DOMINION NEWS

Grey River Argus, 9 January 1941, Page 8

DOMINION NEWS

HONOLULU CLIPPER. AUCKLAND, January 7. The Honolulu Clipper left Auckland at 9.30 a.m. to-day for Noumea, on route to San Francisco. Lt carried .18 passengers and a large quantity of freight anil mails. WELLINGTON January 8. The New Zealand Golf Association has received the following cablegram dated December 24, from the St. Andrew’s Golf Club: —“The Royal and Ancient Golf Club sends cordial greetings to the golfers of New Zealand. We are profoundly aware of the magnificent assistance your country is rendering in the fight for the right of men and nations to be free, and we are heartened by your magnanimous spirit of co-operation in our common resolve to re-establish peace and goodwill throughout the world.” The cablegram is signed by the chairman, Lieutenant-Colonel G. F. M. Skene.

HONOLULU CLIPPER. AUCKLAND, January 8. The Honolulu Clipper left Auckland yesterday for Noumea, en route to San Francisco. It carried IS passengers and a large quantity of freight and mails.

MECHANICAL WHARF EQUIPMENT AUCKLAND, January 8. As a result of a visit, to King’s wharf, Auckland, by the Minister of Labour (Hon. P. C. Webb) it is likely that before long a’ mechanised plant will be introduced on the waterfront for the transport of freight from ships' slings to sheds, and from sheds to ships’ slings. The chairman of the Harbour Board (Mr Henry Luke) premised Mr Webb that he would recommend to the board the purchase of mechanised trucks and other modern gear for speedier handling of freight, the plant to be hired to the companies concerned in loading and unloading ships. Mr Webb said that Mr Luke’s approach to the problem was inspiring, and he expressed pleasure that a quicker turn round of ships was in sight.

WELLINGTON DROUGHT WELLINGTON, January 8. As it has not rained in Wellington since December 24, which is 15 days ago, Wellington, in company with other parts of New Zealand, is suffering from drought, in the official meaning of that term, provided it does not rain before 9 a.m. to-mor-row. which it is not likely to do. The rainfall in December was only 2.68 inches, one inch below normal. Coupled with the dryness are temperatures above normal. The average daily maximum is 72.3, with 79. G the highest, reached. Holiday-makers have been revelling in the line days, but rain is now needed as the pastures are beginning to feel the want of it.