AN EXPLANATION

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 77, 1 April 1914, Page 8

AN EXPLANATION

10 THE EDITOK. Sir, — Your correspondent signing himself " A Quiet Sunday," protests against the Ministers' Association objecting to Territorial Sunday parade. I believe I was the first to start the ball rolling, by protesting to my minister, as one of my boys received a notice to attend this parade ; which notice, as near as I can remember, read to the effect that a field day would be held on Sunday, 29th March, at Makara, haversacks and lunch, full marching order, ammunition pouches, etc. Then followed: Note. — " Although this parade is not compulsory, attendance at it will count as six ordinary parades. '' To anyone who values the Sabbath in the slightest degree, the notice, with its bait appended, is alarming. The military authorities evidently promptly recogiaed the justice of the complaint, and the parade was cancelled. I must explain the orders were company orders, not battalion. — I am, etc., GUARDIAN. 31st March.

Testimony as to the undoubted suitability of the long-neglected pumice lands of Taupo for fruit-growing is given by Mr. Harold Beauchamp, Chairman of Directors of the Bank of New Zealand, who has returned from a holiday visit to that district. He says that one orchard which he saw there — the property of Mr. Joseph Crowther — was a perfect picture, the apple trees bearing so prolifically as to weigh the branches to the ground. The fruit— of which he brought back specimens — is of excellent quality. Mr. Beauchamp's statement 'is confirmed by Mr. W. Boucher, Government Fruit Expert, who says:— "The pumice lands in the Taupo district are wel.l adapted for the cultivation of apples, j&d some other fruits. The quality of the apples raised on the pumice lands is excellent. The apples are really good keepers. There is no doubt in the future, with good communication by rail, the Taupo country will develop very largely in the matter of fruit culture, especially with regard to apples for export. The land gives one the impression that it is poor, but when properly handled for fruit-tree or other tree culture, or for some branches of agriculture, it. has been proved to be* well adapted." Details and estimates in connection with the loan proposals to he submitted, after approval by the* City Council, to thn ratepayers are to be placed before the next meeting of the Finance Com* raitteo of the council. An excellent programme of vocal and instrumental items and gymnastic exhibitions has been arranged for this evening vi the V.M.C.A. Gymuasium Hall. iUibses Lulu Arnold, Lfssack, D. Wells, h. Cteter, and"~E. Smith, Messrs. Frank K. John&tone, C. H. Stephens, und W. W. Qgudie asaistj