General News

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25243, 23 July 1947, Page 6

General News

Lord Montgomery Works at Night Because Field-Marshal. Lord Montgomery has no engagements after 6 pjn. during his New Zealand tour, there is an impression among the public that his programme has been arranged so he can go to bed early every evening. This is not correct, for Field-Marshal Montgomery needs his Evenings free so he can carry on the many tasks of a Chief of the Imperial General Staff. He is in touch with the War Office every day, and each night he and his personal staff have to deal with communications from London on defence and allied matters. Control of Waterfront No conclusion has yet been reached in the discussions among the Minister of Labour (Mr A. McLagan), representatives of the New Zealand Waterside Workers’ Union and the New Zealand Shipowners’ Federation on the constitution and functions of the projected Waterfront Control Commission. The Minister met representatives of the shipowners yesterday morning and further talks will probably be held before a decision is reached.—(PA.) Otira Gorge Road Open The Otira Gorge highway was reopened to traffic on Monday after a blockage caused by snow. An angledozer cleared the route, which can be negotiated without the use of chains on vehicles. Overseas Airport Members of Parliament for several Canterbury electorates met a special committee of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce on Monday afternoon to discuss the question of an overseas air terminal for the South Island. The committee is seeking the support of members in its claims to have Harewood airport recognised as an overseas air terminal. ~ost of Homer Tunnel.

The total cost of the Homer tunnel and approach roads up to November 11 last was £616,241. A return tabled by the Minister of Works (Mr R. Semple) in the House of Representatives yesterday gave the following details: approach road from Te Anau to tunnel, £91,201; Homer tunnel, £418,570; avalanche protection, £5723; approach road to tunnel from Milford, £100,745.—(F.0.P.R.) Busy Day for Restaurants

Restaurants, quick-lunch establishments and cafes in Christchurch yesterday had their busiest day for many years. Large crowds froih outlying suburbs came to the city early in the morning to see Field-Marshal Lord Montgomery, and many did not return to their homes, hoping that by staying in town they would get another glimpse of the famous visitor. All restaurants near the Square were crowded after the civic reception at King Edward Barracks, and queues quickly formed in many places. Most proprietors had anticipated the rush, and had laid in extra food. Accidents With Firearms

“The firearms accident rate is still very high. These accidents are due largely to preventable causes, says the annual report of the Police Department presented to the House of Representatives yesterday. Most of the accidents were caused by shotguns with exposed hammers and by .22 rifles. In some cases where weapons were examined after an accident it was found either that they had inherent faults or that they had worn into a dangerous state. Such weapons were referred to a licensed gun dealer for treatment, and the owner was warned about hidden dangers and the need for care.—(F.O.P.R.) A Frosty Month The eighteenth frost of the month—of 12.2 degrees—was recorded in Christchurch yesterday. On only four days since the end of June has the minimum temperature on grass been above 32 degrees. Two frosts, on July 2 and July 19, have been of more than 14 degrees. Entry Permits for Eurasians “Has the Customs Department issued permits for the entry into New Zealand as residents of a number of Eurasians who recently arrived on a ship from India?” asked Mr C. M. Bowden (Opposition, Karori) in a notice of the question given in the House of Representatives yesterday. Mr Bowden also sought to know the policy of the Government generally in the admission of other Eurasians who might seek to leave India because of the coming end of British rule.—(P.A.)

School Holiday The Canterbury Education Board had anticipated that Field Marshal Montgomery might ask for a school holiday, and arrangements had been made accordingly, said the secretary (Mr L. E. Rowley). Rather than declare a holiday in advance, it had been agreed that The children should assemble at school and then go to their designated sections of the route lined by children. The Tramway Board had done a magnificent job in transporting several thousand children into the city, and the teachers had arranged them in position without a hitch. In all, well over 5000 children must have lined the route of Lord Montgomery’s entry to Christchurch, Mr Rowley said.

Retail Meat Subsidy “The subsidy on meat will be considered with all other subsidies, and there is no reason why it should be singled out for special attention at the present time,” said the Minister in charge of Stabilisation (Mr A. H. Nordmeyer) when a report that the subsidy on retail meat sales was likely to be withdrawn was referred to him last evening.—(P.A.) Football Jersey Shortage There was likely to be a serious shortage of football jerseys in Christchurch next season, said the deputychairman of the Canterbury Football Association at a meeting of the management committee of the association last evening, when a request from an outside code for the use of the association’s provincial jerseys was received. Mr Smith said that his firm’s allocation of jerseys for next season was only ten dozen. This was the largest allocation among Christchurch firms and had to cover all of Christchurch. The provincial jerseys were still in good order, but because of the likely shortage he would not like to see them lent. It was decided to refuse the request. National Savings Good progress in National Savings was again recorded last week, when 324 places, or 92 per cent, of the areas for which quotas have been allotted, attained their individual weekly quotas In the Nelson postal district all local annual quotas have now been obtained. Dunedin has again this year scribed its annual quota by £260,000 m advance of Auckland, Wellington. and Christchurch. Altogether 135 local offices have reached their annual quotas since April 1. Of these, 70 are in the North Island and 65 in the bouth Island. Maori Claims A Royal Commission to inquire into West Coast (North Island) native lands will be set up soon according to advice received at Hawera from the Native Minister (Mr P Fraser). A petition was presented last year to Mr Fraser at Taiporohenui the five main tribes in Taranaki asking for satisfaction of their grievances in respect of leases of 71,800 acres of native lands from White Cliffs to Waitotara (P.A.)

Interest in Education A keen interest in the New Zealand education system has been taken by the manager of the South African Football Associaton team (Mr J Barbour) during the team’s tour of the Dominion. Mr Barbour is principal of the Observatory High School, Johannesburg He also studied Australian conditions when the team was in that country. On his return to South Africa Mr Barbour hopes to arrange for an exchange of information among the three countries by way of correspondence and literature.