Untitled

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 April 1940, Page 6

The wearing qualities of a good flag were illustrated at the monthly meeting of the Central School committee in Masterton, when it was decided to apply to the Education Board for a new flag. The present one was described as being worn out, which is not surprising when it is considered, that it has been in use since about 1900.

The fact that the French military authorities, who did not usually favour religion, had asked the Salvation Army to establish in France 600 different centres for its work, in some cases just a mile or two behind the front line, was mentioned by Lieutenant-Com-missioner Evan-Smith at Auckland, when a welcome was accorded to him by the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis. “We shall never be able to compass all that,” said the commissioner, “but we shall do a great deal.”

It is not altogether uncommon for opossums to be electrocuted when climbing power poles, but a recent electrocution of this kind in Heathcote avenue, Hastings, was attended by a remarkable feature. The opossum which met an untimely death when it came in contact with an 11,000-volt line on a transformer, was carrying in its pouch a partially developed youngster, which was still attached to its mother. Although the mother received the full 11,000 volts through its body, and was killed instantly, there was still life in the young opossum. It is suggested that the incident might go to show that the nervous system of a young animal of this nature is entirely separate from that of the mother.

A link with the early days of Rotorua has been severed with the death of the Arawa leader Te Naera Hokotuku, aged 84. He was one of the chiefs responsible for the generous reservations of large areas of land in the town for educational and sporting purpos°s when the Government formed the settlement of Rotorua in 1880. Te Naera had an extensive knowledge of tribal lore, genealogy and ceremonial and was frequently called upon to take part in the opening of meeting-houses. A keen Rugby player in his youth, he had during the last few years, been an energetic supporter of the game. He was active in recruiting during the last war, in which one of his sons fought.

A definite improvement in the condition of ragwort-affected areas in the Waikato County was reported by the overseer, Mr. G. G. Winter, at a meeting of the Waikato County Council. Mr. Winter said that in spite of a most unfavourable season, there had been a great improvement noticeable in the eradication of the weed. “In all approximately 750 acres of new country have been brought under cultivation this year in addition to the 1250 acres of previously-affected land which is now being efficiently farmed and is not likely to be a menace in the future,” said Mr. Winter. “The progress effected in controlling the weed through the assistance rendered by the Department of Agriculture has no doubt encouraged many other settlers to develop blocks of new country and so increase production. The grazing of sheep on ragwort-infested land is an invaluable means of control and has effectively been demonstrated too often in the Te Miro district to bear contradiction.” - ■ «

New War Maps: A new war map printed in four colours, embracing the new zones of war, is due this week. Price 1/-, posted 1/2 each, at B. Dixon’s, Tainui Street. —Advt.

A new shipment of White. Shitring Elastic just arrived! Also,, a few- (onljfc Island . Shopping Bags, to clear at 1/3 each.—C. Smith’s.—Advt. j ;