NEWS OF THE DAY

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 35, 10 February 1926, Page 8

NEWS OF THE DAY

WeU Satisfied. ' There is every reason to believe that Mr. Zane Grey is thoroughly satisfied with the deep-sea sport he is obtaining in the vicinity of the Bay of Islands. In a letter recently received by the Government P«blic>y Officer, Mr. Grey states that he has had splendid luck despite six days of hard wind which is bad for fishing. The author writes: "To date I hay% eight fish to my rod, seven marlin (swordfish) and one mako. I feel wonderfully keen about the possibilities if only we get good but calm days now and then. I find that fishing expenses, here are much higher than anywhere I've ever been. The main, thing, however, is assured. It is a great country, a marvellous place for big-game fish, and I shall have no hesitation in giving it the strongest recommendation to American sportsmen. Yon should certainly have from two to three hundred keen rod fishermen here from the 'States' next season aa a result of my efforts." Losses By Labour disputes. Wages lost in labour disputes in New Zealand'during 1925 amounted to approximately £50,000. There were 83 disputes involving §4 firms and 10,027 workers, and /the loss in wages is estimated at £49,149. Auckland's New Station. The new Auckland railway station, with platforms and everything complete, should be ready for use in two years; states the "New Zealand Herald." The intention of the engineers in charge of the work is to have the new station and yards finished simultaneously with the completion of the Auck-land-Westfield main line ' deviation. That date is estimated to be March, 1928, by which time the existing station behind the chief post office will be abandoned, and the new station take its place, not as a dead-end terminal, but as a very convenient through-run-ning station, with all the facilities for quick handling and dispatch that such a station affords. . An Incredulous Department. The Thames Valley Power Board recently communicated to the electrical branch of the Public Works Department the curious fact of the weight of birds causing an electric transmission wire to break at Wait**.* The Department, in replying, asked: "Does this mean that a large number of birds settled on the wire? If there is evidence that the weight of birds settling on the wire had caused it to break, I think this would be well worth recording, but it -seems to me more likely that the birds would fly off as soon as the wind caused the wire to swing." The Power Board's engineer said that this instance was witnessed by one of the board's troublemen, who saw that particular section of wire laden with starlings, which, when the line broke, flew away (writes a correspondent). Mr. Grace, a member of the board, stated that he had noticed wires at Gordon black wish starlings. Are We Unnmslcalf Imports of pianos and other musical instruments during 1925 amounted to £608,811 in declared value, and of this amount £223,838 was accounted to pianos. The rest wou\d include gramophones, jazz outfits, accordeons, mouthorgans, trombones, bagpipes, ukuleles, ocarinas, and bombardons. For 1924 the imports of all musical instruments were set down at £478,967. These are tidy figures for a population of 1,376,281, including Maoris, whose fondness for musical instruments cannot be ignored. Too Far or Too Fast? Apparently no harm has come to those members of the fair sex in Wellington who have taken up amateur athletics, and. their attachment to the sport appears to be firmer than ever. Having demonstrated that distances up to ISO yards can be covered in excellent time, they are now eager to try their speed over longer journeys. Is this enthusiasm carrying them too far or too fastf The question cropped up at last night's meeting of the Wellington Amateur Athletic Centre, when permission to hold a 220 yards ladies' championship at a forthcoming meeting was requested by the local ladies' A.A. Club. It was stated that a lady enthusiast had donated a cup and medals for the event. "I think 220 yards it too far for the girls," remarked Mr. H. Rose, "and I do not think we should agree to it." Another member said that the girls were "pretty well done" after running a race of 150 yards at Monday's evening sports. To a further remark that they appeared to be going fast at the end, a member suggested that their progress was perhaps a little too fast. Mr. G. S. Bright pointed out that at Home lady athletes were competing over longer distances, and seemed to be faring all right. The Chairman (Mr. A. C. Kitto): "I consider that 150 yards is far enough at present." It was decided to reply stating that-the centre in its wisdom considered that the trophies should be competed for over a shorter distance than that for which applications had been made. To Best Awhile. With reference to the announced proposal of the City Council to make tracks and walks on Mount Victoria for sight-seers, the secretary of the Civic League (Mr. D. M'Laren) has addressed the following suggestion to the Act-ing-Town Clerk:—"My league desires to suggest that a few seats on the ridge of the mount would be very much appreciated by residents and visitors, as the situation commands a. delightful view of the city and harbour. We have had representations made to us by citizens on this subject, and trust your council will be able to provide a few seats as requested. On behalf of the council of my league I have to express our appreciation of the good work done in the provision of the women's restroom in Courtensy place. Women members of the league have specially commented in very appreciative terms on the excellence of the work done both in respect to the external and the inside arrangements. The league wishes in addition to extend its praise to the ladies of the various bodies who interested themselves in securing this restroom and who worked hard in the mattor of having it established."

