Shannon News TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1925.

Shannon News, 24 February 1925, Page 2

Shannon News TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1925.

The fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council will toe held this evening.

A case of infantile paralysis—a boy aged one year and ten months—was removed to the Pelmerston North hospital during the week end from Mangaore.

The Commissioner Oil' Grown Lands for the Wellington 'District visited Shannon on Friday and made an inspection of the soldier sections at The He.ights, which were albandoned some time ago toy their occupants.

Messrs ,S. W. Carter and T. Gardner, members of thefcpresent Borough Council have both stated definitely that they will not toe seeking re-election to the Council iat the forthcoming election. The former is retiring owing to business reasons while the latter is retiring on account, of ill-health which has prevented him from attending the Council meetings for some time past.

The death took place on Sunday after a long illness, of 'Mrs Hannah Elizabeth Stehtoens, mother of Mrs G. Quarrie, otf Grey Street, Shannon. The deceased lady, who had toeen ailing far the past eighteen months duping which time sb.e underwent two operations, was iborn in England, tout for some years resided' in Australia, coming to the Dominion thirteen years ago, shortly after the death of her husband. She is. survived toy her daughter, Mirs G. Quarrie, and three sons, who reside in Australia. The deceased lady 'had many friends in Levin and Shannon who will hear ol her death with, great regret as she was*much esteemed for her kindliness of heart and good nature. Sincere sympathy will toe extended to the relatives in their bereavement

Tlie l'almerston North Borough Solicitor Ims been rebuked toy the Paltnerston city fathers for, as one coun-

The Army lUlle Association's UHle meeting has been postponed indciniteiy.

cillor put it, "turning .his back on them and watching mosquitoes walking up the wall," wjhen toeing addressed by the councillor at a committee meeting. The solicitor is to toe informed that in future he is expected to treat every Councillor with courtesy when attending meetings.

No one can say definitely how a homing pigeon findsVits way home. Some scientists think Uiey do it .by Sight, tout pigeons, taken loag distan"ee.s in baskets still find their way home, although Uiey cannot have seen .the way. Others have thought tine pigeon to have a kind of sixth sense, called a sense of direction Darwin 1 says pigeons have such excellent local memories that they have been known to return to their former homes after an interval of nine montlhs.

Some L'iyttH months ago, Mr L. G. Poingdestre experimented with his weed destroyer on a patch of 'blackberry and gorse near his residence in Kent Street (says the Patea Press). The tops of the plants were sprayed, and afterwards the lower portions and roots. The result was soon apparent, the tops withering in the course of a few days, and finally dying off. Some, doulbt was expressed as to whether the roots wore actually killed by the preparation, but all doubt .can be dispelled byi a visit to the locality, whetfc the 'blackberry and gorse roots can be pulled up by hand, quite dead. The experiment, s.o far as this clump of weeds isf concerned, can be termed a completei success.

A Melbourne message reports of the latest sale; Hides irregular, stouts and hides with substance undftangeu, others generally one-eighth lower.

The Sydney police nave (been auvised that Mrs Bunce who threw herself over a cliff, left ner husband m Queensland so.me months ago, taking with her their five-year-old child.

At last meeting of the Wellington Education Board, the following work was reported as completed;—lievin D.H.S. and Makerua, painting throughout; Manakau, new porch and drainage; Paraparauinu, new fuel shed; onau, concrete water- tank; Paekakariki, additions tQ school; Tawa Fiat, repairs and painting.

The re-opening of the schools was discussed by the Wellington Education Board at Tuesday's meeting. The latest date fixed by the Health Department, before which school may not open is March 2nd, this being, of course, subject to alteration. It was decided that it would not be advisable to re-open until a fortnight had elapsed after the notification of the last case in the district.

The question off increased accommodation and a new. site for the Plimmerton School Was discussed at last meeting of the Wellington Education Board, when the secretary was instructed to make fresh endeavours to obtain from the Railway Department access to the selected site. Failing tnis he was to make, application to the Education Department, to. acquire the necessary land for access, under the Public Works. Act.

"1 have heard it many times, laid down <by judges of this court that postal officers who steal postal packets Should be sent toj gaol," remarked lUs Honour Mr Justice Ostler in the Supreme Couiri ajt New Plymouth on Tuesday when dealing with a case of this nature. Personally, he had never agreed with that attitude. He did not Dhink that stealing from the post office was any worse than stealing from a bank or anywhere else.

At an inquest on the body of Mi A. K. Gratoner, of. Mangatalnoka, who was killed while motoring over the Puketoi ranges last week, it was stated that the brakes! were in toad order, it was assumed that the car got out of control on account ,of the brakes not working, tout it is suggested that the victim may have at the time been lighting his pipe, for it was picked up a few yards froim the toody newlyfilled and fresh lighted. A verdict of asphyxiation was returned.

