LATE LOCALS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1920, Page 3

LATE LOCALS.

The two important things for citizens of Hokitika to remember are: 1) Those who do not attend the Irish iV.i. tional Concert next Tuesday night will miss the best displaj’ of vocal, instrumental and elocutionary talent yet pi duced in Hokitika; (2) Those who arclate won’t get a s eat.

The fire at Greymouth this morning, which gutted the premises of the Greymouth “ Argus,” is a most unfortunate one for the new proprietary, the Labour Party having a short time ago assumed a controlling interest therein, and the outbreak will prove a great set back to their venture into journalism. The loss will be a substantial one, especially ns the new management have been jnstafling a considerable quantity 0 f new machinery, and stock since taking charge.

When a juryman was c alled upon for service at the Hamilton Supreme Court on Tuesday lie claimed exemption as he bad strong religious objections. _His Honour said it was the first time i thad heard a juryman claiming exemption on religious grounds, and asked the man to what sect he belonged. He re. plied that lie did not belong to any sect, but bad strong religious objections. “Well, I will exempt vnu, ’ said His Honour, “for it is quite dear you would he a most unsatisfaisorv juryman.” Proceedings in debating circles in St. Mary’s Club Rooms on Tuesday evening were of a very interesting nature. Each member put a written question into the box. The questions were drawn out one bv one and any member called on to spealcN. .Some of the subjects were “ Should a policeman break the law in order to catch an offender?” What advantages will the completion of the Otira tunnel bring to the West Coast?” “Do von consider trial by jury the proper method of dealing with suspected criminals? ” Should batebelors be taxed?” How would you reduce the cost of living?” Are pearls dived for because they are valuable, or are they valuable because they are dived for?” Do you favour such great expenditure on the Prince of Wales? ” Needless to say some humourous ideas were put forward. Next Tuesday night there will be an impromptu debate.