NEWS AND NOTES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2579, 12 May 1923, Page 4

NEWS AND NOTES.

A doctor practising in North London had between 5,000 and 0,000 panel patients in 1019; yet the Ministry of Health refused him permission to engage a, second assistant. It is estimated that if all the rabbits were cleared out of New Zealand the additional income from the extra stock carried would pay interest on a £10,000,000 loan. New Zealand has now seen the last of the ballot papers used in the general election of 1010. They went up in smoke a few days ago at the Wellington destructor. Two motor lorries and five men were requistioned for the work, for the ballot papers weighed just under six tons.

An amusing association between a Presbyterian and a Scotch thistle was drawn by Mr Massey at the Presbyterian celebration service recently. “There is something akin between them,” lie said, amid laughter. “They both spread, and spread very rapidly at that, and it is not wise to interfere with either of them.”

Allan Greensinith, a young collier, was electrocuted at Sheffield in a peculiar manner. He met some girl friends, and, after walking with them, climbed a pole carrying an electric wire in order to wave farewell. Apparently he overbalanced, and clutched the wire. Both hands received a-shock. He was fearfully burned about the head and hands and was dead when taken down.

A triumph of surgery and careful nursing has resulted in Maud Ellis (12) leaving hospital (says the Melbourne “Argus”). Eighteen months ago'she was admitted with a metal pencil cap adherring to her lung. There were repeated unsuccessful operations,' and the cap was removed only six weeks ago. The late Sir Walter Besant, as the result of an experiment he made on a sea trip, gave to the world a new cure for sea-sickness. He said “next time that you are seasick, place a. piece of ice in your mouth and keep it there. When it is gone take another piece. After that lie down and go to sleep in peace.”

Many people are apt to smile aj the old ‘idea that the moon’s beams have a powerful inlluence on the germination of seed. Tlio old idea, based on observation, has now been confirmed by experiments. Light from the moon is found to be polarised, that is, its vibrations are all in one direction, and the concentration gives a spurt to seed germination. Sow at a time of full moon may be good advice. “New Zealanders are the most polite people I have ever met,” said Dr. Armstrong-Sraith, at Palmerston North. “If one seeks the aid of a New Zealander to reach his destination, the latter not only directs but actually goes out of his way to put him on the rigli track, and even when one is returning and happens to meet the same person, he kindly inquires, ‘Well, did you find the place all right?' ”

“I have no desire to create a panic, but, speaking as a layman, I would like to toll the association 'members that it is my opinion that in the coming winter there may be work for them as a result of the recent flood,” said the Rev. Hector Maclean at a meeting of the Dunedin centre of the St. John’s Ambulance Association. Already he bad heard of eases of people being stricken with pneumonia as a consequence of the flood. It might be as well for the association to prepare for an emergency during the winter.”