The "ropeway" for installation over tihe nine miles "between Arapuni and the Mako Creek (Poverty Bay) quarry has now toeen manulactujred, and is being shipped from England. It is an endless steel cable 18 miles in length* and will toe (operated by giant wheelpulleys at each end, worked toy toe electricity tfrom Horohoro. It will be an aerial catole supported over the nine miles of big tres.tles comprised of .hardwood poles, which are now arriving at Putarum and being taken out along the Site. On the ropeway will be clipped the steel containers which are tiQ cajrry the broken metal from the quarry to Arapuni.

At the Napier .police Court recently a defending counsel drew His Worship's attention to the fact that all persons lodged within the prison, awaiting trial, with the exception ol drunks, were compelled to have their finger prints taken, thus placing a stigma upon a person who might be -brought in as innocent. The Magistrate remarked that it was no doubt a prison regulation, and as such he was powerless to interfere. Senior-Ser-geant O'Hallorari stated that it was purely a matter of form for identification purposes, and that even the police themselves had to give an impression of their fingers.

The w.ell-known Wellington amateur cyclist and sculler, G. S. Bright, had a strenuous afternoon's sport on Saturday. At 2.15 he took his place in a one mile cycling championship at the sports gathering at Athletic Park. About an hour later he contested the open double-sculls event at the Monies Shield rowing regatta, and succeeded in winning the event. Not satisfied with those two strenuous performances he made his way back to Athletic Park, and was one of the prominent competitors in a two miles cycle handicap at 4.30 o'clock. In a keen tussle for third place he was upset at the finishing post, but Ibis 'hardened condition served him in good stead and he was quickly on his feet, none the worse for his fall and little affected by a str.en.uous afternoon's exercise.

The councillors of the Christchureii City Council, declares the Sun, have been "stung." In generous spirit they donated grants of Council money to the St. John Ambulance and the Workers' Educational Association, and the Audit Department now demands that the Council shall personally refund a total amount of £35 7s sd, excess of unauthorised expenditure, which works out at a contribution of £1 (V 6d each'. The matter was discussed at Monday's meeting. The Mayor (Mr J. A. Fles'her) ,said that the audit officer had intimated that it would not be satisfactory if. the money were refunded by an Association. Already £$ 2s had been refunded by councillors. There still remained to (be refunded £26 5s sd. Councilor J. K. Archer ex--1 pressed a hope that some way could be found to "beat" the "old auditor.'' The Mayor said he still held to his opinion that if the /Auditor-General were prepared to give a liberal, reasonable interpretation of the Statutes he could easily have passed th<' amounts. It was found in all directions that the Auditor-General was finding flaws, in matters which had gone on for years. He pointed Out that if the councillors contested ih' 1 matter in the Supreme Court it would mean a cost of £lO ea,eh; in addition to any fine. The amount involved per capita \yas £3 0s 6d. It was ridiculous that the Government could make such grants, while the Councils could not.

It was stated at t/lie fruitgrowers field-day at Hastings recently that fruitgrowers in Hawke's Bay spent at least £IO,OOO a. year on one single kind of spraying material.

Two motor tousses., the. property ot the Mlas Motor Bus Company at Point Chevalier, were found afire after the driver had .completed work last night. Botih were extensively damaged.. Each vehicle was .insured lor £3oo.—'Press Association.

"I have never met the school committee yet that did not want to get the last copper out of the Government," remarked Sir James Parr early in his encounter with the Levin committee on Friday. "Tjhey have not managed it yet, sir," retorted Mr Goldsmith, amidst laughter in which the Minister joined.

With better interior roads the use of the motor is gradually extending. Only ja lew. years ago the country at the back of Gisborne was one mass of native bush practically unexplored and roadless. This week the Gisborne Band will proceed to the Auckland Contest by motcr car via Cambridge.

Thus George Bernard Shaw: "When I said that Australia was overrun with sheep I was not thinking of the four-legged yariety with the wool on its back, it was the prevalence €jf the hiped hleater with all the wool in its head that made me feel hopeless as to the spread of my European popularity to the Antipodes."

A young Frankton housewife recently had an unpleasant experience. Going to an unusually large cupboard for an; article, her njne-m'Onths-oid baby, crawling after her, touched the door, which swung to and locked. The mother, found* herself imprisoned, and was unable to force the door. The baby screamed, and the woman called for help, but some time elapsed before attention was attracted. A neighbour then entered the house and released her.

The London Daily Mail of January V) says: Miss R. Oldham, formerly headmistress of the High School, Streutham Hill, S.W., yesterday illustrated the absorbing interest which ail scholars take in sports by the following story, which she related to the Educational Association Conference at University College, Gower Street, W.C. A few days ago a schoolboy showed me a piece of black substance and asked ine if I knew what it was. 1 replied that I, did not, and added that it looked like mud. 'lt is mud,' was the boy's quick response, 'and its special interest is that it came off the boot of an All Black!'"

