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Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 157, 4 November 1926, Page 1

A veteran tramp, known throughout North Otago as “ The Shiner,” is spending the eve of a romantic life in the seclusion of his home in Oamaru. Just how., many miles he has tramped, with his bundle on his shoulder and his billy in his hand, it is impossible to say. Some old settlers hazard the opinion that he walked well over 50,000: miles during the half century he .was on the road. Even now he is restless, and a few days ago took it into his head to walk about 80 miles. His nomadic habits have gained for him a reputation beyond the limits of the province in which he is so well known. “ The grass lands of New Zealand are its greatest national asset,” declared Mr. W. J. McCullough, Instructor in Agriculture, in the course of a “ field day ” address to a large gathering of farmers at Mangfitainoka, near Pahiatua. The future prosperity of this country, he said, depended' upon the careful and proper management of its grass lands, for manure was not the only factor to he considered. Stock, he said, became tired of pastures that had. not a variety of grasses. He predicted that there was a big future ahead of New Zealand for grass seed growing. Dealing at considerable length with the various pasture grasses, lie stressed the point that palatability was an important factor. It behoved Mr. McCullough, said that when daisies were in evidence it meant that there was either a lack of vigour in the pasture, or it required spelling, ety. They don’t like it.” (Laughter.) and free from tufts and head seeds.

Bitter complaints are being made by motorists in Blenheim in regard to the continual theft of the rear electric bulbs from their cars. Most of these bulbs are removed when the cars are left unattended in parking places, and the extent to which the practice has grown is indicated by the fact that a Marlborough Express reporter was recently shown . five cars, from all of which the rear lights had been removed. One motorist had lost no fewer than three bulbs within a week. It is presumed that the depredations are being carried out by small boys, who possibly attempt to use the bulbs for flash lamps. The police have been asked to keep a watch upon standing cars with a v;e\fr to putting a stop to the thefts. The matter is rendered more serious by the fact that a motorist might not be aware of the absence of his rear light for some time, and might thus unwittingly be the cause of an accident, in addition to contravening the law.