MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1928, Page 1

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

South Canterbury farmers are complaining loudly concerning the havoc that is being wrought by small birds among the early-ripening cereal crops (says the Timaru “Herald”). It is stated that the small bird nuisance is worse this season than ever it has been in South Canterbury, and that some of the early oat crops, which promised to yield well, will now scarcely he worth cutting. The need for concerted action of farmers to destroy small birds in the winter months is urged.

The danger caused by the use by painters of blow torches to remove old paint from wood before applying the new coat was emphasised by a Gisborne fire insurance agent after a recent outbreak (says the “Herald”) He pointed out that the painters turned the torches directly on to the wood, and several fires bad been caused by this practice, the origin of one big fire in Gisborne last year being set down to the use of such a torch. No doubt the painters could not avoid using the torches in such a manner, but lie was of the opinion that every painter should provide himself with a chemical extinguisher.

The latest bowling story that is going the rounds concerns some lady players who were spending the afternoon on a certain green In Invercargill (says the “Times”). To the consternation of one newly initiated but enthusiastic lady player she sent down a bowl, which, instead of rolling neatly down the green to the kitty, turned off and finished up two rinks away. “IVhat was wrong with that?” siie in'nooently remarked. “Oli,’’ was the reply, “the bias was on the wrong side.” “I must take it down tomorrow and get it fixed.” said the aggrieved lady.