When the formal charge had been read he advanced with a step suggestive of indulgence in liquid refreshment, and said, in a loud voice "I object," repeating these words in an even louder tone to give added emphasis. While the evidence was being taken the defendant showed a disposition to direct the whole of his remarks to the police, and on being called to account for this procedure, he transferred his attentions to the bench, but instead of using the proper form of address, he made free use of the name of one of the presiding Justices (Mr John Watson). On one occasion, while the man was giving his own evidence, the bench attempted to interpose a remark, but was met with the words: "Now, Mr Watson, two of us can’t talk together. Just now I am trying to explain the position."
Finally a change came over the attitude of the defendant; and from vigorous opposition he subsided into meek acquiescence, and even proffered the request with some show of urgency that the order should be granted against him — a request that was promptly complied with. His vagaries did not end here, however, and after interrupting the proceedings with further remarks to "Mr Watson", he had to be politely but firmly requested by a constable to leave the room. He had not been finally disposed of even then, for when the court rose it was found that he had departed with the sergeant’s hat instead of his own.
• A trip by the railway through the Taieri Gorge just now will put to confusion anyone who has ever spoken slightingly of the beauties of that wonderful achievement of nature. The comparatively wet season experienced has turned the bare browns usually associated with the gorge into rich and varied greens blending harmoniously with the grey rock shapes everywhere appearing. As if this was not beautiful enough, Nature has lavishly strewn the sides of the gorge beyond Hindon with red and white and creamy foxgloves, growing in such profusion in some places as to form an almost solid mass of glowing colour. The hardiness of these beautiful flowers is amazing, and they may be seen flourishing even in the crevices built up by masonry. Foxglove, though the most conspicuous, is by no means the only flower that finds a place in the colour scheme of the gorge at the present time. It is generally believed that in this case Nature had the assistance of an aesthetic surfaceman, who spread foxglove seed in the gorge some years ago for the love of his fellowmen. If he could be found, some passengers through the gorge would contribute to a tablet to his memory.
• Messrs R. Hudson and Co. have forwarded a donation of £100 to the funds of the Presbyterian Social Service Association. In thanking them for this splendid gift the Rev E. A. Axelsen, superintendent of the association, writes:— "This is a time of great difficulty, as you are aware, and in work of this kind we feel the stress continually, as constant appeals come to us on behalf of young people in need. We do not wish to turn a single deserving one away from our doors, and it is gifts such as yours that help us when we are confronted with difficulties of that kind. I would also like to thank you for the way you have met me from time to time when I have brought you lads out of work, many of them, I should judge, not of the greatest value to you; yet your firm has always been willing to employ them when at all possible." — ODT, 16.12.1916.
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
