It was a suggestion that met with the warm approval of a large audience.
''I think there is need for an improvement in the ambulance wagon,'' said Dr Barnett.
''I should like to see two motor ambulances provided. Several hundreds of pounds would be required for one motor ambulance, but I hope to see it, as it would mean so much alleviation to the suffering and to the unfortunate victims of serious accident or illness. It would save time in coming from far-away places, and although it might cost 700 or 800 to provide such a wagon, it really ought to be provided. If an effort were made, and the position put to the citizens of Dunedin, who are famed for their philanthropy in a good cause, I believe we could get a motor ambulance.''
This statement was greeted with hearty applause, and Dr Barnett went on to say that he threw out the suggestion to the wealthy members of the community who were anxious to do something for the sake of suffering humanity.
•The new by-law passed by the Taieri County Council, permitting motor traffic on the road between Green Island and Brighton, will come into operation on the 20th inst., and the members of the Otago Motor Club have decided to mark the occasion by holding a club run to Brighton on Saturday afternoon.
The club has made constant efforts, practically since its formation, to have the road made available for motors, and has donated 250 towards the cost of improving it.
Alterations to the road have already been made, in preparation for the opening day, and further improvements will be effected in the near future.
The removal of the restriction on motor traffic will mean a great deal to the residents of Brighton, and should be the means of greatly increasing the popularity of this charming seaside resort.
•A correspondent of the Auckland Herald states that, on a recent trip on the Main Trunk line, he was surprised at the number of Indians seen at the various stations.
''About this time last year,'' he continued, ''I was in conversation with a Canadian fruitgrower, who informed me that Hindus and coolies overran British Columbia, and gained control of all the white people's necessities, such as stores, groceries, vegetables, milk, and even bread. They simply scrape and starve, with one ambition, to monopolise the white man's necessities, so that he is compelled to deal with and support them. If this is what New Zealand is coming to, then it is time the New Zealander woke up to hold his own, otherwise this earthly paradise will be a thing of the past, and not worth the calling. Once the Hindus get a footing they will spread the news to their friends, and they will arrive in shiploads.''
Whilst a reporter was proceeding along Esk street, Invercargill, about 8 o'clock on Monday night he was passed by a girl, whose age would be about 17.
When she had gone another 20 yards she stopped (says the News), struck a match, and lit a cigarette, which she smoked until she reached Dee street, when she threw it on the footpath and put her foot on it.
While she smoked she appeared quite unconcerned at the curiosity evinced by the passers-by who turned their gaze on her. - ODT, 19.6.1914.
