DOMINION NEWS

Grey River Argus, 19 May 1943, Page 2

DOMINION NEWS

M’UTTQN BIRD SEASON. P.A. ■ INVERCARGILL, May 18. The present mutton bird season is the worst that has ever been known in Southland. That is the opinion of Mr. H. J. Roderique, of the ketch Kekeno, which returned to Bluff last night from a trip to the South Cape Islands. Mr. Roderique has had 06 years’ experience of mutton birding, and his opinion is supported by the older natives on the islands. Mr. Roderique said yesterday that up to the middle of the season the older birds seemed to be as numerous as ever round South Cape, and there were the usual number of young ones. After that however, large numbers of mother birds did not return to the islands. Consequently thousands of young birds were lying dead, and others had just enough strength, to reach the water, but were too weak to fly.

HOSPITAL SHIP IN QUARANTINE

P.A. WELLINGTON, May 18. During the past few day, the War Purposes Committee of the Joint Council of the Order of St. John and New Zealand Red Cross Society, and overseas Seamen’s Gifts Committee, in Association with the National Patriotic Fund Board, have arranged for a considerable supply of comforts to be placed on board the hospital ship which ha's been in quarantine since arrival from the Middle East. Provision has been made for patients, medical staff, and ulso for the crew of the ship. The comforts supplied included books, magazines, chocolate, cigarettes, sports and games equipment, tooth paste, and tooth brushes. Other articles are supplied as required. Arrangements have also been made for two film projectors to be sent to the ship. RATIONED CLOTHING RETAILERS. P.A. WELLINGTON, May 18. Under a special Clothing Rationing Order which will be gazetted this week an obligation is placed on all retailers of rationed clothing to secure a certificate of registration and licenses to trade,” states the Food and Rationing Controller, (Mr. Thomas). After June 1 it will be an cffence for any retail trader to sell or supply rationed clothing, footwear; and household linen unless he holds the requisite license.” The Controller states that this action is taken with the approval of the Drapers’ Federation for the protection of legitimate traders observing the regulations relating to the sale of rationed clothing. CIVIL DEFENCE SCHOOL. P.A. ' WELLINGTON, May 18. There is an attendance of 29, including 16 representatives of the Police Department, from the principal districts of the Dominion for this week’s Law and Order specialist course- at the Civil Defence School of Instruction. The Civil Defence Minister (Mr. Wilson) said he looked on the Law and Order section of the E.P.S. as next in importance to the fire fighting; indeed, it was doubtful whether they were less important in a real emergency. A good working agreement between the Police and the E.P.S. had evolved from the recent conference, in Wellington.

The Director' of National Service (Mr. Hunter) said that although the present course was belated there was an advantage in ’the fact that there was now a better appreciation of ine importance of specialist training control .

The Regional Commissioner (Colonel Ciochetto) emphasised 'the great value of these courses in the interchange of views among the key men assembled from the various districts. The authorities were fostering a mutually helpful spirit of co-operation.