LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 4 February 1928, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Last evening rain threatened in the city, but oiily a very light shower fell. In the Wnimeas, however, the fall was of longer duration, but even then was not sufficient to lay the dust. Montbretia, “His Majesty,” is now in full bloom on the Rock Garden to the left of the bottom entrance to the bowling green, and is being admired by many. A glorious variety bearing flowers with broad massive petals, golden yellow at the centre, shading to brilliant scarlet. It is the only Montbretia known to be awarded a first class certificate by the Royal Horticulture Society.

Dairy farmers who have practised the plan of dehorning their dairy herds find that the cows are much quieter and easier to handle (states the “Taranaki News”). «ln all herds there are cows that constitute themselves leaders, and when confined in the milking yard can and do much injury to the rest of the herd with their sharp horns. When dehorned the cows are rendered harmless to their fellows. The question of dehorning bulls is one that has received considerable attention. If the beast is likely to he a competitor in the show ring, ov is to he disposed, of at the bull sales, there are breeders who contend that the horns should not he removed, as there are characteristics in the horns that denote quality. There is not much in favour of this argument, as the price of an animal is mostly governed by its pedigree. If a bull comes from a long line of heavy butter-fat producing cows lie will always command a good price, whether he is dehorned or not. Each year there is an increasing number of cases in which bulls have been responsible for deaths and serious accidents to the men handling them. If farmers agreed to dehorn all bulls at the age of yearlings the danger would be obviated. If a bull is left until he is two or three years’ old and becomes vicious, dehorning will not always make him safe, but if dehorned when young he does not have the opportunity of discovering the use of his horns and consequently becomes a much more docile animal’. There are many farmers who dehorn their bulls when young, with the result that the animals are easily and safely handled.

In a statement made to the Lyttelton Harbour Board this week, the acting engineer (Mr P. W. Fryer) said that although 1,000,000 tons of spoil had been taken, out of the harbour during the past two years the channel was becoming shallower. The amount of spoil removed each year should deepen the channel by 3 feet yearly, but the channel was silting up to that extent each year. What was taken out by the dredge was a mere fleabite compared with that brought back by the sea. The board decided to obtain a report on the subject in. six months’ time, and then possibly reclamation work on f big scalo may be carried out.

A. swimming carnival and picnic organised by the Motueka branch of the N.Z.R.S.A. will be held, as advertised, on. Saturday, 11th February, at the Motueka beach. In addition t,o an excellent sports programme there will be numerous side shows, afternoon teas, ice cream and soft drinks. The day’s proceedings 1 will terminate with an openair concert, to which admission will he free. Proceeds will be devoted to the Disabled Soldiers’ Fund; and it is hoped that the public will generously give their support to this worthy cause. Intending visitors from Nelson are advised that the s.s. Koi \yill leave Nelson at 1 p.m., returning at 9.15 on that date.

The following lenders have been accepted by (be Public Works Department,: I’.'and T. store and garage, Murehieon, John Downie. £319 ss: painting, Government Buildings, F„ T. Savage, £172 15s 2d. Captain Fiddle, of the Tahuna. Fire Brigade, wishes to acknowledge receipt of £1 Is from Miss St. Joint, in recognition of the Brigade’s service, in putting out a grass fire on a recent occasion.

The public of Nelson continues to take a keen interest in the erection of the new Cathedral.' The scene is visited daily by many, especially in the cool of the evening. Steady and fairly rapid progress is now being made. A piece of very tall scaffolding at the southern end of the structure marks the height of the apex of the nave. It is upon this portion of the building that operations are now centred. If all goes well this section will be opened for divine service towards the end of 1931. The height of the apex from the ground will be sixty feet —twenty feet higher than the apex of the old building. The new Cathedral when fully completed will almost cover the entire space now occupied by what is left of the old. Its northern elevation will he only about one foot farther back from the brow of the Church Hill. A great quantity of marhle from the Takaka quarries, both cut arid uncut, is now stored near the work sheds at the southern end.

