NEWS OF THE DAY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20431, 16 December 1940, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY

Tiniroto Highway The resident A.A. patrol advise? motorists using the Gisborne-Wairoa, via Tiniroto, highway that the weekend rain has produced a quagmire at a point on the Gisborne side of the Pehiri turn-off, where reconstruction of the highway is under way. Travellers who are able to avoid the route for a few clays are recommended to do so.

Teachers’ Meeting On Friday afternoon the management committee of the Poverty Bay branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute met in Le Grande Cafe. Various matters, including the supply of a teachers’ diary and plans for 1941, were discussed. The president, Mr. C. J. Cox, expressed, on behalf of the members of the committee and of the branch, regret at the impending departure of Miss F. V. Ormiston, who has been a member of the committee for so long and has taken such a keen interest in institute affairs. On the motion of the president, a message of sympathy from the branch is to be sent to Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Sharp, the parents of Airman Pilot Leading Aircraftsman Basil Sharp, who was killed in an accident recently, Mr. Basil Sharp was the brother of a member of the branch, Mr. Geoffrey Sharp. Members stood in silence as a mark of respect. Discussion followed on the plan of action regarding the supply of comforts to soldier members of the branch. At the conclusion of the meeting members and their wives were entertained at afternoon tea.

Deceased Pilot’s Funeral All three arms of the fighting services were represented at the funeral of the late Airman-Pilot Leading Aircraftsman Basil Sharp, held on Saturday afternoon. Mr. Sharp was killed in an aircraft accident in Canterbury early last week while undergoing training with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and public sympathy for his relatives was instanced by the large attendance at the funeral. The Royal New Zealand Air Force was represented officially by Flight-Lieutenant J. Webster, and a guard of honour was provided by the No. 8 (Gisborne) Company of the National Military Reserve, while among those also present were naval ratings on leave in the district. Messrs. Peter and Geoffrey Sharp, brothers of the deceased who also are in training in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, were among the pall-bearers, who included also Mr. H. Dickinson, a brother-in-law of the deceased, and Mr. Nelson Tolerton, a close friend of long standing. Canon A. F. Hall, assisted by the Rev. John Talbot, conducted the services at the former home of the deceased and at the graveside. The burial took place at the Soldiers’ Plot at the Taruheru cemetery.

Missing Boy Found A 13-year-old boy who had been missing from his home in Auckland for n week was discovered by the Taupo police at a camping ground near Taupo, and was returned to his home. The boy is alleged to have appropriated two bicycles to assist him on his journey, and was apparently bent on seeing as much as possible of the country.

Price For land Near Brewery Reference to the good prices obtained for sections near a brewery in Napier South was made by counsel for the Napier Harbour Board, the plaintiff, in a case between the board and the Minister of Public Works for compensation for land taken in Marewa, being heard in the Compensation Court in Napier. "Perhaps they were purchased on a day like this,” said the Chief Justice, Sir Michael Myers, his comment being directed at the warm weather at the time, the temperature being 83.5 degrees. Defence of Soldiers A denial that the soldier's life was immoral, as it had been painted by some writers after the last war, was tnr.de by Major J. G. C. Wales, M.C., N.Z.S.C., camp commandant, at the dedication ceremony of the now Church Army hut at Narrow Neck Military School, Auckland. “Ninety per cent of the men led decent lives.” Major Wales said, “and those authors who said otherwise for pecuniary gain '■ "nw the truth. People forget when they see a few drunken soldiers on the streets the thousands who are in their homes.” Physical Training “The new scheme for physical training received a great impetus during the year, mainly due to the visits and inspiration of Mr. Smithells, ’he department’s new superintendent of physical education,” commented Mr. G. A. Maddison, chairman of the Hawke's Bay Education Board, in his annual report. “Our teachers have raken up the scheme with great enthusiasm, and we can now anticipate the vine when this training on new and modern lines will be firmly established :ti our schools,” he added. “I hope that during 1941 a physical training instructor will be appointed by the department to this district in order that the new scheme may be still further organised and developed."

Control of Rabbits It is stated that during the last war there was a noticeable increase in rabbits in various parts of New Zealand owing to many young sportsmen serving with the forces overseas. Since the outbreak of the present war. however, the effect of the withdrawal of shooters from the ranks of those who wage war on rabbits has not so far become apparent. An authority on the subject said there was no danger in any case in the Waikato district, where a number of rabbit boards were doing excellent work in keeping the pest in check. There had been an increase in rabbits in the Taumarunui district, added the informant, but steps had been taken to remedy the position, and a rabbit board would be functioning there in the immediate future.

Alleged Assault on Father

A charge of assaulting his father by striking him on the face with his fist was brought against a young man who appeared before Mr. E. L. Walton, S.M., in the Gisborne Magistrate's Court to-day. Sergeant A. Doe], who prosecuted, asked for a remand until Wednesday. In agreeing to the remand, Mr. J. S. Wauchop. who appeared for the accused, said that the young man was due to go into camp with the military forces on January (1, and for that reason he would like the case disposed of as soon as possible. Mr. Wauchop also asked lor the suppression of the name in the meantime, as it was a case that would require some little consideration, and it was being defended. A remand was granted until Wednesday, bail being fixed at £SO, and an interim order was made for the suppression of the name of the accused.