General News

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21578, 14 September 1935, Page 16

General News

New Hostels on West Coast A, report that she was trying to form a new chain of hostels in the north part of the West Coast was made to a recent meeting of the committee of the Youth Hostel Association by Miss Cora Wilding, the organising secretary. Already at four places hostels had been promised, said Miss Wilding, and there was reason to hope that a chain could be completed. Outlet of Lake Ellasmere It was stated last night that if the weather remained fine water will to-night be flowing through the cut which is being made to enable the water of Lake Ellesmere to subside. Work was begun on the outlet on September 6, but last Monday it was held up by unsuitable weather conditions. A fresh start was made on Thursday. The present level of the lake is 2ft llin above lake datum. Highway Subsidies The opinion that the Highways Board treated counties very well and paid them quite enough in subsidies was generally subscribed to by members of the Heathcote County Council at a meeting of the council last evening. A request was received from the New Zealand Counties' Association that the county should pass a resolution asking the Government to authorise the payment of a £1 for £1 subsidy on roads other than highways, "instead of the present subsidy. Cr. C. Flavell said he did not think it wise to alter the present system, and other councillors agreed with him. On his motion it was decided not to accede to the request.

Shooting of Pigeons

The committee of the Wellington Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals passed unanimously a motion protesting against the use of pigeons for shooting. Mr R. A. Nicol, the society's inspector, reported on a visit he had made to the Hutt Valley Kennel Club's gun dog trial on August 31. As soon as the dog pointed, he said, indicating that it had fcund the pigeon in the trap, the bird was released at a signal from the judge. Two men shot it when it was six to 10 feet in the air, and it fell almost at the feet of the dog. Boy scouts were noticed assisting in carrying the dead birds back to the heap. Only one bird got away. Another was wounded, and, after being retrieved, had its neck wrung by the judge. "The pigeons did not have a sporting chance," said Mr Nicol.

Broadcasting and Budget

"Mr Coates has a very important document coming down next week, a document called the budget," said the Hon. Adam Hamilton. Postmaster-General, at the Association Day smoke concert of the Commercial Travellers' and Warehousemen's Association in the Jellicoe Hall last evening. Mr Hamilton was referring to the absence of Mr Coates, who is patron of the associations throughout New Zealand. "I am not going to tell you what is in it"— Laughter followed this remark—"as that would be giving away secrets. You may hear it over the wireless." There was more laughter when Mr Hamilton asked, in an aside, "Is it allowed over the wireless?"

A Problem to Solve "Irrespective of party, it is the job of all of us to recognise that we have a problem to solve so that our children shall not have to go through what we have gone through in the last few years," said the Mayor, Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P., speaking at the annual smoke concert of the Canterbury Commercial Travellers' and Warehousemen's Association last evening. "There must be something seriously wrong," said the Mayor, "when we have the situation of the world's enormous productive capacity on the one hand, and on the other, enormous numbers of people who are not able to buy what they need."

Bobby Calf Trade

Advice that alleged irregularities in the transport of bobby calves were being investigated was contained in a letter received by the Waikato Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals from the Hon. C. E. Macmillan, Minister for Agriculture. The department's officers were going into the matter very carefully with a view to endeavouring to remove the causes for serious complaints. "I note what you say regarding calves one day old being sent to the works," stated Mr Macmillan, "and I am very much surprised that this should be done, seeing that when they reach the works they only go to swell the condemnations which have to be made when animals which are too immature are examined. The measures now being taken should have the effect of bringing about an improvement." A letter received by the society from the Railway Department said that when ordinary goods waggons were supplied for the transport of bobby calves this was done at the request of the dealers, who seemed to prefer this type of truck. Presentation to J. E. Lovelock The presentation of a writing-desk made from New Zealand woods to J. E. Lovelock, the New Zealand athlete, in appreciation of his many great records in athletic events, especially in mile races, on overseas tracks, will be made in England just before the fill Blacks play England at Twickenham on January 4. It is expected that the All Blacks will be present at the function. This announcement was made by Mr J. K. Moloney, president of the Canterbury Amateur Athletic Centre, speaking at the soortsmen's welcome to the South Canterbury. Rugby team at the Pioneer Sports Club's rooms last evening. The presentation is being made with funds subscribed by sportsmen throughout New Zealand. The idea was sponsored by the Pioneer Club and the desk was designed by Mr Cecil Wood, Christchurch architect. Members of all types of sports organisations in New Zealand have contributed.

Fumes in Motor-cars It is commonly understood that the inhalation of motor-car exhaust futoes is likely to have uncomfortable, if not dangerous, effects. This has been illustrated by a case, in 'the recent experience of a city doctor, of the driver of a closed car suffering a month's illness, the cause of which was diagnosed as exhaust fumes. The danger of poisoning by fumes was confirmed yesterday by foremen in large city garages, though they had heard of very few actual cases. In modern cars, they considered, the danger was almost negligible. In cars of older pattern, however, especially if worn pis-ton-rings permitted the combustion of oil from the crank case, carbon monoxide fumes might find a way into the body of the car. Quite often, to prevent this, the "breather" pipes on the crankcase were stopped, and the fumes led below the running board through a length of pipe. It appears that most drivers recognise immediately any symptoms of poisoning, and take their cars to a garage for inspection.

Co-operation of City and Country

A pleia for co-operation between city and country interests was made yesterday by the Postmaster-General, the Hon. Adam Hamilton, in an address to supporters of the National Political Federation. He said that relations between town and country at the present time were strained, and he urged his hearers to do all in their power to prevent a definite split. The need of the Dominion to-day was a government composed of sound country people and responsible city men, who would govern in the interests of all. "The farmers in New Zealand are practically the only exporters, and we want to see each essential part of the community receive an equitable reward for its labour and capital," said Mr Hamilton. There was a prevalent feeling to-day that too much was .being done for the farmer, but if the figures were obtainable a return might show that the city man was not rewarded more for an equal expenditure, labour and capital, than the farmer, who worked harder than anyone else in the community. This contention, he said, appeared to be borne out by'capital and labour being attracted more to the town than to the country, at the Dresent time.