A remarkable instance of goods los. and found occurred in Auckland recently (says the jWLanaiwatu Times) when a young lady visitor to Palmeiston North was there. After a day at the races the young lady returned to the city, and, just prior to stepping on to a tram, emptied her purse lorf unlucky tote tickets. When she reached her hotel she discovered that her train ticket, together with her mother's, had gone the way of the tote tickets. The following morning she went to the tram&top in the hope that she might recover the tickets and was rewarded by finding one of. them. The Railway Department promised her assistance in respect to the other.

A young man from Koputaroa, now working on the s.s. MJWmganui, had the pleasure, while visiting America recently, of meeting a well-known and popular screen actor. He was attending a picture theatre in Frisco one evening, when the star of the programme was Tom Mix. During the entertainment Mr Mix .appeared in person and after a short speech retired to the back o£ the theatre. The Koputaroa lad, together with several other New Zealand boys, went rotund and made themselves known. The actor was very pleased to meet the boys who (had' so often seen his acting in a land so far away, and took a great interest in them, inviting them to visit his ranch. They gladly accepted the invitation and were shown round the ranch and -among other interesting things were allowed to ride the wonder horse, Tony—an event which they are not likely to forget.

An instance of incompetent driving which was rather amusing, was. told bv a councillor at this week's meeting of the Patea County Council when the matter of issuing drivers' licenses was being discussed. A friend of his, who used to call frequently at his residence, was in the habit of driving his car at a good speed right up to within a few feet of the gate and then pulling up. suddenly. One day Ms friend's wife arrived and seeking to emulate husband's example, raised a cloud of. dust in her hurried approach to4he gate For some unaccountable ✓reason the vehicle refused V* act- in ' its usual manner and realising that it was now too late she raised nerseli in the seat and straining backwards with a. firm grip of the wheel screamed "Whoa!" "There was a broken gate," said the councillor, "but I repaired the damage without grumbling, as I considered that she had done her best."

Iteiereuce was made at yesterdays meeting of the Wanganui Agricultural Association to the treatment of sheep railed to Wanganui lor the recent ram fair. The chairman (Mr J. Mel Blair) stated that he had brought under the notice of. the local stationmaster the association's protest against a number of sheep being allowed to remain in the railway yards over-night. Two men had sent sheep to the fair from Longburn—one rail in* them, and the other forwarding them by motor lorry. The former lot, when put in the pens at the fair, looked unattractive, and did not sell weU. This was in contrast to the other stokAc, which were in better condition, and keenly sought alter. Similar cases of this nature, it was, pointed out, had come under the nolice of members, and the association were of the opinion that they did not tend to increase the revenue <tf the J Railway Department

A touching little ceremony was periormed at Dunedin this inonuhg when the Victorian cricketers visited trie grave of. the late Harry Graham, an ex-Victorian international, who Ci.mc to Otago as coach twenty years ago and placed a wreath hereon in remembrance.

Over a t/nousand immigrants tfrom Great Britain arrived in New this week. The lonic, from and Southampton, berthed at Wellington With 328 immigrants and the Hororaia lrbm Liverpool reached AuCkiaAQ with a further (batch of 689. Included m the ionic's quota are 18 public school boys, 19 domestic servants ana 38 boys for the Salvation Army farm at Putaruru.

That the period of several weeks between examinations -and hreakmg-up uiv me primary schools was practically wasted was the contention of Mr a. t. Shell at the meeting of the Auckland Education Board. He suggested that 'headmasters be instructed to <re-or-gauise their classes before the schools •broke up, so that in the new year an immediate start could he made with the new work. Another member retorted that this practice already existed in most schools. It was decided to refer the matter to the senior inspector.

More than aimiity to manipulate .the steering wheel and apply oH\ to the bearings is to be required of motor lorry drivers to conform to the requirements of the Public Works. (Amendment Act as far as the section relating toi heavy lorry traffic is concerned, states an exchange. Under threat oi sundry pains and penalties the new'legislation will require drivers of motor lorries to keep in book Iform an accurate tally of all roads traversed and distances covered, so that m duo course the interested local bodies shall be credited with the mileage run in their respective districts. .

Tiie smartness of a constable in detecting the difference between a. hand and a machine-made cigarette is reported to have (been responsible for Hie larrest of a young man at Inyercargill, Avho was later charged with breaking and entering the shop of Thomas Lumsden, jeweller, and stealing goods ito the value of £2 12s Bd. Accused was seen by the constable m the entrance of the shop and stated die had just (gone in to make a cigarette, at the same time showing the constable the cigarette in his hand. As this was ,n machine-made article further investigation was made with the result that accused was arrested.

Five inches of liquor in a quart bottle is too much for twelve jurors to consume in determining Whether the "evidence" contains niore than onehalf of one per cent, alcohol, in the opinion of Federal Judge Odlm, of San Juan, Porto Rico, who ordered a mistrial of a hearing 'because the jury spent part of its time, in the courtroom, and (part in the juryroom, and because too much evidence. disappeared. The bottle in question was almost full when it was delivered to. the jury. The latter retired with the "evidence" and after several hours reached a verdict. But when the verdict was handed in, the boitle was empty and the courtroom was found in "great disorder." The judge discharged the jury.