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Evening Star, Issue 21219, 28 September 1932, Page 6

Congratulations to the Boys Band that was formed at Caversham by Air James Dixon on its first appearance in public at the head of the recent church parade of the various boys’ brigades that are doing promising work. The band, twenty-three strong, played in the march from the Oval to First Church, using mostly the ‘Starlight March,’ and, though in existence only eight months, it shaped realty well, proving once more that by application and wise leading a success can ho wrested from humble beginnings. An important question for discussion at to-morrow night’s meeting of the Harbour Board is the continuance or cessation of work by the dredger Otakou. When the board’s Economies Committee last brought down its report the board decided to review the question of the working of the dredge at the September meeting, when the effect of the economies and financial side would be more clear. It is reported that the finances have not improved in the meantime, and that the committee has not met to consider another report. The board will probably be guided, in consequence, by a statement by the chairman (Air J. London!. An indication that a Bill will be introduced into Parliament this session to provide for religious instruction m schools was given during a deputation representing church organisations which waited on the Prime Alinister to-day The speakers on the deputation referred to the moral laxity of to-day, and stressed the importance of religious training in schools. Mr Forbes promised that when the Bill was introduced by Air Holland, ALP. (Christchurch North), bo would place no obstacles in the way of its consideration by members. A similar undertaking was given by the Alinister of Education. The 'churches represented were Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Churches of Christ Salvation Army, Methodist, and Lutheran. In addition, eight women’s organisations jror-e rflpr»seei«d»--BBBBs Agsooiabbiw

Will the Government increase the rates of pay to men in camp, and provide free transport to enable them to visit their homes during the Christmas holidays, was a question asked by Mr Jones (Dunedin South) in the House yesterday. He stated that some of the men bad been in camp for twelve months. Their wages were so small that they were unable to provide themselves with sufficient clothing, and had no means of getting home at Christmas unless the pay was increased and transport provided.—Wellington correspondent. A proposal that the Unemployment Board should consider the building of weirs in Hawea and Wanaka Rivers, in accordance with the recommendation of the Central Otago Mining Associations is advanced in a question placed on the Order Paper of the House of Representatives by Mr Bodkin. He claims that the construction of this work would provide immediate employment for a large number of men, and would also enable hundreds of miners to bo profitably employed. An attempt is being made in Christchurch yachting circles to encourage small boat sailing. The Christchurch Sailing and Power Boat Club has set up an advisory committee to consider types suitable for the purpose, and a member of it is supervising the building of a boat of the American, snipe class and one of the Whakatane class, which is enjoying great popularity in Auckland, and which was described in an article in the * Sports Special ’ some weeks ago. It is hoped that enough builders will be forthcoming to enable a club to be formed, but in the meantime the committee has undertaken to assist any intending builders. The City Fire Brigade turned out at 7.30 last evening to attend to a hedge fire in Lynn street, Mornington. There was no damage to property. A New Plymouth Association message states that Hubert Cedric Jepson appeared on remand this morning charged with the murder of his wife, Lilian Violet Jepson, on September 15. On the application of the police accused was remanded to Friday, when the lower court proceedings will be commenced.

Anglers are hoping that the fine weather with which the Dunedin district is favoured so far this spring will last over Saturday for the opening of the rod-fishing season. The streams are mostly normal in volume, rather too clear, perhaps, but that may be rectified on the day. From what one hears it seems likely that a record number of anglers will be on the job at once, Waipori is already chosen by many. As shags have assembled in numbers at Lake Mahinerangi it is guessed that the trout in that water are abundant. The stubble quail, a bird which the Otago Acclimatisation Society is thinking about importing from Australia, is known in the Auckland district, but not in these parts. It is described as a little smaller than the Californian variety, not given to coveying in large numbers, but given to spreading in smallish groups and venturing close to towns. From all that is known here it is a desirable sporting bird, and there will be many gunmen to welcome it here if it really can be got at w’ithin a reasonable distance. As to black swans the Acclimatisation Society _ rather favours the proposal to prohibit their being shot round Lake Hawea, for there are not too many of thorn about, and the residents would like to see them preserved as objects of interest to tourists. The suggestion to the society to stimulate the destruction of the little grey owl stands referred to the conference of acclimatisation societies. It is more than an Otago matter. These owls are multiplying fast, and may be heard of a night in the Dunedin subufbs. Thejr natural enemies are few and ineffective, and some persons hold strongly the belief that the killing of native birds by the little grey owls is going on too fast. The first aero mail from Hokitika to Okuru, which left Hokitika at 7 a.m. to-day carrying 1,483 letters and packets, arrived at Waiho at 7.50, leaving at 9.6 and arriving at Okuru at 10.5.—Press Association.

