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Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 370, 9 April 1908, Page 4

Tbe Australian mail brings details ot a sensational incident that was cabled concerning a desperate character who tried to bring off a great coup at the Barnawalha (Victoria) races. At half-past 3 o’clock, just before the chief race, a man wearing a mask and a false beard went to the gatekeepers (Frederick Richaidson and James Daly), and, pointing a revolver at them, demanded the takings, but Richardson declined to obey, and Daly seized tbe ruffian. There was a struggle, in which both men fell, and the robber, rising first, fired at Richardson and bolted. Richardson was not hurt, and a hue and cry was raised. Three policemen on foot and a number of civilians set out after the man, but he had got a good start and got away. Early next morning a party of mounted constables met a man cycling along the main street of Chiltern. He was a stranger, and the police were suspicious, and “Where were you yesterday?” asked Constable Carruthers. “Home at Dry Creek.” The constable said that this was funuy, as there Were races at Barnawatha, only four miles away. After some further questioning the man admitted that he had fired the shot. A loaded revolver and a horsehair beard were found in his possession. He was locked up under the name of John Charles Robinson.

At the Christchurch Education Board meeting Mr T. W. Rowe said that the average age of pupils in the various standards of the primary schools of the Dominion for the past two or three years was, within a month, as follow : First standard, 9, second standard, 10, third standard, ir, fourth standard, 12, fifth standard, 13, sixth standard, 13 years and 9 months.