NEWS OF THE DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 185, 6 August 1936, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Sawmills Slowed By Frost. The recent frosts have been particularly severe at To Wlietu, a. sawmilling district about 14 miles from Putaruru. Here water pipes have been frozen at 4 p.m., ancl commenced to freeze again shortly after thawing. In some cases it has not been possible to start work in mills until the pipes have been thawed out. Signs of Early Spring. There are many signs of the approach of spring to' bo found in Auckland and its suburbs at the present time. Apart from a high rate of lambing in particularly favourable localities, trees of almost all varieties are beginning to bud preparatory to bursting into leaf. In some quarters fruit trees arc commencing to flower, and some, such as plum trees, are a mass of blossoms. Homeward-Bound. Many excuses are heard in Police Courts from drivers of motor vehicles prosecuted for "stepping 011 the gas." An original one was given by the owner of a fleet of lorries whose driver had been summoned for exceeding 25 miles an hour in the Papakura Court this week. The owner said "his driver had just got married and was in a hurry to get home." The magistrate, Mr. I\. H. Levien, S.M., commented with a smile that tlie excuse was a new one.

Government Records. "We have had some striking examples of records in this last session. You don't want to worry with tJie present Government; if they don't push it through in one session, then it's not worth their while." This was the remark of a delegate to the conference of fruit exporters in Wellington, provoked when another delegate complained of the uselessness of asking the Government to take action in a question under discussion because of the long time generally taken in Parliament to deal with such matters. Safe Swimming Pool. Following complaints that the large newopen swimming pooi at Milford Beach was unsafe in its present unfenced condition, the Devonport Steam Ferry Company, which built and controls tlie pool, has written to the Takapuna Borough Council pointing out that since a parapet had been erected the pool was as safe as similar pools in other parts of the world. The company also stated that it was proposed to erect a fence around the pumping plant shortly to lie installed, also the penstocks. The council decided to refer the matter back to the compjuiy to act on its own discretion. Plan for New Trades Hall. Tlie desire for improved accommodation for trades union officials was mentioned in the "Star" some weeks back, and the matter has now been carried a further stage in view of the fact that the trustees of the Trades Hall discussed it yesterday, preparatory to calling a meeting of union delegates next week.° The proposal is that if the trustees are able to suggest a suitable scheme union representatives will be asked to discuss with their unions the proportion of cost tlicy will be asked to contribute towards the erection of a new building.

Sheep With Five Lambs. A Putarnru case of quintuplets was discovered on Tuesday, when Mr. P. Mason, manager of the Bank of isew Zealand faim at Tokoroa, found that a ewe on the property had given birth to five lambs (reports the "Star's" Putaruru correspondent). All were healthy, and the mother was in excellent condition. The birth of quintuplets in sheep is extremely rare, and Mr. Mason had heard of only one previous case. The lambing season is now in full swing in the Liin.ii and Putaruru districts. Farmers consider that the percentage of increase will be up to the average. Mortality is low. Value of Conferences. Is the forthcoming conference called by the Takapuna Borough Council to discuss the question of North Shore amalgamation of local bodies likely to he of any real value? That was the question under discussion at the Devonport Borough Council last night, when an invitation to send delegates was received. Mr. E. Aldridge complained that too many conferences had been held on the subject during the past few years, and nothing ever seemed to be accomplished. What was the use of the council sending delegates if Takapuna had no concrete proposals regarding finance and other matters to put forwaul? Other members of the council were of the same opinion, but there were some who held that the council should be far-sighted enough to put forward every effort toward amalgamation, since a single controlling body could solve many problems that had proved too great for the individual councils. They referred in particular to drainage and water questions. After the matter had been fully discussed, a division was called, and it was decided that any member of the council who wished to might attend.

