MISCELLANEOUS.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 20 August 1919, Page 4

MISCELLANEOUS.

Three more sawmills in the Catlin district (Otago) have been closed down as a result of the curtailed railway services. Windless Whakatane had a record gale on Sunday last. The wind blew down several large trees, demolished a sehool shed, and twisted round the tiro brigade station. Telegraphic communication with Opotiki was blocked. A Palmerston High School boy: j “What is periphrasis?” Father: “It is simply a circumlocutory and pleomastic cycle of oratorical sonorosity, circumscribing an atom of ideality lost in a verbal profundity. ’ ’ Son: “Thanks! I think I’ll take a job in the flax swamp.” The Whangarci Court was entertained by an imaginary game of poker recently during the hearing of a case. The magistrate was not at all clear as to how a “little flutter" at Portland was conducted, so he had witnesses, interpreter, clerk, and counsel sit round the table and play a round. His Worship was initiated into the mystery of “straddling the blind," “drawing to a flush,” and the benefits accruing from the possession of a “full hand.” A participant explained with considerable feeling how he had been led into the loss of “sixteen lovely shillings" by backing up a "flush” against a "full hand." The Linton Rifle Club has received advice that Government has ordored from England 20,000 barrels for issue to members or rifle clubs, and also 5000 bolt heads. Members have regained the right to purchase rifles from the Defence Department, and the pre-war conditions regarding the issue of ammunition have been re-established. Railway passes for musketry group meetings will again be issued, a qualified civil engineer will report on rifle ranges, and all ranges closed during the war will be reviewed. General Richardson is favourably considering the proposal to give New Zealand rifle clubs the same allowance as is given in Australia. Members of the N.Z.E.F., who are placed on the reserve, will be eligible for active membership of Defence Rifle Clubs.