NEWS AND NOTES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1095, 10 May 1913, Page 4

NEWS AND NOTES.

A. veteran of the Waikato war, who is now in his 76'th year, namely, Mr George Ellis, was venting his indignation (says the Auckland Star) because someone had “ insulted him by posting to him anti-military literature. “ I never dreamed,” he said, “ when I was in the Waikato war that ! was fighting to make homes for such a wowserish lot. It makes my blood boil to think that there are so many who are living under the protection of the British flag, and yet afraid to train for the defence of their homes,”

A pretty and intelligent-looking girl, 15 years of age. appeared at the Christchurch Magistrate’s Court last week to give evidence in a maintenance case. On being questioned she admitted having passed only the first standard, and stated that she was unable to read and could write but little. “It is a shocking thing to my mind,” said Mr Bishop, ‘‘that she can neither read nor write.” It was stated the girl looked after three children, and did all the work of house. ‘‘lt is not fair,” said Mr Bishop. “ I shall get a police report on the matter, and shall consider the advisability of committing her to an industrial school,”

Speaking at the St. Patrick night banquet held at the Hotel Cecil, London, Sir Joseph Ward concluded a poweerlul speech as follows: "In every walk of life Irishmen have helped to build up, defend, and make the Empire greater. At a time when things were critical, I was responsible for New Zealand giving a Dreadnought to the Imperial Navy. What of the attitude of the socalled enemies of England ? Not an Irishman in New Zealand took the slightest exception to the pre seutation of that Dreadnought, but willingly bore his portion for supplying it. It costs every man, woman aud child £2 par head, upon which interest aud sinking fund are payable for 20 years, and it would be done as cheerfully again, and much more if recessary. Could you have auy greater proof of their practical loyalty that that ? ” Mr John Redmond, commenting ou the speech, said : " I rejoice that the toast has been proposed for this reason, if lor no other, that it has provided an opportunity for the speech from Sir Joseph Ward—(cheers) —a speech that ought to be recorded in letters of gold, and which I trust will be reported to-morrow iu every land where the English language is spoken, and which undoubtedly will be most valuable to the cause of Ireland.”