DAVID ADAMS provides a round-up of some stories on the odder side of life…
• Beaches in Sydney re-opened on Saturday for swimmers after authorities cleared thousands of black pollution balls washed ashore, which testing found to be formed from chemicals similar to those in cosmetics and cleaning products. Around 2,000 of the mystery black balls, some golf ball-sized, had washed onto beaches across Sydney since Tuesday, forcing the closure of eight beaches, including the iconic Bondi Beach, and a massive clean-up operation, amid fears they were highly toxic. “Based on advice from the Environment Protection Authority, we can now confirm the balls are made up of fatty acids, chemicals consistent with those found in cleaning and cosmetic products, mixed with some fuel oil,” said New South Wales Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings in a statement. He added the balls, which continued to appear on Friday in fewer numbers, are not harmful to health when left on the sand, but should not be touched. The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority said laboratory testing was continuing, to try to determine where the balls came from. “It is still somewhat of a mystery and may take a few more days to determine origin,” said EPA Executive Director Stephen Beaman. Sydney’s ocean beaches, famed for golden sand and clean water, draw tourists from around the globe. – KIRSTY NEEDHAM, Sydney, Australia/Reuters
David Jakins, known as ‘King Conker’, takes part in the annual World Conker Championships in Southwick, Britain, on 13th October, 2024. PICTURE: Reuters/Phil Noble/File photo
• The World Conker Championships has dismissed complaints of cheating against this year’s men’s champion David Jakins following an investigation, a statement issued on Monday by tournament organisers said. The game of conkers involves trying to smash an opponent’s conker – the hard brown fruit of the horse chestnut tree, which is threaded onto a shoelace – by hitting it as hard as possible with their own conker. The 13th October result of the men’s competition had been called into question after losing competitors complained and Jakins was found to have a replica steel conker in his pocket. “The conclusion of the investigation is that the World Championship Men’s title was won fairly, and that the steel conker was not used in play,” the statement said. – WILLIAM JAMES, London, UK/Reuters
• A New Zealand airport has imposed a three minute limit on goodbye hugs in the drop-off area outside the airport terminal. Signs have been installed outside Dunedin Airport on the country’s South Island which warn of a “Max hug time three minutes” adding that those looking for “fonder farewells” should use the car park. CEO Dan De Bono told Associated Press that the new limit was imposed in September to “keep things moving smoothly” at the airport. He added that the move had received a polarised response on social media with some welcoming the change and others accusing the airport administration of breaching basic human rights. “We’re trying to have fun with it. It is an airport and those drop off locations are common locations for farewells,” De Bono reportedly told Radio New Zealand. – DAVID ADAMS
