NEWS OF THE DAY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20140, 9 January 1940, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY

Export Stock Killings Although the Kaiti freezing works resumed the killing of fat stock for export last week, the number coming to hand was not so large as before Christmas. This week, however, more are coming forward, and yesterday and to-day the butchers handled about 5000 sheep and lambs a day, a figure that almost reached the peak of the pre-Christmas rush.

Skull Found At Whangara The top portion of a human skull was found on the shore at Whangara Beach on Sunday by a Gisborne grocer, Mr. G. R. Beets. The lower jaw of the skull, thought to be that of an old Maori, was missing. _ Its condition was such that it might have been dislodged from an old burial place by erosion and then exposed to the weather for a time. The skull was in a good state of preservation.

Soldiers’ Security Tax The emoluments of men engaged in military service with the Special New Zealand Forces and with the Maori Battalion will not be subject to taxation for social security purposes. The concession naturally involves adjustments in' the accounts of the Social Security Department, and men proceeding to camp are strongly advised to have with them their coupon books in order to facilitate the adjustments.

Bands for Military Camps Home-service conditions are offered by the Army Department to bandsmen of suitable ages and accomplishments who may volunteer for service with military bands to be maintained in the principal camps in New Zealand. Enlistments will be accepted in the ordinary way for home service, and pay will be on the same basis as for men called up for the permanent forces in New Zealand, and serving with the heavy artillery, anti-aircraft defence, and vital-points guards.

I,ate Fruit Crops Most of the stone fruit crops in the Gisborne district and also tomatoes are late in coming on to the market this season. One leading fruiterer stated to-day that no outdoor-grown tomatoes were on the market yet, while in normal seasons they were usually starting to become plentiful at this time of the year. In his opinion, tomatoes and stone fruit were three weeks to a month later than usual, as a result of the late spring. Peaches were only now starting to come to hand. Saturday’s Cricket Draw The draw for the Poverty Bay Cricket Association’s Senior A and B competitions to be played on Saturday is as follows:—Senior A Grade.— G.H.5.0.8. v. Marist, on Oval No. 3 wicket; Old Boys v. City, Oval No. 4. Senior B Grade. —United B v. G.H.5.0.8. Blue, Oval No. 1; Gisborne Club v. City, Oval representative wicket; High School B v. G.H.5.0.8. White, High School bath wicket; High School A v. Civil Service, High School rectory wicket; United A v. Marist, Oval No. 2. Severe Orchard Losses Damage to orchards in the Gisborne district as a result of the devastating hailstorm on Boxing Day is much heavier than was at first expected. Some of the growers in areas that did not seem greatly affected at the time have noticed additional bruising showing up during the past few days, while one orchardist who was away at the time aifd who only recently returned discovered considerable damage. No reliable estimate has been made yet of the district’s loss, but it must run into many thousands of pounds. Tourist Traffic Lighter Tourist traffic in Gisborne was lighter during the week-end, but recovered slightly yesterday. On Sunday only four new camp sites were required by the small number of arrivals at the motor camp at the Waikanae Beach, the total number of parties in the grounds being reduced to 56. There was a slight Improvement yesterday afternoon, when 14 cars arrived with motorists making application for positions in the camp. The total number of camping parties under canvas last night had increased to 62. With large numbers of tourists back at their normal occupations it is understood that the daily arrivals will not be large in the latter part of the touring season.