Many of our citizens, when the subject was previously under discussion, favoured a monument on Signal Hill overlooking the city and suburbs, the harbour, and many miles of the surrounding country. In view of the possibility of the question of site being reopened I write to say that I am prepared to present about 10 acres of my land on Signal Hill to the committee by way of gift for the purpose mentioned.
My property does not extend to the skyline of the hill, which would no doubt be the best position, but I will keep a white flag hoisted for a few days on the position I am willing to present, so that those interested may be able to see it from the city.
Stones suitable for a monument 150 ft or 200 ft high are available on the ground.
— I am, etc. James Farquarson, Signal Hill, North-East Valley.
Certificates to prize
"When we first started the Technical Classes Association we made it a rule," said the Hon. G. M. Thomson yesterday at the break-up ceremony of the Dunedin Technical High School, "that there were to be no prizes.
"To this rule we have adhered. Prizes, to my mind, are very unfair; they do not represent the real value of the pupil’s work in the school, and are not a fair indication of ability.
"For example, the boy or girl who comes from a professor’s home, where there is available a useful supply of books, has much more chance of winning a prize than the boy or girl who comes from a labouring man’s home.
"Our certificates may not seem of any value, but I assure you that they are of great value as a recommendation."
Swimming draws a crowd
An exhibition of swimming, under the auspices of the Kiwi Amateur Swimming Club, was held in the Municipal Baths last night, and was witnessed by an unusually large number of spectators.
The proceedings were enlivened somewhat by a pair of aspiring comedians garbed after the fashion of two well-known vaudeville characters, and in addition to the exhibition events there were several races. Displays of diving were given by W. Keesing, the champion diver of Otago, Miss Mabel Morrison, who will represent the club in the New Zealand championships at Wanganui, and Miss Grace Booth.
Nancy Booth, aged five years, and claimed to be New Zealand's youngest expert swimmer, gave an exhibition of her prowess in the water. J. Lewis, the champion breast stroke swimmer of Otago, also gave an exhibition in his particular line. Other events were a punt fight, a "good fellowship" race, a lifesaving event by W. Keesing and L. Olds, and exhibitions by several exponents of the crawl stroke.
The proceeds of the display will assist in sending various promising members of the club to Wanganui to compete in the championships, which will be held there in February.
The itinerary confirmed
The All Blacks’ tour was further considered by the New Zealand Rugby Union tonight, when the English Rugby Union’s confirmatory letter was received.
The itinerary of 30 matches will comprise one test, and five matches in Wales, two in Ireland, 17 against the counties, one against the Services, two against the universities, two in France.
The first match will be played on September 13 and the last on January 3. In connection with the allowance to players which England refuses to sanction, the union received suggestions from the Auckland and Otago Unions that the English Union be further urged to sanction out-of-pocket expenses. It was decided to prepare a statement for all the unions regarding the negotiations with the English Union in connection with the tour. — ODT, 14.12.1923
