Untitled

Evening Star, Issue 19773, 25 January 1928, Page 6

The water that fills the Dunedin Municipal Baths yesterday received a good advertisement as the result of a little incident that occurred when Messrs \V. E D. Bishop, C. W. Bryant, and Baxter O’Neill, officials of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, were being shown tho filtration plant at the local baths. In the course of their inspection they were shown a cup of the filtered water. Each had a taste, and much to their surprise, need it be said, learnt that the water had actually been taken from the baths after filtration! It is a fact, however, that the water in tho swimming pool after filtration is purer than ordinary drinking water, so far as an analysis is ‘concerned. A move, it is reported, will bo made at to-night’s meeting of members of the North-east Harbor Boating Club to make rowing the _ important section of the club’s activities. Old yachting members intend to upset_ this move, on the grounds that if rowing members had full control _ the club would soon pass out of existence. The rowing at Macandrew’s Bay is far from strong, while the success of the past, regatta showed that yachting has still a greater popularity and appeal.

From “Speedwell,” the Auckland ‘Star’s’ yachting writer, “For’ard Hand ” to-day received the following telegram:—“l do not agree with amateurish decision Cornwell Cup Committee. I saw the incident which was purely an infringement of the port-starboard tack rule, carrying the usual penalty of disqualification of the offending boat only.” This outspoken opinion by a yachtsman, who has a dominion wide reputation as an official and writer, adds force to Otago’s argument that this province won the cup on tho fifth race.

About forty delegates attended the annual conference to-day of the New Zealand Society of Professional Teachers of Music, Mr R. Parker presiding. In an address Professor Shelley said if he had the choice of turning either music or mathematics out of the primary schools, he certainly would turn out mathematics.—Christchurch Press Association telegram. The Education Department advised the Education Board to-day that a grant had been made for the erection of a two-roomed school at Warrington. This announcement was greeted with applause by board members. The architect said the plans were in course of preparation, a sketch having been sent on to the department. The tenders would be ready for the next meeting of the board. It was stated by the secretary that the grant made was £3OO less than was applied for. The badge of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association is regaining its popularity—this time in miniature form. Recently the secretary of the Dunedin branch of the association issued 250 of these new badges, with the result that they are to be seen frequently in the streets of the city. Without making themselves nearly as obvious as the old symbols of membership they fulfil the same purpose, and it is the association’s wish that exsoldiors will not be diffident about wearing them. It has been decided that the local soldiers’ choir will retain the old badge for use on the concert platform. The tide of unemployment is again rising steadily, and the total number of registrations at the Government Labor Bureau is 183, an increase of fifteen from this time last week. Of these 100 are married men and eightythree are single. The increase is partly accounted for by the fact that quite a number of Public Works men have been put off duty since Xmas. During the week jobs have been found for four men, and thirty-two names have been removed from the register, either at the applicant’s own request or because the men have not called for some time at the bureau. The fresh registrations total fifty-one. A letter has been received by the Mayor (Mr W. B. Taverner) from, the Town Clerk of Wellington, who intimates that the mayor of that city has called a meeting for the purpose of opening a relief fund for the widows of New' Zealand’s lost airmen, Lieutenant Moncrieff and Captain Hood. It was thought that the effort should be a national one, and the Mayor of Wellington would bo glad to receive co-operation from other provinces. Mr Taverner stated this morning that, although nothing definite had yet been arranged in Dunedin, there w*as every prospect of a similar fund being opened locally.

The postal authorities advise that mails which left Auckland on December 20, per Aorangi, via Vancouver, arrived at Loudon on January 21.

“ Sympathiser ” writes to ask if it is true that the Salvation Army shelter in Dunedin closes at 10.15 p.ra. every night, and, if so, what use is it to men who find themselves locked out and hence have to beg for shelter or else walk the streets all night. Brigadier Burton makes this answer: “We do close at 10.15. ■ We are not looking tor people who aro locked out at night, but for the average man who is out of work and wants it and is genuinely down and out; and by 6 o’clock or thereabouts men of that type know what their position is. Many of them come and pay, if they can. for tea, from 5 to 6.50, for which the charge is 6d, and engage a bed for 9d. If they cannot pay they get these services free. Wo say in effect: ‘lf you can work you must work, and we will help you to find it,’ and we do so. That is what wo were asked to do, and what we are doing. If there are persons who think they can blow in night after night and get lodgings for nothing and go on in that way without working—well, all 1 can say is that they are mistaken.”

