NEWS OF THE DAY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 212, 8 September 1941, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY

Naval Trawlers Rapid progress has been made in the past few days on ithe second of eleven naval trawlers being built in New Zealand, the composite vessel H.M.S. Rimu, and it will be launched at the Marine Department's construction yard, Beaumont Street, Auckland, to-morrow morning. The acceleration of the work on the trawler is illustrated by the fact that at the launching of her sister ship, H.M.S. Hinau, 12 days ago, it was stated that it was expected that the Rimu would be launched in two or three weeks. The next nine vessels, three of which will be built at Auckland on the same site as the composite trawlers, will be constructed of steel.

Advancement in Railways The fact that the Government had found it necessary, due to staffing difficulties, to retain certain longservice men was mentioned by Mr. G. S. Reid, district traffic manager at Auckland, at the annual reunion of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Railway Officers' Institute, held at Newmarket on Saturday evening. Mr. F. C. Cleverley, who proposed a toast to the Department and management, said it was the contention of the institute that in spite of present manpower difficulties the younger men should receive an opportunity for advancement. The cordial relations of the staff with the management did much to promote efficiency, he added, and the method of raising the status of certain positions according to the responsibilities undertaken was giving general satisfaction.

Ivory for Range-finders In response to a call for ivory for the manufacture of components of range finders, a Victorian farmer, Mr. L. C. Holmes, presented the Australian Munitions Department with two of the largest elephant tusks in the world. They were 6ft high, 16in in circumference, and weighed more than one cwt each. They were a gift to Mr. Holmes from his uncle, Mr. Robin Reid, an explorer and big game hunter, who shot the rare white elephant to which the tusks had belonged in the Belgian Congo 40 years ago. The Munitions Department has also been offered tusks of the rhinoceros and walrus.

Army Office Alterations Alterations Vicing made at the records office in the Drill Hall, Rutland Street, include the removal of partitions to convert four rooms and a passage into one large room. This new room is now occupied by the records section staff, who will be supervised by an officer occupying a glassed-in room in one corner on a raised floor. Under the new system it is believed that the efficiency of the staff will be increased. Artillerymen Parade A parade of the Ist Field Regiment, New Zealand Artillery, was a feature of the "day of prayer" observances at Onehunga yesterday. Headed by its own band and under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel F. C. Soar, E.D., the regiment marched from the school grounds to St. Peter's Church, which was packed to overflowing. The service was conducted by the Rev. T. H. C. Partridge, and the first lesson was read by Major J. R. Turnbull. At the conclusion of the service, when the regiment had marched back to the school grounds, opportunity Avas taken by Colonel Soar, on behalf of the officers, N.C.O.'s and men, to say good-bye to Major Turnbull and Lieutenant C. S. C. Hughes, who have been selected for inclusion in the new army tank brigade of the Expeditionary Force for service i overseas.

Boisterous Week-end Only slight damage appears to have been caused in the Auckland district as a result of the blustery weather conditions which prevailed over the week-end. West to northwest winds were the order, and these at times reached a velocity of 52 miles an hour. Heavy falls of rain and hail at times made conditions exceedingly unpleasant, but occasional bursts of sunshine yesterday gave people an opportunity to "get a breath of fresh air' 'or enjoy short motoring jaunts. At Pukekohe wireless masts were blown down, telephones were put out of order and trees were uprooted. Employees of the Franklin and Auckland Electric Power Boards were called on from time to time to restore services. The worst trouble in the Auckland board's area was at Mangere, where interference to the service was occasioned on Saturday by an obstruction on a high tension line. The trouble was quickly located and the service restored within an hour. To-day there was a pleasant change in conditions, sun shining from a clear blue sky in the forenoon to give a distinct spring atmosphere.