General News

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24740, 4 December 1945, Page 4

General News

+ Shipment of Australian Oranges A shipment of about 3500 cases of Australian oranges arrived in Christchurch yesterday morning, and will be distributed this week. Supplies of the fruit are also being forwarded to other. centres in the South Island. Later this week 2500 cases of bananas and 350 cases, of pineapples wall be available for distribution to retailers. Butchers’ Shop Hours Until final arrangements are made lor the compulsory closing of shops in the terms of the legislation recently passed, members of the Canterbury Master Butchers* Association will remain ( open for business on Saturday mornings. This statement was issued after a meeting of the executive held yesterday afternoon. Hothouse Grapes A few bunches of hothouse grapes, the first of the season, have been on sale in Christchurch recently. The first to be sent into the fruit and produce markets were of the Black Hambourg variety, and came from a hothouse at Spnngston about two weeks ago, and brought 9s a pound. Only a few pounds of grapes from Christchurch hothouses have been on sale since, and the retail price has been as high as 16s a pound. Anniversary Day Finding that Anniversary Day falls on Sunday, the executive of the Canterbury Pilgrims’ and Early Settlers’ Association, at its monthly meeting, passed the following resolution; “That it was hoped the ministers in charge of the various churches throughout Canterbury would make special reference to Anniversary Day, because it was then the First Four Ships, bringing the early settlers of this province, arrived in Lyttelton." Holiday Work in Mines In response to an appeal by the Government to assist in the continued production of coal, Mr W. Purdy, secretary of the Grey Miners’ Central Committee, states that all the mines in the Grey Valley district have agreed to sacrifice three days of their Christmas holidays. Work will be resumed at all the mines on Monday, January 7. It is hoped that other district mines will also comply with the request, and that the New Year will commence with more improved coal supplies than has been the case in past years. Christchurch-Akaroa Highway It was reported at a recent meeting of the Akaroa County Council that there was every prospect that the reconstruction and sealing of the main highway between Christchurch and Akaroa was to be proceeded with, shortly, and yet the council had received no information from the Main Highways Board on the matter. The council decided to write to the board stating that it would be grateful for any information as to when this work would be commenced, as it would facilitate the council’s future metalling programme. It was reported that anofficer of the Main Highways Board had recently visited the district in search of camp sites for the men who would carry out this work, and inquiries had been made as to whether the Takamatua Hall would be available for the purpose. Cr. Kay remarked that people round the district seemed to have more information about the road than members of the council. Other members said the building of the new highway was on the high priority list and it was important that the council should have definite information about the Government’s intentions. Auckland Fire Brigade According to a decision reached at a meeting of the Auckland Fire Brigades’ Union last night firemen will not accept relieving duty at out-stations or perform any work other than actual fire duties unless the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board assures them on Wednesday night that they will receive a relieving allowance of 2s a meal. The secretary of the union, Mr J. W. A. Stead, who is also the. Government nominee on the board, said although no reliefs would be provided the men would take their leave as it became due. The men would keep their machines in fighting trim.—(P. A.) Group Travel Tours Twenty Canterbury people visited Westport and district during the weekend under the Group Travel scheme. They left yesterday in continuation of their tour, and to-day another party, travelling under the same arrangements, will arrive from Christchurch. The group travel tours have been revived after a lapse during the war years. Emergency Regulations The duration of the Emergency Regulations Act, 1939, is extended to December 31, 1946, by the Emergency Regulations Amendment Bill, which was introduced and read a first time in the House of Representatives last night. The bill also validates regulations made under the act, and extends the power to modify any act by regulation, The Minister of Supply (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) said many hundreds of orders and regulations had been withdrawn, and were being withdrawn as rapidly as possible, but there were certain regulations, -particularly those in connexion with rationing, that it was necessary to continue for some time. They derived their authority from the main act. and it was necessary to continue that act for the time being.—(P.A.)