Auckland's Electric Light. The Auckland Electric Power Board is making arrangements for the raising locally of a loan of £60,000, representing 10 per cent, of the original loan of £600,000, which the board is empowered, under the Local Bodies Loans Act, 1913, to raise as a supplementary loan. The loan is being taken up by the Bank of New Zealand, with power to place the debentures in either New Zealand or Australia (states a Press Association message). It is proposed to raise £45,000 of the loan by the issue of debentures bearing interest at the rate of 5} per cent., and of a denomination of £500, maturing in /une, 1946. The loan represents part of the money required for the completion of the board's undertaking. New Bishop of Christchurch. The "Church News" states that the Rotorua, by which the new Bishop of Christchureh, the Right Eev. Car^bell West Watson, is travelling, wnl arrive in Wellington on 20th March, and it is possible that he ■ will arrive in Christchureh on the following morning, and thus arrive for Passion Sunday. It is likely that the Bishop's enthronement will take place the following week, probably 24th March. -It probably will be a simple installation. After the ceremony, the Bishop will ascend to the pnlpit and make his first address to his flock as Bishop of Christchurch. It is hoped that the. Bishop will be able to conduct some of the services in the Cathedral during Holy Week, especially the children's services, which the Archbishop carried on for many years. Training for Christian Service. Plans have recently been drawn and accepted for the proposed college in Mountain road, Auckland, for the New Zealand Bible Training Institute. The new premises, which win accommodate about 60 students, are expected to coat between £11,000 and £12,000, and it is hoped that the building will be commenced within the present year, states a Press Association message. The institute was founded four yean ago, and is controlled by a board of directors composed of city bosiness men of various denomination*. It has for its object the training of young men and women for Christian service at home and abroad. Graduates of the institute are already working in foreign fields, such as China, India, and South America, and a number have settledin the ministry in New Zealand. The honorary principal of the new institute, the cost of which will be subscribed by voluntary contributions, is the Rev. J. W. Kemp, of the Baptist Tabernacle, and the superintendent, Mr: C. J. Rolls. Tuition will be free, a nominal figure being charged for board. ■ Beneficial Co-operation. Auckland and Wellington may not see eye to eye in all things, bnt in the decision of the University authorities of both centres to recommend the establishment of an agricultural college for the North Island in the Palmerston North-Marton area, the Minister of Education (the Hon. Sir James Parr) considers that there is an object lesson of beneficial cooperation which win not be lost to the general public Sir James says that it would have been folly if the Auckland and Wellington University College Councils had attempted to establish separate institutions, for the cost would have been prohibitive to the Government. • Both councils have shown a fine spirit, and he desires especially to commend the fair-minded and indeed generous attitude of the Auckland Council in agreeing to co-operate' with Wellington in establishing an institution on the proposed site, particularly as the people of Auckland were desirous of having a special school of agriculture in their city. The Minister believes that one reason actuating the two councils in arriving at a unanimous decision was the report of the Royal Commission on University Education, which favoured a central institution. , The proposed site is considered satisfactory by Sir James Parr, who points out, however, that this is a question which Cabinet must finally determine. Bating Systems. The proposal to be made at to-mor-row evening's meeting of the City Council by Councillor Luekie that there should be a change in Wellington's system of rating has been talked of and discussed casually by councillors for some time past, bnt no one has previously brought forward a proposal so definite: "That the Wellington City Council is of opinion that the present system of rating on the unimproved value should be discontinued, and that the system of rating on' the annual value be adopted in lien thereof; and resolves to promote the necessary petition with a view to having a poll of the ratepayers taken upon the above proposal as prescribed by the Bating Act, 1908." As is made dear by the final sentence of the motion, the actual decision rests with the ratepayers, and not with the councillors. Somewhat over a year ago ex-Councillor