LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 29 October 1928, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

With reference to an interview by Mr IL Atmore with the Minister of 'Public Works regarding the Government’s intention to develop the Gowan river hydro-electric scheme, the Minister writes stating that two of the Department’s officers bad attended two meetings in Nelson when the question of a power hoard was discussed and certain specified information given. It was the Minister’s intention to have, the situation revised at an early date, and consider it together with the various other projects which, he understood, were being investigated by different local authorities and engineers in the area.

No one who lias visited America can escape the question, “What do you think of Prohibition?” When the query was |iut to Mr W. A. Dee by a pressman, he replied ill the words lie uttered to a prominent temperance worker in Nelson : “Only fools answer that question.” Incidentally Mr Dee resnarked that right through America and Canada nearly all the toasts at functions given in the honour of the New Zealand bowlers were drunk in water.

As a number of school buildings will be used as polling booths on election day, the Nelson Education Board has decided to close all schools on 14th November.

Tho Mayor has received the following communication with reference to Armistice Day from the Primo Minister (Mr Coates): The whole Empiro lias united since the year 1918 in commemorating Armistice Duy by a solemn silence of two minutes, beginning at tho hour of 11 a.m. in each country, Dominion, and dependency. His Majesty lias expressed the wish that in tho present year, when Armistice Day falls on Sunday, a service of commemoration should bo held in the churches, and the Government of New Zealand trusts that the several denominations throughout the Dominion will agree partly to devote their morning services on Sunday, 11th November, to that object If thoso services commenced as is usual at 11 a.m., it would be difficult to observe equally the precedent of silence commemoration at the same hour. For that reason the special service at Westminster Abbey, at which tho King will be presont, has been by His Majesty’s desire appointed to commence at 10.45 a.m. During that service at the hour of 11 a.m. the solemn service will be observed. The New Zealand Government trusts that churches in the Dominion will agree to arrai\e that on Sunday, 11th November, the morning service shall commence not later than 10.45 o’clock, and that in tho course of thoso services, the several congregations may be invited to rise at 11 a.m. and silence bo observed for two minutes. In cities or boroughs in which the trams are running on a Sunday it is desired that the trams should stop ior two minutes at 11 a.m. The Government trusts that all those who ale unable to attend a church service on that date will, in accordance with the precedent followed sinco 1918, observe solemn silence for two minutes at 11 a.m. on that date.

While walking through a Chicago street Mr W. A. Dee, of Nelson, who recently returned from a trip abroad, was rather astonished to observe a cart on which was the sign, “W. A. Dee, baker.”

To discuss the possibilities of establishing an aerodrome at Nelson and the formation of an aero club, a public meeting is to be held in the Council Chambers on Thursday evening next. The Mayor (Mr W. J. Moffatt) lias agreed to preside and in view of the importance of aviation to Nelson there should be a good attendance at the meeting.

The Canterbury Progress League has received a cablegram from Mr T. 11. McWilliams, who was the wireless operator on the Southern Cross, advising that he will leave Sydney for Wellington on Ist November. It is presumed that he is returning for the purpose of resuming his duties with the Union Steam Ship Company. Mr P. R. Climie, secretary of the League, has made arrangements for the forwarding of Mr McWilliams’s effects left in Christchurch to Wellington, and his proportion of the monetary presentation made to the aviators by the City of Christchurch.

If all the announced candidates for the General Election go to the poll there will be thirty straight-out contests, eight four-cornered ones, witli one fight of the five cornered and another of the six-cornered variety. No candidate will be returned unopposed. All told eleven political interests are represented. Reform has 66 stalwarts, Labour’s standard will be carried by 57 nominees, while the United Party has 54 banner-bearers. Thirteen candidates are content with Independent status; there are thirteen Liberals, six Independent Reformers, five Country Party nominees, four Lib-eral-Labourites, and one each representing Independent, Liberal-Labour, Independent Labour, and Christian Socialism.

