NEWS OF THE DAY

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 121, 27 November 1928, Page 8

NEWS OF THE DAY

Substitute for Military Training. "This Synod resolves that tho Government be urged to abolish tho system of compulsory military training, as a practical expression of it. co-opera-tion in tho matter of disarmament. Recognising the valuo of discipline to the younger people of the Dominion, we recommend the substitution of compulsory physical training instead of tho military system now in operation" was the text of a resolution passed at tho Auckland Methodist Synod (states tho "Auckland Star"). Another resolution expressed tho opinion that the laws relating to military ' training should make provision for exemption from training and service on the ground of individual religious conviction. New Zealand Apples in London. Gisbomo's largest singlo shipment of 11,000 cases of apples sent by tho s.s. Maiinoa to London last May was commented upon by Mr. H. E. Stephens, overseas representative of the New Zealand Fruit Control Board, at a meeting of orchardists recently, reports the "Poverty Bay Herald." He said that at most English docks sorting room was not to bo found. Fortunately tho boat came to London. The fruit was lightered up to a private warehouse, evading Port of London dues, and there sorted out, tho sorting costing 3sd, _d less than if it had been handled in the ordinary course. The condition of the shipment was fairly good and better than tho fruit that had been transhipped at Wellington. Unfortunately the market was not very good when the Maimoa arrived, but it might have been worse, for the market had improved a little by tho time tho fruit was placed on the market. Had the ship arrived a little later, however, the shipment would have met with better fortune. Thrifty Dunedin. < The approach of the annual Dominion band contests, which are to bo held this year at Wanganui, brings to mind again the question of financing the travelling of three Dunedin bands. It is estimated that about £1500 will be required for the expenses of all tho bands, and a start has been mado on tho canvass of supporters and prominent business men in the city (says the "Otago Daily Times"). Many nf those, however, are now asking the question: "Is the band to which I have given £5 the best in Dunedin?" It is contended in some quarters that tho necessary sum, if it is to be raised from the public, is too great, since if tho best band in the city were sent to represent Dunedin tho prospects of success would bo just as bright, while tho cost could bo reduced by one-third. It has been suggested, therefore, that an elimination contest should be staged here with tho object of selecting the band best qualified to represent Dunedin. It is contended that the public would be keenly interested in such a competition, which would itself bo . means of providing a large proportion of the necessary funds for tho band selected. This proposal is being taken up by several business men, who state that there is already a considerable body of opinion in favour of it. Offers of support, for such a scheme have been numerous, and tho matter is likely to be' pushed forward in the next few days. Picnics at Maidstone Park. Arrangements have been mado by the Upper Hutt Borough Council for a bus servico from Wellington to Maidstone Park. A letter from the manager of New Zealand Railways (Mr. 11. 11. Sterling) was received at the meeting of the council last night, stating that the Department's buses would run to Maidstone Park on Saturday afternoons and Sundays, and on special occasions when they were warranted by the passenger traffic. A charge of 3d for each adult and l.d for children up to 15 years of age for.admission to tho Park would be added to tho railway fares when the picnic parties travelled by train. Tho question of constructing a siding to permit trains to be drawn up closer to the Park was also dealt with in the letter, and it was_ stated that tho expenditure involved was very heavy, and that tho proposal would have to stand over for the present.