GENERAL NEWS ATTACK ON A JAPANESE SUBMARINE

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 September 1946, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS ATTACK ON A JAPANESE SUBMARINE

Furthei* substantiation of the statement that a Japanese submarine was in Australian and New Zealand waters in 1943 and was actually attacked by New Zealand aircraft Avhen only 50 miles or so off the coast near Auckland is provided by the story of a former member of the No. 17 Fighter Squadron stationed at Seagrove aerodrome, Auckland, and now residing at Hastings. The former airman stated that in November, 1943, Squadron Leader (then Flying Officer) J. Balfour, D.F.C., of Waimate, and nbw of Cheviot, Avas detailed to lead a section of two aircraft from No. 17 Squadron to inspect an object thqt had been plotted on a radar screen and which Avas traced to a point about 50 miles off shore on the west coast from Auckland. The object at sea Avas sighted and the airman saw the conning tower of a submarine showing just above the Avater. Their aircraft attacked and fired several bursts of .5 guns, but the submarine quickly submerged. (P.A.) island Tomatoes. The Maui Pomare left Rarotonga on Sunday with 10,000 boxes of tomatoes and 70 tons of copra. She is due at Auckland, via Niue, on September 24. —(P.A.) Boy Breaks Hip. A three-year-old boy, Graham Piner, fractured his right thigh when he fell while climbing through a fence on the property of his father, Mr. B. Piner, at Twelve Mile yesterday afternoon. After receiving attention from Dr. I. Leitch, of Runanga, he Avas admitted to the Grc-y Hospital, Avhere his condition to-day was reported to be satisfactory.

Oil-Burning Locomotive The first of the tAvo K class loco«motives being converted to oil burners is expected to be operating on the Paekakariki-Taihape section of the main trunk. Only two engines are to be converted to oil burning until it is found whether this is successful. The conversion of other locomotives may follow. Tanks for fuelling \vill have to be erected at Paekakariki and Taihape.—(P.A.) New Truck Arrives.

The Greymouth Borough Council’s new truck for use on borough roads, arrived this morning as part of the cargo of the s.s. Poolta. Equipped with many modern features, the itcav vehicle Avill replace one of the trucks which has been in the council’s ser-. vice for about 15 years. It will cost £9Ol. A similar type of truck for the Westland County Council Avas also brought to Greymouth by the Poolta. Air Force Association.

The activities of the Greymouth branch of the Air Force Association, which have been restricted by lack of club-rooms are expected to increase Avith the acquisition of rooms in MaAvhera quay. A social function marked the opening ceremony- last evening. Representatives of the Greymouth Aero Club and the local headquarters of the Air Training Corps wore present and Squadron Leader W. D. Heaphy, A.F.C., Avas the guest of honour.

Racing for Port. Carrying tAvo men seriously ill with pneumonia, the Port Line’s 8000-ton motor-ship Port Fremantle is making all speed to reach Aucklarid by Thursday afternoon, having been diverted on a voyage from New York to Brisbane to land the sick men. If required, stocks of penicillin supplied by the Health Department will be flown to the Port Fremantle by one of the two air-sea rescue Catalinas stationed at the Mechanics Bay base as soon as the ship comes Avithin aircraft range.—(P.A.) Catch-as-Cats Can. »

A police constable was, under crossexamination in the Magistrate’s Court at Wellington, explaining the lay-out of a bar in a city hotel. The bar had two partitions in it, which meant that the customers’ side was divided into three, though one barman could serve everybody. One portion of the bar was frequented by women. , “It is knoAvn as the ‘cats’ bar,’ isn’t ■ it?” asked counsel. “Catch bar?” queried the Magistrate. “Yes, cats’ bar,” said counsel. “Oh, I thought you said ‘cats’ bar,’ ” said the Magistrate. “It is ‘cats’ bar,” your Worship,” counsel replied. “C-a-t-s?” spelled the Magistrate. “Yes, c-a-t-s,” spelled counsel. “Oh,” said the Magistrate with a smile, and the case proceeded. Earth House Made at Week-ends. The subject of earth houses, Avhich has come into some prominence of late, has created such interest that the owner of one in the Wellington district has asked that his name and address be Avithheld to protect his wife against the intrusion of too many curious visitors. “I built this earth house at Aveek-ends and on holidays during the depression,” he said. “My wife had the section, and we had only a small income for some years to keep the family going, so, helped by my boys, I started the house in a practical way and Avith an architect’s advice. There will not be many earth houses; the Avork is too heavy. It took me nearly 10 years to finish mine, and I recommend penal seiwitude in preference to the labour entailed.” Notification of Accidents. The fact that employers Avere required to notify the-Labour Department of any accident which was likely to incapacitate an employee for 48 hours or more was pointed out by the inspector of awards at Greymouth, Mr. D. T. C. Brayshay, this morning. Mr. Brayshay said that many local employers were lax in this respect and that often no information other than that available in the press was received. Accidents should be reported within 48 hours so that an early investigation could be made, he added. This was in the interests of both employers and employees because if faulty machinery oi’ gear’ caused the accident, the matter could be remedied and a repetition of the occurrence avoided.

ii Don’t forget the sporting fixtures for Saturday next at Stillwater. — Advt. The proceeds from the hotel worker’s Ball To-night (Tuesday) are to be devoted to the R.S.A. Building Fund. Help this worthy cause.—Advt. .The West Coast beat the English League team, but the Hotel Workers’ Ball will beat everything..—Advt. Taped Pillowcases, good quality, and full size, 20” x 30”. Now selling at 15/11 a half; dozen. C. Smiths.— Advt. ... . a.,.:.