NEWS OF THE DAY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 106, 7 May 1942, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY

PoMmi m Bread?

In view of a possible wheat shortage, the use of potatoes in bread has been Investigated by the Wheat Research Institute of New Zealand. The institute reports that it has also investigated the use of apples and apple flour "in case it should become necessary to use surplus apples in this way." Black Hen Becomes While An Australorp hen, the property of Mrs. E. Hine, Carrlngton Road, New Plymouth, has signalised its recovery from an ailment associated with moulting by changing the colour of its feathers. Originally Jet black, a few white feathers around the eyes were noticed as recovery began. In less than two months the bird has become almost white feathered, although in other respects it is normal. The new colouring extends to the skin on its legs.

Shopkeepers Criticised The action of certain Wellington shopkeepers in declining to sell goods in short supply unless the purchaser bought other goods as well was criticised at the annual meeting of the Wellington Trades Council. Mr. F. P. Walsh, president, said that some storekeepers were taking advantage of the scarcity of essential household commodities and quoted the case of one shop where a pound of tea was sold only if the customer purchased 5/ worth of other goods. Mr. Walsh added that the Federation of Labour would urge the Government to legislate to protect customers against this practice.

Nutritive Valve of Fish The assertion that the consumption of fish in New Zealand could be greatly increased with advantage to tne health of the people was made in a report by Mr. A. M. Rapson, biologist for the Marine Department, presented in an appeal before Sir Francis Frazer against a refusal by the Bureau of Industries of a pil-chard-canning license. Fish had high nutritive value and when canned enabled reserves of food to be built up. The report added that in the present emergency, with the possibility of cold-storage plants being put out of action, this was of national value.

A Rara Avis When the New Zealanders had been evacuated from Crete to Egypt, they were puzzled to see soldiers with a broad orange stripe on their arms. No one could place these soldiers, and at last a sailor asked one of them what nationality he belonged to. "I am a South African," he replied. "What does the orange band stand for?" inquired the sailor. "That means," said the South African, "that we are prepared to fight anywhere in Africa." "Won't you go out of Africa to then asked the sailor. "No," was the answer. This was too much for the sailor. "Gee, choom," he called, "come and see the one man we won't have to evacuate." This was among the stories told by Colonel L. W. Andrew, V.C., in his address at the monthly luncheon of the Wellington Returned Services' Association.

Afternoon tea at Carlaw Park Is an institution, patronised by many on Saturday afternoons, that will be carried on with a difference. The League Control Board has received a letter from the district rationing officer which states: "I have to inform you that there is no provision made for sporting bodies to purchase sugar." So no sugar, no tea, at least for the sugar-loving folk. So Polite! A lady rang up the Star to Inquire about a cable reference to a certain ship overseas. A girl was detailed to the task of looking up the reference, and it was suggested that the lady telephone again next morning. That night the girl remembered that a boy very well known to her and her family was in the same ship. Next morning she informed the inquirer all she had found, adding, "As a matter of fact. I know a boy who is on that ship." "Oh. who is he?" the lady asked, interested. "Bill Blank," the girl replied, whereupon the voice at tne other end said, "Why, I'm Bill's mother. Do I know you?" The girl gave her name, and the polite, impersonal conversation broke up into amazed laughter as they realised each other's identity and the fact that they had been talking to each other as perfect strangers.

Hose Protection Effective So far only one of the new trenches built in Wellington at right angles across half of Jervois Quay, Customhouse Quay and Waterloo Quay—covering the area of the waterfront from the traffic office to the Hotel Waterloohas been tried out. These trenches have been constructed with the object of protecting the flre brigade hose when they are tapping the waters of the harbour through the new rising mains, provided last year. At first ft was thought that ample provision might be made for passing traffic by the use of ramps laid on the road surface on either side of the hose, but in practice it did not work out so well, hence the trenches which take the hose intact under stout wooden covers. These trenches are to be used at the next night trial along the waterfront of the rising mains and trailer pumps. Pay for Coal om Ordering From May 1 the members of the Wellington public were asked to pay for their coal and firewood when ordered, instead of on delivery or later. The major reason for this decision on the part of coal merchants is not so much to get prompt payment, but to ensure that tne men employed as delivery carters will not be delayed by requesting payment. Delivery or coal during tne winter months is not altogether pleasant employment, and is rendered less so when, on a wet day. the carter, with grimy hands and probably half wet through, has to stand at the door, take the money for the coal and sign a receipt. The new order is really to relieve these men of an arduous duty. A firm which regularly employed four drivers to deliver coal has been reduced to one, while the demand for coal is, if anything, greater than it was at this time last year. Payment on order will enable tne men to get on with their work of delivery.* instead of spending a third of their time collecting small sums of money at people's back doors.