Local and General

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 June 1942, Page 4

Local and General

The Rationing Controller (Mr. J. E. Thomas) said yesterday that sugar coupons .> to 8 would not be redeemable aitei June M. From June 22 to July 31 coupons 9 to M inclusive would be available at any time within the period. Tea coupons 1 to 4 were available up to and including June 30—P.A.

Within the past 10 days, 800 tons of coal have been transported over the Inanganua Junction-Westport railway, 500 to Westpoit for shipping, and 300 from Westport en route to Lyttelton. For some time coal in small lots has been sent from Westport over the new line on its way to purchasers, some as far away as Dunedin, but the tonnage of the past 10 days represented the largest consignments yet.

There is an acute shortage ot pennies and small silver coins in circulation in Greymcuth and the manager of one bank stated 10-day that the banks were having great difficulty in servicing their clients in these coins The onlv explanation tnat has been offered is the habit of some thrifty people of putting all small change into money-boxes It is understood that the shortage of small coins in circulation is not confined m Greymouth.

Within the past few days, an electric power meter in the United Football Club’s Pavilion, on the Recreation Ground, has been rilled, the container being broken, and 26/- stolen. Considerable damage has been done to the Pavilion in the past 12 months, including the breaking of the glass in all of the 26 football photographs, and the breaking ot all the billiard cues, while electric light flex has been removed, and shutters on the windows have been broken repeatedly. It is stated that the theft from the meter was almost certainly not the work of a child, on account ot the height at which the destructive work had to be done.

The establishment of two additional war pensions boards, one at Auckland and the other at Christchurch, was urged at the annual meeting of the Dominion Council of the New Zealand Returned Services’ Association yesterday. The meeting also decided to ask that the question of maximum amounts payable as economic and dependants’ pensions should be decided upon from time to time by arbitration, the arbitrators to be two Returned Services’ Association appointees, and two Government appointees, under the chairman of the War Pensions Board, the basic figures for their deliberations being those of the Bartholomew Commission of 1923, which fixed the economic pension at 30/- a week. There was also general agreement by the meeting that all war widows’ pensions should be rated on the same scale, irrespective of the husband’s rank. It was decided to ask for increases in the present rates, based on the number of children and the age of pensioners.—P.A.

From Sunday next pictures will be screened in Wellington for the entertainment of members of the armed forces and their friends. Two theatres will screen programmes, at 2 p.m. and 8.15 p.m. These will be open to ah members of the services of the Allied nations, and each may take one civilian friend. —P.A.

“A waste of time by creating a tremendous amount of extra book-keep-ing all for no purpose,” was the opinion emphatically expressed at a meeting of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce in regard to charging sales Lax on all goods supplied to. the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Inquiries showed that all revenue from the sales tax, excepting_tiie original 5 per cent, went to the War Expenses Account. Thus the money simply went round in a circle. The chamber deci dec! to 'forward a protest to the Government. —P.A.

The strange prices, involving odd pence and often halfpence, which the Price Tribunal has fixed for various things in common use. including confectionery, are causing a great deal of trouble to Auckland shopkeepers, who find change a real problem. Not only is more time taken in delving into cash register drawers, but pennies and hall-pennies are always apt to run short.. Some of the larger stores have notices displayed, suggesting that if customers have any surplus halfpence they will gladly change them for coins of higher value.

“It must clearly be understood,” said a departmental letter to the Marlborough Hospital Board, read at this week’s meeting “that under no circumstances must the Red Cross emblem be displayed on any ambulance or building unless they are under complete military control.’’ This point was made clear by the secretary, Mr. G. Mitchell. "We can’t put the Red Cross on Marlborough College,” he said, “because even though it may contain military patients, it is under civilian control.”

The monthly meeting of the Brunner Women’s Institute was held in the Taylorville Pavilion, Mrs. S. Williams, vice-president, presiding over a lair attendance. An apology for absence was received from the President (Mrs. Gibson) who with several other members is suffering from influenza. The motto for the month being “If at first you don’t succeed, try try again.” A motion of condolence was passed to the relations of the late Mr. R. Glen, all members standing in silence. It was decided to co-operate with other Institutes in the running of a shop-day for the Patriotic Fund some time in August. A letter of appreciation from a soldier who had received one of the Institute parcels was read. It was decided to help in the collection ol waste paper and old files for re-con-ditioning. Mrs. J. L. Hill gave an interesting demonstration of making mops from used wool. She was accorded a vote of thanks. Competitions resulted: Best bush foliage: Mrs. Wootten 1, Mrs. Todd 2; six pikelets: Mrs. Gutberlet 1. Best collection of vegetables: Mrs. Rodgers, having 26 varieties 1. The roll call was a kitchen hint and it. was well responded to. Supper was served by the hostesses Mesdames Gutberlet. Kent and Martin.

Patrons of West Coast Rugby football are reminded that the West Coast v. Canterbury match will commence at 2.30 p.m. sharp to-morrow. (Curtain-raiser 1 p.m.).—Advt. Save coupons by investing coupons in quality you know. Shop at White’s Corner, your Fashion Centre.—Advt. Coir doormats, now obtainable in two sizes, 14 x 2-1, 3/6; 16 x 26, 3/11. Stocks are limited so don’t delay, C. Smiths. —Advt. Residents of Runanga will be pleased to know that the Westland Laundry. Ltd., will pick up laundry on Wednesdays and return Fridays. D. Manderson. Runanga, will supply all information and price lists.—Advt. Have you tried our Thrifty Service? This will suit the housekeeping allowance of every Housewife. Price 5/- for a bag of 181bs, all flat work returned dried and ironed, personal wear returned ready for ironing. Westland Laundry Ltd, Gresson Street. Depot: 27 Albert Street, Phone 136.—Advt. Pure wool sockettes in a large selection of shades, including, grey, air force, brown, clover, green, fawn, etc. Stocked in sizes 9in., 9lin., & lOin. 3/3 to 4/6 pair, C. Smiths.—Advt.