GENERAL NEWS SERVICEMEN IN TAMAROA DRAFT RETURN

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 March 1946, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS SERVICEMEN IN TAMAROA DRAFT RETURN

The eight West Coast servicemen who returned to the Dominion on the Tamaroa, which berthed at Lyttelton yesterday, arrived at Greymouth at 8 o’clock last evening. Owing to the late, arrival of the vessel they failed to connect with the rail-car from Westport and completed the journey from Reefton by service-bus. There was a crowd of approximately 100 people, including representatives of the Grevmouth Borough Council and the R.S.A., to meet the men at the railway station.

Luxury and Progress. “I would not-dare to make myself the champion of luxury products in these times of restrictions, but I would say, nevertheless, that the development of civilisation moves on a par with the refinement of taste, and that it is by the degree attained by this refinement that are judged, to a certain extent, the social evolution and level of living achieved by a country,” said M. Armand Gazel, . French Minister to New Zealand Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week.

Family Benefit for Unmarried. Lack of “marriage lines” does not disqualify any mother from participation in the 10/- a week family allowance. On the application form for the benefit one of the questions to be answered is: Date of marriage, but an official of the Social Security Department at Wellington said that unmarried mothers seeking the benefit need only reply: “Not married.” “What is necessary, of course, is ability to prove the birth and continued existence of any child for whom the benefit is claimed,” he added. “The birth certificate itself is not demanded, although the inclusion of a copy with the application would help. In its absence, however, the department itself checks the birth with the Registrar-General’s office. —(P.A.)

Stock Consignments Reach Peak.

The consignment of stock from West Coast farms to freezing works and sale yards in Canterbury has reached its peak this week. One hundred and ten trucks, containing more than 6500 head, have already been dispatched or are about to be dispatched. The total is considerably higher than the figures for the previous week, but this is partly due to the hold-up caused last week by the disablement of the electric locomotives at Otira, causing some trucks to be returned. Monday’s consignments were reavy, 21 trucks of sheep and lambs and three of cattle being sent, but Tuesday was the busiest day, 31 trucks of sheep and lambs and 18 of cattle going forward. Yesterday’s consignments totalled 17 trucks, and to-day 18 are to be sent. Two truck loads will be dispatched to-morrow.

Tainui’s Grave. The views of the Maoris of the district on the proposed planting of grass plots along the centre of Tainui street were presented by a member of the race, Mr. H. Mason, to the meeting held last night to form a Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association. The plan had been discussed at Arahura by the Native Affairs Committee, said Mr, Mason, who added that the Maoris took a rather sentimental view of the matter as the street had been named after a district chief. He then pointed out that the Borough Council had placed a six foot rail around the grave of Chief Tainui, near the Cobden bridge, and put the plot in order. Now, however, the resting place was dilapidated and overgrown and in the centre of the grave flourished a large clumb of gorse. “If the Council cannot look after the grave how can it look after the appearance of the street?” he asked.

Australian Cricketers.

The Australian cricketers arrived at Wellington by the Wahine this morning. Their preparation for the matches against Wellington and New Zealand at the Basin Reserve was begun with batting, bowling and fielding practice to-day, and was attended by a considerable crowd of spectators. Except that R. Hamence has his left hand bandaged to protect the thumb he sprained at Dunedin players are in good physical shape. O’Reilly, Lindwall, Hassett, and Hamence did not practise this morn,ing, and it is possible that the firstnamed two will not play against Wellington. The Basin Reserve wicket looks like being the dampest yet experienced by the tourists, and if the sunny weather holds the bowlers may find things going their way more than they have so far during the tour. —(P.A.)

Upper Hutt Inquiry. A commission, of which Mr. A. M. Goulding S.M., is chairman, is now inquiring- into the proposal to add 3615 acres to the present 2655 acres of the Upper Hutt Borough. The principal arguments for the proposal are the prospective increase in population to which new industries are expected to add several hundreds, the desirability of extending the area to the natural boundaries in contrast to the present layout in which two district centres of population are joined by a narrow waist of borough land, and the necessity for unified control to facilitate planning before the subdivision of land takes place. The proposed extension covers St. Patrick’s College lands, the Wellington Racing Club’s course and the Wellington Golf Club’s course. The owners of these, as well as the Hutt County Council and individuals, mostly farmers, are opposing the borough extension. The hearing, which was opened yesterday, should be concluded to-morrow. — (P.A.)

Cobden Combined Picnic —Lake Mahinapua, Saturday next. Train departs Greymouth 9.35 a.m. —Advt.

Avoid the 10 per cent, penaltypay your Brunner rates before next Monday.—Advt.

The,, gathering-in of the Harvest will be celebrated with appropriate services at the St. Paul’s Methodist Church on Sunday at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tinned foods will be sent to Britain and other produce sold on Monday in the Wesley Hall. Where possible goods will be collected. — Advt.

Avoid the 10 per cent, penalty Pay your Brunner rates before next Monday.—Advt.

Ladies’ Interlock Pyjamas in Flesh, Nile and Azure. Collar, pintucked bodice and long sleeves, S.W. and W. 29/6.—C. Smith Ltd.—Advt.

Winceyette Nightgowns with long or short sleeves, in plain or floral material. Flesh, sky or cream; W. and O.S. Prices 11/6 to 19/6—C. Smith Ltd.—Advt.