NEWS OF THE DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 251, 23 October 1928, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Distribution of the Toheroa. The Chief Inspector of Fisheries, Mr. A. E. Hefford, mentioned, to-day that the toheroa was distributed over a much wider area in New Zealand than was genierally known. This shellfish was found in large quantities on the beaches of the west coast of the Auckland Province, also in the Bay of Plenty, near Whakatane. There, however, it is known by a different name.. It is also found on the-Otaki Beach and on the Riverton Beach, near the Bluff. Big Consignment of Butter. When the Royal Mail liner Niagara sails for Vancouver to-morrow she will carry an exceptionally large consignment of refrigerated cargo, including nearly 24,000 boxes of New Zealand butter—an increase of 8000 over last month's total. Increased accommodation for refrigerated has been provided since the Niagara was last in Auckland, No. 1 hold having been insuand connected with the refrigerating machinery, thus providing space for an additional 450 tons of cargo. The work was planned and supervised by Mr. Scott Miller, naval architect to the Union Steamship Co. Bilent Service. j ' The latest idea in road transport appears | to be a combination of the motor car and the cart," writes a Hastings correspondent. "Two local tradesmen, a milkman and a, baker, have' had carts constructed with the ordinary axle, but the- wheels and tyres of a motor car, giving the whole turnout the appearance of a chariot. With the new wheels, conditions are made much easier for the horse, and much more ground can be covered. Some of the horses did not at first take kindly to pulling a silent vehicle behind them, but so successful has the innovation proved that such vehicles are likely to become common." Salmon and Pollution. ''We will probably go on for ten years," said the Chief Inspector of Fisheries (Mr. A. E. Hefford) to-day in referring to the endeavour to stock the Wanganui River with Atlantic salmon. He mentioned that the spawning season for Atlantic salmon in the South Island had been fairly satisfactory, and that another consignment of ova was to be sent to the hatchery on the headwaters of the Wanganui. In mentioning that the fish had not as yet run in the Wanganui, he said that fears had been expressed that there was too much deleterious matter finding its way into the water in the lower reaches. Pollution was, however, a matter of degree, and in a big volume of water it was possible that the fish would thrive when making their way back to spawn. A Plea for "Remands." Among the many reforms urged by Mr. S. C. G. Lye, Liberal-Labour candidate for the Hamilton seat, was decent provision for accused persona on remand. At present, said Mr. Lye, persons without financial means suspected of crime were placed in the lock-up and treated like dangerous criminals. Many poor people were unable to find bail, and had to remain in confinement indefinitely. The attitude of the police toward such persons was not all that could be desired. It should be remembered that the law provided t>.at a person was innocent until proved guilty, and in view of this such persons should be treated like human beings. Applause greeted the conclusion of Mr. Lye's remarks on this subject. Claims of the Seaplane. "For a country such as New Zealand the seaplane is eminently suitable," said a visitor with wide experience of aeronautical work. The Dominion, he pointed out, was amply furnished with waterways and lakes, and to the seaplane each of these represented a landing place. If intending aviators committed themselves to aeroplanes they could have about half a dozen landing grounds, but for a seaplane there were thousands of suitable places. Other advantages were that expensive aerodromes were rendered unnecessary. The aim of the Government in encouraging aero clubs was to foster flying for the puroose of defence. If this country were attacked, it would be by sea,' and what use was a land 'plane tinder such circumstances? Cardinal Ceretti's Visit. Cardinal Ceretti, Papal Legate to the recent Eucharistic Congress in Sydney, will arrive in Auckland on November 19 by the Royal Mail liner Aorangi. Before he continues his voyage to Rome he will spend a day in the city, and will receive a welcome from the Catholic clergy and laity. Facilities will be provided for him to see as much of Auckland and the district as possible during his short stay. Travelling by the Niagara on her present voyage are a number of prelates who have been attending the congress. The party includes the Right Rev. Dr. P. E. Magennis, General of the Order of Carmelites, Father L. D. Flanagan, of New York, provincial of the Carmelites, Father J. A. Hogan, of Philadelphia, and a member of the Order of St. Augustine, Dr. D. McGrath, of Rome, member of the Order of St. Augustine, Father J. Kiely and Father H. A. Floyd, of Chicago. The only New Zealand priest who returned was Father M. J. Furlong, of Devonport, who spent a holiday in Sydney after the congress. "Plant the Kauri.** A strong plea for the planting of the kauri in State forests was made by Mr. E. Morrison, of Warkworth, who was lecturing on the subject of New Zealand timbers last night in the University Buildings, under the auspices. of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Horticultural • Institute. Few men have had longer or more varied practical experience of New Zealand bush—his knowledge extending over 70 years. He pointed out the incomparable value of the kauri for a large variety of purposes. It was the largest timber tree in the world, the largest specimen measuring more for timber purposes than the largest trees in any other part of the world. Many trees were higher, tfut in actual cubic content of timber the kauri was supreme. It had been complained that the kauri was of too slow a growth to make it suitable for planting, but as a matter of fact it was not abnormally slow when compared with the growth of the best timbers in'other pajts of the world. Mr. Morrison said he would strongly recommend the planting of kauri in Government forests in preference to any other trees. Granted that the kauri was not a-quiek-growing tree, it must be remembered that in planning we were planting for posterity, and he firmly believed the kauri was the best possible tree that could be planted. The lecture was illustrated by the exhibition of a number of specimens.of the different New Zealand timbers. ' K •" University Examinations. The examinations for degrees and diplomas of the New Zealand University begin on'.November 1, and contiuue to November 19. There are centres, those nearest to Auckland being Whangarei, Dargaville, Pukekohe, Thames and Hamilton. The centre for ~ . Auckland is the University College, and the numbers of local candidates are as follow:—Honours and Masters' Degrees, 33; Senior Scholarship in Law, 3; 8.A.7 "Stage 111., 84; Stage II.,: 212; Stage -331; B.Sc., StagelFL, 22; Stage H.y 17, Stage 1., 70; BAgr., 7; Bachelor of Architectural Science, 49; Bachelor of En<rin«ring' .Science, 41; B.Com. and Accountancy, 59;' LL.B. and Law Professional, 187';' Bachelor of Music, *5; Bachelor of Home Science, 3;. Bachelor of; Forestry 'Science, 15; Medical Intermediate, 7; Dental Intermediate, 2; Accountancy Professional, 274; Certificate in Book-keeping. 53; . Certificate in. Banking, 38; Diploma in Insurance, 16; Diploma in Social Science, 1; Diploma in Education, 7; Diplomat in Journalism, It; total number of candidates in Auckland centre, 1547. The hours are from 9.30 a w». to J230 pan., and from 2.30 to 5.30 p.m. A staff of, about 30 assistant supervisors will be employed. '*• . v ■ •