GENERAL NEWS ITEMS

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2264, 16 April 1921, Page 1

GENERAL NEWS ITEMS

Matthew Wilson, aged 22, who underwent an operation in Hull Royal Infirmary, was found to have swallowed a two-shilling piece, a penny, two pitrts of a bicycle brake, one three inches and the other four inches long, cuff links, screws, and nails. He died.

“As regards meat,” a New Zealand Times representative was informed on Friday by one completely au fait with regard to these matters,’ “people can get it now practically at their own prices at auction in Wellington and other centres. In any case, the butchers are giving the public reductions ranging from 2d to 4d a pound on the prices ruling a few weeks ago. And,” he continued, “the bottom doesn’t yet appear to have been reached. Recently in Christchurch a sandwich man was parading the streets drawing attention to the fact that mutton could be procured at. a certain shop in the city at 3d a pound, and lamb for 5Jd a pound.” '

A circular letter to the clergy, issued by Archbishop Kelly, was read on Easter Sunday in the Roman Catholic churches of Sydney and suburbs. It states: —“In view of the approaching civic census of our Commonwealth, it is deemed expedient to address yourselves and your dock upon the customary designations, Catholic and Roman Catholic. The compilers of this census apply to us the designation or title Roman Catholic, while they allow Anglicans, who are dissatisfied with the name of Protestant, and others, to call themselves by the name which properly is ours alone — Catholic. Now, as civic rights are affected by proportionate numbers, we deem it expedient to recommend’ the faithful —both of Latin and of Oriental rite —to inscribe thenisAlves as Roman Catholic.”

The Sydney city coroner recently held an enquiry into the death of John Burrell Hyman, aged 5!), lately resident at 1(>8 Enmore Road, Marrickvillc. Charles Henry Pilcher stated that about two years ago Hyman had spoken to him about stomach trouble, and that he had fasted 17 days on account of this. He was then in a very low condition, but when witness saw him a month later he was much improved. Pilcher believed that deceased had begun his fatal fast believing himself to be suffering from some constitutional disease. Evidence was given by Sergeant Bowman that Hyman, when witness saw him (wo days before his death, told him that lie had been fasting for 4(i days, and that he intended to continue until lie was cured, which would be when he felt hungry. The coroner found that death had resulted from starvation.

Dr.,l}. T. J. Thacker, M.P., was in typical form at the Hibernian banquet at Christchurch. In replying to the toast of the New Zealand Parliament, he related numerous anecdotes concerning Irishmen —not forgetting himself. “The Prime Minister says I’m the most objectionable member in the House,” said Dr. Thacker,-“and I’m proud of it!” (Laughter.) Speaking of Parliamentarians, he said they were “good fellows” individually. “When we leave the chamber,” he said, “we’re ail friends. Those who aren’t wowsers go to Bellamy’s and have a 'spot,’ and those who arc, have a hot lemon instead!” He then made a pun out of Dean Regnault’s patro-