Road Courtesy Urged. The need of a road courtesy campaign as a prelude to any future safety campaign was emphasised by Mr. P. Seabrook when speakin" last evening at a smoke concert held by the New Zealand Motor Racing Drivers' Association. "We hear a great deal about the making of new' laws to create {neater safety on our roads," Mr. Seabrook said. "They will do some good, no doubt, but what is wanted first is a standard of real road courtesy. Racing drivers, as well as everyday motorists, must realise ' that such a standard cannot help but be a major factor in reducing the alarming number of road accidents in New Zealand." Consideration for other road users was the main point involved, and the association could start a campaign that would have far-reaching effects. Laws to deal with the matter would not be needed, but rather a co-operative spirit among drivers, such as was to l>e found in England. Mr. J. Johnston, a member of the committee, said he had no doubt the executive' would adopt Mr. Seabrook's suggestions. A proposal for a special courtesy week was made by Mr. A. T. Reiman, a senior officer in the City Council traffic department.

Comet " Swims in to Our Ken.' Within the next few days a comet named Peltier's Comet is expected to be visible to the naked eye in the southern skies, despite stronft moonlight, according to a statement made by .Mr. I. L. Thomsen, of the Dominion Observatory. It was discovered on May 15, and has sihee been rapidly moving south It was stated yesterday to be only 1;>,<»0,000 miles distant— astronomically, of course, a mere 15,000,000 miles is not worth talking about—and of such a dimension as would make it easily discernible to the naked eye in the constellation of Aquarius. Mr Thomson gives the following predicted positions for the' comet, which was named after its (Liscoverer:—August 4, Right ascension 21 hours 45 minutes 10 seconds, declination 4 degrees 8 minutes south. August G: R.A.2lh 29m 14s dec. 20deg 16m south. August 8: li.A. 21h 12m 30s, dec. 34deg Sm south. It was observed at the Dominion Observatory on Monday night, when it was found to be othe second magnitude, more than a magnitude brighter than expected. At 10.30 of that night its position was R.A. 21h 4om and the declination 1 degree north. Apparently, it is stated, the comet is moving over t decrees a dav, or covers an amount equal to the moons apparent diameter in less than two hours. Such rapid motion was unusual in a comet, and indicated that it must be at present making its closest approach to the sun at a point which also lies comparatively close to the earth.

Many New Cars Bought. If free spending can be accepted as any criterion, Invercargill must be well on the way to prosperity, comments the "Southland News." More motor cars were bought last month than' for some time past, while motor salesmen state that prospective clients are far from rare. In July 98 new motor vehicles were registered at the motor registration branch of the Chief Post Office at Invercargill. Ranfurly Shield Benefits. The Ranfurly Shield matches in Duncdin have galvanised local interest in Rugby. On Saturday the attendance at the OtagoSoiithland challenge match was 28,000, and the gate takings £15(50, a record for the Carisbrook ground, states the "Star's" Duncdin correspondent. Yesterday's attendance at the Otago-Auckland game numbered 10,000 spectators, a record for a mid-week game, and the takings at the gate went over £700. Well and Truly Planted. From a civic point of view Arbor Day yesterday was celebrated in trauauil fashion in Auckland. With all formalities ready, Councillors J. Sayegh. and J. J. Grant attended the Domain in the afternoon, and there, in the sacred name of duty, planted 22 native trees, one for the Mayor and one for each member of the council. The only witness of the solemn and simple rite was the parks superintendent, Mr. A. Aldridge. The site was the slope near the tennis courts between the glasshouses and the main sports area of the Domain. Where Trees Are Cherished.

Speaking at Otaliuhu yesterday, Miss L. Cranwell, M.A., who has recently returned from a trip abroad, stressed the great love the people abroad have for trees. Especially was this trait seen in Norway and Sweden. In these two countries the forests will never be destroyed, as the tree planting exceeded the tree cutting. She added that the people of Sweden prefer to study their animals and birds in their natural state in the forests rather than in captivity at the zoo. She told of the great interest the people of Holland take in the elms that line their canals, and their great concern when these trees are attacked by disease. " Heiled " Hitler. Curiosity led Miss Beatrice Pugh, the Brisbane soprano, who has been touring New Zealand under engagement to the. national broadcasting stations, and who was a weekend visitor to Napier, to attend an election address by Dr. nermann Goering, Prime Minister of Prussia and head of tlie German Secret Police. Prior to the address Hcrr Hitler was "heiled" in the customary manner, but, being a foreigner, Miss Pugh did not consider it necessary to raise her hand in salute. To a German policeman standing nearby this appeared suspicious, and lie moved towards her, his demands for an explanation being met with an ingratiating smile. "The smile did not work, however," said Miss Pugh, "and to save further complications I raised my hand in salute." A Sanctuary for Nativfe Birds.

