GENERAL NEWS ITEMS.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 4 August 1920, Page 4

GENERAL NEWS ITEMS.

A Post Office regulation gazetted last week requires that a letter box ■ should be affixed to every house door. Unless an elevator is available a postal delivery will not be made above the first floor of any building. In the ease of-the House lying back from the street the householder may be required 1o provide on the street line a box to receive letters.

The British Ministry of Health recommends for the destruction of the house fly the use of tapes or wires smeared with a mixture of castor oil and crushed resin. In Italy during the war a small proportion of rum was added to this mixture by the British Army authorities, and proved most effective.

At present linseed is grown in New Zealand and imported to Australia, the products in the shape of oil and cake being shipped back. In 191 S linseed worth £l-1,690 was sent away and products valued at £31,000 imported. The North Canterbury farmers are talking of establishing a mill to deal with linseed in this country.

The possibilities of New Zealand opening up trade in the East was mentioned at the Farmers' Union Conference* at Wellington. Mr W. J. Poison (Fordell) stated that he had met numerous white people from the East who were longing for a taste of New Zealand lamb. The present position was that they only got beef and freshkilled fowl. He thought that 1,000,000 carcases of New Zealand mutton per annum' could readily be disposed of in the East. It was resolved: ‘‘That the Government be asked to appoint a representative to investigate the possibilities of opening up trade with the Eastern countries, with a view to opening up new markets for our produce.”

An energetic lady witness at the Auckland Magistrate’s Court, when being cross-examined by counsel, made some trunk admissions illustrative of vigorous character. “I believe you have had trouble with some of the men who have worked on your place?” was one question. ‘‘Yes, f had to give one of them a hiding,” was thg nonchalant reply. “Then there was a little incident with a brick, I understand?” asked the counsel. ‘‘Yes, but I missed him.” answered the witness, at which the court smiled all round, in recollection of the average women’s straightness of aim when throwing. Yet another query had the lawyer. ‘‘Did you strike my client with your umbrella?” “Oh, yes.” replied the witness. “But he did not bleed much; it was a mere scratch. Aten arc not used to scciug much blood. ’ ’

The use of a mirror as a decoy for sheep in tlie drafting yards is one that is spoken of more than used (writes G.A.C. in the ‘‘Sydney Mail”). It is used principally in dipping sheep. A large mirror is attached to the far end of the dip. and the sheep, seeing their mutes at the other side of the bath, rush headlong into the water.

Tht? rush for divorces continues in Auckland. The number of cases set down tor hearing at the sessions is 8«, of which 55 have been newly set down. Sixteen of the eases are defended, and xviil be heard before a judge and a jury. The number of cases set down for hearing at the sessions which concluded last Saturday was SI, of which 17 were defended.

The Christchurch City Council has decided to revert to the system of proportional representation in connection with municipal elections.

The grounds surrounding the Catholic School at Levin are receiving attention at present by being planted with trees and shrubs. The work should greatlv ireprove the appearance of the school property. The Kuku Dairy Company is making a final payment to suppliers for last season’s supply, which will bring the total payment up to 3s Old per lb butter-fat. The prospects for the coming season indicate that the compauy w ill pay 3s Sd to 2s 9d per Tb for butter fat. At a meeting of the Foxton Chamber of Commerce, Mr Nye brought up the necessity of having danger signals for motorists placed at some of the danberous portions of the roads in the district. especially at the bond about half a mile on the Levin side of the Wirokino bridge. It was decided to ask the Horowhenua County Council to have danger signs erected at both approaches to this bend.