THE OTAKI MAIL. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1923. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Otaki Mail, 19 February 1923, Page 2

THE OTAKI MAIL. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1923. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A large number of Palmerston North school children journeyed to Paekaka- ( riki on Saturday for their annual picnic. Several Otaki-ites leave shortly for Nelson to indulge in hop-picking. The visit, however, will be looked upon more as a holiday than anything else. . The Otttki Brass Band will play at to-night's picture display, having offered their services gratis for the sake of the blind. ’ | ‘'l don’t have anything to do with the police—l’m not used to being 1 caught at all,” said a witness in the Magistrate’s Court in Manganui when questioned as to the effect o 1 the arrival of the police at a hotel raid. j Messrs Watts and Beure fell from a scaffolding while working at Mr L. G. Lowry's new building, with the result that the latter injured his foot besides getting a shaking. Mr Watts luckily escaped uninjured. The New Zealand Meat Producers ’ • Board has received a cable from its ' London office advising the sale of North Island lamb “on hooks," Smithlield, j at thirteen-pence per pound, and Down lambs at fourteen-pence per pound. 1 The trophies—very fine ones—secured by the Te Horo Sports' Club for competition, were purchased from Mr E. Looser, our local jeweller, who has a ‘ display that is a credit to the district. 1 It is hoped all other sports’ clubs and J similar bodies will follow Te Horo’s example and deal locally. ' The Thames Valley Power Board has resolved to charge, with a lb.p. motor installed, for 3-co\v plants, £lO j 10/ for 35001 bof buuerfat, increasing pro rata to £2l for 70001 b of butterfat. These rates will apply to installation of lh.p. motors only. This reduction has been niade with the object of as- jj sisting the farmer with, small herds. ,:

Those who agreed to collect for the Sir Arthur Pearson fund for the blind did so willingly, but subscription lists and pamphlets posted to them have meant a surcharge of 6d by the Post Office, which is not. appreciated. One collector sT;!f 5 P 0 “ ld rather give 5s to the fund than the »u ti£ SS^Era 3 1 - | At the Paraparaumu school sports, j held at that •well-known athletic centre, the competitors representing the Biki- j orangi school were very successful. Though not winning the shield, which is still held by the Paraparaumu school, they were runners up. Among their sue- j cesses were the 75 yards (under 7 years) Nellie Maclean, the junior and senior long j UIU P: won by L. Cudby and Owen Symonds respectively, the junior and senior high jump, won by the same two boye, the mile, won by D. Thomas,_the ( 100 yards senior (girls), won by Vernon Carter, the 100 yardj, 11 —12 years, 1 won by L. Cudby, the same lad winning the 220 yards. This is quite a credit- ’ abla performance for a school of its size.

Although there are five or six cheese factories within a radius of five miles oi Carterton, several of the local storekeepers have been without cheese lor several days, and state they are unable to purchase any. j The erection of tire main transmission line for the Power Board's scheme of reticulation of this district is proceeding, and has reached Ihakara on the route from Shannon. The work of culling tire deer herds in the Wellington district is still going on. In the Haurangi deer reserve in South Wairarapa the animals were found to be very numerous, and 214 were shot. The Ruahine reserve herds in the vicinity of Ohakune will he the next and last to receive attention. As showing the value of top-dress-ing pastures, Mr F. Reiter, oi Hamilton, who visited the district yesterday, said one of his sons lias a farm of m acres in that district, on<wliich lie grazes 30 cows. A small portion oi the farm was taken up with growing crops, etc., hut systematic top-dress- ; ing each year greatly stimulated the growth of feed, and gave results that would not otherwise be obtained. The work of sinking the artesian at the Tokomaru Dairy Co.’s factory is nearing completion. The contractors are now down' 280 ft, and expect to obtain sufficient pressure'of water at any ’ time. During the sinking operations, when they had gone 70ft, they struck a strata of sand and shells for a depth of 100 ft, which shows that at some time or other this part of the country must have been covered by the ocean, i "it is desirable that the utmost publicity should be given to ilie fact that any person who has a postal packet jor letter wrongly delivered to him should return that packet to the postal authorities immediately,’’ said Mr Justice Adams at (lie Christchurch Supreme Court on Monday. His Honour emphasised the fact that the law provided substantial penalties for detaining such packets or letters. Mr J. A. Nash (Palmerston) has asked the Minister for Public Works whether the recent flooding will interfere with die completion of the Mongolian hydro-electric scheme at or about the end of-1923. This, urged the lion, member,.was a*matter of great importance to tire various Power Hoards, who- were taking steps to complete their arrangements for the utilisation of the power from Mangaliao as soon as the scheme was completed.' Matamata motorists who travelled to Rotorua last week report the road in excellent condition, says the Record- The portion through the Mamaku hush was stated to have never been in n better condition. On the load the party passed a motor caravan, containing a Wellington man and his wife and children, who had travelled from Wellington via Manawatu, Te Kuiti, Hamilton to Rotorua. The vehicle had been six weeks on the-road. - A rather fine point was brought to Jight at the meeting of the Ilorowhenua Patriotic Association this week The chairman (Mr P. W. Goldsmith) said it had been established that in event of a soldier becoming engaged before he went to the .war, marrying , after his return and then dying, his ' widow would be entitled to a nension.

