NEWS IN BRIEF.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1938, 11 February 1919, Page 1

NEWS IN BRIEF.

“In spite of all the advice given to people about fresh air, and the practical example set by the official institutions and the trams,” said Dr. Chesson, of Christchurch, “one still sees houses where the windows appear to be hermetically sealed. Why is it that people are so frightened of fresh air? Another bogey which seems to be (irmly established in their minds is that referring to blight air.’ I never have, and never shall, understand what difference there is between night and other air. Fresh air is essential night and day, It is to be hoped that the public will learn a lesson by the epidemic, and partake more freely of the fresh air which nature has provided so beautifully.”

Details of the story in connection with the murder of the ex-Czar and family states that the Tsarvitch was ill and scarcely conscious of what was occurring. He looked like an imbecile while marching with his mother and sisters. They were killed all together. Sixteen Romanoffs ■have been murdered, the last being the Grand Dukes Nicholas and George, the latter bad never been connected with polities, and only desired to return to Loudon to see his wife and daughters.

In an article in the King Country Chronicle descriptive of a motor trip from Waikato to Wellington, D.M.IC and C.M. say:—“We had often heard of the tar and macadam roads of Taranaki. They arc beyond praise or description. At the two toll-gates we passed, our offerings were made thankfully, as though at a religions ceremony. The connecting roads receive attention as well as (he main roads, and these highways and byways are fast becoming the playgrounds of (he people. One wonders not at all that Taranaki land reaches .(.MOO per acre when it may be approached by a roadway better than Victoria, Street. It is suggested that commissioners from the' various local bodies in Waikato should join and undertake a tour of inspection of the Taranaki roads. Waikato lias not the metal and shingle readily available, hut there must be a magic in the administration yonder that calls for investigation. The question is, how long are we to remain a harassed and mud-hespaltered people, while our neighbours go easily and with joy about their business?”

Says a Wellington writer: Onca upon a time, the men who earned an honest living by toiling on (he waterfront were despised individuals known as “wharf rats.” Later, as it became more respectable, they were termed “wharf labourers. ’’ But, the occupation is no longer considered infra dig. It is now something of a profession, and (hose, engaged in it are called “watersiders." It is undoubtedly a useful and necessary calling. Without them the importers, shipowners and the public would be bereft of most of the-good things of (Ids life. To-day. Ihe walersiders are a large and influential class; (hey are drawn from all walks of life —Iradesmen. mechanics, clerks, accountants, lawyers, bank-clerks, and insurance men are all in the union. The free and easy life, spent mostly in the open air. appeals to them. Work is fairly regular, and many average £7 a week, This figure does not over-estimate the earnings of one man I know of —an ex-insnranee manager, who wouldn’t go back to the underwriting business for all I ho lea in China.