News Of The Day. (Press, 5 May 1909)

On 5 May 1909, a variety of local events and developments in New Zealand were reported. The "Weekly Press" offered an opportunity for direct mail to London, aiming to share intriguing news featuring the story of Amy Bock, a noteworthily curious account expected to engage readers. The issue also included auction announcements from several companies such as New Zealand Farmers' Co-op and Baker Bros. In Ashburton, the price of bread increased to 6d for a 4lb loaf. The Christchurch Beautifying Society re-elected its Executive, confirming a commitment to local improvement. In a legal case, a fifteen-year-old boy, Nathaniel Symons, was committed to a reformatory in Napier for breaking and entering, marking a troubling start to his youth. The Canterbury Automobile Association discussed subscriptions and the need for a distinctive badge for its members. In a quirky court ruling, a disgruntled property owner from Auckland received a valuation reduction after complaining about his unfavourable neighbours, a church and a Chinese individual. A meeting of the Trinity Congregational Literary and Debating Society saw contributions on various topics, including a poem winning acclaim. The New Zealand Presbyterian Young Men's Bible Class Union held a meeting to discuss future plans and collaborations with other organisations. The report detailed a visit by the Antarctic exploring ship Nimrod for necessary repairs, which revealed minimal damage from ice pressure, highlighting the resilience of its British oak timbers. Authorities discussed allowing children's bicycles in public gardens following complaints about restrictions, with some members suggesting a review of existing rules. The Napier bakers reverted to previous pricing after a failed trial of a bread retailing system. In the world of local politics, the Ashburton Borough Council met to assess its financial situation, including an overdraft of £1453, and to approve rates. The arrival of the New Zealand Shipping Company's liner Bimutaka from London was noted, with a diverse contingent of passengers, including many assisted migrants. A court ruling clarified that the Magistrate's Court had the power to reinstate cases previously struck out due to non-attendance, providing a significant procedural clarification. Meanwhile, the Wellington Benevolent Institution prepared support for a blind Chinese gardener, demonstrating evolving community aid dynamics. Further, discussions around regulations for motor launches were underway in Wanganui, indicating growing public transport considerations. The Christchurch Drainage Board engaged with various improvement projects, while the local shooting clubs planned competitions and enhancements in training. Overall, the news reflected a dynamic community engaged in various social, legal, and economic activities, marked by local governance, community welfare, and cultural engagements.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand