NEWS NOTES.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 252, 1 December 1914, Page 4

NEWS NOTES.

Our Auckland correspondent writes that one of the most remarkable sights ever seen in the city is the enormous quantity of clothing gathered together for the relief of the destitute Belgians in a large building at the foot of Hobson Street. As the goods come in they are spread out on improvised counters and sorted by trained hands before being packed in huge cases. Everything is done gratis, even freight, which is given by the Shipping Companies, and insurance, the gift of the Insurance CompaniesJ

A cablegram from London dated November 12th, says:—"The British newspapers continue to give prominence to the Sydney's exploit, and to publish the remarks Mr Massey made at Fukekohe." There is no doubt that the inestimable services of the little Australian navy in guarding these colonies from raids and in securing the safety of our trade routes' will harden up the Government in their intention of building up a New Zealand navy. No time for taking action could be more opportune than the present. The fact that in war time our navy would automatically pass under the control ot the Admiralty would in no way detract from its value to us or diminish the added sense of security we should derive from its existence.

Some of the trials and tribulation 9 which beset judges at country show* were related by Mr. C. Saunders, o* Kaitaia, at the smoke concert aj Ohaeawai tendered by the Bay o* Islands P. and I. Association to the visitors. At one show where he had agreed to officiate the secretary inquired, "Can you tight?" The prospective judge was rather taken aback, and he ventured to point out that he thought they wanted a judge and not a pugilist. " That's alright," said the secretary, cheerfully. "But the beggars here always start to argue the point with the judge, and the best thing is to thump them straight out." " What is the matter ?" inquired the foreman as he entered the sanctum for copy, and noted the editor's swollen forehead, puffed red eye and tattered dusty coat. i( Did you fall downstairs ?" " No—only that," replied the editor, pointing to a paragraph in the paper before him. " It's in our account of the Crapley-Smith wedding. It ought to read : ' Miss Smith's dimpled, shining face formed a pleasing contrast to Mr Ciapley's strong bold physiognomy.' But see how it was printed." And the foreman read : " Miss Smith's pimpled, skinny face formed a pleasing contrast to Mr Crapley's strange bald physiognomy." " Crapley was in here just now," concluded the editor sadly.