NEWS OF THE DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 144, 19 June 1940, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Congenial Atmosphere.

A report presented to the Auckland Metropolitan Patriotic Committee last evening stated that the attendance at the Toe H Servicemen's Club was growing rapidly, and that during the past few veeks the rooms had been taxed to their utmost, more particularly at week-ends. Men from all branches of the Services—Army, Air Force and Navy—were making free use of the rooms, and were mixing together in a congenial atmosphere of friendliness and comfort. The music and sing-song on Sunday evenings was very popular.

id Word to Housewives.

Stanley Bay Jetty.

Panicky buying of daily rfecetsities has been strongly discouraged by the Government because it is both unnece*eary and undesirable. The wisdom of the Government's warning is strikingly manifest in regard to sewing cottons. Fearing a shortage, many housewives participated in the wild rush for supplies that ensued just after the outbreak of war. At that time there were normal supplies of cotton in the Dominion, but the public soon created a shortage by taking in'stocks above the usual requirements. Drapery shops report that some women had openly admitted that they were holding aa many as 40 reels, in spite of rationing efforts by the retailers. Because of these hoarders, ehops were soon cleared of supplies, and legitimate demands could not be met. As was the ca-se with many other lines, all demands could be met provided the public remained calm and kept their purchase* within reasonable limits.

The ferry skippers arc showing much skill in the way they berth their steamers at the Stanley Bay jetty while the alterations to the wharf are being carried out, which have for the time being considerably reduced the berthing accommodation. One half of the wharf frontage is being done at a time, the western end being done first and the ladies' waiting room being repaired. Now the eastern side is receiving attention, and when the planking is taken Off it .is seen how rotten some of the piles are. A capable gang of Harbour Board workmen are doing the job, and during the recent rough weather, exEosed Rβ they are to the full blast of he southerly winds, they have about the coldest job in Auckland. The residents who use the wharf are taking the greatest interest in the work, and the workmen good-humouredly answer many questions about the quality of the timber put in, and one old lady, when told that the piles were turpentine wood, observed "that she never thought turpentine trees grew so big."

Busy Time in Aircraft Assembling Increased requirements of aircraft in New Zealand have caused the De Havilland aircraft factory at Rongotai, Wellington, to be expanded considerably since it was first built. Additional accommodation has already been provided in the main factory, and now tie company is taking over half of the general exhibits court at the exhibition. Before the outbreak of war the Government ordered .100 Tiger Moth machines, and further orders have been placed since. To date about 50 aircraft have been handed over to the Government. At present the company receives the fuselage with the engine and instruments mounted. Wings have to be manufactured, tail units and undercarriage fitted, rigging put in place, and the machine tested. After the first 60 aircraft have been completed the fitting of the • engine will also have to be carried out. In addition to the manufacture of Tiger Moths, the factory will also be the major overhaul station for Gipsy engines in Now Zealand. Eight Tiger Moths formerly owned by the London Aero Club are being overhauled for the Air Force. Employees nunvber 80 or 90 at present. With the exception of six specialists brought from England, the staff we* selected from New Zealanders.