DOMINION ITEMS

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 October 1944, Page 4

DOMINION ITEMS

ART UNION WINNER. AUCKLAND, October 26. The winner of the £2OOO Art Union prize is Mrs. D. Stockwell, of Ponsonby, who said to-day that she intended to give some of the money, to orphanages she knew were doing valuable work, while the balance would be banked for her three sons in the armed forces. Her eldest son is with the Recovery Corps in Italy, the second is a merchant seaman, and the third is with the R.N.Z.A.F. in Canada.

AUCKLAND GAS SUPPLY. AUCKLAND, Octobefr 26. The Auckland gas restrictions, which it was expected would be lifted this morning, cannot now toe removed before to-morrow. An official of the Auckland Gas Company said that although coal had been made available from the Kaimiro, it Was very wet, and would not produce a great deal of gas. The condition of the coal was a disappointment to the company, as so much had been expected of it. He said it was now impossible to build up an adequate reserve of gas by this morning, and until that was done it would not be practicable to allow a full gas service. COAL PRODUCTION. WELLINGTON, October 26. The Minister of Mines (Mr. Webb) said to-day that the coal position in New Zealand has greatly improved aduring the last three months. For Ithe quarter ended September 30, production had increased by 22,000 tons over the same period a year ago, and if that rate of increase continued there would be a record production for the year. The increased deliveries of bituminous coal from the West Coast during the last seven or eight days would help to build ••UP reserves for the railways and gas. \ The railways had already increased stocks by over 2000 tons. 1 Mr. Webb said that 70,000 \tons had been produced from open-east mining, which was now contributing 2000 tons a day. KILLED ON RAILWAY INVERCARGILL, October 25. Just as the Invercargill-Dunedin express was pulling out of the Invercargill railway' station to-day an elaerly woman attempted to alight, and fell under the train, suffering injuries from which she died almost immediately. She was Mrs. G. M. Chapman, who for the last six years has been in charge of the cadet movement of the St. John Ambulance Association. , Those on the station heard a scream, and the train was brought to a sudden stop. Mrs. Chapman was in one of the carriages, apparently seeing someone off. • When the tram slowly started to move she attempted to step back on the platform, but missed her footing and was crushed between the undergear of the carriage and the side of the platform. A railway porter immediately applied the emergency brake. Mrs. ChapMan was lifted on to the platform, but attempts to revive her were unsuccessful. SERVICES AND EDUCATION WELLINGTON, October 25. The Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, said to-day that nearly 7000 men and women in R.N.Z.A.F. and Royal New Zealand Navy had voluntarily undertaken some form of educational work. Their educational courses aimed at giving a background of knowledge and understanding of post-war problems, and all were being given thorough knowledge of opportunities offered to them through the Rehabilitation Department. At present some thirty education officers, twelve oi whom were in the Pacific, were at Air Force stations for general education work which would lead eventually to rehabilitation. Students were given opportunities to attend Classes at stations, or at neighbouring secondary or technical schools, or to undertake study including both vocational and University courses. Analysis of the position at the present time showed 756 were taking University subjects, 1206 accountancy and commerce, 456 Government examinations, 115 engineering and mechanical trades, 851 practical mathematics and applied mechanics, 86 technological studies, 562 buildings and related trades, 1198 farming and related subjects, and 595 general subjects, making a total of 6885 students. A total of 453 were sitting in University degree and diploma subjects this year, and examination centres had been established in the Pacific for the convenience of 135 of these.

The National Patriotic Fund Board has decided to make a grant of 2/- a head for New Zealand service men and women overseas to provide extras for their Christmas dinners. A similar grant was made by the Board last year.—P.A. The bell at the Greymouth Fire Station was lowered from its stand to-day, the supports having become too corroded to safely bear its weight. In place of the bell, the Fire Board is installing a powerful siren which was formerly part of the E.P.S. warning equipment in Christchurch. A double-ended, two-toned instrument, electrically operated, it will be audible all over Greymouth.

For the first time this season whitebait threaten to become a glut on the market at Greymouth. Following yesterday afternoon’s good runs, there was a phenomenal harvest cn the incoming tide early this morning, one fisherman obtaining six or seven kerosene tins full, while another caught five pints in half an hour. Both on the Cobden side and on the town side of the Grey River scores of whitebaiters secured big catches. Last evening the fish were being hawked from door to door, and as a result of the big supply the price has fallen from 3/6 a pint to 1/6. Conditions for the fish were excellent, this morning, there being a flat bar and a fairly clear river.

The following is a list of articles knitted during the past month and sent to Wellington for airmen in New Zealand and overseas by Air Force Relations, Greymouth: — Thirteen pairs of socks, one helmet, 36 cranwells, 28 scarves, 28 pairs of mittens, 16 pullovers, and one polo pullover. The committee also despatched to England for distribution to airmen in hospital .four cases of foodstuffs made up as follows:—s dozen pound tins of honey, 5 dozen tins of sweets, 8 dozen tins of oysters, 5 dozen of lambs’ tongues, 13 dozen of cream. The Committee raised the amount necessary to pay for these goods at a fete earlier in the year.

Guests at Revingtons Hotel include: Miss Dallas, Mrs. Noone (Nelson), Mr. R. Jones, Mr. E. Hardy (Christchurch), Mr. and Mrs. H. G Forbes (Blenheim), Lieut, and Mrs H. G. Keeling, Mr. and Mrs. H, G Horwood (Auckland), Dr. and Mrs' Low (Nelson), Gnr. A. O’Sullivan' Mr. C. A. H. Hutton (Wellington)’ Mr. C. Biggs (Hokitika), Mr. and Mrs. B. Page (London). Patterned Voiles suitable for children’s frocks, curtains, etc. Pastel colourings. 36in. wide; 3/6 vard.—C. Smith, Ltd.—Advt.

Boys’ Navy Flannel Shirts, buttoned to neck. Sizes 1 to 12. Priced from 9/9 to 12/9.-C. Smith, Ltd—Adv"

Smartly dressed women prefer to shop at White’s; the Home of the newest and most charming Fashions of the Season. White’s Corner Your Fashion Centre.—Advt. ’