NEWS IN BRIEF

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 163, 6 April 1938, Page 13

NEWS IN BRIEF

4 Air Force Display The display by the Royal New Zealand Air Force which was to have taken place at Rongotai on May 28 has now been postponed until June 4. Social Credit in Canada. The Canadian provinces outside Alberta are not likely to follow its example by experimenting with the Douglas social credit system, <aid Mr. H. R. Elves, of the International Nickel Co., Sidbury, New York, who was a through passenger by the Niagara for Australia, at Auckland. “The failure of Douglas’credit in Alberta has made it clear to the other provinces what may be expected from the system,” he added. Mr. Savage’s Compliment. “I think the Prime Minister, Rt- Hon. M. J. Savage, paid' a great compliment to supporters of the National Party when he said, in reference to organised disturbances at political meetings, Tn my 30 years of public life 1 have never experienced anything like that,’ ” said Mrs. W. A. Bodkin, when addressing a National Party meeting at Dunedin. “In saying that, Mr. Savage admitted that in their conduct at meetings the National Party supporters observe the principles of democracy, if Labour Party members do not,” she added, "and' we could not wish for a greater compliment.”

Early Telegraph Operator. Having seen the announcement of the death at Sydney of Mr. Alexander H. Rollo, at the age of 77 years, an old resident of Palmerston North called at “The Dominion” office yesterday to say that Mr. Rollo was the first telegraph, operator appointed to Palmerston North. He said that the first regular Post Office was opened in that town in 1878, with Mr. J. Innes as postmaster, and Mr. Rollo as telegraph operator. Prior to that the postal business of the place was conducted at 'Mr. G. M. Snelson’s store. The late Mr. Rollo married Miss Elizabeth Emily Patmore, of Palmerston North. On his retirement from the service, Mr. Rollo took up farming in the Otaki district for some time, but nearly 20 years ago went to Sydney to reside.

Military Training. The subject of military training came up for discussion at the annual meeting of the Otago Drapers, Clothiers, and Boot Retailers’ Association. Those present, realising its importance to the community as a whole, unanimously agreed that it should be a recommendation to the members to afford their employees every encouragement and facility to take up military training, specially by granting the necessary ieavb, without loss of pay for attendance at camps. It was further suggested, if it is so desired, that an opportunity be afforded to the military authorities to meet and address the men in the various establishments on the subject.

“Safety Week” for Traffic. The possibility of a “safety week” being organised by the Christchurch City Council, during which special attention will be given to traffic control, was indicated in a report presented to the council by the traffic committee. The report said that the committee was considering proposals submitted by the chief traffic inspector, Mr. J. Bruorton, for the holding of a “safety week.” The committee proposed to invite representatives of various organisations to meet it and assist it in its desire to make the public more “traffic-minded.”

Borstal Before Probation. Erring girls would often be better for a short period in the care of the Borstal institution before being released on probation, instead of being allowed to go on probation immediately after they come under the notice of the authorities, said Mrs. M. H. Chatfield at the annual meeting last night of the Women’s Borstal Association. Sometimes she was sorry probation had gone as far as it had. Many girls showed upon their arrival at the institution that they were ignorant of how to lead a decent life. They had no conception of better conduct, but a stay in the Borstal institution would repair that lack. Mrs. R. Tait, chairman of the committee, supported this' opinion .and said that glyls sometimes came under the care of the institution too late.

Good Driving Essentials. The opinion that there was a close parallel between the essentials of good driving on the road and the essentials of good citizenship of a democratic nation was expressed by . the general secretary of the Automobile Association of Great Britain, Sir Stenson Cooke, at the weekly luncheon meeting of the Auckland Rotary Club. The good driver was mindful of his own individual duties, alert andi cautious, tolerant and courteous to others, he said. The reckless and arrogant, the selfish and careless, were not only bad drivers, but bad citizens. The main qualification was one of character. The question was not whether a man was able to drive a car, but whether he was fit to do so.