LOCAL AND GENERAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 May 1943, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Between 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1.30 a.m. on Sunday six special trains were run from Greymouth to bring in coal, some 1200 tons being handled. Yesterday the railways worked two shifts between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m., handling coal and timber, in Greymouth.

Miss Joan Pearson, of the staff of the Money Order Branch of the Chief Post Office, Greymouth, has been chosen Miss Britannia to represent the Civil Service and Railways Department in the United Nations Fair contest. It is understood that the Counties’ representative, Miss Russia, will be selected this week.

Motorists in New Zealand will shortly be supplied with a super grade petrol, with a higher octane rating than petrol available to them even before the war. Super grade petrol has not been procurable for some time oh account of war conditions. The new petrol will be on the Grey district market at an early date.

Extension of the railway line from Ross to Kakapotahi was advocated by delegates to the annual conference of the West Coast district of the Farmers’ Union, on Saturday. It was decided that a deputation from the head office of the Union, in Wellington, with delegates from the conference, wait on the Minister of Railways, in Wellington, and remind him of his promises in the matter.

“That this conference send to the Dairy Board an emphatic protest against the low price received for dairy produce when all other wageearners have increases. It is time the farmers demanded an increase or refused to supply.” This was the text of a remit adopted by the annual conference of the West Coast district of the Farmers’ Union on Saturday. It was to-day sent to Mr O’Brien for submission to the Dairy Board, which is meeting this week.

The Greymouth Rationing Officer announced, to-day, that under the Clothing Ration Order, 1943, all retailers of rationed clothing and footwear are required to secure a certificate of registration and a license to trade, before June 1. Licenses will be issued by Rationing Officers without cost, but they will not be obtainable by persons who do not have an established place of business. Auctioneers may be issued licenses in the same way as other traders. Up to the present vendors of tea and sugar have been required to register.

Discussing the political situation on his return from a tour of the Waikato, the Bay of Plenty, and South Auckland districts, following a visit to North Auckland, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Holland) said that greater interest was being displayed. He added that the National Party organisation was being rapidly geared for the general election and indications were that a number of excellent candidates, most of whom were in the prime of life and had had war service, would represent the party in the campaign.—P.A.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) said that there had been no fresh cases of smallpox on the hospital ship since she left an Australian port. The general health of all on board was satisfactory. “Next-of-kin may send telegrams and letters to the patients, who are being provided with additional recreation equipment, but it is still necessary to enforce quarantine conditions for several days. Further statements will be published as necessary from time to time. As soon as the ship is reported clear no time will be lost in disembarking the patients,” said Mr. Fraser.—P.A.

A feast of fashions —dancing-— music—to delight any woman —-at the Monster Patriotic Fashion Parade, Regent Theatre, to-night at B.—Advt. West Coast beekeepers are still awaiting instructions from the Internal Marketing Department as to the procedure for the consignment of the 70 pei' cent, of their yield which must be disposed of to the Department. They are free to sell the remaining 30 per cent, independently. Samples may be sent to Auckland to determine the grade of individual crops, but it is understood that no West Coast apiarist has yet taken that step, though all will comply with the Government’s marketing requirements. The Page.- Cup, for the most improved Coast apiary during the season, has been awarded to Mr R. V. Glasson, Blackball, who won the trophy on an earlier occasion.

White’s Fashion Corner, Miss Miriam Trott and the best of local talent combine this evening to provide a galaxy of stars in fashions, dancing and music. Regent Theatre at 8. Aid Patriotic Funds.—Advt.

Damage caused to rural land by mining operations was lengthily discussed by the West Coast conference of the Farmers’ Union, on Saturday, when two remits were passed. One, from the Grey Valley Branch, urged that mining rights be uplifted on ,all productive West Coast lands. The second read: “That we ask the Dominion Conference to endeavour to secure protection for West Coast farmers from damage by mining operations, and that full compensation be paid where damage is now occurring if it can be proved to be the fault of mining companies.” The Show of Shows —Fashions — dancing—Music—at the Regent Theatre to-night at 8. Drawing of Patriotic raffles. Be there.—Advt.

The short game shooting season in the Grey Acclimatisation Society’s district concluded, yesterday, when, a large number of sportsmen were out. Fortunes varied according to the areas visited, some reporting poor results, while others state that ducks were remarkably plentiful. Last week an additional allocation of 10,000 cartridges was made to the council of the South Island Acclimatisation Societies for the season, but urgent overtures by the Grey Society for additional supplies had not brought results when the season closed. If and additional ammunition does come to hand it will be held for next season.

Greymouth members of the Registered Nurses’ Association and the Student Nurses’ Association held their annual church parade yesterday in honour of the founder of British nursing services, Florence Nightingale. In the morning 28 nurses attended the 8.30 a.m. Mass at St. Patrick’s Church, where an appropriate sermon was preached by Rev. Father Long. Fifty nurses attended Evensong at Holy Trinity Church in the evening. Special prayers were offered for the service of nursing and for those attending the sick and wounded overseas. Mrs. Hayes sang a solo, “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross.” Rev. P. Kirkham preached from the text: “Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of these, My brethren, you have done it unto Me.” After the service the nurses were entertained at supper in Trinity Hall by members of the congregation. Miss N. Moffatt, on behalf of the visitors, thanked all who assisted with the supper arrangements.

Just in—a new shipment of handpainted parchment shades in pretty colours and a variety of shapes. 2/11 to 17/6 each.—C. Smith Ltd.—Advt.

Something new for the Winter months. Felt Gloves, cosy'and warm, in navy and black; gauntlet style, sizes 6 i to 7 18/6 pair.—C. Smith Ltd.-—Advt.