Old newspapers tell tales

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 260, 25 October 1988, Page 8

Old newspapers tell tales

by

Dennis

Beytagh

The following extracts from issues of the Waimarino County Call from 1908 show that while some things change.some things never do.

Rugby referee critic "Sir - I was sorry to notice in a recent issue of your paper that 'True Sport' was unable to find sufficient scope for his observations on the Karioi-Raetihi football match of the 4th inst. without resorting to the abominable practice of publicly criticising the referee. In a young district like this, if football is to advance at

all, such action as this, either at the hands of the press or the players, will by no means add material benefit to the game. Our Union is not blessed with a surplus of referees and, as their

task is at any time an unthankful one, I hope that True Sport' will look at the position in the 'true' light and cease to ask you (the Editor) to place in print such remarks. Being a personal witness of the game in question, I fail to see where the writer of the article can claim the justification of his action in making such comments." Signed True Light'. Letter to the Editor, WCC, Monday 13 July 1908. Money matters The chairman of the National Bank of New Zealand points out that owing to a fall in the value of the exports and the increase in imports, the accumulation of private capital in New Zealand this year will be below that of previous years. The spending power of the people therefore will be temporarily curtailed. To his mind this setback would check any tendency to

undue speculation in land. The reaction had already caused bank rates for accommodation to harden and his opinion was that there was a likelihood that money in the Dominion would be dearer and scarcer during the next few months. Every settler, every shopkeeper and tradesman should weigh thcse words. The skilled navigator studies the record of his barometer to know the weight and pressure of the atmosphere and he is able to take precautions when the instrument predicts bad weather. If New Zealand for the next two or three months is to experience a tight money market we must 'shorten sail.' Editorial, WCC Friday 111911908. Roadworks "The work of stumping, clearing and forming Pitt Street, Raetihi, has been pushed on with and is now on the verge of completion having been carried out in a very satisfactory manner. Messrs Punch and Bennett have made an

excellent job of the mill road which has been covered with a very heavy coat of first class metal. On the Rangataua road the culverts recommended have been put in and some fresh drains opened." Engineers Report, WCC, Monday 131711908 Ohakune clock "The residents of Ohakune appreciate the new clock that has replaced the old one over the Post Office counter. The old one, so say many residents, could not be relied on and caused more than one person a little difficulty over the matter of time." Editorial, WCC, 13/711908 Mr T.A. Harris, M.A., L.L.B., barrister and solicitor, has started the practice of his pro - fession in Raetihi and will visit Ohakune once or twice each week. Mr Harris may be interviewed by clients at his office in Loveday's Buildings, Seddon Street, Raetihi. News item, WCC, Monday 13/7/1908.