NEWS OF THE DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 269, 13 November 1935, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Telephone Rental Charges. An announcement is made by the Post and Telegraph Department that unless current telephone rentals be paid by Friday afternoon the telephones will be disconnected, and thereafter a restoration fee of 0/ will be charged. Three Wharves Doomed. A suggestion from the engineer, Mr. D. Ilolderness, that the Poiisonby, Greenhithe and Birkdale wharves be demolished, as they were all in an advanced state of decay, and tlie use of them did not warrant the expendit- e necessary to maintain them in a serviceaide condition, was approved by the Auckland Harbour Board at its meeting yesterday afternoon. ■ - Publicity Bringing Results. Numerous inquiries addressed to the Xapier Progressive Association for information us to accommodation and other matters indicate the value of the publicity campaign which the association lias under way. Communications have been received from time to time from various corners of the North Island, but the distance record is held by the latest inquiry, which has reached Mr. I. L. Prime, the association's secretary, from Balclutlia, in Otago. Close Shooting Season. No decision lias been made regarding a close shooting season next, year, according to an announcement made at the meeting of the council of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society last night. The Department of Internal Alfairs luid advised that there was little likelihood of obtaining any unanimity among the societies, although the matter was still being considered. The meeting decided to ask the Department to arrange a close season in 1937, and an increase in license fees in 1935. Tea, Toast and Soot. Morning tea patrons in a small restaurant in Christchureh had an unwelcome addition to their usual tea and toast recently, in the form ot' a line coating of soot. There was a heavy fall of soot into the fireplace, followed by a gust o? r " wind down the chimney. Fanned by the draught, the soot spread to every corner of the tearoom, with the result that everything in the place was sullied with soot. It settled 011 the food, in the cups, 011 patrons' heads, and the marvel of it was that such a little soot could go such a long way. Fresh tea and toast had to be provided, and every tablecloth in the room had to be changed by the harassed proprietress. Vandalism in Myers Park. Vandalism 011 the part of young hoodlums has been prevalent in Myers Park recently. 011 Guy Fawkes night two beautiful fan palm trees were destroyed by fire, the lower dry leaves being pulled oif, bundled at the foot of the trees and set alight. The culprits had the satisfaction of lyitnessing a brilliant illumination, which attracted the notice of residents in the vicinity—and police. On Saturday night four of the swings in the children's play area were damaged, the strong iron rods being bent, and, in one case, completely twisted up, indicating that the destruction -was not carried out by mere boys. Mineral Baths at New Plymouth. If a well-known '17 w Plymouth resident can obtain the necessary permits, there is a possibility that the town will possess another full length bath rivalling even those of Kotorua in warmth and mineral content. The site is that of the oil bore near the corner of Bonitlion Avenue and Main South Koad, the purchase of which took place after the appearance of an article some weeks ago concerning the properties and history of the well. It is understood from the purchaser of the site that inquiries have already been made to obtain the regulations governing the construction of public baths. An analysis of the water, which comes from the depths of the shaft of the old oil bore, is also being sought. New Zealand Fruit Crop. , There is a prospect of an unusually heavy fruit crop in the Dominion this season, and its disposal is at present exercising the attention of the industry (reports a Wellington correspondent). The limitation of Continental outlets and the regulation of imports to Britain are likely to result in a fairly substantial surplus for absorption within the Dominion. Special attention will be paid to market requirements in Britain, and the export will be so regulated as to produce the largest possible export income. Britain must remain the chief outlet for New Zealand, for Continental countries generally arc imposing severe limitations, not only through tariffs, but the control of credits for overseas purchases. Some hope is held out by increased German inquiry, while conditions in the English market are considered to be showing improvement, with every prospect of maintaining last season's position, which was much better than in any of the preceding four or five years. ' A Plucky Lone Hand. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals receives so many complaints of cruel treatment of animals and callous disregard of their sufferings that it is heartening to learn of a spontaneous act of kindness brought under the notice of the 'society. An interested subscriber says: "Recently my attention was drawn to a commotion 011 the beach caused by two dogs fiercely attacking something on the rocks at the water's edge. A gentleman bather, ,tlie only one on the beach, rushed over the slippery rocks and managed to drive off the dogs. He found that a large sea bird had been caught by a hook which some heartless fisherman had left baited overnight. At the approach of the bather the prisoned bird made frantic attempts to free itself, only becoming the worse entangled. The bather rushed ashore, borrowed a knife from a man who was watching the incident, and after 20 minutes or so in the biting winds, still clad only in his bathing suit, with not a soul to, give a helping hand, he had his patient efforts rewarded and freed the injured bird. There was no large audience to applaud, but it was one of the pluckiest things. I have witnessed." . Onehunga Christmas Pictures. An application for permission to screen pictures at the State Theatre, Onehunga, on Christmas night was declined by the Onehunga Borough Council last night 011 the motion of the Mayor, Mr. J. Park, seconded by Mr. A. A. Coates. At first it looked as if the motion would be passed without discussion. The Mayor said he understood that it had not been the custom to allow pictures to be shown in the borough 011 Christmas Day. Mr. G. 15. , Haydon remarked that the Mayor was under a misapprehension in that respect. For some years past permission had been given. He spoke in favour of granting the application, provided the programme was approved by a committee of the council and that no pressure be brought to bear on the employees to work ; on Christmas Bay. Mr. M. C. H. Barriett ridiculed the idea of a number of councillors being asked to say what would be. a suitable programme, owing to the difference in their scale of values. Mr. Haydon then moved as an amendment that the permission be granted, subject to the programmes submitted by both picture theatres being approved by the town clerk. Mr. A. Gar,side seconded and supported : the amendment and argued that he had had to work late on Christmas Eve for 24 years and he could not see any reason why pictures should not be screened on Christmas £>ay night. After long discussion the amendment was lost, and the motion was carried, with one dissentient.