Untitled

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 274, 22 November 1934, Page 6

Formal resolutions for the conversion of the Christchurch Drainage Board’s loans, amounting to £9-18,600 were passed at a meeting of the board on Tuesday evening. The conversion scheme is one of the biggest undertaken by any local body in New Zealand. The rates of interest previously varied from 5} to 5J per cent. These rates were reduced under the Government’s order of a 20 per cent, reduction to £1 5s to £4 12s per cent. Under the conversion scheme there will be an overall rate of £1 5s per cent.

A most appreciative letter was received at yesterday’s mooting of the Wanganui Education Board from Mr. R. Darroch, secretary of the Navy League, who recently visited the Palmerston North schools, where he addressed the children on the aims and objects of the League, branches of which hate been formed in many schools. The writer specially thanked Colonel J. H. Whyte for his efficient help. Air. Darroch particularly noticed the great improvement in the environment: of the schools, especially in Pal merston North ami complimented the board on the matter.

Important changes in the policy of the municipal electricity department were decided on at a special meeting of the Christchurch City Council on Monday' evening. Summarised, the new conditions mean, first, that within the City Council’s area of supply electric ranges of a capacity requiring their own direct wiring will be installed free of installation cost. In addition, a special 20 per cent, discount will be given on the selling price of ranges; secondly, in tiie case of range sales on deferred payment no deposit will be charged and no interest will be charged on the unpaid balance.

Strong comment on the danger of carrying loaded rifles in the bush was made by ihe Coroner, Mr. Gilbertson, at the inquest at Wellington yesterdayon Charles .Tames Galliers, who was accidentally shot while deer-stalking in the Tararua Ranges on Saturday. The Coroner said it was clear that insufficient precautions were taken in hand ling loaded rifles, particularly in bush country, where anyone was liable to slip. A doer-stalking expedition was not an occasion for snap-shooting. There was no necessity for the rifle in present case to have been loaded, but if there was the safety catch should have been on.

A step toward Mr. Bernard Shaw’s idea of free milk for all school children in New Zealand was taken on Tuesdaynight at a meeting convened in Wellington by the Smith Family organisation. Representatives of educational institutions, medical men, the Hospital Board, City Council, and members of Parliament were present and a committee was set up to formulate a definite plan on a national basis, Mr. W. J. Poison, M.F., who presided, being appointed chairman. Points considered were whether the scheme should be a Stateadministered and financed plan entirely free to every child attending all schools, and whether parents able to do so should contribute, while the milk was provided without cost to the children of the poorer people.—Press Association.