News Of The Day

Northern Advocate, 1 March 1939, Page 6

News Of The Day

Mangamuka Bam Burned. A large tin barn, situated opposite the Hokianga Golf Links and owned by Mr. V. Abraham, of Mangamuka, was destroyed by fire. Thirty tons of baled hay were stored in the building. Si Si <• Si Never Seen the Sea. A child 11 years of age who has never seen the sea, and who lives in a Main Trunk centre, has applied to the Wanganui Education Board for admission to the Children’s Health Camp. * • • • More Births in Whangarei. Births and marriages in Whangarei during February both increased over February, 1938. There were 28 births this year, as compared with 20 last February, while marriages increased fro mseven to 11. Deaths declined from 14 in February last year to nine last month.

Scrub-Fire Threat at Puketona. The scrub-fire menace is still apparent, owing to the dry conditions in the middle North. At Puketona, a fire became out of control and threatened the woolshed and yards at the old mill, owned by Mr Cook. The owner was absent, and only the strenuous efforts of neighbours prevented serious damage. Extensive damage to fences was caused.

February Was Dry Month. Since February 5, no rain has fallen in Whangarei, and the total for February was only .73 of an inch. In 1914, a year of drought, no rain whatever was recorded. The driest February in the last ten years was in 1929, with .20 of an inch, and the wettest in 1936, with 13.74 inches. The average rainfall for the month is 5.06 inches. Dairy production is falling in most districts, but the fruit season, especially for stone varieties, has been the best for many years. * * # • Dental Clinics As Memorials. Erection of dental clinics at each of the three borough schools as a Whangarei Centennial memorial has been discussed by the Whangarei Schools Dental Clinic Committee. For this purpose, the Minister of Education intimated, the usual subsidy of £2 for £1 would be forthcoming, whereas for Centennial projects generally the Government is offering only £1 for £3. The total contribution which the local people would have been required to find would have been about £450. At a meeting of SubZone 5A Committee last night, the chairman, Mr W. Jones, announced the project had been abandoned, the Dental Clinic Committe not having received the unanimous support of the three school committees.

School Excursion to Bay of Islands. More than 200 children sire expected to participate in the school picnic outing to the Bay of Islands from Otiria and Moerewa next Saturday. A special train is to convey the young people between Otiria and Opua. Licensing Committee Reappointed. When nominations for the triennial Marsden Licensing District Committee electio nclosed at mid-day to-day, the five sitting members were re-nominat-ed, and re-elected without opposition. The personnel of the committee, which will hold office for another three years, is: Alexander Clarke, William Collins, Albert Hugh Curtis, Charles Robert Lovatt,' and Angus James\ Mac Kay.

Dry Weather Affects Tanks. Although there is little outward sign of drought conditions in Northland, many farmers are running short of water. Since the big downpour at the end of January, there <has been very little rainfall, and tanks in various parts of the district are (again becoming very dry. It is now ; about four weeks since any substantial rain . fell to keep up a sufficient quantity' for household and milking-shed requirements. However, pasture lands are looking in excellent condition, and it is not expected that the effects of the dry spell will become tat all serious for another few weeks.

Whangarei 1.0.0. F. Picnic. On Sunday, in ideal summer weather, the first combined picnic of the 1.0.0. F. was conducted by the Aloha Rebekah Lodge and the Star of Whangarei Lodge, No. 89. This very successful function took place on the beautiful property of Mr ,A. C. Clapham, Paranui, off the Whareora road. Buses .and private cars conveyed approximately 150 adults and children to the site. A lengthy programme of sports events was run off, together with a cricket match, tennis and swimming. A plentiful supply of ice cream and lollies, together with apples, were distributed during the day.

Waipu Show Tomorrow. Everything is in readiness for , the Waipu Show, which is being held on the association’s grounds, Waipu Central, tomorrow. The exhibition promises to be one of the best in the history of the Show, so those privileged to attend may depend upon a maximum of interest and entertainment. 217 ■. ■. ■■ -