NEWS OF THE DAY

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 65, 14 September 1933, Page 10

NEWS OF THE DAY

Surviving Chukor. Twelve chukor have been released from quarantine at Auckland, and. there are also eight of these • imported hill partridge at the agricultural laboratory at Wallaceville, stated the secretary of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society in a letter to the Wellington society received last night. The- Auck-, land birds had been placed with a breeder, and it was stated that the Wellington Society's share (6) of the shipment could be picked up at Wallaceville. It was decided to take charge of the six birds, and to. arrange for the forwarding of the ot'iSil two to the Nelson society. These birds are the survivors of a shipment of 200. Improving Kapiti. Eeporting on a recent visit to Kapiti Island, Mr. A. Seed stated at the meeting of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society last . night that the amount of £100 spent by they society for afforestation purposes on the island had proved of value. The planting done had been successful, and the growth Was most satisfactory. The forest growth was much improved, and generally the forest was in much better shape than two ycai-s ago. Ho was assured by the caretaker (Mr. Wilkinson) that the- assistance given by the Acclimatisation Society's donation, and the resultant planting, had dono more than any other single, factor to contribute to the benefit of the island for some years past. Free Fishing Licences. The question of free fishing licences was discussed by the Wellington Acclimatisation Society last night. In the past his Excellency the GovernorGeneral has always received a courtesy licence, boys havo been granted 5s licences for capturing largo eels, and honorary rangers, constables, and others who have rendered special services to tho society have been granted freo licences, the total reaching a scoro at most. The application which gave rise to tho discussion was that of an honorary ranger. It was decided that in future no frco licences bo issued, With tho exception of that to tho Gov-ernor-Genera), without having tho matter discussed by the council of the society, the reason being that its finances did not permit of general courtesies. Closed Suck Season? The'North Wairarapa committee last night ■recommended to the Wellington Acclimatijsation Society the- observance; of a close season for ducks in the Wellington district, and favoured a close season throughout tho North Island. Tho financial loss would be temporary, whereas tho reduction of ducks by continuous open seasons would in the end have a permanent detrimental effect on tho society's finances. The'Martou and Palmerstou North sub-committees recommended an open season for ducks. These and other recommendations that will be received will be filed and considered by the game committee prior to the next shooting1 season, Keen on Sport. MWhcn it is considered,that a school of this size has provided eight teams, four girls' and four boys', and has dono so well, I think it speaks volumes for tho school spirit and enthusiasm displayed not only ,by the teams, but by tho teachers in, charge of tho respective sports," stated the principal of the Petono Memorial Technical College when reporting last evening to his Board of Managers on the sports activities of the school. The Value of Demonstrations. Tho boys of the Petono Technical College are fortunate in having their school in comparatively closo proximity to- the railway workshops. Towards the end of the last school term the principal, Mr. A. McFadyen, and the instructor of the engineering class, Mr. Lowry, took parties of pupils from this class on a visit to the shops, where they were conducted through the various departments. During one of tho visits the third year pupils witnessed tests carried out with special apparatus for testing tho strength of metals, with the result that the pupils obtained a much clearer impression of the many terms used in their lessons. The principal, in his report, pays a tributes to the workshop authorities for the kindness and courtesy shown. Agricultural Clubs. Cabinet has decided to make available an amount not exceeding £200 for distribution amongst the boys' and girls' agricultural clubs. In niaHiiig the announcement yesterday the Minister of Agriculture (the lion. C. E. Macmillan) said that the movement had proved a most valuable one in stimulating and developing an interest in farming among the scholars of primary schools, aiicj, as it had been pointed out that the' withdrawal of the Government assistance was" likely to prejudice seriously tho work of these clubs, tho matter had been further considered by Cabinet, which had decided to make available a sum not exceeding £200 for distribution to these clubs. In no case would the subsidy exceed £20. "This sum," said Mr. Macmillan, "has been made available on the distinct understanding that no increase lin the expenditure of the Department I Mill lie involved."'