General News

♦ Bailer Whitebait Catches Good catches of whitebait were again secured in the Buller and Orowaiti rivers and smaller streams in the Buller district yesterday. The price on the waterfront was 2s a pint. Exceptionally high spring tides are being experienced in the district, and as a result many of the smaller streams are providing nearby residents with the opportunity of prolific fishing.— (0.R.) Early Hothouse Tomatoes A few cases of early tomatoes from hothouses round about Christchurch have been coming into the city fruit and produce markets recently. Previous consignments had brought up to 12s a pound in the markets, but this week supplies were slightly better and the wholesale price was 7s a pound. There have been a few new potatoes from Nelson on sale, but the first of the Christchurch crop are not expected until next month. Early asparagus, brought a record price of 6s 6d a bunch two weeks ago, but this week the price was down to 4s for a few bunches grown in the New Brighton district. No Shortage of Shearers According to statements made the subject was introduced at a meeting of the West Coast Council of Primary Production at Greymouth, there is not likely to be the same shortage of shearers on the West Coast this season as was experienced last year. The chairman (Mr D. B. Jellie) said he did not think farmers '-'ould have any need to worry this year, as men were returning from overseas.—(O.R.) Riccarton Street Name Die Waimairi County Council on Thursday approved the request of residents that a part of Puriri street, Riccarton, should be renamed, Medbury terrace being adopted. The report in “The Press” yesterday, that Kitson street had been stipulated, was incorrect. No such proposal was put to the council. The confusion was caused by an interjection. Breeding of Mosquitoes Advice that damp sawdust saturated with oil can be used effectively to combat the breeding of mosquitoes was received from the Medical Officer of Health (Dr. J. H. Blakelock) by the Heathcote County Council at its meeting last evening. The council had previously written to Dr. Blakelock regarding the breeding of mosquitoes in'pools of stagnant water left by the recent extensive flooding, and suggesting that the Heathcote County embark on a campaign as early as possible to prevent such breeding. The treated sawdust, according to the advice received, should be distributed for sinking near the verges of the pools. The oil will continue to seep off for a considerable period and will kill the larvae, which come in contact with the film caused on the surface. Used crank case oil may be used and is fully effective. Right Hand Rule Reversion to the former rule for giving the right of way to all traffic approaching on the right, was the subject of 10 pages of typescript and diagrams presented in memorandum form to delegates at the annual conference of the South Island Motor Union in Christchurch yesterday by Mr F. W. Johhston (Canterbury) for adoption as a remit. Mr Johnston quoted legal and other authorities claiming that the original rule was more effective and explicit than the amendment under which the car on the right lost the right of way if it was turning to the right. Although several unions supported Mr Johnston, others considered that more statistical evidence must be obtained to warrant a change. Because the matter was discussed late in the meeting it was held over for consideration at the halfyearly meeting. New Acclimatisation Authority It was stated at a meeting of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society on Thursday that the councils of the North and South Island societies have decided to set up a new body to control wild life known as the National Acclimatisation Societies Authority, on which the State departments interested w.ill be represented. The organisation will comprise a freshwater fisheries in--1 stitute, to be supported by societies and by the Internal Affairs, Marine, and Scientific and Industrial Research Departments, and also a w'ild life council of »even representing the Departments of Internal Affairs, Agriculture, Forestry, Public Works, and North and South Island Acclimatisation Societies, and a chief executive officer with advisory members from the Scientific and Industrial Research and Tourist Departments and the Royal Society. The chief executive officer will be a full-time research scientist. The cost will be met by the diversion of levies already paid, subsidies from the societies, and from the Scientific and Industrial Research Department.—(P.A.) Hours for Sale of Petrol When delegates from the South Island Motor Union attend a conference of the New Zealand Retail Motor Trade Association in Wellington on October 5. when the post-war sale of petrol will be discussed, they will request retailers to devise a scheme to make petrol available outside usual business hours in certain centres. Mr G. W. Ferens (Otago), who moved a remit on these lines at the conference yesterday, said that there was no suggestion of compulsion or Government regulation. It was proposed that retailers arrange that at principal centres along main traffic routes some suppliers undertake to supply petrol outside regular hours, perhaps on payment of a‘n opening fee. A national scheme under which there could be full co-ordination was preferred. Steamer Passengers and Census It will be necessary for passengers from Lyttelton by the Rangatira on Tuesday night, September 25. to have their census personal schedules completed and ready to hand over to the ship's officers at the gangway on embarkation. Afforestation to Prevent Slips To assist in the prevention of slips on roads in hilly country, the Main Highways Board now has its own nursery where thousands of trees are being raised for afforestation, Mr M. H. Wynyard. a member of the board, reported to the South Island Motor Union yesterday. Planting had been started in the Gisborne area, and the scheme would be extended to cover the whole of the Dominion, he said. The River Control and Soil Conservation Council was co-operating in the work. _____________