It is the only machine of its class in the Australasian colonies, and is specially adapted for making "M. G. Caps" and a similar light class of paper. The power will be derived from both steam and electricity, the latter being used for the first time. The carrying out of the work was considerably delayed by the recent strikes at Home.
• The following paragraph is taken from the report of the inspectors of the Otago Education Board on the working of the schools in the Otago district for the year 1911:-"A comparison of the figures in 1911 with those of the corresponding table in 1909 reveals the melancholy fact that about 45 percent of the Standard IV pupils of 1909 had not reached Standard VI in 1911. This affords matter for very serious consideration. The average age of Standard IV is 12 years and three months, and it is clear that many pupils are being withdrawn without having received the modicum of education laid down by the State as essential. The culture and discipline of Standard V and Standard VI are more valuable than those of all the lower classes. It is just here that the child has mastered the use of the tools - reading, writing, and mathematical accuracy - that will tend to give him a taste for intellectual pursuits in after life. This minimum of instruction is one of the child's birth-rights, and it behoves those in authority to see that he is not deprived of it."
• The regulations with regard to shooting opossums which appeared in the Gazette of last week contain the following clause: "Every person who, being the holder of a license under the act to take or kill imported game, takes or kills any opossums in breach of the provisions of his license or of the regulations, or any person other than a licensee who takes and kills opossums in breach of the provisions of the said act, or any person who sells or attempts to sell the bodies or skins of opossums, is liable on conviction to a fine of 20."
• A Chinaman, resident in Hawera, applied for naturalisation papers. The Under-secretary stated that "he was directed by the Minister of Internal Affairs to inform the applicant that it is not considered expedient at present to grant letters of naturalisation to persons of the Chinese race."
• The cutter Britannia (says the Southland Times) returned on Thursday with 6000 muttonbirds from Solomon and Big Islands, and 500 which were transhipped from the Gannet at Broad Bay.
The Britannia reported a pronounced shortage, and in all probability the wholesale price for the muttonbird this year will run up from 4 1/2d to 5 1/2d, while the retailers will probably vend the birds at from 7d to 9d, whereas 6d was the ruling figure last year.
As an indication of the prospective shortage several parties who have returned from the eastern islands report having taken only 250 to 300 birds all told, whereas last year they took at least 4000. The muttonbird promises to be a luxury this season.- ODT, 2.5.1912.
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