NEWS OF THE DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 50, 28 February 1935, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Direct Service to Tonga. The motor vessel Port Whangarei, which arrived this morning after discharge of her Southern cargo, will begin to load for Nukualofa, Tonga. She sails at 5 p.m. to-morrow in inauguration of a regular monthly service between Auckland and Nukualofa. The Port Whangarei is owned by the Watchlin Line, but is under charter to the Union Steam Ship Company for the Tonga run.

Weasel in City Street. An Auckland citizen was much surprised, yesterday to see a weasel cross Shortland Street during the busy part of the afternoon. It made a dash in the face of motor traffic, and disappeared down a grating. Evidently the animal had strayed from some place of safety and was seeking a new home. In the suburbs weasels are occasionally seen, but it is rare for one to appear in the city.

Heavy Crop of Grapes. Despite the long dry spell, the well-known grape vines of Mr. G. Pizzini in Hamilton East have again yielded an exceptionally heavy crop this year, and with the hundred*! of large bunches of the fruit in vario'.is stages of ripening the vines present a striking sightFor many years Mr. Pizzini lias cultivated grapes, and he estimates that this year's crop will yield between a ton and a half and two tons 'of the fruit.

" Buy Him a Wheelbarrow." "Buy him a wheelbarrow," suggested a member of the Auckland Grammar School Board yesterday, when a letter was read from the headmaster of the Mount Albert Grammar School, saying that the manager of the school farm wanted a motor triick to carry cream a short distance from the farm to the school. It was pointed out by the chairman that a truck could be bought for £30, but members objected, saying that it would cost between £30 and £40 a year to maintain.

Archbishop's Anniversaries. Three anniversaries of important events in the episcopal career of Archbishop Averill will be celebrated on April 30. The anniversaries occur on different dates, but April 30 lias been chosen as a convenient date on which to observe them all. The first is that of his consecration as Bishop of Waiapu 25 years ago; the second of his transference to Auckland 21 years ago; and the third that of his elevation to the primacy in succession to Archbishop Julius in 1925. The arrangements arc in the hands of a special committee set up by the last Synod.

Morrinsville's Stock Sale. An important event in the progress of Morrinsville as a market for live stock will be inaugurated on Friday, when for the first time in the town's history three auctioneering firms will hold sales of stock at their saleyards in Hamilton Road. The third firm to enter into the stock auctioneering business at Morrinsville is the N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Ltd., which has acquired a half-interest in the saleyards of Dalgety and Company. Henceforth sales will be held every Friday at Morrinsville by three firms, the Farmers' Co-operative Auctioneering Company, Dalgety and Company, and the Loan and Mercantile Company. All the companies have recently enlarged their saleyards to cope with the increased quantities of East Coast and local stock coming forward.

Eczema Among Sheep. Facial eczema has made its appearance among many Gisborne sheep flocks, reports a correspondent. It was only during the past few days that flockmastors became aware of the disease, and it has appeared almost simultaneously in most parts of the district. One of the worst features of the epidemic is that no cure is considered practicable on a large scale. When only a few sheep are affected the use of ointment is advised, but with large numbers there is little that can be done, except to put the affected sheep into a bare paddock. After the recent rains there are few paddocks in the district in such a condition. The trouble is believed to be dietetic. So far the mortality from the present trouble has been negligible. The malady has developed in many cases with alarming rapidity, lambs which were apparently all right one night being affected the next day.

Deerskin Boots. The value of Xew Zealand deerskin in the manufacture of heavy service boots was demonstrated by a letter recently received by a Christehurch manufacturing "firm from a customer now in England. When in New Zealand about 1(> months ago he was attracted by a pair of deerskin boots made by the firm, and ordered a pair for shooting on the Yorkshire moors. He said that if they gave satisfactory service he would order a number of pairs for his friends. Formerly tliev had been providing themselves with footwear not only in England, but also from specialists in America. The outcome was that tlie Christchurch firm received a letter speaking highly ot their comfort and wear, and ordering in all seven more pairs. A friend of the English customer wrote to the Department of Internal Affairs, stating the foregoing facts. He received a reply that the Department was very much _ interested in the information supplied, and in knowing that the footwear was finding favour.