If lie became-engaged after bis return, married and then succumbed, the widow would not receive a pension. During .the month of December a further fist of purebred cows qualified for certificates for lai production. Several animals owned in this 'district are on the list, as follows: Friesians: Central Development Farm’s Dominion Pride of Weraroa, days in milk 360, fat 511.651 b; Central Development Farm’s Dominion Olga 11., days in milk 346, fat 568.021 b. Ayrshires: C. E. C. Webb's (Koputaroa) Greenfields Lassie, days in milk 365, fat 473.501 b; C. E. C. Webb's Greenfields Mary, days in milk 365, fat 534.201 b. At the meeting of the Kairanga Co unty Council the clerk drew attention to the fact that an audit for the year ending March 31, 1922, had not been made, and" it was formally decided on the motion of Cr Anderson “that this Council considers the Audit Department’s delay in completing the annual audit of its books is unfair to its officers and all concerned, and that the Auditor-General’s attention be drawn to the matter and he be asked to have the audit expedited.” Everybody is familiar with the name “bawbee,” applied to the Scotch halfpenny, hut to few does it bring the association of a baby queen arid a--loyal people. Those who meet- with tire word in their reading do not often stop to ask how it carne to be ! applied- It appears that the first attempt at the portraiture of the unfortunate Mary Queen of Scots was made in her infancy, and her small face was iiigrayed upon the Scottish half-pen-; aies at the time of her Coronation in 15-43, when was but nine months >ld. A number of these small coins ire still pre-set-veil, and it will be j iasily understood how the name “bawjee” or baby, came to be given to the

: coin bearing the effigy of the baby. • The halfpenny of Scotland is still comjmoniy called a bawbee, although the baby face no ioriger appears on it. ) A rather remarkable case, in voleling not a little hardship to s returned j soidier and his wife and family was ■mentioned at the Horowhenua Patrio- ‘ -Hp. Association last week. The soldier, | - -* Shannon, was in bad who resides at . - -’-ims^to 1 health, and made repeated ci«— the Department for a pension, but ! without success. The Horowhenua As- : sociation assisted the man for a considerable period, and at length Dr. Macdonald, Shannon, made an extensive examination, and as a result ordered the man ter hospital, where an operation was successfully performed, arid the man will require to continue receiving treatment in hospital for another twelv e months. It was possibly due to the. medical examination and report that the -soldier had his case reconsidered by the Pensions Department,- with the satisfactory result Thai a full pension was granted, with provision, for his wife and faniily-

A taxi driver who was prosecuted at the Wanganui S.M. Court for exceeding the speed allowed by the by-laws, •expia' ned that he. had lost, his head because a Maori woman in his car put her arms around him and wanted to kiss him. '"She was exceeding the limit too,” said Mr J. S. Barton, S.M,

A dairy farm lias been taken up in the middle of the swamp from Tokoinaru, . where there is some high ground. The farmer sledges his cream to the road through the swamp for a considerable distance. It is si a tell he is getting a phenomenal supply' of milk, and the owner is well satisfied with his venture.

An athletic club has been formed at Tokomaru with a view to' holding a sports meeting Tfrere at an early date. It is some years since a meeting was held at- Tokomaru. Keen interest is being taekn, and a large number have joined the club. Work is now being carried out at the Recreation Grounds in preparing for a meeting. The Manawatu County Council’s Engineer reported at last meeting that lire recent Hoods in the Manawatu River had caused an erosion to take place near the Shannon bridge at a spot approaching the south end of the. stop hank that was constructed last year. The position was again serious, and it would be necessary to extend the stop bank from Mr Upton's gate, through Mr Pigot’s property and to the bank on the bridge approach. The Engineer recommended that the above work be proceeded with before winter sets in.

Interesting extract front the Official Year-Book of 1.894: Dairying in the Middle Island has not taken root to the same extent as in the North. It is true that cheese factories are liecoming numerous in Otago and Southland, wtih a few butter factories. As in all other new industries, losses have been made; happily, however, tile initial stage lias been passed, mid, with good prices for ihe output last season, averaging id to 5d per lb for cheese at the factory, matters are now in a satisfactory condition.” These prices make an interesting comparison with those ruling at present.

