General News

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25638, 29 October 1948, Page 6

General News

Otago’s Gifts to Royal Party Otago’s recent preoccupation with centennial celebrations will be reflected in the official presentations from the city of Dunedin to be made to the King and the Queen and Princess Margaret. The King will get the first copy, specially bound, of the official history of Otago and the Queen a specially bound copy of the first of the centennial history series, “The Women of Otago.” Shortly to be issued is an elaborate publication with photographs in full colour of floats in the Cavalcade of Progress last February. and a special copy of this will be presented to Princess Margaret.— (P.A.) Snake Bite Antidote for Sale Possibly unaware that New Zealand has no noxious snakes, a firm in Barranquilla. Colombia, is willing to sell botanical products, such as snake and .scorpion bite antidote, “internationally recognised and produced exclusively in Colombia,” to Dominion importers. An inquiry about trade has been received from the company by the Canterbury Manufacturers’ As- . sociation. Among its lines, the comi pany also mentions raw sharkskins and fresh shark livers. Steamer Express Service When the clause in the Finance Bill empowering the Minister of Marine to conduct shipping services was mentioned by the Minister of Finance (Mr Nash) in the House of Representatives yesterday, several Opposition interjectors suggested that the clause might be used in future, if the Government wished, to take over the Lyttelton steamer express service, Mr Nash said the clause merely gave, in relation to existing ships operated by the Government, a power which the Auditor-Gen-eral said did not exist under present statutes, but which was desirable. Mr W. H. Gillespie (Opposition, Hurunui) said the Minister’s explanation suggested that there was a story behind it. The Leader of the Opposition (Hr S. G. Holland): “Will the Minister limit the power which is being taken to existing services?” Mr Nash: “No. I J would not like to do that.” “He’s after i the Lyttelton ferry service,” commented Mr R. G. Gerard (Opposition, Ashburton).—(P.A.) 16 Miners Still on Strike

No settlement has been reached in the dispute between the owners of the Cascade coal mine in the Buller district, and the co-operative party of 16 men which has been working the mine. The men are claiming higher tonnage rates. The mine has not been working since October 18. Some of the strikers have commenced work in other mines in the Westport district. Smoke Haze Over Auckland Softening distance views and limit-, ing visibility to between six and 12 miles, smoke haze from recent bush fires on the Australian coast hung over Auckland yesterday morning. Smoke was reported by aircraft coming across the Tasman Sea. said an official of the Auckland Weather Office, and it reached Auckland on Wednesday afternoon. It was thickest yesterday morning.—(P.A.) N.Z. Timber for Australia

“I have heard nothing but praise for softwoods received in Australia from New Zealand,” said Mr J. J. Murray, Australian Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, in an interview in Christchurch last evening. “My country earnestly awaits continued shipments of exotic timbers from New Zealand. We hope that, in return, we shall be able to fulfil New Zealand’s requirements of hardwoods. A lot of hardwood is now being taken out of New Guinea, and as this country, after the ravages of war, becomes more organised, further supplies can be expected.” Boats for N.Z. Oarsmen

A racing eight ordered two years ago is now being rushed to completion by a Parramatta River boatbuifder in time for the arrival of the New Zealand rowing team in Australia on November 24. The Sydney boatbuilders whc supply. Australia and New Zealand rowing clubs have not been able to deliver new craft to New Zealand, although orders were placed two years ago. Present orders are sufficient to keep them working at full, pressure for six years. Another Parramatta River boatbuilder has diverted a Canadian order so that J. Schneider, the New Zealand sculling champion, will have a new boat for his races against New South Wales stars. Schneider may meet the world champion, Merv. Wood, at the Metropolitan regatta on December |l. Arrangements have also been made to supply the New Zealanders with double scull, pair oar, and four oar shells. —Sydney, October 28. No Speed Limit Favoured The Rangiora Borough Council decided at its monthly meeting this week to recommend to the Commissioner of Transport !Mr G. L. Laurenson) th'at no speed limit should be adopted, although driving should be consistent with safety and without danger to the public. This was decided after a letter was received from the Commissioner of Transport asking for the council’s opinion. Dusty Sale A strong north-west wind made conditions very uncomfortable in the cattle pavilion at the Addington showgrounds yesterday when the Canterbury Combined Breeders’ Association held its seventh annual sale of stud dairy bulls. Dust was stirred up throughout the day, and spiritless bidding during the last half of the sale did not make matters any easier for the auctioneers. After the last lot had been sold an auctioneer announced that the sale was at an end and added: “If I ever have to die suddenly I hope it will be the night before the eighth annual sale.” His remark was greeted with a chorus of “Hear Hear’s” from fellow auctioneers. “Expenses Eventually Paid” Among the mail received yesterday by Mr R. T. Alston, secretary of the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association, was a printed postcard from Klagenfurt, Austria, addressed to Mr Alston as manager of the “New Zealand Industries Exhibition,” at Christchurch, New Zealand. Australia.” The card, apparently dispatched by a publication called “Werbusieg,” was printed in English. French and German. It said:—“Signed publication is requesting you for following stamps issued: exposition, fair, festivity, jubilee, congress, contest, propaganda, and in all varieties such as may appear in languages, colours, sorts or other designs, and that, if possible, 100 pieces each. The expenses will eventually be paid.” An even more hopeful request for a further “900 pieces without any compensation” had been deleted in blue pencil. Army and Air Force Sale j The north-west weather did not help ; sell the army greatcoats offered for sale yesterday when surplus Army and Air Force clothing was auctioned. The most popular items were khaki shirts and shorts and summer wear in general. Another feature of the sale, which will continue to-day. was the size of the articles sold. The large sizes went much more quickly than the small. Increased Pensions

‘ “High social security benefits are the' natural consequence and requirement of New Zealand’s Uigh standard of living,” said the Mayor of Timaru (Mr A. E. S. Hanan) in a letter to the Minister of Finance (Mr Nash) yesterday. Mr Hanan recently communicated with the Minister asking for increased benefits for pensioners. Mr Nash, in reply, said that schemes operating in New Zealand were generally better than anywhere else. In a further letter to the Minister, Mr IJanan said he felt sure that payers of income tax would have been satisfied with a £5 reduction, if the balance had been used for their less fortunate brothers and sisters. “Increased local body rates, bus fares, and prices for foodstuffs have still to be met by beneficiaries without the extra relief given to other classes.” he said. That it was hinted that there would be some charge for social security medicines m the future was another point in favour of increased benefits, said Mr Hanan.