GENERAL NEWS ITEMS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2054, 13 November 1919, Page 4

GENERAL NEWS ITEMS.

Messrs Harlaud and Wolff Imve posted notices in their yards specifically permitting smoking in all the iron-working departments, says a writer in the London Daily Express, Smoking at work is becoming the fashion. It is, indeed, the rule in most Government offices, which is, perhaps, why those offices are not exactly famous for work. Stockbrokers smoke in (heir offices all the time. Your solicitor will often oiler you a cigarette when you call to see him on business, and I know more than one doctor w r ho permit smoking in their consulting-rooms, Cassell's new' dictionary contains many words which, it is stated in (he introduction, are likely to make good their claim to be included in the language (says a cable message to the Australian papers). Examples are “cushy,” “conchy,” “dudeyewash” meaning humbuh), “fed up,” “funk-hole” (meaning Government job), “hot-stulf” (meaning unscrupulous or formidable), “culnotiee” (meaning to fall flat ), “movies,” “the push,” “the si rule,” “tophole,” “umpteen,” “the wind up,” “old bean,” “bus” (meaning aeroplane), “brass hat” (meaning staff officer). The official report on the prospects of the honey crop in the ■Wellington district is as follows: “There is nothing fresh to report this month, as indications still, appear favourable for the secretion of nectar in good quantities. Humid conditions, with occasional showers, would assist honey production materially. No lines are at present coming forward to the grading stores. Beeswax is selling at 2s 3d per lb. for clean lines.!’ As far as Auckland is concerned, the prospects are said to be “very bright.” The report from the South Island reads: “The prospect of a good season in most districts is excellent.”

The statue of Kins' George 111. in Cockspur, London, underwent a much-needed “.spring-cleaning’’ recently, and the unusual sight of the Monarch at his toilet attracted a small, but interested, crowd. The first spectators collected when two men mounted the pedestal,and polished the Koval riding boots. Thev showed intelligent interest while the horse was being groomed, and were gently amused, as the Monarch’s various articles of attire underwent a thorough litivalion. When, however, one of the cleaners mounted the horse in front of- King George and commenced to wash the Royal face, the crowd were moved to laughter. Disappointment was expressed that no attempt was made , to brush lying George’s hair.