Chapman sought information upon the effect, in £*d, of unimproved and «»™i»i value rating in respect of typical city and suburban properties. A report was promised upon the subject, but though figures certainly were taken out in respect of a number of properties no report was ever made public Under the unimproved value system the general rate paid by an owner in respect of a particular property remans the same (except in the event of a revaluation of the land) whether there stands on the site a one-story shack or. a ninestory de luxe office and business building. Under annual value rating the amount collectable wonld increase in something like sympathy with the value of the building, so that rates revenue would keep better step with city growth. There are other aspects, compensations, and possibly disadvantages as well, and probably Councillor Luekie's motion will be discussed at some length. Hospital, water, and street lighting rates are already computed on the annual value system. Fire Board Proposal. " Another proposal in which Councillor Luekie is particularly interested, as chairman of the Fire Brigades Committee, is that the Wellington Municipality now hand over control of its fire brigade system to a Fire Board, as is almost invariably sojn other large towns in New Zealand and Australia. At present the council, on behalf of the citizens, foots the whole bill for fire brigades (1931, £11,739; 1922, £14,577; 1923, £12,016;'1924, £15,578; 1925, £13,229), but under the Fire Board system the whole of the assets would be handed over to the board (the value to be repaid over a number of years), and council, insurance companies, and Government would share control and yearly cost. It is maintained by advocates of the change that the saving to the ratepayers annually, particularly during the years during which the value of assets was being repaid, would be very considerable, and that an equal fire fighting efficiency would be maintained. That there is another opinion was shown by Councillor Luekie's statement at a special meeting of the council recently, when hp said that the members of the committee had been, up till that time, unable to reach agreements; the points of disagreement may, of course, have' been as to details. Possibly, the proposal will also be discussed to-morrow evening. The final deeMm, as in th« case of a proposed change tn rating system, must, under the Ae\ be left to the citizens. .•""..".

Absent-minded? A witness for the defence in which the mental soundness of an aged person was, for practical purposes, contended, was being cross-examined by Mr. P. S. K. Macassey yesterday. "Sometimes he used to come to meals partially dressed," said Mr. Macassey. "Do you remember any instances?" Witness: "Yes, he came to dinner one day without his trousers." "Did you not think that strange?" Witness: "I did think it seemed a little absentminded." (Laughter.) "Licked To a Frazzle." "I must admit that you have me licked to a frazzle when it comes to settling difficulties in Auckland," remarked the Prime Minister (the Bight. Hon. J. G. Coates) at the motor omnibus conference yesterday afternoon when he was confronted with the question of adequate representation on a committee which was being set up, and upon which the conflicting Auckland interests disagreed. "You people can't agree on anything for two minutes," added Mr. Coates. Labour Members' Suspicions. It is well known that there are widely conflicting views on the Christchurch City Council as between the Labour members, who are strong numerically, and those who may be said to hold more moderate views. The Labour members apparently suspect the sincerity of a sub-clause in the motor omnibus regulations which excludes as an office-holder on the proposed Transport Appeal Board any member who "is proved to be guilty of inciting any industrial union or employee to commit any breach of an industrial agreement or award." , Councillor C. B. Agar, a Christchurch delegate to the Motor-bus Conference at which the Regulations are being, discussed, asked yesterday for what reason such a clause was inserted in the regulations. He explained that he was instructed by his council to make the inquiry, and that there had been more discussion on that particular clause than upon any others in the regulations. The Engineer-in-Chief of the Public Works Department (Mr. F. W. Furkert) said that the clause was simply copied from the Tramways Appeal Board regulations. Mr. Agar expressed himself as satisfied with the explanation. Good Weather for Bowlers. So far as New Zealand is concerned, at any rate, bowls is a game from which most pleasure is to be derived if it is played only in fine weather. There have been times here when in the endeavour to bring a tournament