Not content with throwing gravel at the windows, they attempted to climb the balcony, and appeared to be making good progress in that direction, when suddenly a couple of shots broke upon the stillness of the night, followed by a lusty threat which left no doubt in the minds of the marauders that there was a very angry man on the premises.
Realising this fact with alacrity, the unwelcome visitors hurriedly decamped.
• A remarkable illustration of the destructive powers of the rabbit may (says the Tuapeka Times) be seen in the upper part of one of the numerous ravines radiating from the Tuapeka River.
A cabbage tree 2 feet in circumferance has been gnawed right through by the voracious little animals, and laid prostrate as effectively as if felled by a colony of beavers.
• The Free Press Balclutha reports that a deadlock has arisen in the Kaitangata School Committee.
Matters reached a climax on Tuesday night.
It seems that some members of the committee had taken a stand on the question of corporal punishment of girls 12 years of age and over.
Some five months ago it was resolved to draw the head master's attention to the fact that "information had been received that it was a common practice to strap girls 12 years of age and over," and asked him to see that the Education Board's regulations in this respect were carried out.
To this the committee received no reply, and a resolution was sent to the board asking that a regulation be passed enjoining teachers to keep a record of corporal punishment inflicted on girls of 12 years and over.
In the meantime certain letters from the head master were received by a member of the committee, and strong exception was taken to these by the other members.
The board's communication, stating that there seemed no necessity for an inquiry, was received on Tuesday, and the committeemen who were present, after two hours' deliberation, decided to resign in a body.
Mr Weston, who was not present, did not sign the resolution. - ODT, 31.8.1908.
