LOCAL & GENERAL.

Franklin Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 41, 15 April 1940, Page 8 (Supplement)

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Troops’ Bayonet Dummy. i Tlie soldiers at the Papakura camp have discovered one way of keeping their minds on the job when practising bayonet charges against the usual sacking dummy. Prominently painted ; on the centre of the dummy is a large { German swastika. Bayonet holes pierci ing and surrounding it testify to the ' accuracy of innumerable determined charges. | Gardening at Camp. "" Rivalling the flower garden at the I Papakura camp is a large-scale vege- [ table plot which throughout the season j has helped largely to supply the messes with potatoes and green vegetables. One of ,Ihe largest sections of the area was sown in pumpkins and at the present lime a very large crop is availaide. The flower garden has also pioved successful and the display of dahlias and giant marigolds in front of camp headquarters is one of the best in the district.

30,000 Milking Machines. In an address on the development of the milking .machine in New Zealand given to members of the Palmerston North Rotary Club. Mr H. H. Johnson said there were in New Zealand 30,000 milking machines, representing 31 different types. Each year 1000 new machines were added to the number in use, representing a turnover of £IOO,OOO. “Milk is one of the most important articles of food and it is the; most susceptible ,to Lcontamination,” he .said. “Yet we find that, while, plumbers and electricians and other have to pass examinations before they can pursue their occupations. no qualifications are needed to manufacture, sell, or fit a milking machine.”