General News

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24406, 4 November 1944, Page 6

General News

Southerly Bain Rain fell in Christchurch yesterday for the greater part of the day, 70 points being recorded at “The Press” Office for the 24 hours ending at 1 o'clock this morning. The rain started to fall just before midnight on Thursday. Yesterday, driven by a moderate southerly wind, heavy showers fell, and lawns and gardens received a thorough soaking. Early this morning the weather appeared to be clearing. Victory Celebration

That the day set- apart for the celebration of victory over Germany should be a day of thanksgiving and remembrance was the opinion expressed yesterday at the final session of thh Women’s Division of the Fanners’ Union conference, which was held in Christchurch this week. Several of the delegates said that they were members of committees set up in their districts to prepare for the celebration of the end of hostilities with Germany: some of the men of these committees considered that the day should be one of uncontrolled gaiety, and with this viewpoint the Women’s Division disagreed. It was decided to ask the Government to prohibit the sale of alcoholic liquor on the day of the celebration. Australia-N.Z. Conference

The Australia-New Zealand Conference resumed yesterday and considered a report from the committee on a number of matters, including the establishment of a general international security organisation, Pacific questions, the promotion of international social welfare, and the advancement of economic relations between the two countries, says an official statement. When the conference adjourned at midday substantial agreement had been reached on all points. It is expected that the conference will conclude with a-final'ses-sion on Monday. In a broadcast address last evening Mr Forde said the conference was proceeding most satisfactorily and in a spirit of complete co-ordination and understanding. The same friendly atmosphere had prevailed at these talks that had always characterised the relationships between both countries. —(P.A.)

The Botanic Gardens Near the children’s playground in the Botanic Gardens in Christchurch, extensive beds of azaleas in a woodland setting/are making a glorious display at the present time. Near them, in the water garden, Chinese primulas and geums are in bloom. The rock garden is very colourful at present, with many of the early summer flowering plants. Above the miniature waterfall is a flowering specimen of the bright red-flowered Chilean fire tree, embothrium lanceolatum. Trees and shrubs in the gardens are exceptionally fresh-looking and colourful with their variously-tinted young leaves. The maples at the north end of the archery lawn are particularly attractive. Shrubs in flower include lilacs, spiraeas, and rhododendrons. In the Townend House, there are specimens of greenhouse calceolarias, primula obconica, streptocarpus glgantea, and lilium regale. Increased Racing Permits An increase in the number of the existing racing permits by the re-; instatement of 10 of those that were cancelled because of the war was announced by the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry) in reply to an inquiry last evening. He said these permits would be allocated on the same percentage as before, seven for racing and three for trotting. The actual allocation to clubs was a matter for the Racing Conference. Mr Parry stated that the Government had renewed for' this season the 10 permits granted last season for patriotic meetings. These would be on the basis of five for gallops and five for trots as before. —(P.A.) Employment of Child “It seems a dreadful thinj? that a boy of this age should be permitted to work in this manner,” said Mr Raymond Ferner, S.M., at the Children s Court yesterday when he addressed the parent of a child who, in his work on a milk delivery, had stolen £2 13s 9d in cash from milk bottles. The boy, who was aged 10 years, had spent almost all the money in purchasing cakes, sweets, and pies. The Magistrate ordered him to be placed under the guidance of the Child Welfare Officer for 18 months.

Visit of H.M.N.Z.S. Gambia HMJN.Z.S. Gambia will arrive m Wellington this morning on the first visit to New Zealand. She is one of the class of 12 8000-ton cruisers named after British Crown colonies, and is larger and more heavily armed than ships of the Leander class. The Gambia which was recommissioned about 12 ’months ago by Captain N. J. W. William-Powlett, and a crew composed of New Zealand and Royal Navy personnel, has since seen much foreign service.—(P.A.) Ducks in Cathedral Square

Apparently with the idea of proving that the weather in Christchurch yesterday was ‘‘good weather for ducks,” two grey ducks paid a visit to' Cathedral square. They attracted much attention when they arrived on the south side of the Cathedral grounds, and sported in a puddle near the large elm tree there. Occupiers of business premises round the Square say that it was the first time for many years that ducks have come right into the city. Employment Restriction Order The Hon. A. McLagan, Minister of Industrial Manpower, has drawn attention to the Gazetting of Employment Restriction Order No. 5, which will become operative on November 16 when the existing order will be revoked. The towns of Coromandel, Te Aroha, Thames, and Waihi are added to'the existing coverage to bring them on to the same footing as other towns of similar size. Apart from these additions and a redrafting of parts of the existing order to give greater clarity of wording on several minor points, no change in the existing position is involved. With the same specified exceptions as previously, all employers must secure the consent of the Manpower Officer before engaging any labour for work in any of the areas covered. —(P.A.) Athletic Badges for Blazers Proposals for a pocket badge for a blazer, to be awarded by the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association to officials for outstanding service to athletics, was discussed at a recent meeting of the Canterbury Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. It was decided to object to the proposed pocket badge, on the ground that the fernleaf incorporated in it would probably be confused with the badge on the New Zealand representative blazer. It was decided to recommend that the fernleaf should be eliminated from the badge, as it was felt ‘that a coveted distinction should not be in any way cheapened.

Parliamentary Salaries “That in the opinion of the Southland Progress League the salaries of elected members of the House of Representatives should be substantially increased without delay. We consider such membeVs for a long time 'have been underpaid and the people of New Zealand should not wait until the war ceases to remedy this injustice.’’ This motion was carried at a meeting of the executive of the Southland Progress League.—(P.A.) Insurance of Board Members Some amusement was caused at a meeting of the North Canterbury Catchment Board yesterday, when a proposal to insure, members of the board against accidents suffered while they were carrying out their duties, was under consideration. The secretary (Mr I. J. Wilson) gave details of alternative insurance policies, one providing for compensation of £IOOO to the relatives of any member killed while on the board’s business, and £6 weekly for a maximum period of 52 weeks, for temporary disablement in similar circumstances; and the other providing only for compensation for temporary disablement. “I think we pught to have the comprehensive policy, because I am taking a party of board members on an inspection to Cass next week-end,” said Dr. G. Jobberns. In reply to Mr W. P. Spencer, the chairman (Mr \y. Machin) said that the policy would cover accidents to members going to or returning from board meetings, adding, “But you had better go straight home; the policy might be prejudiced by any calls on the way.” It was decided to take out the comprehensive policy.