News of the Day

Northern Advocate, 31 July 1939, Page 6

News of the Day

Timber Mill Destroyed

The Marton Sash Door and Timber Company's mill at Waione, 20 miles north of Taumarunui, was destroyed by fire at G o’clock on Saturday morning. Three hundred pounds worth of dressed timber was also destroyed. Twenty men will be out of (work.

Drive by Traffic Inspectors In a recent drive for the production of motor-driving licenses and wari'ams of fitness, five traffic inspectors and a constable interviewed 2600 motorists. Four points were used by the inspectors to give a full coverage of motorists coming into and leaving Whangarei. The fact that only about 30 failed to produce the requisite papers proved that the travelling public is becoming educated to the necessity of having current warrants of fitness and driving licenses. * * * Rebuilding Kaikohe Methodist Church. Kaikohe Methodists hope to occupy their new church next month. The building, which has been in the course of re-erection for the last three months, was originally at Okaihau, whence it was shifted in sections to its present site on the old Okaihau road, Kaikohe. The sections have been reprected, and exterior carpentry work has been practically finished by voluntary labour, which has made it posisble to extensively alter the plan of the building. All the interior woodwork has been completed, and on Saturday a party of three, under the guidance of Mr T. Moor, commenced the interior painting and decorating.

Pipe Band’s Church Parade The members of the Whangarei Pipe Band attended 1 church parade in full force at the Presbyterian Church last evening. Despite rain showers and piercingly cold weather, there was a large congregation. The Rev. William Elliott, in welcoming the pipers, referred to the emotions aroused in Scots people and their descendants when the music of the pipes was heard. In his sermon, Mr. Elliott spoke of the Covenanters in Scotland, and of all that they stood for in the face of oppression. They were ready to sacrifice all they possessed, even their lives, rather than deny the faith that was in them. The preacher asked very eloquently whether the present generation realised at (what cost their religious freedom had boon secured, and whether they appreciated it as they should.

Photo of Sancta Maria For Museum. The presentation of a photograph of Bishop Pompallier's missionary vessel, Sancta Maria, .which was closely associated with Hokianga in the early days of the mission, has been made to the Cld Colonists' Museum by Mr C. J. O'Keefe. of Mount Eden. A topsail; schooner of 90 tons, the Sancta Maria > was purchased by Bishop Fompallier, about 1840. She had previously traded] on the New Zealand coast as the Atlas, \ and had served as tender to two Amer- j ican whaling ships. i

Junior Chamber Journal.

The Whangarei Junior Chamber of Commerce has broken new ground with the first issue of its monthly journal, now being circulated among members. In addition to a brief review of the past activities of the organisation, the publication sets out plans for forthcoming meetings and addresses, as well as dealing with matters of general interest to members. Humorous touches, hints on public speaking and general business management all combine to make bright, interesting reading. The editor is Mr L. N. Skinner,

Snow on Kaiwaka Ranges. A sight which is very rare in Northland occurred on the ranges on the north side of Kaiwaka, when snow fell for some considerable time on Thursday. Older residents in the locality relate having seen snow in that particular place only once before, about 11 years ago. In spite of the particularly cold and wet season, on one farm in Kaiwaka over 20 lambs can be seen, and are well and strong. Another sign of an early spring has been found on the same farm, where willow trees, which still have a number of last season’s leaves, have, on the same branches, buds of new season’s leaves.

Wintry Weather In Whangarei. The harshest winter weather experienced for some years has prevailed »

in Whangarei during the past fortnight, not nearly as bitter, however, as in the rest of the Dominion, and even in other parj;s of Northland, where one day last week light snow fell. Except at Tutamoe and the Tangihua ranges, snow had never previously been recorded in Northland, and even last week’s visitation was confined to isolated small areas. Temperatures have been very low in Whangarei for the past seven days, but no frosts have bean recorded, showers falling every morning. Qn July 25 an electrical storm was followed by light hail in Whangarei. while in other parts of the North hailstorms have been more frequent. Rain fell in Whangarei every day last week, the total being 1.93 inches.

An event that will be long and pleasantly remembered by those who take advantage of it, is Henry Wilson’s great winter sale, now briskly proceeding. The firm’s store is replete with unusual and convincing bargains in all departments, and the goods are new and seasonable.