NEWS AND NOTES.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1923, Page 1

NEWS AND NOTES.

An up-river farmer (relates tits Wanganui ‘‘Chronicle”) advertised for a housekeeper, and amongst many applications received was one which concluded: ”1 have no encumbrances, my husband lias boon dead some months.”

A freak of nature was found amongst a litter ol 13 pigs on the farm of Mr (V. Berry, Awnlutri road (reports the Eeilcling "Star”). The freak has the bill and web Feet of a duckling, about tin long.

”] should think a boy of 11 or 12 years of age would oat as much as an adult,” said Mr AUm-hison, when boardinghouse charges were being discussed in the Masterton Court (states the "Daily Times”). "He would do as much damage,” remarked Air Hunt, amid laughter.

An Oarnaru settlor who visited the Waikato district rec-eutlv (states the

"North Otago Times”) motored for four days and did not see a single house or outbuilding in the country in course of erection. In the township of Hamilton, however, no fewer than one hundred houses were being erected.

A defendant, who was found on licensed promises after hours, informed the Wanganui Court (states an exchange) that he went there to see a man who owed him some money. The Magistrate replied that it appeared that licensed premises were becoming popular places for collecting debts about 9 p.m. lie had heard tlie.se debt-collecting explanations too often, and thev did not satisfy him.

A penny with a history turned tip at the Winton A. and P. Association’s reunion last week (relates tlie ‘‘Southland Times)). When one of the reinforcements was leaving Wellington Dr Gow went, to the boat’s side to see the Winton hoys off. lie was unable to talk to them, so wrapping a note around a peony lie threw it on deck. On Thursday the penny was handed back to Dr Gow by the man who had picked 11 j> the note. It had heen earned through France Ireforo it, finally returned to New Zealand.

At a hoard meeting not 100 miles away from Wanganui the question of fixing a name for a new street was tinder discussion, when one elect of the people suggested that such a legal track should he christened “Shakespea re Avenue” after the great poet. Then (relates the “Wanganui Chronicle”), up jumped another member known as the hoard's encyclopaedia, and said: “The Commissioner who has just spoken may think he is clever, but anv schoolboy would tell him that Shakespeare isn't the name of a man. it's the name of a hook."

Of course ti £IOO note is a mere detail. but it is really rather annoying when one is lost (says the Christchurch “Sun.”). A £IOO note went astray at the RicoiU'ton Racet-fiur.se. and it is still astray. A visitor to Christchurch dropped it. and the man who found it has probably not yet recovered from his swoon. Of course, one may make a habit- more or less, of losing money on a racecourse, but in this ease the ownei considers that it- was a bloodless sort of loss, and wants his hundred hack again. He is willing to pay £2O for the privilege of being able to handle his money once more.

Shortly before half-past eight on a recent morning a motor-ear swept up (luecn Street, Auckland, at « pace ol out less than IM miles an hour, this (says the “Star”) being a conservative estimate. A man crossing towards the South British Insurance Company’s buildings, had veritably to jump for ins life, and another mail a lew yards higher up the road had also a narrow escape. The first man gained the path breathless. “Did you get his number f" asked a pedestrian. “No: I was too ‘rattled - to think of that until he was 100 far away to see it." was the reply.

A somewhat unusual hul fortunately harmless accident took plan' on the North Road. Invercargill, near the A venal Road corner. relates the "Southland Times.” Two men were lo""ing pcaceluly along the road in a eiUdrawn hv a dejected looking horse When sudden!v the girth broke, and the burse, feeling its ties slipping away, reartal violently and plunged forward, severing connection with the vehicle. In thriis- the shafts of the trim were pointing dramatically at heatens. while the dazed unants found themselves king side by side on their backs in the middle ol the road. I.ov.erei. both were unhurt, and began to right the trap to the accompaniment of humorous remarks by the small band of spectators which lmd collected. Cut fortune was against them. As H| l A ,-ighted the lra[i a two-gallon keg rolled from under the seat and fell heavily to Ihe road. The comments of the spectators became taiisiie. The spumous two hurriedly veiled the beg with an overcoat, and. having placed it carcfullv beneath a hedge out of harm’s wav. wont in search of the recalcitrant animal, who was enjoying in lull the sweets of unexpected freedom. '['be iiK-inbors of the ( aiuerlmry touting football team, who broke thenjourney at Wanganui, picked up a valuable ' recruit (says the “Wanganui Chronicle”), tit Hastings, nnnud "Icily " The hitter is a black lamb, aim adorned with red and black ribbons will accompany the team on tour as a mascot. “Billy" is a prime favo l.'i'.e with the footballers, although Ins knowledge of the liner points el Kngby. v it!' ion of side-stepping amMol* lowing up. is somewhat limited. In’ Iv’s future* is likewise uncertain. R probable i hat he will eventually browse on Lancaster Park, although a sttggesuet: has been made that lie should Ga; the foundation for the mint sauce nml green peas to the player scon tig the most tries on the tour. A certain well-known local_ sportsman, who has more than his lair share •f avoirdupois, tried himself out at the new roller skating rink at Palmerston North a few nights ago. relates the “Alanawatu Times.” Em enraged by the advice of the numerous onlookers, be was getting on remarkably well, until another participator in tlie roller pastime came tip and "accidentally bumped into the heavyweight tyro. The result was a sudden thump, as the stout sportsman grasped wildly at tin ntr, and hit the floor. Another "accident" of a like nature occurring again, the embrvonie skater, gave it. up as a had job.' His exploits. However, had caused intuit amusement.