NEWS OF THE DAY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22570, 25 February 1948, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY

First Gisborne Grapes The first picking of grapes is being received at the Gisborne depot for packing and the fruit is of very good quality for this time of the year. Yesterday's consignment was the first of any quantity and it is of interest to note that the early pickings this season are exactly one week ahead of last season'. The vareties being handled are Albany Surprise. Fruit Matures Earlier Although generally on the small side Cox’s Orange Pippin apples have been maturing quickly this season in Gisborne and orchardists have been busily engaged picking the fruit. Kidd’s Orange are coming on well, and it is expected that Delicious apples will be picked sooner than usual because of the earlymaturing dry weather. There is every indication that those varieties will be of average size. Early pears are almost a week earler than usual and certain varieties of apples and pears will clash, making long working hours necessary for growers. Little Rain Falls Although the sky appeared overcast and threatening most of last night, little of the badly-needed rain fell in the Gisborne district. At the meteorological station, Darton Field, only 0.03 in. was recorded, while there was little more in the hills and at the Gisborne Borough Council’s waterworks at Maneapoike. The total for the month at Darton Field is now 0.13 in„ ,02ifl. more than in' February, 1946, the drist February ever recorded in Gisborne. Heavy rain was experienced for a short time on Sunday , night near Ruatoria. but this rain was not general on the Coast. Open Air Films An application by a returned serviceman, to screen open-air films at the Park Domain during the summer months was favourably received by the Gisborne Borough Council sitting as the Makaraka Domain Board last night. The man asked that he be allowed to use the stand at the domain for seating accommodation, and said he would have a screen about 40ft. in front of the stand. The fire danger to the stand was mentioned by several councillors and it was decided, in the motion of Dr. A. L. Singer, that the matter should be ; referred to the reserves committee with power to act, depending on a favourable report from the inspector of films and fire brigade supervisor. Damage to Foliutakawas Damage bv cattle and fires to the pohutakawa trees in the Douglas Lysnar Reserve at Wainui Beach was referred to in a letter from the Gisborne and East Coast Regional Planning Council received by the Gisborne Borough Counci last night. The regional planring council asked that the borough council take steps to protect these pohutakawa trees. A report submitted by the borough engineer. Mr J. M. Beaumont, stated that although fires were prohibited in the reserve, there was trace of recent fires. The fence surrounding the reserve also needed repairs, as did some tree guards. On the motion of the Mayor, Mr N. H. Bull, it was decided that campers, as distinct from picnickers, should be prohibited from the reserve and the new fencing should be erected.