Just as the firm was closing its premises in the evening a telephone call was received, apparently from one of the leading local hotels, and the inquirer, giving his name, said he wanted to purchase a cycle of latest model, and, after being assured that the required article was in stock, said he would call next morning and see the machine. Morning arrived, also the would-be purchaser, and the machine being apparently satisfactory, it was arranged that he should accompany one of the mechanics on a trial spin, and the pair set out for Fitzherbert. After crossing the bridge on the way back to town, the stranger said he would like to try his hand at driving, and see if he could manage the gears. The mechanic dismounted, and then set the machine going in the direction of town, and, as far as he knows, it is still going, for the rider never returned to say if he managed the gears successfully or not. It is known, however, that the motorist coolly rode into town, took in a supply of petrol and lubricating oil, and left for the unknown. Word was received in Palmerston on Thursday that some interesting happenings, in which a motor cycle played a part, took place in Sandon and Bulls on Wednesday.
• The average amount of coal hewed daily by a miner is six tons, said Mr E. S. Wight, managing director of the Pukemiro Collieries, in giving evidence at a sitting of the Auckland Military Service Board at Ngaruawahia on Wednesday. Mr Wight, who supported the appeals for exemption from military service of two miners employed at the colliery, said there were many vacancies for coal-hewers, who were indispensable if the coal-mining industry was to be maintained. Both appeals were allowed.
• Notwithstanding the efforts of the press to spread a knowledge of the provisions of the Military Service Act, there still remains a plentiful lack of information on the subject, even amongst men vitally interested. This was apparent on Wednesday at the hearing of appeals by the Military Service Board. A young fellow, brother to a famous holder of the Victoria Cross, put up a good case for exemption on the ground of undue hardship. His case was heard sympathetically, even by the military representatives. He was surprised — even disgusted — when he learned that all men exempted go back automatically into the ballot. He used the adjectives "absurd" and "monstrous" to express his feelings. The board made him understand that the law was there, and the members of the Appeal Board had nothing to do with making it. It would be well for Reservists to study the Act, and not put too much faith in their chances of escaping being drawn at the ballot. Compulsion is not to be moved by entreaties or prayers; it is almost as inexorable as fate, and as impartial in its way as the sun, which shines on the just and unjust alike. The only sure way of avoiding compulsion, as Mr. D M’Laren said, is to volunteer. — ODT, 9.1.1917.
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