FLASHES.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 12 April 1917, Page 2

FLASHES.

Girl to assist with housework wanted

Harvest Thanksgiving Services will be held in St. Matthew's Church, Heloneville next Sunday.

The Chief Postmaster advises that from the 16th inst. the maximum weight of parcels for soldiers on active service is jto be reduced to 71bs.

A wandering soldier, charged as an absentee, stated that he had lived for a week on raw turnips. Apparently he was on a root march.

Tjhe unfortnate Czar has every reason to feel horrible doubts as to what will happen to him. No fewer than four .rulers of Russia have been assassinated during the past three centuries.

Newspapers are not allowed to publish sailings of ships from New Zealand, but on application at the shipping office anyone, including enemy aliens, can earn all about the sailings.

The Colongne Volksvietung declares that all that is needed to secure peace is a little good will on both sides. The chief obstacle, however, is the big, bad Will on their side.

The engineer of the Waitemata County Council says that the experiment of carrying metal in winter by special train, ag imposed by the Public Works Department conditions for grants, has cost the Waipareira Riding £632 10s more than the usual method.

Attention is drawn to Gahagan's replace advertisement, notifying that Miss Loudon, of Auckland, has taken over the drapery and show room departments, and that the ladies of Helensville would do well to consult her when next making purchases.

The first of the military memorial services under the new organisation, was held at the Highland Unit camp in Mr Elliott's paddock, Awaroa Road, on Sunday morning last. There was a good attendance, and Mr Jenkins (Church of Christ) delivered an eloquent address.

The Member for Wairarapa, who was one of the Parliamentary Party who recently visited the North, say 3 :—" It took us eight hours to travel from Ranganui to Auckland by the Kaipara line. The train crawled along like a wounded snake. A railway line like that would not be tolerated in the South, where the people would make things very warm for the Government."

Stewart's Theatre was packed to the doors on Saturday evening last and many were unable to gain admission, the occasion being a Scottish Concert promoted by the Highland Unit and Pipers from Auckland. A splendid programme was placed before the public, and as the affair was for patriotic purposes everyparted willingly with the " bawbees." The pictures at the. Star Theatre were also well-attended,the takings being given for the same purpose.

An English paper says : " For over a y«ar now there has been in the possession' of the Staff of the New Zealand' Division a ring for which no owner- can be found. It was picked up at the entrance to Reserve Gully, near the beach at Anzac, on May 20th, 1915. It is a gold seal ring, with two monograms, "J.S," and " L.W." on the face. Inside the ring in this inscription: " From mother, September 7, 1913."

The daughter of a Taranaki farmer has taken charge of her father's farm in the absence of her only brother. With the assistance of one twelve-year old schoolboy she milks, by machine, 45 cows, night and morning, Jooks after the plant, starts the engine, and takes care of the dairy stock. On Sundays she drives her aged parents to Church in the car, and often play 3 the organ. Such an example of the fine old colonial spirit is good to meet.

A meeting in connection with the great work carried on by the V.M.C.A. during the war, was held in Stewart's Theatre on Wednesday evening. last. The chair was occupied by Mr Lambert (Chairman of the Town Board), who apologised for the unavoidable absence of the lecturer, Mr IL M. Smeeton, who has recently returned from France and was to have given, his experience while there. However, the Hqn. Geo. Fowlds and Mr Poole were present, and both gentlemeu gave elq<m,ei}t addresses, outlining the far-reaching vfqrk of the V.M.C.A., and appealing fqv assistance in raising £25,000, Auokland district's share of the amount required for carrying on this very necessary work. Votes of thanks to the speakers and the Chairman were carried, and the matter of making arrangements for local contributions was left in the hands of the Ladies' Committee.