NEWS IN BRIEF

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 250, 20 July 1939, Page 11

NEWS IN BRIEF

Eggs Dearer A rise of twopence a dozen in the price of eggs in Wellington is reported by Dominion Distributors Ltd. Extremely rough weather in Canterbury has reduced supplies there, and this has had. an effect on the Wellington market. By raising the price it is hoped to attract eggs from the north, where production is increasing. Wholesale prices in Wellington now are: — Specials, 2/9; A grade, 2/7; B grade, 2/5; duck eggs, 2/7. “Diggers’” Visit.

Tentative arrangements for -the visit of Australian “diggers” to New Zealand for the centennial celebrations provide for their arrival at Wellington on April 24. A special _ celebrations committee of the Wellington Returned Soldiers’ Association is making the arrangements. Community Sing.

The collection for the Mayor’s Relief Fund at the community sing held in the Town Hall, Wellington, yesterday totalled £7/7/10. The cold weather apparently kept many away, as there was only a small attendance. The song leader was Mr. Will Mason. Mr. Frank Crowther was at the piano and Mr. Charles Collins played the organ.

Sunday Funerals. The abolition of Sunday funerals is to be discussed by the diocesan synod of. the Anglican Church at present meeting in Wellington. The Rev. N. F. E. Robertshawe yesterday gave notice of motion that synod should approve co-operation with the New Zealand Federation of Funeral Directors for the discouragement and complete elimination of Sunday funerals. K.S.A. Membersliip.

The Wellington Returned Soldiers’ Association is aiming at a membership of 5000 this year because of the centennial visit of Australian “diggers.” On June 30 the financial membership was 1103 compared with 1206 at the same time last year. Renewals this year have been higher than last year, but the executive reports that there has been a decided decrease in the enrolment of new members. Bishop’s Greetings.

From Kinlochrannoeh,- Scotland, a cablegram arrived yesterday at the Anglican Diocesan Synod, sitting in Wellington. It was from the Bishop of Wellington. Rt. Rev. H. St. Barbe Holland, and read: “Affectionate greetings, synod. Wisdom, adventure, endurance inspiring all. —Bishop.” The vicar-general, Ven. Archdeacon W. Bullock, suggested that a suitable reply be sent. Traffic Control.

Authority for the purchase of five second-hand motor-cycles for traffic control officers during the Exhibition was granted by the Wellington City Council at a meeting yesterday. The purchase will be subject to the approval of the chief traffic officer and the city engineer. Approval was also given for the purchase of car parking notices for use near the Exhibition, subject to the city engineer being satisfied with the quotations. Restriction on Rents.

The question of rent restriction is to be brought before the Government by the National Council of the Federation of Labour. It is suggested that the Rent Restriction Act should be put into force covering all houses and should be made retrospective to a certain date in the ease of new houses, which it does not at present affect. The federation believes that the influx of visitors to Wellington during' the exhibition will make it impossible for people to get accommodation at a reasonable cost.

Cold Christianity. In spite of electric heaters, synodsmen attending the annual Anglican diocesan gathering in Wellington wore overcoats, shivered, stamped their feet in the effort to keep warm yesterday. Finally Dr. H. A.. Huggins, Wellington, rose. “I wish to give notice of motion,” he said, “that standing committee be asked to inquire into the possibility of holding the session of synod at some other period than in the wettest and coldest month of the year, and report to the next annual meeting of this synod.”

Barrister Defends his Profession. Verbal sparring, to the amusement of all in the Court, was a feature of the cross-examination of a Crown witness in a trial for breaking and. entering in the Supreme Court, Wellington, yesterday. Witness had already been convicted of breaking and entering a house into which he said prisoner had invited him at a stop on a motor-car journey. Prisoner’s counsel asked him if he were not suspicious in such circumstances. "Not unless you are a legal gentleman and looking for trouble,” witness answered. “We do not get you into trouble; we get you out of it,” retorted counsel. Help for Returned Soldiers.

“During the year it will be our constant duty to do whatever devolves upon us for the good of the returned soldiers,” said Colonel J. J. Esson, C.M.G., V.D., newly elected chairman, chairman, at the annual meeting in Wellington yesterday of the Great War funds administrative committee at the joint council of the Order of St. John and the New Zealand Red Cross Society. There wore two autonomous bodies working together for a good purpose and had brought comfort into a good many lives. Colonel Esson expressed his warmest approval of the work done in the past and made particular reference to what had been accomplished by the women.

Arbor Day Ceremony. As its main Arbor Day ceremony on August 2,’ the Wellington Education Board has decided to co-operate with the Wellington Beautifying Society in the planting of an'area at the Mount Cook School, Wellington. At yesterday’s meeting, the board accepted the society’s offer to supply the trees required. The secretary, Mr. W. I. Deavoll, reported that the four children of the Governor-General would be invited to plant four pohutukawa trees, to he followed by the planting of trees by the mayor of 'Wellington, Mt. His'lop, and 'olher representative citizens. Tim trees planted will be lowgrowing New Zealand native trees and shrubs.