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Unwise marriage by inexperienced overseas soldiers were criticised at Westminster Police Court by Mr Bennett, the court missionary, whose help had been asked with regard to a proposed marriage between the son of a prosperous farmer, and a girl who had been placed on probation as a result of leading an improper life.

Mr Bennett said he was very unwilling to assist such a marriage. He did not know what would be the future of the colonies if young and inexperienced soldiers took away wives of this character. Without appearing uncharitable, he felt obliged to say that he had seen many cases of the same sort. Only the other day when taking away a girl of 17 charged with a street offence, he was waylaid in the street by two young colonial soldiers, who were disposed to fight as to her preference. The dispute was settled by testing who could show the most money, the winner displaying 169 in Treasury notes.

New Zealanders win boat race

PARIS: A great assemblage witnessed the inter-Allied boat race on the Seine. The New Zealanders won their heat with comparative ease. They met France, Newfoundland, and America. In the final there was a slashing race between New Zealand and America over the last quarter of a mile, but the New Zealanders always had a bit up their sleeve, winning by three-quarters of a length. Great enthusiasm was manifested.

Anzac Day hijinks

At the annual meeting of the Christchurch Returned Soldiers' Association a letter was received from Captain D. M. Robertson, A.A.G., stating that the officer commanding the district wished to draw attention to the unsoldier-like behaviour of many returned soldiers while on parade on Anzac Day. The total disregard was especially noticeable, both during the march to and from Hagley Park, and also while formed up at the saluting base. It was much to be regretted that attention should have to be drawn to such behaviour on the part of some members of the Returned Soldiers' Association, but it was felt that unless some guarantee could be given that better discipline would be maintained in the future, the question of allowing returned soldiers to take part in any recognised military function would have to be seriously reconsidered. Such behaviour as playing ``two-up'' while at the saluting base, insulting remarks passed by the men in the ranks towards officers, smoking and calling out while on the march through the city could not be tolerated.

Rabbit rules protest

The Lawrence branch of the Farmers' Union has recorded its protest against the present provisions of The Rabbit Nuisance Act, 1918. The remit expresses the opinion that the provisions of the Act are too drastic, in as much as under them a farmer may be heavily fined if he does not ``commence and thereafter continue to do to the satisfaction of the inspector all such acts as in the opinion of the inspector may be necessary to destroy within the shortest possible time all rabbits that may be on the land mentioned in the notice.'' Farmers agree that while every farmer should be compelled to comply with the conditions of the Rabbit Nuisance Act no one should be liable to a fine or punishment because merely in the opinion of the inspector he is not doing his duty. - ODT, 30.4.1919