NEWS OF THE DAY

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 48, 26 February 1938, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY

"As Nationalists we believe we have something greater, more vital, more inspiring than any mere party shibboleth; we have a cause, an aim, and that aim is the safety, freedom and prosperity of New Zealand, ” said the Hon. J. G. Cobbe, M.P., in the course of his address at Feilding last evening. Bandsmen in uniform have been conspicuous about the streets of Palmerston North this week, but they aiioulu be conspicuous Dy their absence this morning, for quickstep day has arrived and a band’s success or otherwise may depend on a fingerprint on an iustiument and such small details. tip this morning bandsmen will bo busy polishing and brushing and to do that they have to stay at home. Easter is late this year—Sunday, April 17. Last year it fell on March 28. Ash Wednesday—first of the 40 days of Lent, the Christian penitential season which precedes Easter—will be observed on March 2. Five years hence, in 1943, there will be another late Easter, with the observance of the festival on April 25, which is also Anzac Day. There will be an unusually early Easter in 1940, when it will fall on March 24, but it will not occur so early again for 10 years. “Nursing service in New Zealand offers mueh in the way of a career, perhaps not financially, bpt in satisfaction, ’ ’ remarked Dr. Alexander Gillies, Dominion c hairman of the Red Cross executive, at a meeting in Napier. “In future we must look to the Red Cross, at. John Ambulance Association and similar organisations for people with the right attitude of mind," he added. “In JNew Zealand, who is better suited to take up the work than our own voluntary aid detachments?" The constant use by witnesses of the term "Chinaman" to describe a wooden framework used at the base of a quarry to assist in loading aroused the curiosity of Mr. .justice Callau, in the Supremo Court at Auckland, who was trying the case. “It has nothing to do with the case," he remarked, “but 1 cannot restrain my curiosity. How on earth did it come to be called a Chinaman?" The witness replied that he was afraid he could not enlighten his Honour on t b.at point. The only attempt to answer the question came from counsel, who suggested that the contrivance got the name because it was made to do all the hard work. A shopping interlude, which first produced some mild consternation and then considerable amusement, was pro video shoppers at tha Premier Drapery Co.’s store shortly after 3 p.m. yesterday, when the establishment’s automatic lire alarm gave an unexpected long and somewhat raucous solo that was certainly not produced by any incendiary outbreak. Puzzled shoppers, when the significance of the persistent ringing occurred to thorn, very naturally made for the door. To add to the bewilderment two fire engines were quickly on the scene as the alarm iu the building is connected with the fire station. It is considered that the releasing of the alarm was due to the effects of the hot weather. “After examining the Australian hardwood sleepers imported for the South Island M ain Trunk railway, I can only say that the reports of weevil infestation were 90 per cent, exaggeration," was the statement made by Mr. P. J. Drew, representative of New South Wales t .mber exporters, who together with Mr. R. Cook, forestry inspector of the New South Wales Forestry Department, has just concluded an investigation of a complaint made last December by the New Zealand Government concerning the number of grubs found in the timber imjjorted for railway construction. “There were weevils in a number of sleepers, but of a type that is almost harmless," continued Mr. Drew “As to their being a menace as borers, they could not eat their way out of a loaf of bread. The results of the investigation Lave been satisfactory to both sides. ’ ’