“New Zealand will have to develop along agricultural lines. I do not see how it can become a manufacturing country because, for one thing, your production costs are too high.” In these words, Sir Alexander Spence, a prominent business man of Dundee, Scotland, gave one of his impressions of New Zealand. Sir Alexander has spent several weeks in the Dominion, and is at present visiting Auckland. Sir Alexander said he was struck by the high wages paid in New Zealand and the short hours worked, factors which made it practically impossible to manufacture articles at a low cost. Dealing with agriculture, he said land values seemed altogether too high. “But New Zealand has a very great ■ future,” lie added. “One must consider that this country has developed almost within the lifetime of one man, and-the result is altogether wonderful.” It would be a good thing for New Zealand if settlers with capital, no matter how small, could bo attracted here. “The men you want are the men we do not want to lose,” he said. “Men with knowledge of farming are very scarce in England and we want to keep them.” The coal production from the mines in the Buller District is seriously reduced by the prevalence of influenza amongst the miners, due to the prolonged spell of fine weather and scarcity of water (states the Westport “News”). During Dr. Cockayne’s visit to Nelson with Dr. Hill, he kindly offered to come to Nelson to give an illustrated lecture in aid of the Alpine and Rock Garden Society, and it is hoped to arrange for this during the coming winter. He was approached previously, but he found it quite impossible ou account of tHe work entailed in the compiling of •his new book on New Zealand flora.

Lady Hulse, widow of the late Sir Edward Hulse, has been installed as Mayor of Salisbury. Speaking, after putting on the chain of office, Lady Hulse said : ‘As 1 am the first woman to fill the office, may I say I shall be ‘Mr. Mayor’ and Tfis Worship the Mayor.’ I want to say one or two things upon this matter. * Women have made great strides in public life since the time when they became eligible for membership of Boards of Guardians. On the whole, I think it is working well, and men value more and more the women’s point of view in all matters of social legislation, on the Bench, in the jury box and in local government; and when men and women work together for the good of the child thau work is of supreme value to the nation.” Lady Hulse added that she was chief magistrate and first citizen of Salisbury by privilege and not by right, and she considered that when women forced what thpy called their rights they blunted the* most powerful weapon for good which they possessed—their influence. However, she did not think the dignity of the city would suffer because for the first time in its history there would he in the Mayor’s parlour during the next 12 months a box of hairpins and a tail-comb.

Top price at the Christchurch ram fair last week was realised by a Marlborough breeder, Mr C. Smith, of Riverlands, whose consignment of eight Southdown rams realised 14 guineas to 52£ guineas, the last-named price being 2J- guineas higher than the next best price realised for Southdowns.

There is much that is cheerful concerning the physical condition of British school children in the latest report 5f Sir George Newman, chief medical officer to the Board of Education, in which the children of thirty years ago and the pre-war children arc compared with the children of to-day. “It is not,’’ says the London Daily Telegraph, “a matter of private impressions or personal opinion, hut of the exact evidence of weight and measurement and the statistics of significant defects. The result is a clear demonstration that ‘the English child is growing in stature and weight.’ The girls seem to be expanding rather more than the boys, but both sexes are a good deal bigger than they used to be. They are also sounder; not so many of them suffer from unhealthy throats, defective teeth, malnutrition. As medical inspection is now by far more thorough and exact than ever it was, this decline is all the more significant. The improvement in physique and health has naturally produced greater vigour, alertness and intelligence.” The following true story is printed with the full privity and concurrence of the Auckland citizen concerned and of his wife (says the “Star”). The husband thinks it may stand as a fingerpost to other husbands on the highway of domestic felicity. The wife left home for a holiday. Most men at such a time relapse into barbarism, leave the sink full of used crockery, sleep on top of the bed, forget to put the cat and the billy out, and so forth. But Herbert (is his name Herbert?) determined to surprise his wife by doing every chore properly. He would have the house precisely as she left it so that when she came back she would regard him as the Prize Husband. So when she returned and entered the kitchen where the glassware shone like bubbles the sink was gleaming white with sandsoap and elbow grease, the shelves in order, blowflies absent—in short, perfection. The wife looked round and sighed, saying little. He had had trouble about, making the bed, but had succeeded in. producing a relatively perfect job. Everything in the room was in order. Even the crimson and gold announcement “God Bless Our Home” was dressed by the right. The wife collapsed in a chair and sobbed bitterly. Herbert (Who is a most devoted man) was frightfully upset. “Why, my dear, whatever is the matter?” “Oh, B-h-b-h Bert,” she sobbed, “you said you were going to bach while I was away. T can understand yon having your meals away from home, but fancy not s-s-sleeping in your own bed !” Herbert untruthfully remarks that it took two pairs of silk stockings and a week’s talk to explain away the circumstance. Returned soldiers are requested to assemble at the Council Chambers to-mor-row (Sunday) at 9.30 a.m., for the purpose of attending the memorial service at the Church Steps. It is asked that medals be worn. The fl ,- sl term in connection with the Nelson School of Music wilt commence on Mondav next. New pupils may en- j voi with the secretary. Mr T. W. Brun- j dell, c/o Begg and Co., or with the | Prmeinal (‘Phone 4161. The principal and staff will be in attendance at the j School on Monday from 10.30 till 12.30; to receive pupils. |