Appeal to Motorists. The following appeal to motorists was adopted by the Southland Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union, on the motion of Mr. G. Hamilton: "That as the fat lamb season is now at its height and a great many mobs of sheep arc continually on the road, we, the Southland executive of the Farmers' Union, would kindly draw the attention of motorists to the fact that thousands of lambs are bruised each year prior to being slaughtered, thus making them unlit for export. The majority of motorists may not lie aware that lambs arc so easily bruised. When a car rushes thoughtlessly through a mob of lambs, scattering and throw them against the fence or into a ditch or bank, the result will be that several out of this mob are bruised. This in turn causes a loss to the owner of from 5/ to 10/ per head per lamb rejected. We appeal to all classes of motorists for a little more care, as this now amounts each year to a serious national loss."

A Chinese Author. One day, sooner or later, a book will be published about New Zealand that in one respect at least will be more interesting than most other books that have been published about the Dominion, for it will be written bv a Chinese (says the "Christehurch Star"'). It will be published in English, and then it will be translated by its author into Chinese, and will be published in China for the Chinese. It will be a book concerned with a good deal of New Zealand's history, its scenic attractions, its treatment of the Chinese, and something of the modes of living adopted by its population, both European and native. It will be written by Mr. Percy Chew Lee, of Tirnaru, wiio is a fruiterer, and a well-known road racing cyclist. Mr. Lee, who is 22 years of age, was born in China, and came to Xew Zealand with his parents when he was eight years of age. He received his primary education at St. Michael's School. Christehurch, and afterwards returned to China, where ho studied at Nam Wti College, Canton. He came back to New Zealand nearly four years ago. In the last six weeks he has cycled nearly 2000 miles in New Zealand, taking photographs and collecting information for use in his book.

Sale of Stamps. The Post Office does not intend to reintroduce the payment of commission on stamps sold by private vendors (savs the "Star's" Parliamentary reporter). A Ministerial reply yesterday to a question on the subject by Mr. C. L. C'arr (Labour, Timaru) stated that reasonable facilities for the sale of stamps already existed at post officcs, and at all except the smaller offices stamp-vending machines were provided.

Dealing With Divorce. Nearly 50 petitions for divorce were set down for hearing before Mr. Justice Herdman at the Supreme Court yesterday, and in just under three hours his Honor had dealt with 40, the petitioners being successful in all cases. Only evidence of the essential facts is taken, and most cases are decided on the evidence of petitioner and sC witness to corroborate. The first case yesterday was disposed of in less than two minutes, but some of the later cases took five minutes or more.

Youthful Innocence. A teacher in a country school not far from Invarcargill (a "dry" district) was explaining to the class the difference between prices ruling in New Zealand and those abroad. "For instance," he said, "whisky is about 5/ a bottle in Scotland. Now, does anyone know the price in New Zealand?" A hand went up, and a shrill voice said: "Please, sir, charges 15/ a bottle." It is understood that the local policeman learned of this information, and that a prosecution for slygrog selling is pending.

Deep-sea Sport. The following fisTi catches were weighed at the Otehei Bay camp, Russell, this week:-— Lady Broughton, from launch Avalon, mako, 2931b; Mr. H. Rutherford, U.S.A., launch Mako, striped marlin, 3201b; Dr. Pierce, of New York, from launch Rosemary, striped marlins, 2661b, 2351b, 2121b, 2161b, 2001b and 1091b. Fishing from the launch Virginia, Mr. and Mrs. Buttram, U.S.A., enjoyed excellent sport on the Mayor Island grounds. Mr. Buttram landed a black marlin of 3401b. and Mrs. Buttram secured a swordfish of 3291b. Child Slavery. "I regret to say that in regard to one of the schools visited wc found that there was a case of two children in one family being compelled to rise at 3.30 each day and assist in the milking, and afterwards walk three miles to school," stated Mr. E. F. Hemingway, chairman of the Wangauui Education Board, in his report tabled at the board's monthly meeting. He added: "Needless to say, the attendance of these children is not good, and when they do arrive at school they are too tired to do their lessons." Mi'. Hemingway said it was shocking, and remarked that the board had taken immediate steps to have the matter investigated.

