GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 71, 29 February 1916, Page 6

GENERAL.

The supplies went to the camp in cases branded “.VI. Beer” (non-uitoxi-catirjg beer), and the liquor itsell proved highly popular wiTTi the rank and file (says an Australian paper). Disorder was quelled, discontent was allayed, and the oehiand for “VI, Beer” became prodigious. Federal Premier Hughes and the Defence Minister soon afterwards visited the camp. Of course, the solution of the canteen difficulty was brought under their no- i tice. They were curious to see and taste the “VI. Beer” that .had won : everybody’s good opinion. A sergeantmajor brought in bottle* and glasses and proceeded to help the Cabinet Ministers. “But why is it called VI. beer?” asked Premier Hughes. “What does the name signify?” “Well, sir,” said the sergeant-major, “the lommies found no difficulty in interpreting the name. You, see it takes a precious lot of it to make you feel funny, and so they call it the ‘Xear-ly-It-Beer.’ They can’t get drunk on it, but hv taking enough they can manage to get into the suburbs ol intoxication.” “Well, Your Worship, I have a farm,- and there is nobody on the place. 1 have thirty odd cows and the crops all ready.” Thus declared a juryman who sought to be excused from serving at the Supreme Court in Wellington. His Honor, Mr Justice Chapman; “Are you milking the cows?” Applicant; “I am, Your Worship.” Mis Honor: “Then you are excused.” Another applicant said that lu- had a milk delivery business. Four of his men had gone to the war, and he had not been able to replace all <>l them, being still one man short, “i have been working from J o’clock till late in the day every day since Christmas, Your Honor,” he said. His Hon- | or: “I think that'a man who is working such hours ought not to he asked tobserve on a jury. You are excused.” A third juryman stated that he "as a milk vendor, “working on Ins own,” and started work at a quarter to lour everv morning, finishing at 11 at night. His Honor: “Cmler the circumstances, you are excused. *’ A I fourth applicant was also excused. j i‘\v o _ my father and bis three suns—--1 are window-cleaners, Your Honor, he j said. “Two oF my brothers are at the 1 mid only father and I are left to !carry on the business.”