The electrical rains of the past few days have sensibly swelled the feeders of the Dunedin water supply and raised tho levels in the reservoirs. The storage had not, however, run down very seriously in the prolonged dry spell, so that, though the refreshing is welcome, it is not a deliverance from distress. It is satisfactory to know that our city ‘supply can stand up to a dry spell if it does not last too long. The roof of the old Post Office in Princes street is now nearly off. The demolition seems to be proceeding quickly and with a minimum of disturbance to the neighborhood^—no jnore than a repainting of the exterior would occasion.

By some mistake it was stilted that the Domain Board could not see its way to continue the good work of clearing up the litter left by the picnickers on the St. Clair beach. So far from that being the case, the board had men on yesterday, as well as to-day, and the beach will present a totally different appearance. At the same time the publish should' obviate the fiecessity for this work as much as possible by carrying away with them the paper required for their parcels, and be careful to avoid anything in the shape of glass or tins being left about. A house owned by Mr Freddy, and occupied by Mr O’Connell, was gutted by fire this morning whilst the occupants were away at a picnic. This is the third fire within four days in the same block.—Gisborne Press Association telegram. Awaking to find his five-roomed house on fire at 2 o’clock this morning, Mr W. Kilmac, of Kitikawa street, Remuera, just had time to rush his sick wife from the blazing building.—Auckland Press Association telegram.

Two boys who yesterday found a couple of five-franc notes in a gutter in South Dunedin • probably thought they had discovered something of considerable value. They promptly, and properly, handed the notes to the police, and the usual procedure of noting, referring, and inquiring has had to be gone through, and the found property put safely away until claimed or eventually handed over to the finders. The present value of the ten francs, it may bo added, is about one shilling and ninepence. Tire notes were issued at Papeete. On flimsier material than this a writer such as the late 0. Henry would construct an interesting story. During the recent visit of the Otago cricket team to Auckland two of the officials accompanying it called in to pass the time of clay with Miss Gertie Campion, the little lady who charmed theatregoers of the last generation when she played “Fifi” in the ‘Belle of New York,’ and other characters in Pollard’s repertoire of plays. Miss Campion, who is bright and well, still retain an affection for “ dear old Dunedinj” and' asked that her callers should give the city her love. Numbers of folk from the south, she said, called in to see her at her little tobacconist’s shop in Queen street. In the Police Court this morning, before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., Christopher Larsen was fined 22s 6d (including 2s 6d cab hire) on a charge of drunkenness. John Willis, charged with having used indecent language in a public place (Maclaggan street), was remanded until Monday next, Detective Beer stating that it was probable that a much more serious charge would be preferred against tho accused. “In cases where the limb is too heavy, although tho bracket may fit, application being made for lighter limbs should bo favorably considered.” Tims read a motion, passed at a meeting of limbless men at the R.S.A. last night, to bo forwarded to the Pensions Department. Mr E. J. Anderson (chairman of the Limbless Committee) presided, and announced that tho Returned Soldiers’ Association executive, which had been urging the Government to grant the limbless men the type of artificial limb they desired, had been advised that, subject to the approval of the Pensions Department, it would order for limbless men the type of limb they wished. The matter was fully discussed, and it was remarked that the executive felt it bad made some advancement for the men.

The fortnightly meeting of the executive of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association was held last evening, the president (Mr A. C. Laing) being in the chair. Two inward transfers were approved. A donation of a war picture was received with thanks from Mr E. L. Scott. The statement of receipts and payments in connection with the Christmas tree showed a credit balance of £lB 19s 2d. It was agreed that this amount be held over for the next Christmas treat.

