LOCAL AND GENERAL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5468, 30 August 1929, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Up to the moment no further developments have taken place in the Netherton mail robbery case which took place over the weed-end. As far as can be ascertained, the thieves were ill-rewarded for their pains and the risk they took. Preparations for the erection of the cenotaph are proceeding apace. The shed has been built near- the site, and trucks are kept busy all day conveying material to the top.. The Post and Telegraph Department in a manner compensates somewhat for the huge deficit returned by the P.ailway Department. Last year the Post and Telegraph Department made a profit of over half a million. The annual meeting of the Paeroa Bowling Club will be held in the supper room of the Gaiety Theatre this evening. Bro. H. Poland told the following story to his brother Orphans last night : “A priest on returning to his parish by train after a visit to Auckland engaged his usual taxi to drive him from the station to his home. On arrival the driver, a man of Celtish name, asked for 4s as fare. The priest thought it excessive and, saying he had not the requisite sum on him, told the driver to return the next morning. The next morning the man duly presented himself. Said the priest: ‘I suppose, . , you are one of us ?’ ‘Yes,’ fervently replied the driver, ‘I am, but regret to have to admit that I have not been regular in my devotions.’ ‘Do you believe in the hereafter ?, asked the priest. Came the reply : T certainly do. I'm here after it now."’

For crossing in front, of an oncoming train, Miss Margaret Bowers, of Morrinsville, was fined 40s and ord ered to pay 10s costs by Mr Wyvern Wilson, SM, in the Morrinsville Police Coir t last week. Defendant, did not appear. Tt was stated that defendant drove, her car across the Victoria street crossing, Hamilton, on June 17, a chain in front of an oncoming train, while the warning bells were, ringing. The crossing-keeper was nearly killed in trying to keep her back. Constable Heeps said defendant had written stating she was a new driver and did not know the rules.

A local resident who visited Arapuni over the weed-end, after an interval of several months, says the change in the formation of the waterfall below the spillway since his previous visit was astounding.

A credit balance of £523,81)9 is disclosed in the annual report of the Post and Telegraph Department just pre-, sented to Parliament. Revenue amounted to £3,445,545 and working expenses to £2,921,736, including £428,000 interest.

A meeting of the recently formed Aero Club at Te Aroha is to be held this evening. Mr D. Mill, of the Auckland Aero-Club, will make a special trip by aeroplane to attend, and will be ready with helpful information and advice.

The statement that the Administration of Samoa would for ever be a blot on the history of New Zealand was made by the Rev. C. L. Carr (Labour member for Timaru) in his Budget speech in the House of Representatives. Mr Carr drew attention to the provision of £27,000-odd for military police service in Samoa, which, it was stated in the Budget, was an entirely new item. He trusted it would not have a long life. The unrest in Samoa, he said, was mostly limited to the mind of the Administration. He was more concerned with the idea of the military police than with the trouble in Samoa, which he thought the police might only intensify rather than suppress.

The charming illustrations in the “N.Z. Sporting and Dramatic Review” this week will make an instant appeal, as they are specially select?'! from the most exclusive photographic services at home and abroad. The sporting event of the week, the Pakuranga Hunt Club’s meeting, occupies generous space with some striking snaps of the jumping events. The double centre pages have a bright collection of summer scenes from overseas. Cricketers will be interested in the page of individual snapshots of the players of the M.C.C. team to tour New Zealand, and another fine seiies depicts wrestlers in some of their most effective holds. The section printed in colour includes a unique frontispiece of Chinese actors, a page of exquisite fashions, and some typical American scenes. A wonderful variety of overseas pictures completes an issue that is sure to be popular.

Bread wars are in full swing at Wellington and Wanganui, where some of the bakers are retailing bread at 43d per loaf.