LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 30 December 1924, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The intention oj\ the third standard pupils at the : Curran Street School, Ponsonby, to mark the close of the school year with a presentation to their teacher, was marred by an unfortunate occurrence (states the New Zealand Herald). The sum collected was left in a school bag at the Shelly Beach Baths. The money disappeared, and had not been recovered when the school closed on December 19. With the rush and bustle attendant upon holiday train arrivals and departures, there is but one train to the .average person—the one with which he is directly concerned. Therefore, (remarks the Mamvatu Daily Times) it is of more than passing interest to note that no fewer.. than. 26 express trains alone passed!through Palmerston North on Christmas Eve, 14 of, these running between Palmerston North and Auckland. ■

“It has been made known through the newspapers that under the new Motor Vehicles Act provision is made for very much greater penalties than are at present the rule, and the penalties under the by-daws will no doubt be, increased in accordance, with the general laws of the country,” said the Magistrate- at Ashburton (reports the Lyttelton Times correspondent). “The people would be advised!, to take notice of this fact. I expect that after January the penalties will be increased. ” The Auckland Health Office- is concerning itself seriously in regard to mosquitoes, which, are regarded not only as a pest, but an absolute danger, and it has furnished informative circulars to the various local bodies detailing the life history of the insect, and the prevention of its breeding and its extermination, states. the {Star. Though practically nothing has been done to act on the advice given, it is hoped that the various local bodies 'will oe brought to realise the seriousness of the mosquito menace and design some concerted and comprehensive action to deal with it.

An agreement has been concluded with Princess Tepuea, on behalf of the Maoris, for the native part of a Maori war film (states the New Zealand Herald). Princess Tepuea is a descendant of Potatau, the first Maori king, and her people are the lineal descendants or the defenders of Orakau Pa, the valiant defence of which will form one of the chief incidents in the film. Mr. James Cowan, the Government historian, will be in Ngaruawhia during the taking of the picture, and will supervise the production as regards its historical accuracy. Within wireless range:—Auckland: Karori, Makura, Kaiapoi, -Canadian Constructor, Arahura, Port Hunter, Wingatui, Kaikorai. Chatham Islands:’ Dorset, Omnthic, Canadian Constructor, Trel.yan. Wellington : Maori Mararoa, Wa-hine, Ngaio, Tutanekai, Moeraki, Waihemo, Canadian Traveller, Athenic, Zealandie, Waiwera Largolaw, Kumara. Whangane. Wanaka, Cumberland, Waikouiti. The Government Statistician, referring to retail prices, reports that the index number for the three food groups as at 15th November was 1581, an increase of 24 points over that for the previous month and 47.76 per cent, over that of July, 1914. There has been an increase of 62 points in the groceries group, occasioned by. an allround rise in the prices of potatoes and onions. The index number for dairy produce has fallen 23 points, the prices of bacon, butter, and eggs having been slightly reduced. A'small reduction in the price of mutton lias been counteracted by a larger increase in the price of pork, causing an increase of 10 points in# the index number for the meat group.

“Has the life of the bluegum trees been thoroughly gone into by the engineers?” queried Mr. MacManaway, at a meeting of the Wanganui-Bangi-tikei Electric Power Board, when the purchase of a number of bluegum poles was under consideration. The consulting engineer (Mr. Templin) replied in the affirmative, and pointed out that the life of the gum trees should he up to 12.’ years. His experience of the undertaking that he was connected with was that poles used four years ago, were just as good now as when they were put in. A man who' had 40 to 50 years’ experience with blue-gum poles had also assured him that tliev were quite satisfactory. The festive season with its. privilege of remembrance for friends far and near is now with us. We are ready for it with a huge stock of sensible gifts, presents which will be appreciated because of their utility as well as beauty. Call and look them over at your leisure.—Harrops Ltd., Hawera and Stratford. —Advt. HAY FEVEB. Year after year certain unfortunate individuals are troubled with this distressing complaint. Sniffing up warm Fluenzol several times daily soon banishes the trouble. Also apply Q-tol externally and rub it well on to the outside of the nose and thus help to .soothe any irritation. g