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Evening Star, Issue 22347, 25 May 1936, Page 8

A Press Association telegram states that a Caretakers, Cleaners, and Liftmen’s Union has been formed in Christchurch. It is intended to secure an award for employees of school committees, banks, public bodies, and mercantile houses* For the benefit of those members of the Dunedin Operatic Society who are to appear shortly in the society’s forthcoming production, ‘ Maid of the Mountains,’ the management of the Grand Theatre screened a film version of this musical comedy last evening. Although the film was produced in 1932 the technical side of the picture was surprisingly good. Although not severe and not causing any damage, a shock of earthquake was felt in Christchurch about 2 o’clock yesterday morning, advises a Press Association message. Inquiries made this morning show that it was not felt in Dunedin, and the local telegraph office stated that the earthquake did not in any way interrupt the service.

“ Mr Nash is Minister of Finance, and will remain Minister of Finance while this Government is in office.” This emphatic declaration by the Prime Minister was provoked when his attention was called to the newspaper survey of possibilities regarding Cabinet rearrangements, and two additional Ministers being appointed. When the Prime Minister makes this statement the matter is removed beyond the region of speculation, though the lobby opinion which the article reflected was not intended to convey any suggestion that the predicted change would involve any alteration of the Government’s financial policy. Another interesting angle to the speculative article is the position Mr Fraser holds at present, and his capacity to take still more responsibility. He is an extremely active personality, with wide knowledge, and as he visualises his duty of administering the Dominion’s education system and introducing further developments, it is in itself a heavy task of paramount importance. The whole position is, of course, one for future decision, and in accordance with the well-understood policy of the Labour Party the Prime Minister wil consult his supporters before any final decisions are made.—Parliamentary correspondent.

Departmental officials inspeqted the ro ut© of the South Island main tiunlc railway during the week-end, and left this morning via the transisland highway for Westport. The party not only examined the country which the line will traverse, hiit interviewed settlers to ascertain the probable business derivable from the carriage of goqds and live stock when the railway is opened. Members of the party refused to comment, stating that they were rendering a report to the Minister. The purpose of the visit to the West Coast was to inspect ’ the unfinished section of the Inangahua line.—Blenheim Press Association.

Retailers in the city and South .Dunedin have co-operated wholeheartedly in preparing a total of 500 window displays for New Zealand Industries Week, which has been inaugurated by the Manufacturers’ Association in order to stimulate trade and bring to the notice of the public the necessity of buying New Zealand-made goods. The general display will continue for a lew days this week, and the street illuminations, which have given a touch of colour to the movement, will also be left in position.

In the vicinity of Cape Saunders a few days ago a 'local fisherman caught on a line a rare and beautiful fish, which has been identified and examined. The fish measures 13in from tail to mouth, and is of a brilliant red, the fins and edges being a decided crimson. There is a large black spot on each side of the tail, and numerous minute blade spots are dotted over the head*. In form and structure it is similar to a small moki, or even a schnapper. It is a red perch or Caesioperca lepidoptera. The first specimen was taken in Milford Sound in 1863. More complete details of red perch are supplied by the Portobello Hatcheries. The fish is a beautiful rose pink in colour, being lighter below. The eye is dark red, with a yellow ins. A patch of black appears at the base of the tail, contrasting well with the fine colour of the rest of the body A specimen taken on the line in December, 1934, is living in the hatchery, and attracts a good deal of attention on account of its beautiful colouring. It is even more attractive in appearance than a goldfish. A shoal of a dozen of these fish was seen under the whjrf at Port Chalmers last January.

Farming properties in the Auckland district are reported to he in good demand, but owing to the Government’s plans for the payment of a guaranteed price for dairy produce and the prospects of a further improvement in wool values, farmers are not' disposed to sell readily unless high prices <are offered. Questioned on the position in Otago, a stock and station agent said this morning that there was not a great deal of activity in this province, but in the North Island there had been a definite switch from dairying to sheep farming.

The last of the preliminary census returns for counties, borough, and town districts was issued to-day by the Government Statistician. It was for Westland County, the population of which has increased by 30 per cent, in the past 10 years. In 1926 the population stood at'4,203 and it is now 5,535. The increased activity in mining, following the rise in the price of gold, probably accounts for part of the increase.

Two cars wore stolen in the city on Saturday. A 1925 Buick tourer belonging to Mr I''. A. Leary, of 7 Prince Albert road, was removed from the parking area in front of the Regent Theatre between 4.50 and 4.55. The car is fawn-grey in colour and carries a flying bird radiator. The registered number is 34-416- Mr A. J. Holloway, of 42 Somerville street, reported that his car was missing for the second time in a little over two months. It is a Baby Austin sedan, light blue in colour," and the registered number is 37,147 It disappeared from Dowling street between 6.15 and 7.15.

Only two days remain after to-day for aii inspection of the pictures and craftwork in the annual winter sketch exhibition of the Otago Art Society, which is being held in the Pioneer Hall. The 200 odd exhibits include oils, water colours, sketches, pastel drawings, and crayon work, the general standard of the work being decidedly high. The pictures cover a wide variety of subjects, and there are many attractive views of scenic spots in Dunedin and surroundings. There are also choice examples of craftwork, showing that pride in handwork still survives the age of the machine. In order (o encourage public interest in tbc work of Otago artists the society is not making a charge for admission on this occasion. The exhibition will close on Wednesday evening.

Eight nuggets ot gold, weighing from lOdwt to 21dwt each, are reported as having been won by the Nevis Sluicing Claims Ltd. while cleaning down the paddock preparatory to washing up for the season. In all, the eight nuggets weigh soz 13dwt. The company’s claim comprises 215 acres of alluvials at Schoolhouse Creek, in the Lower Nevis area.

Wanganui River Services Ltd. was fined £lO for selling liquor at a landing in the upper reaches of the Wanganui River while its vessel was tied up. Two constables went aboard and purchased a bottle of whisky and four bottles ot beer. On a similar charge Ngapene Rapiha, a steward, was finbd £2. The packet license only provides for liquor being sold to passengers while the vessel is in motion.—Press Association. A Wellington Association message states that Stanley Winwood M’Kissick Reid, who was found guilty of assault, with intent to commit rape, was sentenced bv Mr Justice Blair in the Supreme ‘Court to-day to reformative detention for a term not exceeding seven years.

At Wanganui this morning William Robert Keane, on charges of stealing four sheep, was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, concurrent with the sentence he is already serving.— Press Association.

A justifiable false alarm from the Marigold Frock Salon, South Dunedin, received the attention of the City Fire Brigade at II.S on Saturday evening. Rubbish burning in an oil drum was ■the cause of the ahum being given.