Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1927. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3713, 5 November 1927, Page 2

Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1927. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Manawatu and Oro.ua rivers are in a flooded condition as a result of the recent heavy rains.

To-day is Guy Fawkes’ Day, and is being celebrated in the time-hon-oured fashion by’ the rising generation.

The effort .that is to be.‘-made to introduce the nightingale into New Zealand recalls the fact that previous efforts failed (states the “Auckland Star”). In 1871 the Otago Acclimatisation Society arranged for a : shipment of the birds, but all died on the way out. The Auckland Acclimatisation Society had a similar experience in 1875. In 1879 the Canterbury Acclimatisation’ Society tried the experiment. A single nightingale reached New Zealanl, but it did not live long in captivity. Various acclimatisation societies in New Zealand have, from time to time, tried to introduce the robin redbreast. In 1883 the Wellington Acclimatisation Society liberated fen of these birds at Happy Valley, near Wellington. It proved a very unhappy valley for the .visitors, and they soon disappeared.

When a witness was about to enter the witness box during the hearing of a case at the Whangarei Magistrate’s Court, Mr. F. 11. Levien, S.M., stopped him and declared that he would not hear the evidence of witness unless he came to the court- properly dressed. It was explained by counsel that the .young man, who wore a coat, trousers, a working jersey and a vest which was unbottonecfy was employed on telegraph construction work. There was no intention of being disrespectful. The man returned after having buttoned his waistcoat, but again his Worship declined to hear his evidence. He declared he would not have witnesses in court unless they were properly dressed. Even if a man was in his working clothes it would not. take him five minutes to put on a shirt. The case proceeded without the witness’ evidence being taken. — North Auckland Times.

What a famous Physician thinks about smoking: “Tobacco,” says the eminent medical authority, Sir Bruce Porter, “is an extraordinary comfort to a great many. I would particularly wish ! to reassure old folks so that they may not be terrified from enjoying one of the few pleasures that remain to people of advanced years. Tobacco in moderation is not going to do you any harm.” Of course it isn’t. When smoking proves harmful it is because the tobacco contains too much nicotine. The American brands are more or less full of poison. The purest tobaccos on the market are pro-dimed here in New Zealand. You cannot eliminate nicotine entirely from tobacco, but our New Zealand brands contain very little. That’s why you can smoke them all day long and take no harm. Their fine flavour and delightful fragrance are largely due to the fact that the leaf is toasted —quite a new idea! Ask for “Riverhead Gold” mild, “Navy Cut” (Bulldog) medium, and “Cut Plug No. 10” (Bullshcad) full strength.

A Wanganui man accepted with enthusiasm and gratitude an offer of a motor ride to Wellington last week-end’. ‘With visions of a cheap trip, lie set .out gaily to meet his friends, but he was no longer in a gay mood when he was informed that he must drive the car, owing to the indisposition of the owner. A few miles from Wanganui the ear required some petrol, and the “guest” paid up like a hero. A puncture and a blow-out necessitated his attention later on, and the changing of tires and repairs were done without assistance from the owner of the ear or his family. After paying the refreshment hill further along the road, the guest was no longer happy, and on arrvial at Wellington he declined with thanks an invitation to have dinner at an hotel with, tin; family. He returned to Wfanganui by train, vowing never again to accept an offer of a long distance motor trio with friends.