South’s bad day for rugby

Invercargill, July 25. The annual match between the South Island and the North Island was played at Rugby Park to-day under miserable weather conditions. The Southland people were very disappointed that such wet weather was experienced while footballers from all over New Zealand were visiting their chief town, as they have had a remarkably fine spell of sunny days right through the winter. The gate receipts for the match came to just over £900. The New Zealand Rugby Union takes 85 percent, and the Southland Union 15 percent. During the course of the game I made the remark that if some of the All Blacks played in England as they were doing on Saturday no wonder their style of play had not proved altogether popular in some quarters. The northern forwards knew more about the game than the southern pack, and the fact that the backs also had a little better combination enabled them to secure the victory. — by ‘Full Back’

 

Berlin, July 25: A special military court was held at Cologne to try Franz Swaboda for the murder of Cyril Cromar, the young New Zealand soldier who was shot in the public park at Cologne on February 7, 1919. The case had been remanded 28 times, awaiting the arrival of William Osborn Clarke, one of the principal witnesses, from New Zealand. Maria Lesser, an attractive girl who was Cromar’s companion in the park at the time of the shooting, gave evidence that Cromar sent her away when some Germans approached. He called a comrade who ran up to him. Clarke deposed that Cromar called, "Bill, come and help me shift these Huns." Witness ran up. Suddenly a shot was fired and Cromar fell dead. He was positive that Cromar did not draw a bayonet. Swaboda, who pleaded guilty, said that Cromar sprang at him with uplifted bayonet, whereupon Swaboda fired. He did not remember any other incident. He explained that he was war-worn and under the influence of drink. The court after four minutes’ deliberation found Swaboda guilty. The sentence awaits confirmation. — Reuter

 

The first sight visitors to the Exhibition will get when they sight the turreted entrance way to the Pleasure Land will be massive exit gates in the centre, flanked on each side by a row of turnstiles through which visitors will enter, a complete model fire station, a police depot, and a luggage office where an attendant will take care of overcoats and small parcels. The fire station will comprise an engine room, two cubicles for the four men who will maintain a day and night watch all the time, and a comfortable sitting room, from the window of which they will be able to watch the crowds. The engine room will be large enough to house a machine with a ladder which will enable the firemen to reach the high roofs of the Exhibition buildings. It is gratifying to learn on the authority of Superintendent Napier, of the City Fire Brigade, that the Exhibition site is part of an area which enjoys the best water pressure in the city: it is possible to obtain a pressure of 180 pounds to the square inch. — ODT, 26.7.1925