Mr. C. R. Petric, M.P. for Hauraki, mentioned a new. angle of native tree planting when expressing at Otahulm yesterday the hope that Arbor Day would attract attention to need of forest planting. He added that he also hoped the planting of native trees would also attract native birds. He stated that in years to come he hoped to see this native tree plantation as a sanctuary for our native birds. He exhorted his listeners to take a pride and interest in this reserve w 'tli this end in view. In this way, while instilling a love for our forests in the children of to-day, it would also instil a knowledge and love, of our far too few native birds. In conclusion he drew a picture of the children of to-day in later years sitting in Sturges Park listening to the beautiful songs of the native bi-ds in the plantation.

Peat as Aid to History. Speaking at Otaliuhu Arbor Day function yesterday, Miss Lucy Cranwell, M.A., stated that from tlie study of peat botanists were able to determine the vegetation of a country thousands of years ago. In England it used to lie a popular belief that the Komans brought over the beech tree, but a study of peat deposits showed that the beech was in England long before the Romans. In the same way botanists were able to determine the changes that have taken place in climatic conditions. In New Zealand the climate is becoming colder, and this is borne out by the fact that certain varieties of trees which flourish in the warmer parts of the country now die in the colder portions. A study of the peat deposits in these cokk-r parts has yielded infallible evidence that these same trees once flourished in these areas. The Sensitive trees have been destroyed by the change in temperature. Jury's Lengthy Session. The deliberation of a jury in a civil action at the Supreme Court last night created history for Auckland at least, if not for the Dominion, for the length of time it took to arrive at its decision. In civil actions a jury can return with a majority verdict at least nine to three—after three hours' consideration, and if it is unable to arrive at a majority decision it must remain out for four hours. In criminal cases there is 110 provision for a majority decision; the verdict must be unanimous, and the jury must remain out for four hours before it' reports a. disagreement. Yesterday's jury was considering a claim tor £1000 damages brought by tlie parents of a boy who was killed by a backing bus at Otaliuhu. They remained in retirement for just on seven hours, and about 11 o clock repoi ted a majority verdict for the plaintiffs, awarding £50 damages. It was obvious this morning, when a jury was being empanelled for another claim for damages case, that some of the jurors were not keen on undertaking the duty. When some of them walked into the jury seats, they stood deliberately for a second or more, giving counsel ample time to check up their occupations on the list with which the lawyers are supplied. In two cases at least the expectant challenge was forthcoming.

Antiquity of Tree Planting. The fact that while Arbor Day was' an American institution, the spirit of tree planting dated right back to Aryan people, who planted trees on all occasions to celebrate and commemorate outstanding events, was men tioned by Miss L. M. Uranwell, M.A., botanist at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, in an Arbor Day address at Otahuhu yesterday. Miss Cranweil traced the relationship of NewZealand trees with those found in other countries, and stated that just as New Zealand had colonists from all parts and climates of the world, it also had tree colonists from the warm and the cold zones. The speaker pointed out the ill-effects the country would suffer from the depredations of the deer; it would ultimately result in desert areas developing if not checked. She attributed the dust storms and deserts of America to the. loss of vegetation, and said the only remedy was the plantinn- of forests. Miss Cranweil stressed the great natural benefits New Zealand had in her forests, and urged their preservation. Everyone whom she had met abroad who had visited our country had expressed astonishment at the natural grandeur of our forests, which made the forests of other countries seem artificial. The speaker deplored the attitude of many local bodies in holding functions for tree" planting and then neglecting the care and attention of the trees, with the result that many died through sheer neglect. In appealing for the preservation of kauri trees, particularly any near the city, Miss Cranweil stated that every day she had numbers of inquiries about where a grown kauri tree could be seen near the city. She was afraid the time was not far off when the city of Auckland would not possess single specimen of a kauri giant within its environs.