Interest in European Affairs. The largo audience attested to public interest of Aucklanders in the European situation, said Mr. W. T. G. Airey, president of the Auckland branch of the League of Nations Union, introducing last night Dr. J. C. Dcmarquette, who gave an address under the union's auspices in the rooms of the Fabian Club. The hall was packed to overflowing. Every available chair was taken, and people sat 011 tables and some 011 the floor, while some stood at the back. Mr. Airey added that it was not often Aucklanders had the chance to listen to a speaker who had such a detailed grasp and such an accurate perspective of the European situation as the man he was introducing.

At a Busy Traffic Point. Motorists driving through Newmarket 011 recent mornings have had a good word for the policeman 011 point duty at the bottom of Remuera Road. This is a very busy junction between eight and nine in the morning, but owing to the rapid and capable signalling of this officer traffic has been able to pass in all directions without a halt. Yesterday morning a woman pedestrian was endeavouring to thread her way across Broadway, but her. view was obscured by a huge bunch of flowers she carried. She sought refuge alongside the policeman, and said she had been waiting for a signal to cross. The officer smiled gallantly and said, "Sorry, lady, but I haven't time "for luxuries."

Rent Remission Sought. Stating that unless tliey were exempt from the payment of rent they must seriously curtail work, a deputation from the Workers' Educational Institute waited on the Auckland Grammar School yesterday. The association's rooms are in the old Grammar School building in Symonda Street. Mr. YV. 11. Cocker, who led the deputation, said that in 1930 the income of the association had been £2500, hut with the withdrawal of most of the grants the income for this year would be about £1100. The chairman of the Grammar School Board, Professor A. P. W. Thomas, pointed out that the board had decided to hand the building over to the university authorities, and they were awaiting legislative sanction. In the circumstances lie believed the association should apply to the Minister of Education for remission of the rent. The Elam School of Art, which occupied the other half of the building, did not pay rent. It was decided to write to the Education Department and suggest that the rent be remitted.

Police Privilege Claimed. When Constable W. E. C. Pool, of Ongarue, was being questioned by Mr. .1. F. Strang, counsel for defendant, in a damages claim heard before Mr. .Justice Fair in the Supreme Court, Hamilton, yesterday, the constable claimed protection. The question put to the constable referred (o statements he received from eye-witnesses of the collision which led to the action being brought. The constable, submitted that tlie statements were privileged, and he said his instructions were not to disclose the statements except bv direction of the judge, or with tlie written permission of the persons concerned. His Honor said lie was bound to give a ruling in accordance, with his own opinion that statements made to police officers in the course of inquiries respecting possible criminal action were privileged, and that witnesses were protected from disclosing them on the grounds that it would be contrary to public policy. Oral as well as written statements were covered by the ruling. The evidence sought was not given.

White Pine for Butter Boxes. Fears that too much white pine timber, which is largely used for butter boxes and cheese crates, was being exported, to the detriment of the New Zealand dairy industry in future years, were expressed at the quarterly meeting of the Southern Thames sub-provin-cial executive of the Farmers' Union at Morrinsville. A letter was read from the Hon. E. A. Ransom statin? that a survey of timber supplies in 1032 gave an estimate of 15(51 million feet of white pine timber still uncut, of which 10S million feet was in Westland, 124 million feet in Auckland, and 157 million feet in Rotorua forestry districts. The State Forest Service had decided that certain areas in South Westland should be reserved for New Zealand requirements. The Minister quoted a statement that "the New Zealand dairy industry has every reason to be satislied that its requirements of white pine for butter boxes are being carefully safeguarded." This assurance did not satisfy the meeting, several speakers contending that the time had arrived when no more white pine should be exported, especially from the North Island." A motion was carried that in the case of future sales of blocks of timber owned by the State the Government should insert a clause forbidding the export of white pine from such timber blocks.