Local and General

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 November 1944, Page 4

Local and General

Following a stop-work meeting yesterday, the Millerton miners did not resume work, and the mine is still idle to-day. The grievance is stated to be over the supply of household coal to the miners.—P.A.

The medical examination of West Coast men who returned yesterday from the Mediterranean theatre of war commenced at Hokitika last evening, when 13 were examined. Ten were examined at Greymoum, this morning, and the examinations, will be concluded at Greymouth, this evening.

The troubles of the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle had an early airing when the annual assembly of the Baptist Union began the business sessions this morning. Ihe annual report of the Union contained a reference to the suspension of Doctor A. L. Hodge. Rev. A. S. Wilson said: I want this assembly to know that they have a chance of healing up this breach.” When Mr. Wi.son was ruled out of order, he said: I am glad I got that in anyhow.” Later, the President mentioned that the whole question was to be discussed in committee, and a statement would be made after. —P.A.

Flags were flown at half-masf-from public buildings in Greymouth, today, out of respect to the memory of Princess Beatr.ce, whose funeral took place to-day. ,

Since the Health Stamp campaign was initiated, up to October 31,. sales in the Greymouth district totalled £146/12/3, comprising £B5/0/9 at the Chief Post Office, Greymouth, and £6l/11/6 at country offices.

Iri preparation for the decapitation of the clock tower at the Chief Post Office, Greymouth, the contractor, Mr. G. Manning, has commenced to assemble timber on the site for use as scaffolding. It is expected that a start will be made shortly on the reconstruction work.

If members of the armed forces on indefinite leave without pay (that is, entitled to wear civilian clothes) wish to drive motor vehicles they will have to obtain driving licenses from local bodies in the usual way. This amendment to the motoi’ vehicles emergency regulations, which was gazetted last night, will. come into force 28 days from yesterday. It clears some misapprehension on the matter which existed throughout the Dominion. —P.A.

The usual rush for Friday night rail-car seats from Grey mouth to Christchurch was not apparent when bookings opened this morning, and the car was not fully reserved. According to the platform indicator, the car is so far fully booked for this evening, to-moirow and Monday evenings. A large number travelled by the perishable goods train last evening.

Because the supplies of coal did not arrive from the mines in sufficient quantities, the Pakura, loading for Miramar, was prevented from sailing on the early afternoon tide to-day. It should get away late to-night. However, the Karepo, with coal for the North Island, sailed at 12.50. Big timber consignments are being assembled on the Greymouth wharf for the Karu, which will arrive on Sunday to lift 400,000 super, feet.

At the fortnightly meeting of the Runanga Co-operative Women’s Debating Society the subject for debate was: “That women should receive equal right with men. Speakers for the affirmative were Mesdames Griffiths, Hughes, and Airns, for the negative Mesdames Wright, Oakley and Bowman. Readings were given by Mesdames Oakley, Bowman, Taylor, Airns, Robertson. Wright and Smith, followed by a table talk on Co-opera-tion Poetry by Mrs. Keers.

The Karoro Ratepayers’ and Citizens’ Association, at a meeting, last evening, decided to communicate with the Transport Department, inquiring whether a special bus could be run each morning, leaving Karoro about 8.30, for the exclusive use of school children. It was also decided to request that the picture bus leave Greymouth not earlier than 10.30 p.m., and that the last bus depart from Karoro at 10.45 p.m. It was also resolved to protest to Kennedy Bros, against alleged overloading of the morning bus..

Dissatisfaction with the state of the school grounds, which were described as deplorable after the 26 days of wet weather last month, was voiced at this week’s meeting of the'Cobden School Committee. Members recalled that five months ago the Canterbury Education Board had promised to expend £5OO on levelling the grounds, but nothing had so far been done. It was decided to lodge a vigorous protest, also to urge that a septic tank system be installed. An attendance of 94.7 per. cent, of pupils during the previous month was reported.

Supplies of apples held by the Internal Marketing Division in Nelson are getting low and are likely to be exhausted by the middle of this month. Apples have not kept so well this Winter owing to the rains early in the year. This has forced the department to dispose of stocks faster than would otherwise have been the case, before the quality of the fruit deteriorated. After the middle of November there will be no apples available till late December when the Irish Peach and Beauty of Bath varieties are expected to be on the market, followed by Gravenstems in Janary.

An amendment to the Oil Fuel Emergency Regulations, which was gazetted last night, deals with forged petrol coupons, and makes it an offence to “make or utter” any counterfeit or forged coupon or petrol license, or to be in possession of such forgeries, or to be in possession of machinery for manufacturing them. In all cases, however, it is a defence if the defendant proves he did not know or suspect, or had reasonable grounds for suspecting that they were counterfieited or forged. The regulation requires that if a person becomes aware that he has a forged coupon or license, it must be handed forthwith to the police or the Oil Fuel Controller.—P.A.

An announcement that it is proposed to decentralise the Land and Income Tax Department by the establishment of branch offices throughout the country was made this week by the Minister of Finance (Mr. Nash) in reply to an inquiry from the “New Zealand Herald.” He said the present proposal is to open branches in Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin, and also in the principal provincial centres. The Minister added that senior officers of the department were meantime taking the necessary exploratory steps to obtain the required additional office accommodation in the centres concerned. Commenting on the establishment of local offices, the Minister said this innovation would be of considerable benefit to taxpayers, and should also be the means of obtaining additional revenue from existing defaulters.

Grand Allied Fair concludes tonight, Wesley Hall. Programme by Miss Trott’s pupils. Toys, Plain and Fancy Sewing, Produce, Cakes, Books, Jumble.—Advt.

Dirndls in floral prints, large and small patterns. Showing with revers, or rounded neckline. Sizes S.S.W. to O.S. Prices 19/3 and 24/9. —C. Smith Ltd.—Advt.

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.

View our range of Summer Felts in pastel tonings and smart styles Priced from 19/11. —C. Smith Ltd.— Advt.

Secrets of success! Many and varied have been the secrets of men and services which have arisen to fame — and here’s the secret of the splendid results obtained by the Westland Laundry. All fabrics are expertly separated and washed according to their kind. Coloureds, woollens and white goods are washed in varying temperatures of water, just as you would yourself—so coloureds are sparkling and vivid, whites are snowy —and woollens are soft and keep their shape. So you can send us anything without worry. There’s a service to suit every member of the community—bagwash, fully finished and thrifty, and costs are very reasonable. ’Phone 136. We will be pleased to advise and answer any inquiries at any time. The Westland Laundry Ltd. Depot: 27 Albert Street. —Advt. t