LOCAL AND GENERAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 June 1937, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The opinion that the New Zealanders were the “worst-dressed” contingent in London during the Coronation, celebrations is expressed by a resident of Napier who was in London during that period. In a letter to a Napier friend he states that the uniforms of the New Zealanders were stock sizes and their boots were built for the trenches. “They were the worst-dress-ed contingent there,” he said, “while the Australians were dressed in tailormades and wore walking-shoes. They were properly turned out.”

Arising from an action for £137 damages brought by Richard Brody, forestry worker, of Wairakei, against the Rotorua Wrestling Association, as a result of injuries suffered by plaintiff when he slipped between two rows of scats at a wrestling contest, Mr. S. L. Paterson, S.M.. in a judgment at Rotorua, awarded plaintiff £62 damages. The Magistrate held that the seats were dangerous and that they could have been rendered safe by the exercise of reasonable care and skill.

“It was a good time to take a rest.” said Hon. R. Semple. Minister for Public Works, on leaving hospital this week. “Everything in my department is in good order, and reports from all over New Zealand state that the organisation of men and equipment is very satisfactory. To organise 20,000 men in 12 months —we did not get authority to proceed for six months after the election —and at the same time provide new equipment is a great effort and the progress we have made redounds to the credit of our engineers. The men, too. are responding magnificently.' The ‘scroungers' are gone, the Communist element is dead, and the boozers have been chased out, and we are well on the way with our programme. It has almost wrecked my health in attempting to get it done, but I am now again fit for tho battlefield."

Under a regulation si ill on the Stfiintp Book the traction engine remains a dangerous vehicle. 'Phis point was mentioned by Mr J. IL Luxford. S.M., in the course of an address to iho Faculty of Insurance in Wellington. “Some present, to-night,” said Mr | Lu.xford, “do not remember the days I when our highways know not the smell of petrol, the days when the only j mechanical vehicle that passed along j them was the traction engine, now regarded as the most innocuous vehicle of all—until you happen to hit one. I Yet. wo still have that amusing regulation on the Statute Book which I makes the driver of a traction engine liable to a substantial penalty if the 'engine is not accompanied by at least two other mon, oni’ in front and one behind, to warn the riders and drivers of horses and vehicles of the proximity of the engine, and to assist them ja:t it in safety. I wonder how popular the look-out man would be who the driver of a modern car and asked to he allowed to assist him nast ?”

In cases of emergency first-aid is invaluable. In many such cases a “spot” of Dewar’s Imperial Whisky proves a most satisfactory pick-me-up. It is not always convenient, however, to carry around a full bottle of whisky,’ or to procure one at. a moment’s notice. To obviate this aitficullv. the new midget container known as the “Fainting Lady,” containing three generous nips of tn© world-famed Dewar’s Imperial Whisky is available at all hotels. Messrs Gulfen and Smith, Ltd., Distributors, Greymouth, Hokitika, and Westport.—Advt.

The civic reception to the GovernorGeneral (Lord Galway) will bo held in the Town Hall, to-morrow evening, and the public are invited to Musical items will be contributed by Mrs W. Cogswell, li?lss Doreen Donovan, Mr T. Hatch, and Mr J. Duffy.

A deputation from the Greymouth ■Borough Council is to interview Hon. P. C. Webb, acting-Minister of Labour, to-morrow evening, in support of the application for a subsidy on the cost of labour, in connection with the proposed sewbrage extension scheme. ■Mr Webb will be visiting Greymouth as a member of the Vice-Regal party.

Several motorists, who were unwise enough to drive their cars, without renewing their licenses, have been' caught by the Traffic Inspector at Greymouth, and proceedings will probably follow. A large number of licenses remain to be renewed, and offenders are 'warned that costly consequences are likely to ensue, if they drive without licenses.

“Stealing from shops has been far too prevalent lately. 1 regard publication of the offender’s name as part of the punishment,” said Mr W. F. Stillwell, S.M., of Wellington, when Myrtle Mary Thomas, domestic, aged 49, asked for suppression of her name. She pleaded guilty to. stealing a safety razor valued at 41d, from J.- R. McKenzie, Limited. She was convicted and ordered' to come up for sentence if called on within six months.

