NEW ZEALAND NEWS

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 590, 19 August 1909, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND NEWS

{By Tolcffraph.—Press Assoolftllon.l « — A CHINAMAN'S MISTAKE. Christchurch, August 18: In tho Magistrate's Court to-day, John William Smith wats brought up on remand, • charged with being a rogue and a vagabond, having, disguised as a policeman, robbed ,a Chinaman of £20. The Chinaman, iit the raceoour'so, recognised. Smith as tno man who visited his houso as a policeman in search, of opium, and took , tho money, giving a receipt for the same, and tolling the Chinaman to collect it at tho police offico in tho morning. Tho clearest evidence was given that Smith was not tho mail ' who visited the Chinaman's house, and Smith was dismissed, tho magistrate expressing regret at tho inconvenience caused to an innocent man, but adding that the ■ exporicnco was one that any man might liavo, and could not bo helped. He was pleased, liowr ever, that Smith had been able to givo a perfectly satisfactory account of himself, and so leave tho Court with no stain on hie character. TEACHERS' APPOINTMENTS. Auckland, August 18. Tho Board of Education approved of a list prepared by its eight inspectors grading all teachers now employed. In future, all appointments and promotions will bo made with this grado as a basis. The' grading is based on efficiency, length of service, and certificates. The chairman of tho board 1 expressed tbo opinion that the system waa better than making promotions or appointments on knowledge by individual members of tho board of individual teachers. - ' SPORTS CONTROL. Dunedin, 'August 18. At tho annual meeting of the Otago .Centra of tho Now Zealand Atlrlctic Union a motion was carried expressing tho opinion that tha union should assume control o£ cycling, and that the executive be asked to take the ' matter into consideration.' A deputation from the Pipers' and Dancers' Association waited on the centre with reference to tho < question of han.diiig over tho control of. piping and dancing to the association. The meeting decided that it could cot see its way to recommend that tho control bo handed over as aakod. . •

PORTOBELLO FISH HATCHERY. Chrlstchurch, August 18. Tho. Canterbury Acclimatisation Society has decided to "vote £20 towards the maintenance of the Portobcllo marine fish hatchery, the Government having declined to agree to the surest-ions of the hatchery board regarding future maintenance. The board wanted a grant of- £500, but tho Government is only agreeable to. continue its grant of £250.

CLAIM FOR ONE PENNY. Auckland, August 17. Mr. F. M. Downes, who made a claim of Id. upon tho Auckland Tramways Ooiripatiy in-respect of two . fares charged upon the Queen Street section during the repair operations last week, has been notified by defendant's solicitor that the sum of 1d.," together with 3s. costs of summons.' has been paid into Court. The claim will not" therefore come before the Bench. ■' KNOX CHURCH, DUNEDIN. Dunedln,. August 18; At the annual meeting of the congregation of Knox Church to-night, tjic question of selecting a pastor in succession to Rev. W, Hewitson was considered. It was decided to insert the name of Rev. R. E. Davics, M.A. of Petersham, Sydney, in the call, which will be open for signature for the next two Sundays., CHRISTCHURCH SHIP CANAL. , Chrlstohiiroh, August 18. The report of the committee set up to consider-jthe financial aspect of thei proposedship canal" to Christchurch Was 'discussed at' length by tho Lyttelton Harbour Board to-- 1 day, and the meeting adjourned for a fortnight,, nd vote being l taken.... '-IS LAND FOR SETTLEMENT. Cliristchurch, August 18. ; Speaking at Oxford to-day, • the Hon; D. ; Buddo said the supply of land for settlement in. small areas was rapidly coming to, an. end, and, by 1912, nearly all tho land- under' survey would have gone.