The water at the dam is down about 4ft, and is falling daily. During ono summer some years ago the dam fell 16 feet. Unless the weather breaks it is possible that the hours for using the hose will he further restricted. A special reminder is given of the memorial service in memory of Lord Haig to be held at the Church Steps at 9.45 to-morrow morning. A large attendance of the public is anticipated. Whether the average male brain in Auckland weighs 49ioz, and the average female brain 440 z, or not, there seems to he an impression that a big head means a big brain, and that the mentality of an Aucklander can he gauged by the size of the hat he wears. ‘ltis a delusion that a large brain indicates a large mental capacity,” said a brain specialist to a “Star” reporter. ‘lf the weight and size of a man’s brain reveal anything at all, they give a safer indication of his nationality than of his mental gifts.” But he admitted that weight was sometimes an index of brain power, and the argument was a popular one when comparing the brains o<f men and women. Dr. Ahercromby had a brain of 63ctz, one of the heaviest on record, hut some remarkably powerful minds had accompanied exceptionally small heads; for example, Shelley, Descartes, Donizetti and Schumann. A judgment debtor at the Wanganui Court this week said that he had no vices and the only bit of enjoyment he had was at euchre tournaments. He-had a wife and seven children to support, and his wages only amounted to xA ius per week, and out of this he had to pay rent. He admitted that he attended as many as nine euchre tournaments a month at a cost of about Is 6d each. Counsel figured out that the debtor had attended some 28 tournaments from .July to November, and at Is 6d these amounted to 425, which could have gone to pay his client. The debtor re P“®“ that he treated that as his pocket, money and he went to tournaments in the hope of winning something, and as a resultthey had trophies in their home tha he would not have been able to buy otherwise out of his meagre surplus. Ao order was made.

The Rev. Mr Chandler, Die pew assistant missioner of the Auckland y Mission conducted by the Rev. Jasper Calder, speaking at the Hippodrome, said that previous to coming to New Zealand he had lived for some time near the tinhare racecourse in Sydney, and his opinion was that nothing could be moie harmful to a community than tm-naie racing, where the dogs followed a mechanical tin-hare covered with fur to make it look real. He hoped it would never get a footing in this fair country, as tin-hare racing had nothing to commend it, and it fostered the very worst type of gambling. The value of the establishment at the Wanganui Public Hospital of a laboratory' under the care of a bacteriologist has been amply emphasised since its inception three weeks ago (states the “Chronicle”). During that time 176 specimens have been examined and in’ one case in particular valuable information was provided which led to an immediate operation and in all probability the saving of a life. Work in the laboratory, however, has been carried on under difficulties owing to insufficient fittings, buE new material is on order and when it comes to hand shortly the department will be thoroughly up-to-date.

After years of abuse and contempt the humble rabbit is coming into his own. The Angora breed of rabbit is suddenly discovered to be a producer of a wool fleece more valuable than that of a sheep, less expensive to market, more desirable as a fabric for intimate feminine underwear and masculine hats, more eagerly in demand, more cheaply produced, and an easy, pleasant, hobbylike industry eminently suited for women and young people. All rabbit food can be home-grown. An Angora rabbit of the improved train will yield from 8 to 16oz of wool per annum, and the wholesale price paid by British spinners is to-day 36s per lb. Thev want additional supplies from New Zealand up to £1,000,000 a year. There are titled ladies in Great Britain maintaining flocks of 1000 wool rabbits—in confined spaces, of course. New Zealand possesses Angora rabbits, too—sorry specimens, but capable of improvement from stud importations. The trouble is that every New Zealander is afraid of- the rabbit. The importation of rabbits is illegal, and a careful watch is kept bv Government inspectors at all pevts to prevent any small additions to the rabbit ‘population by arrivals from overseas.

