NEWS OF THE DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 109, 10 May 1928, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Inflamed Throats. A mild but irritating form of throat trouble is prevalent in Auckland. It is commonly called mfluenza-everything of that nature is influenza these ays!—but it is not duo to that malady. A doctor told a "Star" representative that a gargle of salt and water is. beneficial. Seeking a Sanctuary. As in past years, immediately upon the opening of the shooting season, the wild duck have begun to congregate in the sanctuary provided by the Western Springs and the lakelet in the Zoo grounds. After dark the birds take, to flight and go far afield, but when daylight approaches they wing their way back to where they know they will be safe from the many gun enthusiasts abroad at this time of the year. Additional Birkenhead Slain Highway. Ihe pleasing information was received by the Birkenhead Borough Council last evening from Mr. J. McEnnis, chairman of the No. 1 District Highways Council, that the portion of Onewa Koad running through the borough, a length of 25 chains, had been declared a main highway, in addition to the main road from the wharf to Glenfield boundary, previously gazetted. The subsidy payable 011 approved maintenance on these highways is to bo 30/ for £1. The question of subsidising construction, it was added, was to be considered. Matriculation Candidates. Last year 6000 candidates sat for matriculation, but only about 1000 passed, stated Dr. in an address at the Masterton Rotary Club. The examination was baaed on a syllabus outlined by the University authorities, and he thought that such a result showed that something was radically wrong. Each entrant paid two guineas entrance fee. Did the University recognise this fee as a means of finance? asked Dr. Uttley. Allowing for about 800 partial passes in additon to the 1000 successful candidates, Dr. Uttley said the facts presented by these figures should call for an investigation. Kauri Bush Reserve. An appeal is being made by the Institute of Horticulture for assistance from the Auckland local 'bodies to help with the purchase of an area of nat>ve bush near Waimauku, where there are some splendid specimens of kauri trees. The bush is one of the few pieces of its kind within fairly handy range of the city, and it is feared that if the opportunity of securing it is lost the timber may be removed. So far there has been an indifferent response, and several of the local bodies have declined to contribute, on the ground that they have no funds for the purpose. Traps for Motorists. The opinion was expressed at a meeting of the Auckland Council of the Auckland Automobile Association last evening that in connection with the prosecution of motorists for speeding it would be better were the English system adopted. This was a trap laid over a 220 yds section, inclusive of a dangerous portion, the moral effect being greater if a motorist were stopped immediately. It was said that some of the methods adopted by New Zealand bodies were not suitable for discouraging excess speeds. The matter was referred on to the North Island -Motor Union. Staffing *the Railways. I There are between three and four thousand new applications yearly for employment on the New Zealand railways. This number does not include those who, having resigned their previous employment with the Department, are applying for re-einploynient. Approximately 40 per cent of the total number of applications are renewed some time during the year. The following figures indicate the extent to which the railways absorbed staff during the past three and a-half years:—New applications, 10,(500; -nominated for appointment, 4503; appointments, 3098; appointments—29 per cent of new applications. The Biter Bit. A lecture given (by Mr. C. A. Byttlc at the University College last evening on "The Stock Exchange was brightened with reminiscences. The lecturer told of a Hebrew business man who visited an exchange and waxed indignant with his broker for not having made a bigger purchase of some shares. Producing an enormous wad of notes from an inside pocket, he waved them excitedly, and demanded to know why the broker had stayed his hand. On being pacified, he put the notes back. Another member of the exchange jocularly offered to buy the coat for £5. It was handed over to hfm on the spot, but the buyer was chagrined to find that the notes had been passed through an inside pocket into a waistcoat. Birkenhead Band Subsidy Increased. That the public performances of the Birkenhead Borough Band are greatly appreciated throughout the district was reflected at the meeting of the Borough Council last evening, when it was resolved to request the band to give twice the number of outdoor concerts than hitherto. The matter was introduced by the Mayor, Mr. E. G. Skeates, who referred to the desire for more Sunday evening concerts. Now that Hinemoa Park, near the wharf, had been completed, this would be a suitable place for quite a number of performances. The council agreed to the Mayor's proposal that the subsidy this year be increased from £10 to £20, on condition that the increased performances are given. Transport Commission. When the Transport Commission opened at the beginning of last week the chairman (Mr. J. S. Barton, S.M.) said that it might be found necessary as the inquiry progressed to extend the hours of the sittings. Yesterday he announced that the sittings would start at 9.30 a.m. from Monday next instead of 10 a.m., and that they might continue until five : o'clock, which would give an extra hour each day. Although he considered that it was long hours for the class of work, it was necessary to collect the evidence as early as possible. He added that if counsel wished to have a time to prepare their addresses after the close of evidence, there would be no difficulty in making an arrangment. The chaircan's suggestion met with the approval of counsel for the different parties. "Ins" Play the "Outs." What was thought to be a disturbance at Mount Eden gaol last Saturday afternoon was explained at a meeting of the Howard Penal Reform League by Mr. C. W. Chandler, prison chaplain. .He said that a decision had been made to allow the prisoners at Mount Eden to play football. The first match was played last Saturday, the "Outs" defeating the "Ins" by six points to three, after a stirring game, in which excellent form was .shown. The chaplain said that it was realised that healthy games and recreation was desirable for prisoners, and would give tliem something to look forward to in their leisure time. He added, perhaps facetiously, that the burglars could field quite a good team, and they were anxious to play all comers. Safeguarding Children. There was considerable discussion at a meeting of . the Auckland Automobile Association last evening on the provision in the Motor Vehicles Act requiring, the observance of special speed limits in the vicinity of schools. A letter from the engineer-m-chief of the Public Works Department said that there appeared to be no necessity to embody exceptions in the regulations suspending speed limits on Saturdays. In the case of holidays he did not think that a local body would prosecute, nor would a magistrate convict. It was stated that the Auckland Automobile Association had erected a large number of signs to safeguard school children during hours when tliev would be likely to be. on the road. The matter was finally referred to the By-laws Committee.