FLASHES.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 17 May 1917, Page 2

FLASHES.

Afive-seater buggy in good order is advertised for sale. Ketterers have a special notice in this issue, and are making big reductions in electro plate and fancy goods. An advertisement in another column draws attention to the fact that Mrs McMillan is now prepared to play for dances and socials. Applications for the position of dog tax collector are invited by the T»wn Board. The Helensville Town Board notifies that all outstanding water and drainage charge after 31st May will be sued for. A visitor to Parakai contributes the following:— "Why are the Helensville street lamps like the moon ? Because they are always OUT at night. We beg to draw the attention of our readers to a column advertisement elsewhere by Messrs Hand and Ellett, land and commission agents, setting forth numerous properties for sale. Food Prices, —There is no need to worry. Just look at these prices, which ruled in Paris in 1870 : Geese, £5 each ; chickens, 295; cats, if thin 6s, if fat 7s 6d; frogs, 2s per lb; rats, Is 6d.— John Bull. The Right Rev. Dr. Averill, Bishop of Auckland,' will conduct services on Sunday next at St. Matthew's Church, Helensville, will preach at Parakai Hall Hall at 11 a.m., and will conduct confirmation services at Waimauku at 2.30 and Helensville at 7 p.m. Paper is now an expensive item, and we cannot afford to give it away. In common fairness we would respectfully ask those subscribers to the ECHO who have not paid their subscriptions for the past three' years to kindly do so as soon as possible. A grand concert is to be held in the Lyric Theatre, Helensville, on Monday, June 4th., in aid of the V.M.C.A. Trench Comforts Fund. Exceptionally good talent will contribute items, and Miss Cook, elecutionist, of Sydney, has kindly consented to assist. The object is a most laudable one, and admission only 1/6 and 1/-. The British Board of Trade has made an order under the Defence Regulations Act, talcing possession of all coal mines in the United Kingdom other than those in South Wales and Monmouthshire, which were taken possession of on December 1 last year. Surely a wise step towards permanent nationalisation. Travellers should note the important changes in the Helensville-Auckland railway service, which came into force on Monday last. Trains will leave Auckland at 7.22 and 10.50 a.m. and 3.15 p.m., and will leave Helensville at 6.50 a.m., 12.30 p.m., and 4.12 p.m. The train leaving Helensville at 6.50 a.m. will arrive in Auckland at 9.15 a.m., and that leaving at 4.12 p.m. will reaoh the city at 7.8 p.m. The express trains have been cancelled.

The management of the Lyric Theatre beg to announce to their numerous patrons that their new and up-to-date dress circle will be opened to the public on Saturday night. This spacious circle has been fitted up with the latest upholstered easy chairs of the same pattern as were recently installed in the Strand Theatre, Auckland. No expense is being spared in the fitting up of the dress circle, which, when completed, will be one of the best appointed theatres outside of Auckland..

" Emmy of the Stork's Nest," which is adapted from the novel by J. Breckenbridge Ellis, will be screened at the Star Theatre on Saturday evening next. Mary Miles Minter, the brilliant little screen actress, who haa deservedly attained such great popularity of late, takes the name part, which she suits admirably. The film, which occupies five reels, is original and romantic in conception, and tells an exceedingly interesting story. Some very beautiful mountain scenery is introduced as a background for the picture, and the supporting films are also Al.

The New Zealand troops were given a most enthusiastic welcome in Sydney on May 9th., when there was^ an official reception and march through the streets, and the following telegram was sent by His Excellency the Governor-General to the Governor of New Zealand:—" The New Zealand reinforcements have just marched through Sydney. Their soldier like appearance and disciplina has made a most favourable impression here. We are glad to have had the opportunity of seeing this fine body of men from the sister Dominion." -

A Berlin official message announces that the reason for felling fruit trees in the evacuated territory is to prevent the enemy from using the leaves in summer for cover. Any excuse, even a lame one, is good enough for a German staff officer. They know better than that. All the leaves in France, if collected together, would still leave the Allied armies as uncovered as Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

The penny wise Bristol' Docks Committee prior to the war,,with a view to saving some £1,300, placed an order in Germany for a dredger to cost £38,700. The dredge was practically completed when war broke out, but remained in Germany, and now ( Bristol is to have a British-built dredge which, at war prices, will cost an additional £22,000. There is a lesson a foot thick in this little incident.