In a process which is expected ultimately to save the Auckland City Council some thousands of pounds, cast-iron water mains which have done service in Auckland for 70 years are being reconditioned at the "Western Springs pumping station.- It is believed that the pipes 'will, after reconditioning, have a further life of at least 70 years. The City Council has planned an 'extensive system of renewing the present water main service in the city, and already the work is being carried out in the Parnell area.

At a meeting of the Westland Gold Dredge and Alluvial Mine Workers’ Union, the resignation of the President, Mr. Samson, was accepted with regret. The election of a successor was held over until the annual meeting. The secretary, Mr. F. L. .Turley, reported that so far only the Rimu and Mossy Creek companies had agreed to regard Coronation Day as a paid holiday. It was decided to thank the two companies concerned for their action, and a resolution was placed on the books, recording the Executive’s resentment of the attitude adopted by other dredging companies.

Following an agitation last year by some of the members of the Paeroa Bowling Club that play should be permitted on Sundays oh the green which the club leases from th'e Paeroa Domain Board, a postal ballot of members was taken and the proposal was approved. An extension of hours was authorised at the annual meeting of the club against the spirited protest of Canon W. G. H. Weadon, who is a member. Since then the Paeroa Ministers’ Association has made a strong protest, pointing out that the green almost adjoined all the places of worship, and the voices of players and the sound of bowls hitting together could be heard during services. The Ministers’ Association is now’ seeking the assistance of the Domain Board, which has decided to seek a, legal opinion as to its powers, for'while it appeared that the board had not power to prohibit play on a Sunday, the public provided the green, and if play gave real offence to many, as expressed by the churches, they should,have consideration. The board accordingly expressed the hope that the matter would be reviewed by the club.

The fact that some species of eel hibernate for more or less lengthy periods is realised by naturalists and other observers, but it is not generally realised that eels can work their way up through at least a yard of clay and resume their normal routine. Last week the contractors for reconstruction and sealing the Great South Road were cutting across the road a few chains north of Te Awamutu borough boundary, in order to straighten the Mangapikp Stream. In the preparatory work several loads of clay were tipped over the bank of the stream just where the new cut was to be made. Next day, while, an inspection was being made of the work, some unusual “thermal” commotion was noticed, and suddenly a miniature geyser erupted from the middle of the patch of clay.- To the. surprise of everybody, a largo eel popped up, scarred, and obviously the worse for wear, and quickly slithered into the running stream. Within a ipinute or so three smaller eels followed the leader. Apparently they had been under the bank when the clay was tipped and had spent lho best part of 24 hours working their way up to daylight, and so to liberty.

Have you seen the new dress of Tintara Cherry Brandy and Creme de Menthe? These old friends are now available in dainty flasks of 61 ounces for 4/6. Try one and you will find the quality unsurpassed. Sold at*' all hotels. Griffin and Smith, Ltd., Solo Agents, Greymouth, Westport, and Hokitika. —Advt.

For all classes of Insurance cover consult S. Burnett White, Mackay Street. —Advt.

Right in the, middle of the season comes news of C. Smith’s Big Winter Sale! Bo sure to bo early!—Advt.

Reason it out for yourself! Quality goods at. reduced prices must be a good investment to-day! That is why C. Smith’s are busy with their Big Winter Sale! —Advt.

“Trix,” the most interesting game for the boy with a mechanical turn of mind is procurable in all sizes at prices ranging from 1/-. 2/-, G/6, 12/G to 30/-. Jig Saw Puzzles in now designs 1/G, 2/-, 3/-, 4'6. to 7/6 each. Building Blocks, British made, 1/-, 1/3, 1/6, 2/-. 2/6 to 6/6 a set. Model Aeroplane Outfits 1/-. 2/6. 5/-, V 6 each at B. Dixon’s, Tainui Street. —3.