NEWS AND NOTES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3713, 5 November 1927, Page 1

NEWS AND NOTES.

Eight level crossings in the Ongarue district are being eliminated by deviation of the road.

The population of Hamilton has more than doubled in the last 10 years. Between the years 1918 and 1921 the rate of increase was 1000 a year.

That leprosy is yielding to science is shown by reports from the Philippine islands, where 1000 cases have been cured in the last live years and many others kept under control. The progress lias been attained by treatment with a special oil which has been found of benefit in/curing the malady.

A large macrocarpa tree on the main road near Bulls, which marked the half-way point between Wanganui and Palmerston North has fallen a victim to the axe (says the Wanganui Chronicle). No more will the traveller glimpse in the distance the lonely sentinel which has been such a notable mile-post to so many who have passed that way.

The traditional “dodge” of counting, an endless number of sheep vaulting over an endless number of stiles is no use at all to many sleepless folk. A doctor’s advice is to breathe through your nose, and listen to your own breathing. Experience proves that it is well worth trying. One time-honoured rule still stands the tests imposed on it. There is no doubt whatever that a short walk before retiring to bed is indueive to serene sleep.

A resident of Pahiatua " had a ’ rather alarming experience the other afternoon in Main Street (says the Herald). He was passing the Club Hotel when, without the slightest provocation, or warning, a sheep dog sprang at Mm, bit through his overcoat and trousers leg and undoubtedly would have got a mouthful of the resident’s thigh but for his spectacle ease in which the animal embedded its teeth. The dog was beaten off, but the. consequences could easily have been much more serious.

On the recommendation, of the Hospital Committee, the North Canterburf Hospital Board authorised the use of iodiised §alt ip all the Board’s institutions. The committee reported that the cost was very little more than that of plain salt, and it was hoped that this example would influence the public to bring iodiised salt into general use. This course was strongly recommended by the Department of Health and the British Medical Association, particularly in districts where goitre was prevalent.

There is a man living in Gloucestershire to-day- who would probably have been burned alive for being a sorcerer if he had lived in the Middle Ages. The wonder-worker is Mr. J. C. Price, the teetotal blacksmith of Bearland, who is 44 years of age. He has been cham-pion-lifter of England, and 'wins a tug-of-war whenever; lie pulls alone against ten other men . Mr. Price can drive nails into wood with his bare hand. But, strangest of all, he cannot be strangled. When a rope noose is put around his neck, with a slip knot and two men to pull on it with all their might, ’he can prevent the cord from tightening simply by exerting the powerful muscles of his throat.

A correspondent has sent In the following “Health Commandments,” which are posted in some American cities: —Thou shalt honour thy neighbourhood and keep it clean. Remember thy cleaning day, and. keep it wholly. Thou shalt take care of thy rubbish heap, else tliy neighbour will bear witness against, thee. Thou shalt keep in order thy .alley, thy backyard, thy hall and Jth-y stairway. Thou shalt not let the wicked fly breed. Thou shalt not kill thy neighbour by ignoring fire menace or by poisoning' the air with rubbish. Thou shalt not keep the windows closed day and night. Thou shalt covet all the air and sunlight thou canst obtain. Because off the love thou bearest thy children, thou shalt provide clean homes for ihem. Thou shalt not steal thy children’s right to health and happiness?.

October would seem to be a favourite month for severe earthquakes. The one experienced in Wellington in 1848 is said to have left large cracks in the ground in many places, and the then small population had a great scare (states the Taranaki Herald). It is generally believed that the water in the harbour receded some distance, but gradually came back to normal. There are quite a number in New Plymouth who have a vivid recollection of the 1868 shake; and the one on the 15th of last month was sharp enough for anything while it lasted, which fortunately was only - for a few seconds, otherwise it wo-

uld have left a trail of disaster behind it.

According to the statements made by Dunedin tobacconists, the market I outlook for New Zealand: tobacci for 1927 is a particularly bright one. In January the new legislation j requiring tobaccos to be put up in loz. and 2oz. tins will come into force. This will mean an increased price on all save the New Zealand varieties, and as these are becoming increasingly popular at the present competitive prices, the adjusted rates are certain to advance the sales of the “home grown” considerably. At present smoking tobacco is still being sold in lijoz. tins, but retailers are fast clearing their stocks, and tradesmen in a small way who do not carry big supplies are already offering the 20z., tins for sale. The difference in price between the New Zealand grown and packed and the imported tobaccos is at present about 4d a tin. After January it will vary up to double that sum.