NEWS OF THE DAY

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 75, 30 March 1932, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY

Cable Car Service.

_ Owing to a slight defect developing in the cable tension gear shortly before 6.30 last evening, the Kelburn cable car service was held up for about half an hour. During the period the service, was not operating, people were allowed to walk up or down the track. A Pleasant Change. In presenting the blue' riband to the winner of the five-mile New Zealand cycling championship, at the Seftpn sports on Monday, the Prime Minister, the Eight Hon. G. W. Forbes, said he was very pleased-to have the opportunity of presenting something to someone. His job of late had been rather the reverse. Radio Coverage. Mr. A. Gibbs, Chief Telegraph Engineer of the Post and Telegraph Department;, and Dr. E.Marsden, Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, have spent, as the Radio Coverage Commission, the last three weeks in the South Island. Data have been obtained from all places complaining of poor reception. The South Island itinerary has not yet been completed, but it is anticipated that within a few days the Commission will start on its North Island investigations, v "When all the facts «, have been marshalled/ the Broadcasting Board will be in a position to consider, details with regard to, an adequate coverage of the Dominion. ...;*• Harbour Bridge Stamp. . i)he first specimens of ".'the Sydney, Harbour .Bridge stamp, issued this, month, are available to the publicfrom the mail/brought to Auckland on Monday by the Ulimaroa (states thY "Auckland Star"). The issue consists, of three stamps, with denominations of 2d, 3d, and ss. The latter two are printed by the engraving process, and the 2d by letterpress. This specimen, is red, the 3d is blue, and the 5s issue is dark green. Each stamp has a picture of the bridge from the south end 'of Circular quay—one of the most popular views. The stamps have none of the usual embellishments, 0r... borders,' but merely a plain sea and" sky effect, with the wdrds, "Australia, postage,'' along the, top. ; .',■"■.•■'■■ Enemy of' Blackberries. , A farmer, at Belgrove, Nelson,. Mr. E. Ci Hoult, has exhibited a branch of blackberry, which was considerably by a yellow-coloured powdery "substance on the reverse side of the leaves. Mr. Hoult has noticed the growing effect of the substance on blackberries in the Belgrove district for four and his observations are that the older leaves are attacked hardest and the seeds are prevented from maturing. No bushes have been noticed to die out, but many .become very sickly. Mr. Hoult considers that the Might is similar to that reported by Mr. J. H. James, of Saies, North Auckland, where the yellowish powder is spreading rapidly on the blackberry. The leaves first show small yellowish spots, and then underneath become covered with a yellow powdery infee-r tion. '' Diehards'' Depart. An anniversary of'interest in the history of the Maori wars fell yesterday for it. was on 29th March, 1867, that the left wing of the 57th Regiment, familiarly known as' "the Diehards, 53 embarked to return.to England (states the "New Zealand Herald"). ' Their departure meant that only one British regiment remained'in the country, and indicated the view of the Horn© authorities that, so far as internal fighting was concerned at' any rate, New Zealand could look after herself. As signifying an increasing degree of independence for the colony the departure of the regiment was welcomed, although the men had won a warm place in the popular regard. As they marched through the streets from the Albert Barracks to the wharf, headed by the regimental band, the citizens gathered in full force to give them a parting cheer. The number of those leaving was about 300 officers and men. The eulogy passed upon them that day was that they had "seen great work and done good service in New Zealand, for which the colonists will bo ever grateful, and in no single instance were these gallant fellows. found amiss when wanted." RaJtcars Advocated. «' The opinion that rail-cars such as were used in Victoria should prove Successful in New, Zealand was expressed at Auckland on; Monday by Mr. W. A. Briscoe, of London '(states the "New Zealand Herald"). Mr. Briscoe-said that cara to seat five persons in addition to the driver were being run on the railways in Victoria at a charge of 3d a mile for each passenger. Similar services were provided by the London, Midland, and Scottish railway, in Britain,' and it would appear that a system on similar lines in New Zealand would prove of advantage to the railways. Not only would it be an inducement to tourists to use tho railways, but it would bring into use some of the 1 branch lines closed for economy reasons and provide more frequent and economical services on lines where tho scr-J vico at present was not as frequent as ; desired.-