LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 145, 15 December 1911, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A.t the flower show yesterday, Mr. John Gibson took first prize in pansies for tihe fifteenth year in succession.

The veterans wish to thank Mr. Jones for his courtesy anvl- kindness in once again sending a 'bus to convey them back to town from their comrade's funeral yesterday. The history of the sweet poa dates back to the year 1699, when the Sicilian monk Oupani first discovered the wild purple flowers and commenced to cultivate them.

An unexpected find was made by some workmen while 'engaged in digging a dirain at Lake Takapuna, Auckland, last week, in the shape of an old cannon ball, which; had evidently lain hidden there for many years. There was nothing tw indicate as to how this relic of New Zealaiwfs pioneer days came to find a resting place ait the spot indicated.

The attendance at the flower show last evening was not so large as last year, the election results coming to hand evidently affecting it. The receipts were ajbout £5 less than last year. All those who did have the pleasure of being present were loud in their praises of the excellence of the show, and opinions were expressed that it should' certainly receive more public patronage. The evening was somewhat enlivened by selections from Mrs. Woods' orchestra.

One of tlie most contemptible actions that has ever come before our notice occurred in New Plymouth on Saturdayevening. A gentleman rode into town for the purpose of sitting up for a few hours at the bedsida of a sick friend, who -was on his death bed. An hour or two later, when he went to return, he discovered his horse, but the saddle and bridle, which, by the way, had only been purchased that afternoon, were missing, nor have they been, seen since. Two more members of the peerage have announced their intention of becoming chorus girls in London theatres. One of these is Miss Eleanor Montgomerie, daughter of Lady Sophia Montgomerie, who is a sister of Lord Eglinton and Winton. The other is Lady Sydney Montague Ogilvie-Grant, a daughter of the tenth Earl of Sealield, and sister of the present Earl. Both these ladies have given as their reason for do ing so that they find social life dull and unattractive, and long for the delights of Bohemia.

Rua's "latest" takes a somewhat queer form. It appears that on the outskirts of the Ruaoki pa there exists a stately building, which the prophet until recently used as a prayer-house forbidding anyone to enter unless under extenuating circumstances. But the sanctity of the "church" has now been broken, giving way to the sound of the hammer and the saw. And here comes the incongruity. Rua has informed all and sundry that his sacred prayer-house may be used as a dancing-hall, and between 20 and 30 natives are now engaged in putting in the necessary flooring. Gritics have remarked that as the only opening in the building is a small door of the kennel style, dancing will not be carried on under the best conditions of ventilation. However, the sounds of revelry and mirth which will issue from the house on the opening night will no doubt cause the white population of Ruutoki to wonder if the old lawless days have not returned.—Whakatane Press. What is stated to be one effect of the recent great shipping strike in England has been seen at Wellington (says the Post) during itbe past few weeks in the unusual number of cases of merchandise that have been found, subsequent to their discharge, to 'be pillaged. The fact that goods were lying on the wharves at London and other ports awaiting shipment during the strike is said to have afforded more than usual scope for lxrtiachers. Practically all the direct steamers from England have been -sufferers in thi9 respect, and an instance was afforded last "week. A line of boots was being discharged from the steamer Corinth ic, when it was noticed that several of the cases holding them showed signs of haying been tampered with. A closer examination conformed suspicions of pilfering. The sequel was the finding in the ship's hold! of some 40 pairs—not o<f the missing boats, but of old and dilapidated foobweaff. These, it was represented to a Post reporter comprised the boots that had been thrown aside by the thieves, who had each walked off in a new pair.