General News

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21175, 28 May 1934, Page 10

General News

"One Man Sufficient" "One Minister for Finance is enough," said the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates on Saturday, referring to the view held by some sections of the community that too much responsibility rests on the heads of the members of the Government. Mr Coates explained that the Minister for Finance was not irresponsible; he certainly had his ideas about things, but he made his proposals to the Cabinet, and the Government decided on action. "The team we have is sufficiently large to handle the situation," he added. Motorists in the Fog The fog in the region of Cranmer Square about 11 o'clock on Saturday evening was so thick that motorists had great difficulty in finding their way. At one moment, when street lamps were invisible at a distance of 30 yards, a car got into difficulties on the east- side of the square. The driver was travelling very slowly and trying to pick his way by watching the line of the kerb, but after twice getting his off wheels into the gutter and once scraping the kerb with a mudguard he gave up the attempt. There happened to be a small boy passenger in the vehicle, and he was turned out on to the road to run ahead and guide the car. By this means the driver was enabled to find his way safely out of the square and northward into clearer air. Newspaper Company's Affairs The New Zealand Gazette announces that at a meeting of the New Zealand Samoa Guardian Newspaper, Ltd., held on May 7; it was decided that the company be wound up voluntarily. The meeting appointed Mr R. T. Pleasants, of Auckland, as the liquidator. Aeroplane Rebuilt The Canterbury Aero Club's veteran Moth aeroplane, ZK-AAW, is expected to be in the air again some time this week after the rebuilding which has been carried out by the club's staff at Wigram. A new fuselage has been built from parts supplied by the makers of the machine, and the job has been extremely successful. Much of the credit for the excellent work must go to Mr A. Brazier, ground engineer to the club, who has been in charge of the repairs. The machine, which has been in service for four years, has trained many of the club "pilots, and after its overhaul it will be as good as ever it was. A Late Arrival Wlule he was apologising for arriving late and explaining that he had been detained at the council chambers, the Mayor (Mr D, G. Sullivan, M.P.). who was one of the speakers at the celebrations on Saturday afternoon of the jubilee of the West Christchurch School, was interrupted by a voice from the crowd, who warned him: "Look out, the headmaster will be after you. Have you got your excuse?" "That's all right," replied the Mayor, "I have brought my note with me." Intermediate bchool System The Minister for Education (the Hon. R. Masters) has granted the request of the Canterbury Education Board that Mr N. T. Lambourne, Director of Education, should address a conference of the board and school committees concerned on the intermediate school system. The board carried at its last meeting a resolution inviting the director' to meet it in conference with the committees "to explain the apparent difference in (a) the promise and fulfilment of the scheme outlined by the former Director of Education, Mr T. B. Strong, and approved by the board, and (b) the scheme as it is now developing." It is hoped that the conference will be held earl}' in June. An Enterprising Chinesi: Among the most keenly interested spectators at the flying meeting at Wigram yesterday was a young Chinese, who, after watching the machines in the air for some time, bought a ticket for a stunt flight. He was taken up and given a quarter of an hour, in which the aeroplane performed what to some would be most disturbing tricks, but he emerged smiling and perfectly happy. The Chinese of New Zealand are as a whole keen flyers, and several have had instruction at clubs. Silver Coinage The Shaw. Savill and Albion Coy.'s liner Mataroa, which arrived in Lyttelton on Saturday from London, via Wellington, brought among her cargo £28,000 worth of halfcrowns in the new coinage of New Zealand. Tt; came in 56 boxes, each containing 500 coins. This is the second consignment of the new silver to arrive. Sailors' Hobbies A favourite hobby among deepwater sailors is carving and cabinetmaking, and some excellent examples are 1o be seen on the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's liner, Mataroa, which arrived at Lyttelton from London, via Wellington, on Saturday. Immediately on boarding the "hip the visitor sees a very fine piece of carving in trie form of a quartermaster's table and a panelled clock hanging above it. This is the work of the chief officer, Mr W. C. Meek, who thus employs his leisure while at sea. A strong rival ; n the execution ol' woodwork is the master of the vessel. Captain J. H. Gaskell. who turns his attention to cabinet-making during his spare time. Recently he completed a chest of drawers, made or mottled kauri, and in his bedroom, a wardrobe of his own construction adds to the general appearance of very comfortable quarters. Men and Women as Teachers "To say that men and women are interchangeable in our teaching service, or that we can do without either is to talk nonsense. Women can no more do work among boys than men can do work among gi '" or infants," said Mr G. K. Hamilton, president of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute, and headmaster of the Auckland Normal School, in a statement on Saturday.—"The Press" Special Service. For the convenience of our patrons we have a number of PRIVATE CARS which do not bear trade signs. These are particularly suitable for Weddings, or private hire at taxi rates. BLUE STAR TAXI SERVICE. 'Phones S5-228, 35-229. ~- At the recent tri:.-s held at the Lincol. i Agricultural College the Duncan drill was the winner in every test against all makes, both imported and local. Farmers are invited to view our newly-designed drill, fitted with the latest spring pressure and adjustable coulters, and compare ou> m-.chines and their prices with a" others. P and D. Duncan, Limited, 196 Tuam street, Christchurch, and at Ashburton. —3