General News

Press, Volume C, Issue 29444, 21 February 1961, Page 14

General News

“Proper Steps” “I have been assured by every Minister that he has takta the proper steps.*’ said the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) at his press conference last night when asked whether he eould make any statement about Ministers relinquishing directorships on assuming office.—(PA.) Still No Oysters The 1961 season enters its seventh day today with the Bluff oyster fleet still eonfined to port Foveaux Strait has been whipped by a gale during the last few days and has been too rough for the boats to venture out. If the gale abates, experienced oystermen believe that it will now be at least two days before oysters are on the market The beds become covered with debris during high seas and usually take a day or two to clear.—(PA.) Administration Block A new administration block will be brought into service next week at the Burwood Hospital The block is a stage in the general plan to extend the hospital. The block consists of three offices and a main reception and admitting roojn. In the main room will be the operating desk of the new telephone exchange at the hospital., which will be brought into service soon. Salt And Pepper The eminent American authority on church music, Dr. J. F Williamson, who arrived in Christchurch yesterday. said that he liked all types of music. “Mind you. not too much of anything unless it’s the classics. To me, jazz is pepper and salt, and I just don’t want too much salt and pepper on my meat and vegetables,’’ he said. A Scottish Community Ashburton, according to its Mayor (Mr J. Davidson), is a Scottish community. “I know, because I once had to pay to hear myself give an address on Robert Burns.” he told Scots present at the annual Highland gathering at Tinwald on Sunday. New Dredge The new dredge Perakpis afloat at Lyttelton but not working. The vessel was found to be in excellent order under-water when docked and Lloyd’s surveyors are inspecting the two triple-ex-pansion-engines. Only one day will be occupied to complete dredging trials in the harbour. The Peraki dredged worse material off the Clyde to comply with specifications before she sailed for Lyttelton. The dredge will probably be opened for public inspection on March 5. Another Expected “Dear Rol” was the opening of a letter from the Minister of Finance (Mr Lake) to the secretary of the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association: (Mr R. T. Alston) read at the meeting last evening of the association’s council, replying to a motion of congratulation on his appointment to Cabinet rank. Mr Lake was at one time a member of the council. “We will be hearing from him shortly,” remarked Mr L. H. .Govan when the acknowledgement was read. Members laughed. Grocers’ Appeal > The Trade Practices Appeal Authority will hear an appeal against the whole of Order No. 4 (1960) of the Trade Practices and Prices Commission . relating to an arrangement or agreement among members of the New Zealand Master Grocers’ Federation, the Auckland Master Grocers' Association, and the Canterbury Master Grocers’ Association to sell goods only at prices or on terms agreed among them. The appeal will be heard in Wellington on March 13.—(P.A.) Fish Story The Registrar of the Supreme Court at Christchurch (Mr J. L. W. Gerken) fishing in the Clarence river behind Jollies Pass at the week-end caught a 51b salmon Later, in gutting the fish. Mr Gerken found it contained a fully-grown mouse. “It was not a water rat. it was a mouse. It had not been long inside the fish for it was undigested.’’ said Mr Gerken. Later he ate the salmon—but not the mouse. His wife shared the meal.