The geological party under Dr Jablonski, which recently arrived in the dominion, has commenced field operations. Its programme is said to concern solely the east coast field, and will take a considerable time to com-plect.—-Gisborne Press Association.

The postal authorities advise that the Aorangi, due at Auckland on Sunday from Vancouver, has 124 bags of mail for Dunedin. The mail is expected to roach the local office on Tuesday afternoon.

To diminish is sometimes to augment. It is so in respect to the attendance in the reading rooms of the Dunedin Public Library. Mr M‘Ewan, the librarian, says that during the winter and thus far into the spring the rooms have been less crowded than at the same time last year. The decrease is not very great, but distinctly noticeable. He hails it as a sign that there is more work to be had.

The comhnission, consisting of Alessrs F. Waite (chaiman), E. H. Alurney, and C. R. Sheaf,_ which was recently appointed to inquire into the indebtedness of the Taieri River Trust to the Crown and the inability of the trust to meet flic liability, began the taking of evidence at the Dunedin courthouse yesterday. The sittings of the commission, which are being hold in private, are expected to extend over a period of three or four weeks.

The recommendations of the Gas Committee in respect to the rates charged to consumers is likely to provide the chief topic for discussion at the meeting of the City Council tonight, and it is reported that there is likely to ho some opposition to the proposals. With a view to “ putting the matter on a more scientific basis, while at the same time permitting of a reduction being made in the basic price of gas to the consumer,” the committee is recommending that there be a reduction in the present gas price from (is 3d to 5s 5d per 1,000 cubic feet, plus a fixed monthly charge of Is 3d for each service to cover the department’s capital charges for the installation and cost of meter reading.

Following the lodging of a petition by residents in the locality, the Works Committee will report to the City Council to-night that it cannot see its way to alter _ its previous decision granting permission lor the erection of a building for use ns a petrol station at the corner of Regent road and George street. A letter written by several residents on behalf of the petitioners has been received by the mayor (Air R. S. Black), it being pointed out that it is considered that the erection of the petrol station will result in increased danger to the public and be of serious consequence to the patients of the hospitals in tho vicinity, particularly nervous cases. The letter also points out that, while a request was recently made by the council asking motorists to keep off the main road as much as possible, the committee is proposing to divert traffic on to the main road. A petrol station, it was considered by the petitioners, was not needed in the vicinity, as there wore several in King street, built specially for motor traffic at a cost of tfiayaanxiat

Dr Paget, the Health Department’s inspector of private hospitals, is at present in Dunedin, and purposes giving a lecture on ‘ Maternal Welfare 1 in the Medical School, King street, to-morrow. This lecture will be of special interest to midwives, maternity nurses, and all women interested in welfare work.

The usual dance will be held in Bijou Hall to-night under the auspices of the U.W.M. Last Saturday there was again a very large attendance, and all enjoyed themselves. On Monday night almost 150 couples were on the floor, it being learners’ night. The committee thanks all for their support, and everything possible is being done to make the dances of a high standard for tho benefit of all patrons. Last night (Tuesday) a high-class concert and dance was given to tho members, supper, fruit, and lollies being supplied to all free. Will Smith’s Kapai Band again delighted patrons of tho Mayfair Club’s dance last Saturday. For this week’s dance an especially attractive programme has been arranged. Novelty dances and fancy lighting effects always prove popular. Particulars are advertised.

Save your eyes. Be wise and consult W. V. Stumer (optician, 2 Octagon), thus conserving good vision for old ago.—[Advt.j

Attention is drawn to a notice in our shipping columns in which tho Now Zealand Shipping Company announces that tho s.s. Rotorua is being converted to tourist, class, enabling passengers to travel to England in this well-known vessel at rates from £3B to £65 single and £6B to £ll7 return. Under tho name of the Michaelmas Fair the annual effort of North-cast Valley Anglicans, to be held in tho Sunday School Hall, will he opened this evening by the Dean of Dunedin. The various church bodies have, been working for months past to enable the usual display of goods to be shown at the various stalls. Good programmes have been arranged for the entertainment of patrons, and the fair will he continued on Thursday evening and on Saturday.

The quarterly meeting of the School Committees’ Association of Otago will be held in the Education Board Boom todnor'SfiW SJgM,