News Of The Day

Northern Advocate, 26 August 1943, Page 2

News Of The Day

Merchant Seamen The amendment u> a clause in the Finance Bill (Number :)) exempting estates of merchant seamen whose deaths were due to war service, will apply to estates of seamen who lost their lives before the Kill was passed. The Mareo Case Once again the Mareo case was before Parliament yesterday when the Statutes Revision Committee, dealing with a further petition in the Mareo case which a:sk-ii fit- an inquiry into certain aspects of the ease reported that it had carefully considered the matter and had no recommendation (o make. . , * * « Tar.ruan Airways Statistics Statistics released by Tasman Empire Airways Ltd., show that from its inauguration in April. 1940, to the end ci June r.f this year, its planes have flown 616,206 miles and have carried 6173 passengers 128,6551bs of freight and 372,9021bs of mail.. Only 10 flights have been cancelled due to wc-athcr or other causes. Whangarei Power Failure Due to a break in one of the Meetric power transmission lines from Portland, Whangarei residents were deprived of electricity for 40 this morning. The break occurred at about 10.30 o’clock and the power supply was deviated to the second line from Portland. It was not, however, until about 11.10 that power was restored. Linesmen from Portland are patrolling the line, but the fault has not yet been discovered. if. # Day Of Prayer The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand (the Rt. Rev J. G. Laughton) has called upon the ministry and membership of the Presbyterian communion to co-operate in observing Friday, September 3, as a national day of prayer and dedication as it has been appointed by the King. He also has urged that a special intercession for the Allied cause be made on the following Sunday, particularly where local circumstances preclude observance of September 3.

* * * * Tco Much Liquor? "There is room for reform in the liquor trade, especially with the brewery monopolies,” said Mr. P. MacGregor Stewart, Independent candidate for the Kaipara electorate, at Taipuha last night. With the stationing of large numbers of Allied servicemen in Auckland, Mr. Stewart thought that the responsible authorities had failed badly to supply adequate recreational facilities for the men. He had seen the soldiers in Auckland and had been impressed bv their good conduct, but thought that too much liquor had undoubtedly been consumed. A voice: If the pubs were to open on Sundays there’d be no one at church, so close them on Saturdays and then they would go to football. A further interjector suggested that a further ration book for beer, could be issued. Mr. Stewart agreed that it was time that some definite and strong action should be taken to clarify the position. * * * * Fireman’s Forethought

High appreciation of the action of Fireman' - L. Pinker in so promptly bringing the fire engine and equipment to the scene of the recent aeroplane crash in Vine Street, Whangarei, was expressed by Mr. H. C. Rishworth at the presentation function to the retiring superintendent, Mr. C. H. Chissell. He referred to the serious consequences that may have occurred. Without any alarm being sounded this fireman, on his own initiative, had brought the engine and equipment, showing an appreciation of the position which was most commendable. The DeputyMayor (Mr. D. L. Smedley) confirmed what Mr. Rishworth had said. The superintendent (Mr. S. Fulljames) said the whole strength of the brigade, comprising 22 firemen and 28 auxiliary firemen, was promptly on the scene. The chairman of the fire board (Mr. S. B. Macdonald) said the whole action was greatly appreciated by him. He characterised as outstanding the action of the firemen in preventing smoking at the scene of the tragedy. If smoking had been allowed a tragedy of great magnitude might have resulted. It was a wonderful action, and the board was very proud of the brigade. He thought Fireman Tinker's action should be recognised.

Farm Labour Shortage “I know the case of a farmer who was called up. leaving his large herd to a sick man who was unfit for the Home Guard —and that shows you how sick he was,” said Mr P. MacGregor Stewart when discussing the farm labour shortage at Taipuha last evening. ”We are not in a position to know what the requirements of Unarmed forces and munition plants are.” he stated, ‘ : but there appears to be a number of men being called into camp who should not be taken from their farms. ‘T do not wish to throw any reflection on the Home Guard when I mention the case of the man who tried to look after the property left in his care. He soon collapsed and the result was that two properties were left to two women to supervise, and work." Mr Stewart mentioned another case where an elderly farmer had three daughters and one son working a large farm. One by one the girls moved to the city where they were employed on essential work at high wages, leaving only the son to endeavour to manage the property.