NEWS OF THE DAY

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 81, 2 October 1940, Page 8

NEWS OF THE DAY

Skeleton in Tea-tree. A skeleton, believed to be that of an elderly man, was discovered on Sunday evening in a clump of tea-tree on the slopes overlooking Duck Bay, on the Onehunga side of Blockhouse Bay, states the "New Zealand Herald." It is believed the skeleton must have been there for about two years. There is no clue to the identity of the man. The clothing worn at the time of death included a hat with the initials J.C on the hatband, a grey suit, overcoat, a felt hat, and tan shoes. The skeleton was found by a man clearing the gorse from his section. He immediately notified the police, who are making inquiries. Moa Bones Found. A discovery of bones of the largest North Island species of moa, Dinornis giganticus, was made by Mr. F. Simpson, of Parenga, states a Kaitaia correspondent. The bones, which were found on a sand dune, have been identified by Mr. Frost, of Parenga. Many of them had to be left, but it is thought they will be recovered. The tibia, one of the bones now on display m Kaitaia, is 13in long and has a circumference at the smallest point of approximately Gin. The femur is 13m long with a circumference of 9in. Although remains of the smaller species of moa have been found at Tom Bowling's Bay, this is the first time traces of the large species have been found there. Shell Cases as Scrap Metal. | The cases of two shells which played ; an important part in the last war will serve a useful purpose in the present one, having been given by a Hastings resident to the collection of scrap metal for the war effort. They are the original cases of shells fired from H.M.A.S. Sydney in her famous engagement which resulted in the sinking of the German raider Emden. After being presented to Mrs. T. H. Lowry, of Hastings, the shell cases were given to Mrs. A. Halstead, who parted with them when the call came for metal. Citrus Orchards. Steps to eradicate citrus canker in citrus orchards are taken in the Orchard and Gardens Diseases Amendment Bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives yester-j day and read a first time. The Bill \ provides for the complete or partial destruction of orchards where necessary and for compensation for owners., Power is given to establish local advisory committees to assist in settling any difficulties which may arise. Provision is also made for more adequate j safeguards against- the introduction of new diseases by the importation of j plants and plant products. Maori Hostel. A clause in the Native Purposes Bill j introduced in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon authorises the Native Trustee to assist in financing ! I the erection of a hostel to provide suitable accommodation for Maoris visiting ( Hamilton. It is proposed, with the aid of a Government subsidy, to build a hostel, and the Native Trustee intends to provide from money in the Auckland and Onehunga Native Hostelries Account Fund a sum not exceeding £250 towards the cost of furnishing and fitting the building and an annua\ amount of up to £50 for its upkeep and maintenance. Spirit of the English. The spirit of the English 'in times like the present was indicated by a business cablegram quoted by Mr. H. O. Pittendrigh at last night's meeting of the Chamber of Commerce. "Some people think industry is being shot to pieces in England and that no deliveries of goods for export will be possible," he said. "In response to an order my firm placed asking for delivery 'if circumstances permit' we received the following cabled reply:— 'Many thanks for your order. Much appreciated. The more we get the more England will be helped to win the war. Rest assured we are pro- | ducing to schedule. Complete shipment will be made within three weeks.'" Overseas Ships and Small Ports. The question of overseas ships calljing at minor ports in New Zealand was referred to at the monthly meeting of the Wellington Chamber of i Commerce last night. A letter was received from the Overseas Shipowners' Allotment Committee, Wellington, stating that since the outbreak of war the | matter referred to had received the close attention of those with a full [knowledge of all the factors and difficulties involved. Substantial progress had been made, which, it was hoped, would continue as further means of centralisation became available. Few Desertions Now. "It is most unusual in these days to hear of a desertion by a member of the crew of a British ship," said the Rev. H. K. Vickery, of the Flying Angel Missions to Seamen, Auckland, on Monday, when commenting on a suggestion that desertions caused great inconvenience, states the "New Zealand Herald." "As far as I can learn, there has been only one desertion in Auckland in the last few months, and that was of a boy of 16. He had taken part in the evacuation at Dunkirk, and had done his share well. There was no suggestion of 'funk' in the reasons that caused him to leave his ship. For any vacancy that may occur on a British ship there are j numerous applications, especially from ■ Englishmen who wish to return to Britain because their offers of service ! have been refused for various reasons." Mr. Vickery added that it was very heartening to meet British seamen in these times. Their attitude towards the war made him feel proud that they were British and members of the great company of merchant seamen upon whom so much now depended. In spite of the many perils. which beset their calling, they had no thought of themselves. Their only concern was the possible dangers to their folk in Britain. Statue of Maori Chief. The bronze statue of an old-time chief, completing the monument erected on the summit of One Tree Hill in honour of the Maori race, was hoisted into position on Monday on the base of the tall granite obelisk, states the "New Zealand Herald." Cast in England this year, the statue is of heroic size, 7ft 6in high. It represents a typical chief, wearing a fringed mat of Jfine flax pinned together on the right shoulder and leaving the left shoulder and arm bare. His face is tattooed, in his hair is a huia feather, and he wears ear-pendants and an ornament on a string around his neck, in his right hand is a mere, The sculptor, Mr. R. O. Gross, has not attempted to soften the harsher attributes of the ancient Maori. While the pose and facial expression of the figure are proud and dignified, they convey a good deal of latent ferocity. The head is thrown back and the eyes gaze almost defiantly over the broad exJpanse of Tamaki-makau-rau, which Maori surrendered to pakeha just 100 years ago. The statue has been placed about 20ft above the ground, with its back against the shaft of Ihe obelisk It overlooks the grave of Sir John Logan Cnmpbell. whose trustees have erected the monument in conformity with the provisions of his will. A certain amount of finishing work has still to be done on the base of the obelisk and a bronze commemorative tablet is being placed in one of the panels.