He declared that he had seen the little rodents nibbling the roots and climbing trees in the native bush surrounding the school at Haldane, in the Waikawa district, and within half a mile of the sea coast, over which school he then presided.
Mr Robert Hamilton, who resides in that district, corroborates Mr Gibb's statement, and declares that he has seen these animals frequently in the bush.
They are, he says of a light greyish colour, and in shape resembling a cross between the common rat and a mouse.
Mr Hamilton is confident that he can secure one or more of the animals alive.
• A meeting was held in St. Joseph's Hall on Monday evening for the purpose of taking steps to pay off the debt on the Cathedral parish.
The Rev. Father Coffey, Adm., presided, and Mr W. P. Rodgers was appointed secretary.
There was (says the N. Z. Tablet) a large and representative attendance, and the greatest enthusiasm was displayed.
The Rev. Father Coffey gave details of the parish debt, which at present amounted to about 1430.
The rev. chairman said that until the parish debt was removed it was not possible to undertake other necessary works. He trusted that within the next 12 months the existing debt would be a thing of the past.
Two motions - one to take steps to carry out the objects of the meeting and the other the appointment of an executive committee - were put to the meeting and agreed to.
A subscription list was then opened, with the result that promises of close on 200 were received.- ODT, 27.6.1908.
