Untitled

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 10 March 1917, Page 4

The tremendous growth of the use of motors at the front may be gathered from the fact that the English war authorities are calling for an additional 45,000 car drivers.

When speaking at the banquet tendered to him at Te Kuiti on Saturday, the Minister for Defence stated that he had heard of two men who were discusing the meaning of the letters K.C.B. which were placed after his name. One man settled the argument by stating that the interpretation of the letters was “Kidnapper of Conscripted Blokes.'’

“Children,’’ said the teacher, instructing th e class in composition, “you should not attempt any flights of fancy, but write what is in you. Do not imitate any other person’s writings, or draw inspirations from outside sources.” As a result of this advice, Johnny Wise turned in the following composition: “We should not attempt any flights of fancy, but write what is in us. In me there is my stummick, lungs, liver, two apples, two cakes, and my dinner.”

The estates of 293 deceased persons were certified for stamp duty during the month of February, the largest be ing that of Dr. R. C. Earle, of Wanganui, £47,181. Two German subjects who had booked passages from England to Capetown by a Home liner which arrived at Auckland on Tuesday were arrested by the military authorities before the vessel left her final port. They w r ere taken ashore and interned. Mr. B. G. Goodwin, Government orchard instructor, is at present in this district, and expresses himself as well satisfied with the state of the orch- ‘ ards, though if one may judge from some of his remarks, there is trouble in store for several of the one or twotree owners, who have failed to comply with the requirements of the law.

One result of the closing of European tourist routes through the w ar is the diversion of American travellers to New Zealand. The last steamer which arrived in Auckland from Vancouver brought a considerable number of tourists from the United States. Of these about 12, mostly ladies, left Auckland on Tuesday for Rotorua, with the intention of afterwards visiting the Waitomo Caves, and then travelling down the Wanganui River.

A hypical instance of the formation of New Zealand Reinforcement drafts was afforded at the send-off to the 27th Reinforcements at Palmerston North on Monday evening. Major Sutherland, in returning thanks on behalf of the troops said the Taranaki section included four lawyers, two bank managers, and a Crown Prosecutor. They were at least getting rid of one dangerous man in the Crown Prosecutor. (Laughter), The major said that among the same party was a friend of his of over 20 years’ standing. This man was a grandfather, and he was going forward like the younger men to “do his bit.”

During his stay in Britain, Sir James Carroll, who returned to New Zealand ,on Tuesday, was greatly impressed with the spirit of the people. He said that they were exhibiting grim determination to fight the war to a victorious finish. The spirit was general among all classes. Sir James said thatmany people who should be competent to judge were not altogether optimistic as to the early termination of the war. He also referred in terms of appreciation to the excellent work that is being done at the front and in England by the different churches and by the Y.M.C.A., in providing comforts for the soldiers.

According to a correspondent of a Sydney paper the Australian sheepgrower is having an anxious time, as the blow-fly pest is raging. On many holdings the varigated thistles have almost secured possession. In these sheep get scattered about, and are at the mercy of the fly, as it is impossible to muster them. No sheep seem secure from this scourge, wethers as well as ewes, with only a few weeks’ wool on, and lambs of three or four months’ growth are all attacked. Crutching has ceased to become effective, as the sheep are blown on the pack and shoulders. Only by a daily overhaul of the flock can serious loss be prevented.

Furnished rooms or board and residence is wanted by a married couple. Special Harvest Festival Serivices will be held at the Methodist Church To-morrow. During the evening service a solo will be rendered by Mrs. H. Goldsbury, late of a leading Auckland choir. At each service there will be selected music and Hymns. The services will be conducted by the Rev Lester Minifie. Subjects: “The Joy of Harvest,” “An Early Harvest,” A cordial invitation is extended to all to attend these services. A sale of produce, etc. will be held in the Methodist School Hall on Wednesday evening at 8 o’clock.

Captain H. C. Burrell, officer in command of the second troopship conveying the 23rd Reinforcements, makes an appeal for comforts and amusements for the men during the tedious voyage to England. The articles which would be most acceptable are orchestral instruments, gramophone records, songs and music, boxing gloves, punch balls, books and magazines, and shipboard games (except draughts). For the ship’s hospital chocolates, fruit, cake, tobacco, etc., would be welcome. All letters relative to the above should be addressed to Chaplain Seaman, Trcntham Military Camp, and must be sen* be sent in before the 20th insi. Par cels should be addressed to Seaman, care Mr. Henry Baker, tailor Manners Street, Wellington, and marked “23rd Reinforcements.” Any gifts from local people will be received at the Taihape Recruiting Office. This is an opportunity for showing practical sympathy with our lads who are going to the front.