NEWS OF THE DAY

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 132, 7 June 1939, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY

Breach, of Probation A young man named Colin Charles Carruthers, a mechanic by occupation, was convicted in the Palmerston North Magistrate’s Court yesterday on a charge of breach of probation. Mr H. P. Lawry, S.M., discharged accused after pointing out to him the foolishness of not complying with the terms of the order. Carruthers promised to mend his ways. Praise for Ponner Palmerstonian Of the Dunedin Operatic Society’s presentation of “New Moon,” opening in that centre on Saturday last, the Otago Daily Times states in the course of a report highly flattering to the performance: “Mr. E. G. Spraggon’s Captain Georges Duval was a very attractive character study, well sustained and enhanced by a genuine ease of style.” No Account to Make When asked by the Harbour Board’s Association for comment on the Holidays with Pay Bill the Foxton Harbour Board meeting at Palmerston North yesterday found itself in a quarndary as it employed no permanent labour and was interested only in casual employment. It was agreed that the Bill would not affect the board very much and that in the circumstances no comment was necessary. Old Hotel Custom. The licensing laws require that a light shall be kept burning outside hotels at night, in the case of Palmerston North, till 10 p.m. At its meeting yesterday, however, the Palmerston North Licensing Committee agreed that such lights in future may be extinguished at 6 p.m. “Such lights are not necessary now,” commented the chairman, Mr. H. P. Lawry, S.M., ‘ 1 to guide some wandering traveller.”

Scuffle in Fpotbali Match Blows exchanged between two opposing players during a Rugby match in Hastings on Saturday resulted in che pair being ordered off, to the accompaniment of expressions both of approval and disapproval ilrom a section of the spectators. It is reported that after being ordered off the players, followed by a large number of spectators from tho grandstand, went behind the stand, where further blows were exchanged. Shoala of Kahuwai in River

Shoals of kahuwai continue to frequent the river at Manawatu Heads and are being caught in largo quantities in nets set for flatfish. Few “flatties” are caught when kahuwai are about, as they tangle and tear the nets badly. According to a local fisherman ,it is unusual for kahuwai to remain in the river in large numbers for more than a few days, but this season it is about two months since they first made their unwelcome appearance. Good Conduct of Hotels.

According to a statement made by the chairman of tho Palmerston North Licensing Committee yesterday (Mr. H. P. Lawry, S.M.), the conduct of Palmerston North hotels had been satisfactory generally over the past 12 months. There had been no outstanding cases of infringements of the law beyond what one would normally expect in this class of business. The committee granted all the applications for renewals of licenses. Buried Treasure! Two men in convivial mood caused their relatives at the Manawatu Heads some anxiety on Sunday evening when they made a trip across the river and failed to return when darkness fell. A search party crossed later and the prodigals were found at the point, attempting to “dry out” over a fire after losing themselves in the darkness and taking an unintentional swim. Rumour has it, now, that there is buried treasure somewhere amongst tho sandhills!

Rubber Footwear Factory. A greenstone mere was the unusual gift to the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, on laying the foundation-stone of the rubber footwear factory at Christchurch. The mere was a beautiful example of this traditional Maori weapon. “It is a lovely thing, and just what is needed,” said Mr. Savage, brandishing the gift. The factory, which is situated on the banks of the Heathcote River, near the Woolston railway station, is the first of its kind to be opened in New Zealand. The factory will turn out about 750,000 pairs of shoes a year and will, under present arrangements, pay out more than £22,000 a year in wages. New Rail Tractors.

With tho soven Tail tractors from London recently delivered at Wellington the Railway Department now has a total of 16 internal combustion shunting engines. The new consignment differs from the old ones in that it is sixwheel coupled, while the others arc fourwheeled. The earlier ones weigh only nine tons, and aro of 70-75 horse-power each, but tho new ones weigh between 15 and 16 tons each, measure about 20ft. in length, and are of 98-140 horsepower. The motor type of shunter has been used in New Zealand since 1936, and has proved its worth in economical marshalling of rolling-stock, and in short hauls of light loads.

Glasgow Leases at Manawatu Heads Residents of tho beach at Manawatu Heads appear well satisfied with the result of the meeting of leaseholders called by the Harbour Board last week for the purpose of discussing the Glasgow lease (says our correspondent). A resolution was passed unanimously to the effect that the Harbour Board should bo recommended to grant a Glasgow lease to any lessee so desiring it, and this rocommendation will be forwarded to the board for confirmation at its meeting during the week. Credit is due to Mr. G. Watchorn for the consistent manner in which he has worked for the changeover to the Glasgow system of leasing, which carries a 21year tenure, with right of renewal, and should do much to improve tho typo of dwelling erected in the future. Several leaseholders living at a distance who were unable to attend the meeting wrote signifying their approval of the proposed Glasgow lease. (The board at its mooting yesterday decided to adopt tho Glasgow lease system.)