General News

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25736, 23 February 1949, Page 4

General News

Jugoslav Ship’s Cargo On his arrival in Auckland by air from Wellington yesterday afternoon, the Minister of Customs (Mr Nash) was asked if prosecutions were pending in connexion with illicit cargo which was loaded on the Jugoslav Government ship Partizanka in Auckland. “There is no need to prosecute,” Mr Nash replied. “We can fine without that.” “Will that be done?” Mr Nash was asked. “Oh, yes, it will be done,” he replied. “It will be done in a day or so.”—(P.A.) Substitute for Petrol Claimed

A Melbourne dental mechanic, Mr K C. Shipworth, claims that while mixing chemicals, some of which accidentally fell into a tin of water, h? discovered a power fluid at least as good as petrol. He says that he tried it out in a heavy car engine and found that it gave 21 miles to the gallon. The liquid, he says, would cost 9d to Is a gallon, and 50 per cent, of water could be added by the buyer. A syndicate is being formed to study ite possibilities.—Melbourne. February Conscription Supported by Retailers “Because of the present unsatisfactory position in international affairs and the vital need for the Dominions to play their full part in Commonwealth defence, the New Zealand Retailers’ Federation most strongly urges the Government to put into operation immediately a scheme for universal military service so that the duty of providing national defence' will be shared by all citizens of military age instead of being left to a few willing volunteers.” This motion was carried yesterday at the annual conference of the federation. New Word Proposed A new word to replace the expressions “tidal wave” or “seismic sea wave” may be one result of the discussions by oceanographers at the Pacific Science Congress. "Die word is “tsunamis” (pronounced "soonamees”) and is of Japanese origin. Yesterday oceanographers discussed a seismic sea wave warning system for the Pacific and Dr. F. P. Shepard (America) suggested that for clarification the word tsunamis should be used. The waves had nothing to do with tides and the word' was easier to use than “seismic sea wave,”, he said. In Japanese the word meant: “a big wave in the harbour.” The suggestion was approved. Film of Takahe Delegates to the Pacific Science Congress were present yesterday at the first public screening of the coloured film “Rediscovery of the Takahe,” made by Dr. G. B. Orbell. of Invercargill. The film, which is in 16 millimetre size, is not yet completed. When more sequences have been cut in and titles added, it will be shown extensively. It shows Dr. Orbell’s parbr when they first visited the valley in which the takahe was found last April and “close-ups” of the bird when it was rediscovered in November. There are some excellent scenes of the mountains and Lake Te Anau. The film lasts for about 20 minutes. Air Service to Chatham Islands

No decision has yet been made by the Government on the provision of a regular air service to the Chatham Islands. This information was given to “The Press” by the Minister in charge of the Air Department (Mr F. Jones). When a survey flight to the Chatham Islands was made on February 9, it was stated that one of the aims of the flight was to investigate the possibility of a regular six-weekly service Tekapo Dispute Senior engineers of the Public Works Department and representatives of the New Zealand Workers’ Union discussed the Lake Tekapo hydro dispute yesterday, but early this morning no news about the negotiations was available. The 220 men at Lake Tekapo have been on strike since last Thursday. Surplus Vegetables in Britain The mild winter in Britain has caused such a phenomenal growth of winter vegetables that in many districts cabbages, onions, leeks, parsnips, and celery are virtually unsaleable. East Anglian farmers estimate that during the last week they have ploughed back crops of these vegetables worth over £1,000,000 at normal market prices. The small meat ration, reducing families generally to one fresh meat meal a week at home, is held partly to blame for the vegetable surplus—London, February 22. Inducements to Workers

“Competition to secure cadets is at present the most important problem with Government departments, which are probably the worst offenders in offering inducements, and even in competing with each other,” said Mr F. T. M. Kissel, of Wellington, a former general manager of the State Hydro-electric Department, at the conference of the New Zealand Institution of Engineers in Auckland yesterday. “Whether Government departments should provide bursaries and other offers to attract cadets, forcing commercial people to do the same, is open to argument.” Mr Kissel suggested that the engineering profession as a whole would benefit if bursaries were completely open, and if trained men became* available to everyone. “The ground for this may be doubtful,” he added. “Some people may say that, if men are attracted to a business, their employers are entitled to them, but I think this is debatable.”—(P.A.) Air Taxi Services

So far no approval has been given by the Government to any application from an aero club for an air taxi licence, the Minister in charge of the Air Department (Mr F. Jones) has informed “The Press.” Mr Jones said that the regulations for air charter and air taxi licences had been gazetted, and forms of application were being printed and would soon be available. The regulations are, under the terms of the New Zealand National Airways Amendment Act, passed last session, which stipulates that the National Airways Corporation shall carry out all commercial air services in New Zealand, wi|n the exception that flights may be made in accordance with permits, temporary authorities, or contracts. Such authorities may be given aero clubs with the permission of the Minister. Visits to Industries Keeping a promise which he made to the Auckland Manufacturers' Association last year, the Minister of Finance (Mr Nash) arrived in Auckland yesterday to make an extensive inspection of factories in the city and its environs. He arrived at Whenuapai by air, and will stay for about a fortnight. “This is a terrible list, but we will see what we can do,” commented the Minister when he was shown the schedule of 29 factories which he had been invited to visit. They included pottery, clothing, refrigeration. radio, footwear, aluminium ware and brushware factories.—(P.A.)