A tōtara falls
One of the old Maori Rangitiras, named Kerepeti, died on Saturday (reports our Auckland correspondent). His age must have been close on the century, as he fought when a young man at the defence of Ruapekapeka Pa, as far back as January, 1846.
Another chance offered
The Mosgiel Borough Council Ranger forwarded a complaint, enclosing names, regarding the herding of cows and horses on the back streets; also concerning the removing of the gate of the pound and the taking away of stock that had been impounded.
It was decided to write to the persons named asking that the fees claimed must be paid, or a prosecution would follow, and that the person who had taken the gate off the pound be asked for an explanation before taking any further action.
Anti-booze campaigner
Captain Hawkins, of the New Zealand Alliance, lectured in Mosgiel on Tuesday night on the Coronation Hall in the interests of the no-license campaign. The attendance was not very large, no doubt due to the fact that the local people were not worked up to the enthusiasm usual at the period nearer polling day. Captain Hawkins, who was greeted with prolonged applause, covered a wide area in his appeal, lasting about an hour and a-half. His manner was mild, but very convincing. He quoted many figures, and submitted much correspondence in refutation of the alleged sly grog-selling and illicit drinking not only in New Zealand on a large scale, but in the United States. He made a very strong appeal to those who did not use or abuse strong drink to make it impossible for those who were addicted to drink to obtain it. He could not see it in any other light than that those who would not cast their vote against it must accept their share of the responsibility for those whose lives were wrecked by the drink curse. Every man and woman who gave the matter any thought must admit that deep down in their hearts they knew they had that responsibility. If the drink traffic remained the ranks of the drunkards must be kept up. The present ones would die out. Where would the renewals come from? The ranks of professional and business men, and men of all callings, would be filled from our boys. Could anyone tell him where would the ranks of the drunkards come from? From the same source, of course. Then, why should fathers and mothers vote in favour of the drink shops being kept open, when very few of them could guarantee their boy might not turn out a drunkard? He assured his hearers that the next poll would be the fiercest fight ever experienced. The alliance was never stronger or more determined than at present, and be appealed for both moral and financial support from Mosgiel. At the close of the address a vote of thanks was accorded the lecturer. — ODT, 25.9.1924
Compiled by Peter Dowden