The advent of outboard motors, in the minds of many people, has created yet. another nuisance, and complaints have not been infrequent that enthusiasts who revel in skimming the harbour in these frail craft early in the morning disturb the slumbers of seaside residents. As a result of representations, says the, “Star,” the Auckland Harbour Board is now considering the advisability of comnelling the use of mufflers on outboards while they are not- actually competing in race events at regattas, fhe New Zealand Power Boat Association has signified its intention of lending approval to any by-law framed to abate the nuisance. Referring to at this week’s meeting of the Harbour Board, the chairman (Mr H. K. Mackenzie) concurred with those who regarded (the earsplitting throbbing outboards as a nuisance. It must be annoying to residents when owners of the speedy craft practise early in the morning, be said, and the board shouk lake steps to remedy the matte; In subject is to be discussed by the boaicl in committee, when a legal repel w,!l be tabled.

Within the next few weeks the Pn ut Minister will visit Dunedin, when > putation consisting of 50 Central 0 • g settlers, together with member of the Otago Expansion League, will place " fere him their complaints regarding n gat ion works and administration. !!}; terviewed by the "Otago Daily I»mes, the chairman of the Expamon E. g (Mr S. B. Macdonald), who will be prominent in the deputation to the Pnme Minister, said the league was not concerned with the results of irrigation and its effect upon the land. These were matters for the Department of Agriculture and the settlers themselves. We are concerning ourselves with the -v\aste and inefficiency in the Public Woiks ac * ministration,” he added. “The whole position will bo put very strongly below the Prime Minister, who is well acquainted with irrigation affairs, having been closely associated with them during his term as Minister of Public Works. It is understood that, among the charges to be levelled against the Public Works Department by the forthcoming deputation are those of delay in construction and repairs, extravagance, and sluggishness of administration, and grave miscalculations in original estimates for various schemes. A determined effort is to be made to persuade the Prime Minister to sift the matter to the bottom and to place the blame for faulty administration in the right quarter. Alfred Gould announces an auction aale for Tuesday next at the residence of Mrs Crequer, Halifax street, of household furniture and effects, etc.

The Nelson Citizens Band will give a concert to-morrow evening in the Botanical .Reserve. -Mr C. 6. .Mocklei Will bv special request render a cornet solo, “'I Passed bv your Window”; also “The Golden Magnet." A silver coin collection will be taken at the gates.

Patients to the number of 108 were admitted to the Nelson Public Hospital during the past four weeks. Ninety-two were discharged, 76 remaining in the institution at the end of the period. “If people would endeavour to pay something (off the fees) we would not have half the trouble,” remarked Mr T. Neale (chairman) at the meeting of the Board yesterday afternoon. The chairman was referring to the action of a woman patient in poor circumstances who had voluntarily offered to pay 5s a week off an account of over £ll, the chairman at the time telling the person concerned that when half tho account had been paid off he would ask the Board to consider writing off the balance. This the Board decided to do, a member stating that the right spirit was shown by the woman in making an endeavour to meet the account. In January the total weight of goods carried on the railway from the West Coast to Canterbury was 29,444 tons, as compared with 25,130 tons in the corresponding month of 1927. Now that the cycling track has been put in order at Trafalgar Park the Nelson Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club has decided to hold an evening meeting on Thursday, 23rd February. This will be the first night meeting ever held in Nelson, and now that the Park is electrically-lighted the public should witness an interesting evening’? sport. Preparations are already being made for the annual sports meeting at Easter. Four Dunedin youths were imbued with an adventurous spirit on Monday, but their ardour will he cooled considerably at tho end of this week, says the “Otago Daily Times.” With visions of a sea voyage across the Tasman and tha possibility of roaming the vast expanse of Australia, the youths boarded tTie cargo steamer Cydonia at the Rattray street wharf before the ship sailed on Monday for Sydney. Their presence on board was not discovered by the captain until the Cvdonia was some distance at sea. Tho local agents were then advised by wireless that the vessel carried four stowaways. Yesterday morning the parents of one of the youths, learning that their son was one of the stowaways, asked the agents to communicate with the captain requesting that the boy be handed over to the police on arrival at Sydney, and stated that arrangements would be made for his return passage to New Zealand by the first available passenger steamer. The captain replied by radio that he would comply with the request, and would also hand the other three boys over to the Sydney police. The ages of the youths range from 16 to 17 years. In speaking to a representative of the “Manawatu Standard” regarding the gathering which took place at the Ratana pa in connection with the dedication of the Ratana Temple, a native visitor from Wanganui stated that the Methodist ministers now stationed at the Maori settlement had taken over the health and education administration of the pa. He thought the idea was a good one, for he understood that the authorities at Ratana were haphazard in their education and health methods, and it did not do to neglect the education of Maori children to-dav.

