Local and General

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 202, 10 August 1927, Page 4

Local and General

The Auckland Presbytery, alter a keen discussion, rejected by a substantial majority u remit to alter the wording of the Book of Order, so as to throw open the office of elder equally to both sexes.—Press Assn,

Mr Cecil Wright, a prominent solicitor, addressed a meeting at Stratford last night on “The Middle Way.” He suggested that spirits be withdrawn from hotels and be only vended by chemists on doctors’ prescriptions. He argued that this would meet the prohibition view by reducing drunkenness and suit the trade party by reducing the opposition to the hotel. He is moving to form organisations to be known as ‘ ‘The Free and Sober League,” to get this issue placed on the ballot papers—Press Association.

Ths members of the Wellington School Committees’ Association on a majority vote decided against the introduction of Bible reading in schools. There was some lively, and at times heated, discussion, and it was ultimately decided by twelve votes to eight that the vigilance committee, which was set up to watch matters of educational interest coming before Parliament, should register the association’s protest before the Religious Exercises in School Bill is dealt with in the House this session.

The Hastings Salvation Army Band has kindly offered to play in Havelock North, and to take up a collection for the unemployment fund.

At the Arbitration Court, Hokitika, in the case of W. Lloyd v. Malfroy and Co., Ltd., sawmillers, a compensation claim for accident, counsel intimated an agreement had been reached between the parties, plaintiff to receive £lO5 costs. Judgment was entered accordingly.

The annual meeting of the Stratford Racing Club last night, after discussing the differences between the Minister and the Racing Conference regarding the Waikato permit, passed a resolution pledging itself to support the Conference m its effort to retain the allocating of dates.—Press Assn.

It is expected that a meeting of the special board to deal with the erection of the Massey Memorial, the Speakers of the two Houses, the Premier, the Chief Justice, and a member of Mr. Massey’s family, will be hold next Monday to consider plans for the memorial.

The Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce decided last evening to ask the Government to frame legislation to prevent the importation of more than a small percentage of assembled cars into the Dominion, with a view to starting a new secondary industry in the shape of motor ear body building.

Prior to his public meeting last evening, the Rev. James Barr, ALP., 8.D., was entertained at dinner at the Club Tea Rooms. Speecehs of welcome were made by the Rev. Fred Copeland, on behalf of representatives of the N.Z. Alliance, rMr W. Griffiths, for the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. A. Lowe, the local branch of the Labour party. The guest of the evening suitably responded.

Tourists to New Zealand from some big cities of the United (states ol America, accustomed to high prices for choice cuts of swordfish, have expressed astonishment at the waste of this excellent food in the Dominion, says the “Northlander.” So far the only use made of the big game fisli ues in their supply of sport and their weights for the captors or certificates. However, even if satisfactory cool transport, were available lor the sportsman's trophies, the average New Zealander would need some persuasion to accept this food, which might have to masquerade under another name before it would find favour.

The Hastings Citizens’ Band’s 500 tournament and old-time dance was largely attended last night, 80 couples taking the floor. The ladies’ prize was won by Mr R. Henderson, while Mrs. Scrivener, Mrs W. Cash, Mrs F. L. Adams divided second prize. Mr. MeCombe and Mr A Heyward divided the gentlemen's prize. The challenge cup was won by the East side, with 493 points against the West side 354 points. The cards were in charge of Mr. R. Henderson, and the music was supplied by Mr and Mrs V Horne, the extras being played by Mrs. Dunn, and Messrs. Bennison and Cate. The M.C. was Mr. W. Bennison- The enjoyable evening closed at about 1 o clock.

The Hon. K, 8, Williams, chairman of the Government Stores Control Board, yesterday stated it was the policy of the board to purchase stores manufactured in New Zealand whenever such could be obtained of suit able quality for State requirements. When this condition was fulfilled, a generous preference was allowed to Dominion manufacturers who were in competition with overseas manufacturers. It was also the policy of the board to keep as closely as possible in touch with New Zealand manufacturers, and from time to time representatives of the board conferred with representatives of the manufacturers at the various centres. Stores were continually being analysed and tested, and if found to be unsuitable the manufacturer was advised of the reason.