to a finish players have paraded on a green replete ' with macintoshes, umbrellas, sou-westers, gam boots, ami other damp-resisting appliances, and the spectacle of a well-known clerical gentleman in a tournament a few years ago discarding what appeared to be a pair of sea-boots before stepping on the mat to deliver his woods is one which will be long remembered locally. In England, bowling matches are sometimes played out to the bitter end no matter what the state of the weather may be, but on their present tour the British bowlers seemed to have brought an adequate supply of sunshine : with them. Some of the "wags" of the party say their sunshine is of the f' bottled " variety, a " stone ginger re eeptaele having been provided for the purpose. Whatever the explanation may be, the fact is that in the fourteen weeks since they first: landed in Australia the visitors have lost only a day and a half's play through wet weather—one day at Melbourne, and half a day at Katoomba. In Wellington they have so fa? been treated: to superb bowling weather,-and-if the gods are gracious till after Friday, the Britishers' tour should be. something of a record for fine playing conditions: A Bedeeming Feature. The truth of the old saying that there is some good in the worst of us was borne out during the recital of a human little story in the Magistrate's Court this morning. A woman, with a list of convictions . stretching over a long period,of years, appeared in the dock on a charge of being idle and disorderly, and it was stated by her"counsel that there was only one person in the world who eared for the womr.n enough to look after her. This was a man with whom she had been associated for some years, a man^ who himself, had anything but an enviable police record. "When everyone else fails her," said counsel, "this man, who, despite his record, is a hard worker, stands by her and sees her through her troubles.'' That the statement was no exaggeration was shown when the man in question went into the box, and promised the Magistrate that, if he gave the woman a chance, he would take her away into the country, where work awaited him, and look after her. The Magistrate agreed" to do as he was requested, and the woman left the dock with a grateful glance towards her benefactor. Mr. Arthur Petherick, in accordance with a request made by a representative deputation of Upper Hutt electors, has agreed to accept nomination for the position of councillor for the eastern ward of the new Upper Hutt Borough. Permission to hold a sports meeting at the Basin Reserve on the 27th February has been granted the Wellington and Athletic A.A. Clubs by the City Council, subject.to 20 per cent, of the gross gate takings being collected by the latter body. "Our main concern is that we look after the public, and this we always try to do," remarked the president (Mr. A. C. Kitto) at last night's meeting of the Wellington Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, when matters in connection with the management of sports meetings were under discussion. A letter placed before the meeting expressed an enthusiast 's appreciation of the method of notifying results by use of the "score board" at Athletic Park, but it was suggested; that, certain field events would be followed with greater interest if small flags were used to denote the efforts of the competitors with the javelin, shot, hammer, and discus. A circular from the Government Statistician 's Office announces to all local bodies that in order that all information and statistics in regard to local governing authorities should be readily available in one volume, it has been decided, that for the future the annual statistical report of local government and'the Municipal Handbook are to be issued each year as one publication. This will be similar in size to^ the official; Year Book, and will constitute a local authorities' year book, although to • avoid confusion with the official Year Book it will be called "The Loc:;l Authorities Handbook." In addition to the usual statistics, the handbook will contain several new features, including a general account of the local government system in he Dominion, a summary of the principal legislation affecting local governing bodies, and a section on the trading activities of local authorities. All information in the first number will date to 31st March, 1925. v The electoral roll for the western ward of the new Upper Hutt Borough will shortly be printed. It contains the names of 677 electors. Black Ottoman Silk Coating usually 12s 6d reduced to 8s lid; Black Fancy Silk Coatings usually 14s 6d reduced to 7s Ud. Also all remnants of Bilks and Dnss Fabrics marked at absurdly low prices for the last three days of sale. Kirkcaldie and Stains, Ltd.—Advfc.