According to prospects as they arc viewed at present, the farmers in Canterbury should have no excuse for any availing and gnashing of teeth as far as the returns from their cereal crops are concerned. They have every reason to expect a good return for their efforts, as a record yield is anticipated. A great bulk of the oat crops has been cut, and with the wdieat ripening rapidly under the influence of the present spell of fine weather, wheat harvesting is proceeding apace, more especially in North Canterbury districts, The damp spring has of course had its effect on the crops generally, and quite a number of diseased, crops are reported. This, however, will, not have much effect on the ultimate yield. The disease which is most prevalent is “ takeall,” the wet weather early in the season having been particularly conducive to its development. In one or two isolated oases it is expected that it will reduce the yield by 50 per cent, or even more.—Christchurch correspondent. A case was heard in the Magistrate’s Court this morning, before Mr J. R. Bartholomew', S.M., in which Jean Shepherd (Mr E. J. Anderson) proceeded against Margaret Halley (Mr R, A. King) in a claim for the sum of £SO allegedly due as the deposit on an uncompleted sale. Th plaintiff claimed that on or about September 12 last the defendant agreed in writing to sell to the plaintiff the premises known as 36 Hope street, Dunedin, for the price of £7OO. The plaintiff paid to the defendant’s agent the sum of £SO by way of deposit in case the sale should not be completed The contract provided that “ £SO on date of possession, balance to be. arranged on mortgage at current rate of interest, reducible. Principal and interest to bo not more than 35s per week. Purchaser will pay more if possible.” On October 12 the plaintiff’s solicitors applied to the defendant’s solicitors for the mortgage from the plaintiff as mortgagor to the defendant as mortgagee for execution by the plaintiff in terras of the contract. As the defendant’s solicitors failed to tender the mortgage for execution by the time requested, the plaintiff gave notice that the contract of sale wms rescinded and demanded the return of the deposit of £SO, which was not repaid. Lengthy evidence was taken and the witnesses were subjected to a close examination as to the details of the sale. The hearing was continued this afternoon.

A meeting of the Royal Life-saving Society was held this morning, Mi 1, Baxter O’Neill (of the Dominion Council) occupying the chair. Messrs W. Gerrie and P. Chapman (Wellington), F. S. Taylor and C. R. Riordan (Canterbury-), and H. H. Henderson (Otago) were also present. The Wellington Ckmtre brought forward the following remit: —“ That in view of the large number of drowning accidents during the last season, and particularly those where life was lost through the would-be rescuer having no practical knowledge of the methods of saving life, that swimming and lifesaving bo made an optional subject for the School Teachers' certificate, and that the Dominion Council bring the matter before the Minister of Education.” The remit was adopted, the Chairman remarking that a similar resolution had been passed at the Dominion Conference yesterday, and that pressure would bo brought to bear on the Minister from the various centres. The conditions and regulations of the four-men championship, tbo Nelson Shield competition, and surfing reel and drill competitions were discussed in detail, several amendments and improvements being suggested and approved. It is surprising that the number of stock in the various sections at the Burnside stock sales on a Wednesday are not available to those interested and to strangers at the commencement of the sales. Considering that the stock and station agents know the number of stock they are offering, there should be no difficulty in ascertaining the totals offered in the various sections at an earlier hour. The system adopted could very well do with a good overhauling and a brushing up to bring it into line with the times.

Advertisers in the ‘Evening Star’ are notified that, owing to the great rush of advertisements on Saturday, insertion in that day's issue cannot be guaranteed unless received early in the day. It is particularly requested that in all cases where it is possible advertisements intended for Saturday’s issue shall be handed in on Friday. For spectacles that soothe the eyes consuit W. V. Stunner, D. 5.0.1., G.A.0.C., 2 Octagon. Our business .s exclusively optical.—[Advt.] Arrangements are now complete for the anniversary concert arranged by the Dunedin Burns Club in His Majesty’s Theatre to-night. Mr Ernest M'Kinlay, Mrs Wilfred Andrews, Mr J. B. Thomson, Miss M'Curdy, a reel party, and the Burns Choir will assist. A very successful entertainment is assured.

contest to-night at .the aratah