An interesting situation is likely io develop in respect to the Oaniaru seat (says a Southern exchange). At tiie general election Mr Macpherson, the Liberal-Labour candidate, was elected .with a small majority, and since t lien the defeated candidate, the Hon. E. P. Lee, Minister oi Justice in tiie last Government, has petitioned against his return. The petition has not yet been heard by the Court, and solicitors for Mr Macpherson to strike Mr' Lee’s petition off the file of the Court on the ground that the appeal to the Court has not been made in accordance with the provisions laid down by tiie iaw.

Chesterfield's landmark, the famous crooked spire of the Parish Church, is in danger ol collapsing, and, in consequence, steps are to be. taken to overhaul and preserve this unique structure, the cost being estimated at £2OOO. Since the 14th century the spire has remained the finest medieval memorial in Derbyshire. Many stories are existent as to the cause of its crookedness. Tradition says that the devil, furious that a place of worship should be erected here, gave the spire a.twist-: There can be little doubt, however, that, in building, the woodwork underneath tiie outer -case of lead was put in before it was properly dried and, in consequence, warped, throwing the structure aslant.

Trooper Clutha Mackenzie, ex-M.P., lormerly of the Wellington Mounted ltilles,- mounted on the black mare Bess (presented by Masterton in 1914 and used by Colonel Powles in Egypt, Palestine, France, Belgium and England, was one of the three Main Body horses brought back to New Zealand in 1920), will serve as the New Zealand model for a monument to he erected at the point where Suez. Canal enters the Mediterranean, to the Australian and New Zealand mounted men who saw service in Egypt and Palestine. A magnificent site has been given by the Port Said authorities, and the cenirai figures are-'to ire two troopers, one of the Australian Light Horse and the other of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, looking eastwards over the canal and the Sinai desert.

At last meeting of the Manawatu County Council an exhibit of an old ship’s bell revived memories of the past. The hell, old and rusty though it is, has attached to it an interesting story, it was originally used on one of the ships which were wrecked off the Rangitikei coast many years ago, and after having been salvaged was utilised for a long time at Scott’s ferry

which crossed the Rangitikei river at a point near the township of Tangimoana in the days of the through coach service. The Sandon School Committee wrote to the Council on Tuesday. a skit is now rumoured that the Supreme Court will be moved at once by the

promising to use it with every care. The Council granted the request, councillors remarking that a bell with such a story attached could not be better used than at an educational institution such as the' Sandon 'School.

T3b* conditions governing free car- * riage of goods on the railways were . recently inquired into by Mr W. McKenzie, secretary of the Palmerston North Retailers’ Association, and explained at a meeting of that body on Monday- it appeared that travellers by rati are privileged to take with ■ them lewi of “personal belongings,” as groceries, fruit, wearing j Uc '“" , , "-'ike articles. Pic- j apparel and sio—-. - nickers or camping parties are au»- , ed to take blankets. High School pupils, the stationmaster had explained, travelled on free educational tickets, and consequently were not expected to take advantage by carrying goods of any description or quantify free of charge. Any goods carried by passengers must be personal belongings, to come within the free oT charge division. A person could purchase fruit t 0 the amount of- lewt and carry it without charge, provided ft was solely for his own use. This condition was j equally applicable to other personal ■ goods.

A well-known Native resident of Waikanae, who has been causing a deal of trouble, was to-day sent to the mental home. It is understood that, the Otuki Borough Council and workmen discharged from the water-works arrived at an amicable understanding on Saturday night as to why several men were discharged. The members of the Otuki Brass Band played several vety hue selections at the beach yesterday, Mr Vfi-e ably wielding the baton. The music was thoroughly appreciated and favorable comment was made on the progress made by members. What is believed to be a New Zealand record for six animals oi two years of age has just been achieved by six-two-year-bid Jerseys belonging to H .11. Sutton and Co. (Longbusii.. For the complete year they averaged 518.391 b butterfat. This is a striking example of the value of herd-testing. “Rangiuru House” is now under new management, Mrs Kitsou and Albs Liddell having taken over this wellknown accommodation house. The place lias been thoroughly renovated and made up to date, and therefore is an ideal place for casual or permanent boarders, while convalescents are specially catered for. Afternoon teas are a specialty, while cordials, etc., are on hand for sale. The beach is adjacent, while there is ample shelter for picuit parties. Entries for the Te Horo sports dose on Wednesday, Teudcrsylose to-morrow for the right to have a refreshment booth at the Te Horo sports. A meeting of Horowhcnua County ratepayers will be hold at Levin on Saturday to discuss the accepted valuation and the County rate. A special meeting of the Otaki Schorl committee will be held to-night to make arrangements relative to the children's i picnic. A reminder is given of the picture entertainment in aid of the blind uT-ch is to be held to-night. A fust-elass programme will be shown, and as tbe object is a deserving one all who ian should attend. If you require a Pair of boots or shoes call at Irvine’s. We have Plenty of odd sizes in ladies’, gents’, and children’s to clear at sale prices. Try a pair of our sandals for school use.Irvine’s Shoe Store, Otaki. —Advt. Advt. |