Local and General

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 December 1944, Page 4

Local and General

With to-day’s consignment of 150 tons, all the coal has now been removed from the bins at the Liverpool State mine. Since tne oroduction of coal ceased last Friday, between 600 and 700 tons have been secured from the bins for delivery to Canterbury, mainly to gasworks. There are still some relatively small quantities of coal in the bins at the Dobson and Wallsend State mines, and also at the Paparoa mine.

Passenger traffic is still heavy on the Midland line. The two express trains from Greymouth to Christchurch yesterday carried 456 passengers, comprising' 260 on the ordinary express and 196 on the relief train. The two corresponding trains from. Christchurch to the West Coast carried 451 passengers. There were 231 passengers in the nine cars on the Greymouth-Christchurch express to-day and 314 on the Christchurch express to Greymouth. Goods traffic, as is usual at this time of the year, is light in the district and on the Midland line.

Rev. Brother Tarcisius, Director of the Mai’ist Brothers’ High School for the past I four years, has been appointed Director of Xavier College, Christchurch. Prior to his departure for Christchurch, he was farewclled I bv friends and old boys of the school and, was presented with a gift. Congratulations. l were extended to Brother Tarcisius on his] new appointment, and appreciative references' were made to his work in Greymouth. Rev.' Father Long said that. Brother Tarcisius had 1 proved his great worth in Greymouth, with his first care for the school and the welfare of the boys, and he felt that the important task with which he had been entrusted would find in him a man worthy of that hi eh honour. Rev.- Brother Fabian, Mr. P. O’Farrell and other speakers added their good wishes.

Thirty-three seamen from ships at present in port at Auckland are just now enjoying the complete change of a five-day country holiday on farms scattered from Putar.uru to Maungaturoto. It will be an entirely free outing for them ,as the farmers concerned are providing the hospitality, and travelling expenses are' being met by the Flying Angels Mission to Seamen, which has organised the scheme.

Maximum wholesale and retail prices for raspberries sold anywhere in New Zealand have been fixed by a price order issued by the Price Tribunal. The price order will operate from January 1 to February 28. Retail prices in the South Island for gib, 31b, and lib punnets are 1/3, 1/9, and 2/3. For quantities not specified, the price is 2/3 a pound, and where the fruit is sold in containers holding 21b or more the price is 1/5 a pound.

Taupo has experienced the quietest Christmas for the last four years. Petrol stations, accommodation houses and all stores agree that the number of visitors this year is 50 per cent, below last Christmas. Even allowing for the fact that the main influx to Taupo usually occurs after Christmas Day, the bookings for both accommodation and transport this year are exceptionally small. Motor traffic is very light.

Lady Newall, President of the Lady Galway Guild, has sent to Mrs. Knox Gilmer, Chairman of the Guild, sincere Christmas greetings to all members throughout the Dominion, with best wishes for 1945. Mrs. Gilmer has also received a message from the Dowager Duchess of Reading, head ol the Women’s Voluntary Service in Great Britain, sending good wishes to the Guild and renewing thanks for help and co-operation during the past year.—P.A.

A price order fixing maximum wholesale and retail prices for all canned peaches, pears, and apricots, whether packed in New Zealand or elsewhere has been issued by the Price Tribunal. In the four main centres and 17 other places the retail price of a 30oz can of New Zealand peaches, pears, or apricots is 1/9. For 340 z cans of peaches and pears the price is 1/101, and for apricots 1/11-1. The general price for fruit packed elsewhere is 2/- for a 30oz can, and prices are increased by Id outside the places specified in the price order.

Because of its adverse financial position, due to the withholding of Government subsidies, the Mangonui County Council has instructed the engineer to dispense with the services of such members of the outside staff as he saw fit. The financial position was discussed at a meeting of the council, when the chairman (Mr C. J. E. Barriball) stated that a deficit of at least £lOOO was anticipated at the end of the financial year in March, 1945. This position had resulted from the Government withholding subsidies due to the council as the result of the council’s action in not striking a hospital rate for the current year and so making default in the payment of levies to the Mangonui Hospital Board. These levies amounted to £4700. The council had already informed the Main Highways Board that it was unable to accept any responsibility for the carrying on of the five-year bridge renewal programme.

Ladies’ Cotton Sun Hats in large florals. Rose, Saxe and Scarlet; 8/3 each. —C. Smith Ltd. —Advt.

AVhite’s suggest practical and useful Gifts for the ladies. Fur Coats' Jogga Coats; Frocks; Blouses; Fur Necklets; Scarves; Summer Coats Slacks; Linen Suits; Jumpers; Cardigans; Hats, etc.—AVhite’s Corner The Fashion House for ’Xmas Presents. —Advt.

Just arrived: Late consignment o. Men’s Pin-stripe Navy Suits: grea value, at £l2/12/-. —C. Smith Ltd. drapers.—Advt.

Brown: “I say, old .man, what’s good for sleeplessness? I haven’t closed my eyes for five nights.” Jones: “Go in for boxing. The first time I tried it my eyes were closed for a week.”

And, mother, have you ever been so tired that you couldn’t sleep? Look after your health —and save yourself that backaching washing drudgery. It will pay you to send all your washing to the Westland Laundry. Try our No. 2 Thrifty Service — 181bs. flat work perfectly washed and ironed for only 5/-. This represents the average household’s fortnightly wash and works out at 2/6 a week — so the cost is most reasonable. Phone 136. Depot: 27 Albert Street.—Advt.