LOCAL AND GENERAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 November 1939, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Freight hauled through the Otira tunnel, from Westland to Canterbury last week amounted to 13,418 tons, as compared with 15,187 tons in the corresponding period of last year. In 1937, the total was 14,093 tons.

The photographing of babies for the St. John Ambulance Baby Carnival commenced at the Regent Theatre, Greymouth, yesterday, and throughout the afternoon there was a constant stream of mothers and children passing in and out of the foyer of the theatre, no fewer than 70 babies being photographed.

The Post and Telegraph Department is appealing for the co-operation . of householders in the matter of erecting letter-boxes at the gates of residences, to obviate the necessity of postmen having to walk from the gate to the door. The Chief Postmaster at Greymouth (Mr. C. W. Browne) stated today that, although the appeal was being made throughout New Zealand, the position in Greymouth was worse than in the centres, where front gate letterboxes were much more numerous. It was felt that the provision of letterboxes would improve the conditions of postmen, who often had to walk considerable distances from the gate of a. residence to the front door. With the growth of the town, the rounds of Greymouth postmen were increasing daily, and there was a limit to the number of men that could be put on. The saving of time effected by the let-ter-boxes would be reflected in earlier deliveries of letters.

People are" always ready to popularise something distinctive, and it is this that contributes to the great selling success which Dewar’s Impeiiai Whisky is now meeting with. No whisky can compare with the rare and appealing flavour of Dewar’s—it is mild and smooth to the palate, a true friend to all men. You would be wise to procure a bottle of Dewar’s, as its distinctive palatable flavour will meet with the greatest approval at all times. Messrs Griffen and Smith, Ltd., Distributors, Greymouth, Westport and Hokitika. Advt.

The priming coat of tar-sealing has been laid on the Spring Creek-Ahaura section of the Greymouth-Reefton highway by the contractors, the Neuchatel Asphalt Company, and the final coat of chips will be laid over this section of approximately eight miles as soon as the weather is favourable.

The Mayor’s appeal to support the Children’s Health Camp Funds i.-> meeting with a good response at Greymouth, states the Chief Postmaster. The sale of Health Stamps has improved, and a substantial sum was raised by the Technical scholars during their recent display. The Greymouth Golf Club have offered to help the cause by means of a one-day tournament, which they propose to hold on the Kaiata Links on December 10. The tournament should prove popular, and a large number of entries from golfers in Greymouth and the country clubs is expected.

There was an amusing incident following the weekly wash-up of the Mataki dredge (Murchison) on Friday last, in which the managing director of the company, Mr. G. J. D. Stitt (Auckland) was involved. Mr. Stitt had been given the 44 ounces of amalgam (containing about 22 ounces of gold) to carry off the dredge, but he slipped in negotiating the gang plank and fell into the dredge pond, which is about 25 feet deep. When he rose to the surface, he was still clinging to the billy of gold, and was pulled out of the pond with the valuable load still intact.

Twenty-seven per cent, of the population of New Zealand resides within a radius of 100 miles from Auckland, according to Industrial Auckland, issued by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. The publication states that in the 10 years from 1926 the Auckland provincial district accounted for almost half of the Dominion increase. Of the 20 countries whose rural population increased more than 30 per cent, in this period, 13 were within the Auckland province. In the 20 years to the 1936 census year, Auckland rose from fifth to second most densely populated district in the Dominion.

During recent months cities, towns, and Villages of New Zealand have had sad evidence of vandalism in public and private gardens, parks, cemeteries, and scenic reserves (says the Forest and Bird Protection Society). In some cases the culprits have stolen flowers and newly-planted shrubs and trees. In other cases the offenders have apparently found pleasure in wanton destruction of beautiful growth. One critic, after remarking that the ordinary number of police or rangers or careakers is not sufficient for the detection and punishment of the law breakers, suggests that citizens should form vigilance committees and assist the authorities to catch and punish the despoilers.

“I am still awaiting the report from the Solicitor-General,” said the Minister for Defence (Mr. Jones), speaking at Christchurch, when asked whether he proposed to hold a public inquiry into the sinking of the trawler Dolphin, with the loss of the master’s life, in Lyttelton Harbour. The reduction of staffs on some of the coastal guard stations was reported by the Minister. Some returned soldiers had been released from duty where it was found that guards could be spared. “In every case where married men have desired to go back to their employment, we have filled their places with men who have been passed as temporarily unfit, possibly because of the need of dental repairs,” Mr. Jones said. “On taking up guard duty, they are receiving dental treatment and they will be available for the Second Echelon of the Special Force.”

If you crave variety, right up to the minute fashions, distinctive materials, and that extra smartness in cut, then you’ll want to visit White’s Fashion Corner, your fashion centre. —Advt.

Lovers of art pottery, fancy chinas, crystalware and glassware should inspect the new season’s stocks )f useful articles and novelties now showing at B. Dixon’s Ltd., Tainui Street. The selection is large and varied and the prices reasonable. You are invited to inspect these Christmas gift goods at your leisure. —Advt.

A large selection of the latest in ladies’ leather handbags now showing at B. Dixon’s Ltd. All the newest shapes and colourings, and at prices that will defv competition. Prices range from 12/6 to 45/- each.. Also new season’s stocks of ladies’ carrying bags in various sizes and popular colourings. Prices range from 12/6 to 21/- each. —Advt.

A fountain pen makes an ideal Christmas gift. We have the latest models in the best and most reliable makes, viz., Conway Stewart Pens, 5/6, 6/6, 7/6, 8/6, 10/6, and up to 45/- each. Swan Fountain Pens, 9/6, 12/-, 16/6 IS/6, 22/6, 23/6, 27/6 to 45/-. Onoto Pens 10/6, 15/- up to 37/6. Sheaffers Pens 25/-, 35/-, 50/-, 63/- to 80/- each. Relief Pens, 12/6, 21/-, 35/- each. Cheaper grades of British makes from 2/6, 3/6 to 6/6 each, at B. Dixon’s Tainui Street. —Advt.