NEWS OF THE DAY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 171, 22 July 1941, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY

Court Work and the War "In the present circumstances it would be improper for the Court to grant the usual indulgences in race week," said Mr. Justice Northcroft in the Christchurch Supreme Court yesterday, when replying to a request for the postponement of a divorce matter. "The Court will continue to sit during race week, regardless of racing fixtures," he said. Counsel, says a Press Association message, had suggested postponement of his case to the next session, as witnesses had to come from a distance. His Honor remarked that witnesses might be glad to be in the city during race week. Tikiwhata Tunnel Job Since the piercing of the Tikiwhata tunnel some weeks ago the departure of some of the men who formed the gang working from the southern end has necessitated a reorganisation of work in the tunnel (reports the "Star's" Gisborne correspondent). At the time the breakthrough was made some chains remained to be opened out to full section, and a portion nf this work is still uncomDleted,' whire there is also a substantial amount o?" concrete lining to be done in the section nearest to the point at which the two faces met. The completion of the tunnel is, however, no longer a matter of urgency, as its use will depend on the erection of a large parabolic arch span bridge in Kopuawhara Valley and on other work nearer Waikokopu Junction. War Effort of N.Z. On returning home after a visit to Australia, Mr. J. L. Hay, of Christchurch, said he felt he had no need to be ashamed of New Zealand's war effort. In an address to the Christchurch Business Men's Club, he said the war effort in New Zealand showed itself in a more sober attitude and more determination. Australia, he believed, would be the "arsenal of the Pacific" and was already supplying much of the material used in the Middle East. The impetus given to industry there by the war had impressed him immensely. He had seen a large factory near Melbourne where shells and guns of all calibres were being made. There were 7000 workers in one factory alone. In addition enterprise was being directed to the production of classes of goods now in short supply in New Zealand, such as electric light cable. More was done than in New Zealand to dramatise the war, Mr. Hay said, and the Australian Ministry of Information made extensive use of films of munitions production and military camps, which were shown all over the country. H«! had been told that the New Zealand Government was negotiating for the use of of these filins.

Selwyn Centenary The commemoration throughout New Zealand of the centenary of the arrival in Australia and New Zealand of Bishop Seiwyn is advocated by the Wellington Diocesan Synod, which has adopted a resolution to that effect. The 100 th anniversary of the arrival of Bishop Selwyn falls next year, on May 6, the day before Ascension Day, and the resolution suggests that, as the epistle and gospel for that festival contain the great missionary charge to the Church, the Board of Missions should devise a scheme for Ascension Day, 1942, being made the opportunity for the commemoration throughout New Zealand of the life and missionary work of Bishop Selwyn. Russian Anthem Moved by patriotic motives, the Australian Broadcasting Commission is reported to be anxious to play some Russian tune as a tribute to the Empire's latest ally. The difficulty is to determine the Russian national anthem, as neither the "Internationale" nor the "Red Flag" appear altogether suitable. Meanwhile the Postmaster-General, Mr. Collins, has cabled to the 8.8.C. for advice, and it is expected that the new Russian march being broadcast by the 8.8.C. will be the final choice. The National Broadcasting Service in Auckland reports that no instructions concerning the broadcasting of a Russian national anthem have yet been received. Correspondence Summaries Declaring that time was valuable and that it was boring to have to sit and listen to the reading of lengthy routine letters, Mr. C. J. Lovegrove advocated at yesterday afternoon's meeting of the Auckland Electric Power Board the preparation of a summary of all correspondence to come before the board. "I really strain at the leash," he added, in referring to the wasted time. Mr. E. H. Potter doubted whether a precis of correspondence always conveyed the meaning intended. "If the City Council took as long at its business as we do, it would sit for a month," said Mr. Lovegrove. "Why does Mr. Lovegrove want to go back 50 years? We are advancing to-day," said Mr. J. Sayegh. who pointed out that much of the City Council business was transacted by committees. Unless he knew what was going on he considered he would be of no use to the board. The chairman, Mr. S. J. Harbutt, intimated that he would arrange to have the correspondence presented in (he form suggested bv Mr. Lovegrove.