LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 255, 27 September 1928, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A Chinaman who called at an Invercargill house recently was wreathed in smiles (says the Southland Times). When asked why, he | said his wife had just presented him with a son. “ What are you going to call it ? ” came the query. “ Oh, after the airmen,” was the reply. “ What are you going to call it, Kingsford Smith? ” asked the astonished housewife. “ No—Wun Long Hop.” Those who keep turkeys may be aware of the fact that hawks steal the eggs, but few know just how the hawk manages to take the eggs away from a fowl which could easily beat off the thief. A Matamata lady who observed the trick done explains that the hawk flies up above the sitting turkey, which usually is asleep with its head under its wing when on the nest. The hawk comes straight down, alighting alongside the nest. It then very slowly and cautiously inserts a claw underneath the turkey, without disturbing the bird’s sleep, and just as carefully drags an . egg out on the ground, clasps it in a claw and flies away with the booty. Matamata Record.

The popular Methodist Maori mission party which is to visit this district in the near future is said to be one of the most interesting groups that have ever travelled together. The members are of varying ages and of both sexes and are prominent representatives of great Maori tribes. They differ greatly in appearance and speak different dialects. One of the chiefs is an outstanding orator. The party has attracted great audiences everywhere. The vocalists and instrumentalists as well as the orators have won the highest praise from the press in all our cities.*

Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith, Flight - Lieutenant Ulm, Navigator Lichfield, Wireless Operator Me William and party, in three cars, on the invitation of Mr. J. M. Spear to them at Wairakei, made a special stop at Spear’s garage and petrol service station. By special arrangements with the Atlantic Union. Oil Company Ltd. each car went on its way with a full tank of Union motor spirit, the same as used by the Southern Cross. Mr. Spear had the good fortune of being introduced to each member of the party and afterwards an opportunity of having a chat with the famous airman, who was exceedingly pleased with his trip to Wairakei, although disappointed with the "inclement weather. However, in spite of the rain the whole part;,' were in a happy mood and I waved a farewell on departing.*

Authority was given the the last meeting of the PutajßJru Town Board to arrange for repairs to seats and windows at the Town Hall, also for the provision of sawdust, disinfectant and new brooms.

The foundation course of metalling on the Kaimai road, at the foot of the hill, has been completed and there is now an all-weather motor road from Matamata to Tauranga. Chains are no longer needed.

What is recorded as the heaviest sheep ever bred in New Zealand was sold last week by Mr. John Watson, of Tirau, to Hellaby Ltd. The sheep, which was bred by Mr. Watson and reared as a pet lamb by Miss Ruby Watson, weighed 210 pounds when dressed on the hooks. The purchasers intended to keep the animal for show purposes but it rriet with an accident in transport and had to be killed. An Auckland paper made the following remarkable announcement in its cable news last week : “ Centurion Dead ; Australian Aged 108.” Ancient Roman history makes no mention of the fact that Australians carried the eagles, so the Auckland journal can claim the distinction of being the first to make public this striking piece of information. A meeting of farmers was held at Matamata on Saturday to discuss the advisability or otherwise of dairy companies purchasing the Challenge Phosphate Company’s business and works. Mr. Dynes Fulton, chairman of the N.Z.C.D.C. Ltd. board of directors, presided and explained the proposition and answered questions. Representatives of other companies were present. No resolution was passed or called for, the discussion being merely of a tentative nature to give guidance to directors in later coming to a conclusion.—Matamata Record. Don’t forget juvenile entertainment, October 12, Putaruru Hall.*