FLASHES.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 22 February 1917, Page 2

FLASHES.

The Railway Department advertise excursion fares to Pukekohe Show on 22nd and 23rd February.

* House for sale by auction. —For particulars see advertisement in another column.

Mrs Diraka has an advertisement in this issue announcing that she has opened an up-to-date fish shop in Commercial Road.

The total rainfall in Auckland for February up till 9 a.m. yesterday was 10.95 inches. This is the highest fall recorded in any one month for 48 years. Considerable damage was done in all directions by the cyclonic storm which prevailed during the early hours of yesterday morning. Both railway and telegraphic communication suffered, and damage was caused to shipping.

Mr G H- Poole, M.P., has intimated his intention of being present at the Territorial Camp, Helensville, during the training, and will be working in conjunction with the YM.C.A.

Not a single German newspaper Was been received in the United States from from the Fatherland for over 8 months, according to a prominent GermanAmerican in the New York Herald.

A Russian officer who visited the Allies' western front was. shown a remarkable road ten miles long and wide enough for four motor-cars abreast, which had been built in one day. If it had been done in Helensville in ten years some people would have thought it smart.

At the last meeting of the Hobson County Council, a letter was received from the Kaipara S.S. Co., in regard to the assumption by Captain Menzies (late of Helensville) of his duties as wharfinger at Dargaville. He was at present in a sanitorium. The Company suggested the appointment of a substitute. It was decided to reply that the Council had made temporary arrangements.

In that most delightful of fairy tale love romances, " The Goose Girl,'' Marguerite Clark—the darling of the picture world—repeats the triumphs she scored in " Gretna Green" and " The Crucible," and further substantiates her title of Mary Piokford's greatest riral. Ample scope is given for her wonderfultalent in this bewitching story of a Gipsy girl who becomes a princess. "The Goose Girl" is the big attraction on Wednesday's splendid programme at the Star Theatre. -

There will be special services in the Presbyterian Church .on Sunday next, 25th inst., it being the 15th anniversary of the re-opening of'that building. The Rev. R. L. Walker, M.A., of St. Jame's Church, Auckland, will preach. On the Monday following (26th inst) there will be a social in Stewart's Hall at 8 p.m., in aid of the Church funds. A good programme (new artists), and supper provided. The Rev. R. L. Walker will preside, and all are invited to attend.

■A New Zealand artilleryman who has fought with the Main Body of the Expeditionary Force since the landing at Gallipoli, with only two short furloughs,* writes to his mother as follows: "Is it not time that they saved some of us Main Body men as curiosities? There are so few of us now, and we have been fighting so long that it might be interesting to people to find out what we are like."

The gale struck Helensville on Tuesday last with full force, and continued all day Wednesday, together with heavy rain. Some considerable damage was done to property. A sawmill which was being erected near the Kaipara S.S. Company's slip was soon demolished, and many trees on the Parakai flats were uprooted and sent to the ground. A number of tents at Territorial encampment were blown down, and the men had a most uncomfortable time.

" The Devil's Toy " is the title of the principal item on Saturday's programme at the Star Theatre.. It is a sensational society drama, and the s^ory surrounds the deeds of a man whose ambition led him to "sell his soul to perdition for fortune, fame, and love." The devil showed him the way to riches, to get which he murders, then he, steals, but finally falls a victim to the beautiful woman who sets out to meet and combat his evil genius with her own wiles. How she accomplishes this and the result is most dramatic. Many realistic scenes of splendour are sho\Vn at the revels at Baltimore Ice Gardens—New York's latest craze. The supporting pictures ar,e also very fine, and include episode 16 of "The Broken Coin" (the fighting serial).

Many rumours arise in uainp, Qne is that a Sergeant delivered himself as follows: " Squad—shun !As you were. Wen I say'shun, I mean'shun. Spring up like a trout catching flies. Don't wipe your nose on your sleeve. 'Ain't allowed in British Army. Squad—'shun. That's better. Heads up, eyes off the ground, heels closed, knees togethgr. If you're knock-kneed sleep with a Bible between your knees and a strap round your ankles. Stop that laughing! I can see you—see all of you. By the right, quick march J l Left^-right—ieft'i-eyes off ground." 'There's no diamonds or gold watches there. Look your own height. You'll never get a woman to give you the g_lad eye if you like a bent bag of beef tied in the middle.! Qat with youf chests'; if you haVenY gqt a chest, stick your kit-bag' inside ygur tunic. Hi.lt. Stand at ease, Wow"you can wipe your nose. If you haven't got a handkerchief, use an old sock."