Contest

In Toronto, Ont., in 1926, died Charles Vance Millar, rich, fun-loving bachelor who had accumulated a fortune in real estate, horse breeding, mining, brewing. His will provided: $10,000 to a friend whom he had once bested in a business deal; a small sum to a priest to say masses for another friend "who will need them wherever he is"; one share of brewery stock to every Orange Lodge and every active Protestant minister in Toronto, except "one Spracklin, who shot a hotel keeper" in an enforcement raid (when Ontario was Dry); one share of stock in a jockey club to every active minister in Walkerville, Windsor and Sandwich, Ont. But the will's most thrilling feature for

Toronto-ites was the bequest of its residue (from $300,000 to $500,000) to the Toronto woman who, ten years after Mr. Millar's death, shall have borne the greatest number of children.

Two women led the field near the halfway mark last week in Toronto. Mrs. Florence Brown, 42, married 22 years, has borne 27 children, of whom 13 are living. Mrs. Grace Bagnato, 37, married 24 years, has borne 20 children, of whom ii are living. Trustees of the will have not revealed the rules which will guide the final selection. Should they count all children born since 1926, Mrs. Brown would lead with seven to her credit as against her opponent's five. Should they, however, count only children born since 1926 and still living, Mrs. Bagnato would lead, with all five of her offspring living, as against Mrs. Brown's three.

Henry Brown, 27 times a father, is a butcher. He retired two years ago in ill health. Of his family he said: "They're all strong and healthy, and I encourage them in taking part in clean sport and play. The cellar's full of ice skates, skis, snowshoes and other stuff for them to play with outdoors. ... It would be nice to get the money, but if we don't--all right."

Mrs. Grace Bagnato, grandmother at 37. supports her family by serving as court interpreter for Italian-speaking Canadians. Once she finished up her court duties, went home, gave birth to a child two hours later. She got it washed up and dressed before the doctor arrived.

Commonwealth

In Morris County, N. J., Anna Horvath, 14, large, buxom, went frequently to shops, purchased cigarets. Since New Jersey law prohibits tobacco sales to minors, complaints were filed, shopkeepers were fined $10. Since New Jersey law awards fines to the complaining agent, The Commonwealth Humane Society of Woodridge, X. J., got the money. Last week a justice of the peace investigated. He found that Stephen Horvath, father of big Anna Horvath, was president of the Society. Mrs. Bietra Horvath, mother of Anna, was secretary & treasurer. Anna Horvath was a trustee. Stephen Horvath had made $100 per week in fines. He was arraigned for violating the cigaret law, for permitting Anna to work without a permit.

Tail

In Paulsboro, N. J., John Williams, town dogcatcher, resigned for the third time. He had been making as much as $36 per day: $2 for each unlicensed dog he put to death. As proof of each dog caught, John Williams furnished one detached dog-ear. Reason he resigned: the Mayor & Councilmen decided that hereafter a dogtail

would be considered proper proof.

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Wootsie

Near Colorado Springs, Col., William Norton discovered that his cows were producing less than their usual quota of milk. Culprit was Wootsie, his fat pet hog, whom he permitted to roam the ranch. Wootsie would stealthily nozzle milk, run off when the cows kicked. William Norton penned up Wootsie. Awaiting death, Wootsie refused all food but milk.

Thought

In Evanston, Ill., Prof. Baker Brownell of Northwestern University told his class in Contemporary Thought that women's fashions invariably decree long skirts just before a period of depression, short skirts just before a period of prosperity.

Stand

In Moundsville, W. Va., Judge James F. Shipman called Mike Noval, witness in a trial, said: "Take the witness stand." Mike Noval hoisted the witness stand to his shoulders, made for the door.

Improper

In Brooklyn, N. Y., Mrs. Irene Driscoll, 30, widowed mother of two, taxi driver, drove a fare, Joseph Doran, 35, to his home. He said he had no money with him, asked her to step inside while he got it. Once in the hallway, he made improper overtures. Mrs. Irene Driscoll (height 5 ft. i in.) felled Joseph Doran (weight 165 Ib.) with one blow. Then she revived him, apologized, took him to a policeman.

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