General News.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18682, 4 May 1926, Page 8

General News.

The Tramway Board had before it at its meeting yesterday a letter from the North Linwood Burgesses' Association asking that tramway traffic between Linwood avenue and tho Dalhngton terminus should be resumed. The General Manager stated that the Board was entirely at the mercy of the Drainage Board in this matter as the roads were closed to tramway traffic owing to drainage works being in hand. These works would be Enished, it was hoped, in a fortnight's time. Members of the Ashley River Trust made an inspection of the Ashley River from the confluence of the Okuku to the mouth of the Ashley, with the view of ascertaining what protective works are necessary, and also to give members an opportunity k> become conversant with the whole of the riverbed between the points mentioned. It is probable that a deputation representing the Trust will wait on the Prime Minister with the object of ascertaining if the Government will give financial assistance in the carrying out of. the proposed protectivo works. ,

Approximately seventy-five per cent. of the preparatory formation work for the new railway marshalling yards at Middleton has been done, and if the weather holds good probably a start will be made with the laying of the sidings. The rails and sleepers for the sidings are on the site. It is anticipated that the remainder of the preparatory formation work will be finished about the middle of the present month. The original proposal to establish a small depot at Middleton for shunting engines is being held up pending decision on the suggestion that the main locomotive depot should be removed from Ensor's road, Linwood, to Middleton.

Exhausted after a battle with the gale which has been raging on the West Oo&st, a fine specimen of the wandering albatross was captured on Muriwai beaeh on Saturday afternoon by Mr George Henning and Mr It. E. Champtaloup. The bird was installed in the Zoologica l Park yestorday, and although still ill. it had recovered sufficiently to exhibit some spirit. When found the albatross was standing on the beach and was in too weak a condition to make any attempt to fly. Mr Henning succeeded in leading it to a motor-car, and it was placed in the back seat with a gun dog. During the trip to Auckland the dog and bird were the reverse of friendly. The bird is the first of its species in the Zoo. Its wing spread measures over 9ft. Owing to the fact that these birds keep well off shore, it is seldom that a capture is made in New Zealand.— Auokland correspondent. The largest and most pretentious block of flats planned in New Zealand is shortly to be erected in Auckland. The building, which, it is estimated, will cost approximately £IOO,OOO, will comprise nearly one hundred residential flats planned on the most modern lines, and fitted with the latest conveniences and labour-saving devices. The scheme is being backed by a number of leading Auckland business > men, and it is hoped to commence building operations in the course of a few week's. The land on which tlio .building 16 to be erected has a double frontage to Waterloo quadrant and Eden Crescent, and will face Government House grounds., There will be nine storeys on Waterloo Quadrant frontage, while owing to the slope of the ground the Eden Crescent frontage will" be twelve storied. The construction will be in concrete and brick.—Auckland correspondent. Amongst the delegates to the fifteenth annual Dominion Conference of the Church of England Men's Society, who have already arrived in the City, and who will arrive this morning, are the following clergy and laymen : Auckland, Mr W. M. Rayner; Raetihi, Rev. O. S. Gibson.; Palmerston North, Rev. H. S. Kenney, Mr R. S. Robinson, and Mr W. Corlett; Wanganui, Mr T. W. Sutton and Mr E. Dowsett; Masterton, Rev. W. Bullock: Lower Hutt, *en. A. L. Hansel] and Mr W. Revnolds: Wellington, Canon J. H. Svkes and Revs. J. G. Blathwavt, J. E. Ash-ley-Jones. H. Walke, F.'B. Redgrave, and E. M. McLevie, Messrs J. W.' Henerson, G. G. Bridges. \V. Nash, W. J. l>es, J. Snail. A. L. Haylock, O. A. Welch and. F H. Morgan; Eastbourne, Her. O M. Stent and Mr C Baker; p!l St> ?>" ty£' M - Newton: Conrtenav, 44 R - Ke, J?. am ; Ashburton. Mr L. F. Andrewes; TrawaJd. Rev. A. H. Barnett. Messrs F. Griffith, J. Clark. E. H ™f m A - \ ataoa - A - M - Stephens, H. Dollman; Morven, Messrs W. WellwoodandS J. Bailer: OamaruVen. &iriL pi a .? d r Mr H - <*. Deal; Mra'E R GraU 6LambertsDuQe<iln -

A civic reception will be tendered the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders' Band at noon on Saturday. Advice was received yesterday that the Bealey was in high flood, and that in consequence it was impossiblo to cross the river.

Work is well forward at the Adding, ton railway workshops with the clearing of the site for the new buildings, and several of the existing buildings are ready to be removed to their new sites. A start has been made with the laying of the now sidings. tons is the season for the annual attack on the peculiar fungoid phenomena known as "fairy rings,'' which are a source of wonderment to many who cross our City lawns. The staff at the Botanic Gardens are using sulphide of iron to exterminate the growth, which has the effect of killing the grass and rendering the ground impervious to moisture.

Yesterday morning a motor-van. belonging to the Canterbury Co-op. Poultry Producers, Ltd., stopped suddenly on the Colombo street railway crossing just as the train from Southbridge was approaching it. The train struck the lorry, swinging it out of the way, and smashing the radiator. But for a severe shaking, the driver of tho vehicle was not injured. Appaiently the motor had run out of petrol. Detectives have arrested three boys on charges of breaking, entering, and theft of chocolates from the factory of A. E. Guillermo, Montreal street, Christchurch, recently. They will appear before the Children's Court on Saturday. A youth, aged 19 years, has also been arrested for the alleged theft of a magneto, which is valued at £ls. He will appear in the Magistrate's Court to-day. Infections and other notifiable diseases reported in tho Canterbury and West Coast Health Districts during the week ended noon yesterday totalled 38, as follows:—Canterbury: Scarlet fever, 16; diphtheria, 10; tuberculosis, o; erysipelas, 1; septic abortion, 3. West Coast: Scarlet fever, 1; diphthei'ia, 2. There were three deaths from tuberculosis reported in the Canterbury Health District.

The erection in one day of a church hall 60ft long and 30ft wide, was the successful accomplishment of the residents of One Tree Hill, a portion of tho Anglican parish of Ellerslie on Saturday. Church work in the district has suffered through lack of accommodation, and at the annual meeting a few weeks ago, it was decided to proceed with the erection of a church hall, with a chancel and side rooms. There were so many offers of skilled assistance that it was decided to organise a "working bee." Foundations were prepared in readiness for an early start on Saturday. The large number of volunteer workers toiled with great enthusiasm, and by lunch time the frame-work of the structure was almost completed. By late afternoon the roof and weather-boards were in place, the building only requiring tho finishing touches.—Auckland Correspondent. No one can get better service than that given by J. Heywood and Co., Ltd., either as furniture removers, Custom House Agents, or General Carriers. —^ Plenty of bargains are still available at Isitt's Fire Sale. In addition the whole of the undamaged stock is offered at a big reduction, including all the new goods, just received from London. L. M. Isitt, Ltd.. 113 Cashel street. -6