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Evening Star, Issue 22195, 25 November 1935, Page 10

There still appears to be some doubt as to the position in regard to the closing of shops on Wednesday on account of Election Day, and Mr G. H. Lightfoot, of the Labour Department, approached by a_ 1 Star ’_ reporter, made a statement which clarifies the position. Shops which, close for a statutory halfholiday at any time during the week must close on Wednesday at the time they usually close for their half-holiday. For, instance, grocers and drapers, who close at 12.30 on Saturdays, must close at that time on Wednesday, and other shops, .such as tobacconists, which close at 1 p.m. on Saturdays, must close at that time on Wednesday. While all shops which have a statutory half-holi-day must close on Wednesday, they are not obliged to close again on Saturday. Shops that do not have to observe tho half-day. such as fruiterers, confectioners, bakers, pastrycooks, fishmongers, and florists, will not be required to close on Wednesday, but all their assistants must be off by 1 o’clock. Hotels and restaurants are not obliged to give their staffs a half-day, on Wednesday.

The Legislation Committee of the Grand Orange Lodge of New_ Zealand recently telegraphed to the Prime Minister inquiring whether there was possibility of the Government’s attitude_ in opposition to State aid to sectarian schools changing, and drawing attention to a statement attributed to the J Minister of Education at New Plymouth that the present policy of refusing such aid might not always bo the policy of the Government. Mr Forbes replied that the matter had been referred to the Minister of Education, who had replied that at no time had he suggested departure from • the existing policy of free compulsory secular education. The Minister also said that he deemed it his duty to visit private schools _ whose children were examined by his inspectors, and it was wrong to assume that a few words of appreciation of the work being done indicated any change of policy. 1 Mr Forbes stated that the Government had no present intention of changing its existing policy.—-Press Association.

Dr Galway’s Sunday afternoon organ recital on the Town Hall instrument proved a successful innovation,* attracting a surprising number for a matinee. A quota of these probably represented visitors _ by the south excursion train, and it might t be worth while to give occasional afternoon recitals during the summer when such Sunday visits from north and south are frequent. Dr Galway’s programme covered a comprehensive range of compositions and arrangements for the instrument, Lux’s Fantasia on O Sanctissima, with which the recital opened, was an attractively _ diversified number which was artistically treated. A work of considerable interest was Westbrook’s Andante, based on the Westminster Chimes, a dignified and moving composition, the performance of which was marked by sensitive and musicianly interpretation. The group concluded with a fine presentation of Bach’s majestic Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, in which the organist exploited to tho full the resources of the instrument. Boellman/s colourful Suite Gothique provided an admirable example of contrasting shades, and Hollins’s ‘ In Springtime ’ was another number which captured the audience’s imagination, its outline and inherent delicacy being admirably recaptured by the organist. Coleman’s arrangement of the Londonderry Air was also a popular _ selection, tho recital concluding with a brilliant performance of the overture to Rossini’s ‘ William Tell.’

Anders will be pleased to know that the Pomahaka, Catlins, aud_ Waipahi Rivers are in good condition just now, and although the Owaka, Glenomaru, Puerua, Waiwera, and Kaihiku streams are on the low side, they are providing good fishing.

To mark the centenary of the birth of Andrew Carnegie, which falls to-day, a display is being made at the Public Library of a portrait of Mr Carnegie, and of posters presented by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Pamphlets and booklets dealing with library development in England and America, and also the Munn-Barr report on New Zealand libraries, are available for issue. The University library has a show of books on Andrew Carnegie, together with several of his own works. A Wellington Association message states that the Strnthnarer arrived at 7 45 a.m. from Auckland, and remains tin 6.30 p.m., when she returns to Sydney. Parties overland from Auckland will arrive during the afternoon, the last one at 6 p.m. from Waitomo via Egmont. The local programme includes a marine drive tour this mornin<r, and a Hutt Valley tour this afternoon.

During last night the Miramar Post Office was broken open and an attempt made to onen the safe, but because of this failure the robbers obtained no monev, or stamps. Explosives wore not used.' but evidently an attempt was made to open the door with tools.— Wellington, Press Association*

Slight damage was done. to a flocu teething- machine in the factory ot Arthur Ellis and Co Ltd., Kaikorai Valley road, on Saturday when an outbreak of fire occurred. The City Fire Brigade was called to the scene at 9.19 p.m. At 2.14 a.m. to-day the brigade received a justifiable false alarm to Scotland street. In this issue the Railway Department advertises train arrangements in connection with the General Election. . The Pacific Starr-Bowkett Socicty_ announces that its new group of 4,000. shares will be opened for the payment o£ subscriptions to-day. To see or not to sec—the question is who to see. See Stunner and Watson, opticians, 2 Octagon, Dunedin.—f Advt. I