“Christchurch has practically to he lehuilt, and if the old insanitary buildings were condemned there would be enough work to employ all engaged in the building industry for a long time,” stated the annual report of the Canterbury Allied Building Trades Association. It was reported at the Nelson Hospital Board yesterday that all the six nurses who sat for the final State examination were successful. The secretary stated that there had not been a failure at the hospital for eight years. The chairman said he was sure the hoard would congratulate the and also the matron on the good results. It was further' mentioned that Dr. Jamieson intended to give a lecture to the nurses gratuitously once a week; and it was resolved to place on reford the hoard’s appreciation of his services, the chairman remarking that Dr. Jamieson had never ceased to take an interest in the institution since ho was resident surgeon.

Some comments on the effects of heavy taxation which have, a lesson for New Zealand were made by Lord Grey of Falloden, in a speech at Newcastle recently. New Zealand’s taxation was £l2 5s 6d per bead of the population last year. It- will without 'doubt- be greater this year. Lord Grey noted that British taxation amounted to £l4 per head, as against £6 in the United Stales, £7 in France and £5 in Germany. He asked if anybody really contended that the country could carry that amount, of taxation per head of the population without being handicapped in industry? “You are not going to improve credit,” he said, “by increasing taxation. An improvement in credit which enables you to convert the debt and reduce the rate of interest upon it would save far more millions than you would save by merely imposing extra taxation. Pay off a certain amount of debt by all means, combine, both processes if you will, but the second process is going to be by far the most relieving to the country. You.can only improve credit by getting surpluses; not. by increasing taxation, but by reducing expenditure.”

Automobiles and religion have a close alliance in New Zealand, according to a recent despatch to an American motoring journal. Commenting on the Motor Olvmpia held at Christchurch in November, it. was stated that the gathering / was held in “Christ Church,” the “edifice being completely filled with automobiles, the majority of which were of American make.” The American scribe proceeds to enlarge thus upon the message from the United States Commerce Department’s Wellington representative: “The idea of the show in the church was hit upon by the dealers as a unique advertising possibility for the show, and was received with enthusiasm by the churchmen as a means of raising a tidy revenue for the church."

Another phase of the problem of providing positions for bonded teachers was discussed by the Auckland Education Board this week, when a letter was received from the Department enclosing an amended form of bond to be executed by parents or guardians of students entering the Teachers’ Training College. Shorn of legal phraseology, the bond still provides'that on completing the Training College course a student "shall immediately thereafter serve as a teacher for (five years in the ease of a male student and three years in the case of a female student.) in the education service of tlm Dominion." Mr Wells expressed the opinion that, instead of insisting that, a teacher should serve as a teacher for a given number of years, thp require, inent should be that, a teacher should be available, for service for the period slated. The chairman (Mr A. Burns) referred to the difficulties which had been experienced in finding positions for large numbers of Training College students. In the event of students not being able to secure employment as teachers it was conceivable that in certain cases tlicv might be more effectively placed in other callings. He supported the proposal made by Mr Wells.- Mr E, C'. Banks moved that a recommendation be made to the Department to amend the bond so as to provide that in the event of a permanent position not being available fm a student within 12 months of leaving the Training College the bond should lapse. This recommendation was unanimously endorsed.