News of the Day

Northern Advocate, 11 January 1938, Page 4

News of the Day

New Glow-worm Cave.

A glow-worm cave has been discovered in the newly-opened thermal district of Orakei-Korako, Rotorua. One of' the attractions of the valley is the extensive alum cave, which is over 200 feet in height, and it was there that the glow-worms were seen. Not only the walls of the cave, but the rocky floor and the ferns, were sprinkled with a multitude of tiny, bright lights. * * * *

Japan Loses Market. One effect of the Sino-Japanese War on trade with New Zealand has been the disappearance of Japanese oranges and onions from the Dominion markets. At seasons of the year when there was a shortage of fruit and field produce, it was found that importations could be made from Jaj>an and marketed profitably, but New Zealand merchants have been unprepared during the past six months to take the risk of a boycott by Chinese fruiterers against Japanese supplies. Canadian onions and Australian oranges have had a larger share of the market m consequence, but owing to plentiful supplies the prices have been lower than usual ,and merchants declare that they have lost money. It appears unlikely that the trade in oranges and onions with Japan will be 'revived while the conflict continues. I * * * * !

Hospital Statistics. In his report presented to the Whangarei Hospital Board yesterday, the Medical Superintendent stated that the month just passed comfnenced with 95 patients in the institution; 174 were admitted during the period and 193 were discharged. Seven deaths occurred and at the end of the month 69 patients remained in hospital.

Value of Mineral Rights. The farm committee of the Whangarei Hospital Board, has valued the mineral rights of the Kamo property in which the board is interested at £IOOO. Mr Higginson. at the board meeting yesterday, moved that this valuation be affirmed. The board agreed. -fc «*t $ $ No Room For Bay “Old Men.” Stating that the male portion of its own hospital is overcrowded, the Bay of Islands Hospital Board wrote to the Whangarei board asking that it admit two men into the Old Men’s Home here. The chairman, Mr J. A. S. MacKay, stated that the Whangarei Home is now full and the Bay of Islands Board is to be notified accordingly.

Indian Game Birds for Northland-

Disappointing results were obtained by Mrs. -V. Donaldson when last year she imported a setting of Indian Game Fowls from Australia. While the eggs arrived in perfect order, the hatchings were not so successful as she had hoped they would be. A further setting will shortly arrive in New Zealand for Mrs. Donaldson. Mr. P. R. Smith, who is one of the most successful Indian Game breeders in Sydney, is most interested in Mrs. Donaldson’s endeavour to establish the breed here, and has promised further settings until successful hatchings are obtained.

Whangarei Nurses Congratulated.

In the State examinations held in early December last, the Whangarei Hospital entrants received passes, one, in the maternity school, with honours. The successful candidates were:— General Hospital: Misses Elyeen Bell, Norah Dunn; Maternity Annexe: Misses Joan Lane (honours), Harriet Fletcher, Mary Connell, Bernice Schmidt, Phyllis Rowe, Joyce Tyler, Jessie Quarrie and Mabel Whelan. On the motion of Mr. F. Higginson, the board moved that the candidates and staff—particularly Miss Lane—be congratulated on their success.