NEWS IN BRIEF

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 22, 21 October 1937, Page 13

NEWS IN BRIEF

Trafalgar Day To-day is the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, ■which was fought in 1805 and which so firmly established British supremacy at sea. The Nelson Monument in Trafalgar Square, London, will be the centre of the homage to the Empire’s greatest admiral, who, though he lost his life in the great victory, lived long enough to know that his life’s purpose had been accomplished. Among the wreaths laid at the foot of the monument is always one from New Zealand, the outpost of Empire whose birth and existence have been made possible by the maritime supremacy established by Nelson at Trafalgar. A Slight Frost. Another frost, this time one of 2.4 degrees, was recorded at Kelburn last night. In the suburbs it was probably slightly more marked. With northerly winds becoming more frequent it is improbable that night temperatures will continue to fall so low as during the last week, when the wind has been mostly from the south-east. Land at Island Bay. The re-transfer to the Crown of the Wellington Education Board’s vacant section in Dee Street, Island Bay, was approved at the monthly meeting of the board yesterday. Members remarked that the section was not an edifying sight in its present condition, and appeared to be used as a general rubbish tip. The Education Department advised that consideration would be given to making portion of the site available for housing purposes. Health Camps Effort.

The headmasters of the Wellington primary schools were congratulated by the education board at its meeting yesterday on the musical festival staged in the Town Hall recently in aid of the funds of the Health Camp Association. “The performance was a credit to the schools,” said the chairman, Mr. W. V. Dyer. “It was nob done merely for show, but was a demonstration of what is actually being done in the schools. In addition, the headmasters are to be congratulated on raising money for the health camps.”

Final Day Sing. The final day-time community sing of the season took place in the Town Hall, Wellington, yesterday, when there was a good attendance. The sing was led by Messrs. Will Mason and Charles Proctor, with Mr. Frank Crowther at the piano and Miss Iris Mason at the grand organ. The receipts amounted to £l6 15/4. The final sing of the year will take place in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening next, when a special programme will be presented, including the appearance of that popular entertainer, Mr. Winston Macarthy. An Anniversary’.

To-day is the anniversary of the departure of the First New Zealand Contingent to the South African War. In the memories of more than a few of the older generation the scenes on the wharf at Wellington on October 21, 1899, when these troops, the first to go overseas from New Zealand, embarked on the troopships, will still be vivid. At the time much was made of the fact that the men were wearing the “new kharkee” uniforms, which looked very quiet and business-like compared with the brighter hues of earlier times. Ever since the South African War khaki has been the service uniform of British troops.

Centennial Memorial Coin. In discussing a proposal supported by the New Zealand Numismatic Society last year that a centennial halfcrown be issued in 1940, the Rev. D. C. Bates said at a recent meeting of the society that it was not in the interests of the early adoption of decimal coinage to perpetuate the half-crown. The florin, which was a decimal coin, and a four-shilling piece, which was a possible decimal unit, would be appropriate commemorative pieces. It was pointed out that the half-crown was suggested originally because it was the largest circulating coin, and it would also take a good design. Australia, however, had abolished it long ago.

New P. and T. Building. The new Post and Telegraph building to be erected on the corner of Herd and Chaffers Streets, Wellington, is to show an attractive facade to the harbour. Other than the Customhouse, there are few attractive buildings clearly exposed to the harbour. An exception will be this new departmental block, part of which will extend'almost to the waterfront at a point where there are no wharves. Some months ago test piles wOre sunk on the site to locate the solid, which ranges in depth from about 28 feet to 33 feet. Regiments of reinforced concrete piles, cast upon the job, are to be driven into this area of reclaimed land before a start is made upon the superstructure. At present the contractor, Mr. A. Lemmon, is getting the ground level for pilecasting, and is erecting the necessary offices on the eastern side of the block.