Government reserve. •

Some of the picture theatres in Sydney have cut out the playing of the National Anthem at the end of the programme, not in any sense of uisloyalty, but simply because it is Jpnown that so many people have to make a dash for their trams or ferry boats in order to reach home at a reason- 1 able hour. It may be news to many to know that the playing of the National Anthem in a theatre on the fall of the curtain is a custom peculiar to Australia and New Zealand. No such practice exists in London or provincial England, and on the Continent no National Anthem is ever played as a recessional. Although it is common to see the Stars and Stripes flown everywhere in the United States, «the National Anthem is heard there only on official or State occasions, and certainly never at the termination of a performance, except when the President is a member of the audience. Owners of small-sized flocks are invited to see the latest in Shearing Plants. The Cooper "Ideal" Plant, one or two stands, is a first-class outfit, simple, reliable, and low in cost of upkeep. If you have electric power or an engine, this will fulfil your requirements. Mason, Struthers, and Co., Ltd. -6

The soundness and sturdy character of thg world-famed "Omega" watch still appeals to the public by right of merit and service. As a timekeeper, it has been found equal to all tests, and the manner in which it withstands hard usage has earned its world-wide reputation. "An 'Omega' watch \rill never let you down."—Manufactured in sizes and styles to suit all tastes and requirements. Ashby, Bergh, and Co., Ltd., High street. —6

J. Johnston and Son, Hardware Merchants, Rangiora, established 1863, solicit enquiries for all classes of General Hardware for household and farm. City prices guaranteed. Inspection invited. P.O. Box 1. 'Phone 4. ■ —6

Undoubtedly the young people of today have every opportunity when one considers the usefulness and instruotiveness of Radio. It is certain that a Crystal Set is the most advantageous Xmas Present for 1927. Complete Crystal Sets, Headphones, Aerial Wire, and Insulators can be bought for 30s at J. I. Smail, Electrical and Radio Engineer, Caret's Buildings, 734 Colombo street, Christchurch. —6 Booth Household Electric Pumps succeed where others have failed. They are sturdy, reliable, noiseless, and durable, wear being taken up by the simple process of renewing leathers every few years. Prices have been again reduced, making them one of the cheapest, as well as being undoubtedly the best Electric Pump on the market. Illustrated pamphlet post free. Drop a p.c. for your copy. Booth, Maodon aid and Co H Ltd.