Commenting on the running of whitebait in southern rivers after their appearance on the West Coast, an Oamaru pisciculturist advances the explanation that their late arrival on the East Coast is attributable to the action of the currents (states the “Southland TiTnes”). The first whitebait of the present season showed in large quantities at Westport. Then they appeared to work their way down .the' coast to Greymouth, round the Bluff, and up the East Coast, finishing their run at the Waitaki River. This “route" was in keeping with the currents.

There is a scarcity of seed potatoes in Wanganui at present, all the best-known varieties having been bought up within the past few weeks. “There lias been a bit of a scare on, it seems,” says a local merchant. He added that the high prices at present obtained for potatoes in the market have apparently induced many people to grow their own. In addition, the crops are being picked over much “harder” this season thaii usual, and, as a result, seed tubers are scarcer than is usually the case.

The penalty of 25 per cent, placed by the Railway Department on parcels signed “to pay” is to be abolished at once, and it is expected the innovation will be greatly appreciated by business firms. The effect of the change will be that all parcels will be treated alike, whether they are prepaid or whether they are to be paid for at the conclusion of the journey. The system of selling stamps to business firms for affixing on parcels for railway transit will be continued as in the past.

In guessing the number of beans in a bottle and similar bazaar competitions, the Mayor of Auckland, Mr G. Baildon, is not likely, on his own admission, to be a prize-winner (says the “Herald”). The difficulty of gauging the quantity of materials delivered on City Council jobs was being discussed at a meeting of the special investigating committee, and Mr Baildon quoted an experience in his private capacity as a builder. A load of bricks, stipulated to be 600 in number, wgs delivered on the job, but Mr Baildon suspected short measure. The lorrydriver was positive the load was up to specification. “We will count them,” said Mr Baildon. That was done, and the number was ascertained as being 610. “That carter took the ten odd bricks back,” said the Mayor amid laughter.

Attention is drawn to the advertisement of the general meeting of the Bock Garden Society to be held in the Institute this evening at V. 30. The committee cordially invites anyone interested who may not be a member of the society to attend the meeting.. At Wellington the Public Trustee was constituted administrator of the estate of Sarah Jenkins late of Riwaka, widow.

The great increase in the number of smokers in London—particularly amongst women —according to a recent cable, has led the Managers of the underground railways to transpose their smoking-car-riage rules. There are now no smokingcarriages on these lines, but 30 per cent, of the cars are labelled “Non-Smokers.” It will come to that in New Zealand bv-and-bye. Anti-tobacco-ites may rail against the huge increase in the consumption of the weed. But smoking does more good than harm, provided the 'tobacco is of first-rate quality and as free from nicotine as possible. That’s where our Now Zealand tobaccos come jn. The leaf is toasted—quite a novel idea, —and this develops flavour and fragrance astonishingly. And as they contain only a negligible amount of nicotine they may be smoked for hours on end without causing unpleasant- or injurious consequences. That’s why medical men approve them. You can get them of any strength. “Riverhead Gold” is a delightful aromatic, “Navy Cut” (Bulldog) a delicious medium, and “Cut Plug No. 10” (Bullshead) a fine fullflavoured variety.*

A new method of obtaining gold is being supported by the Mines Department at the Gold Crescent Sluicing Company’s claim, near Lawrence, which was worked out in the early ’seventies with the ordinary method of sluicing. A deposit of what is known as cement conglomerate has been formed, from which the gold cannot bo extracted by the ordinary methods of sluicing. A company is now driving a tunnel from the 150 ft face already exposed by mining for a distanco of 800 ft, and will use for that purpose its own waterpower, established for sluicing purposes, to work the rock drills, crushers, etc. Officials of the Mines Department have gone very fully into the matter, with the result that the Government has authorised the payment of a £ for £ subsidy amounting to £SOO. The proposal was explained to a reporter by Mr A. H. Kimbell, Under-Secretary of the Mines Department, who stated that it was a most important matter as far as Otago was concerned, and it had big potentialities. The deposits of the company covered about four square miles.

While at Winnipeg Mr W. A. Deo was shown over police headquarters (as a visitor, of course!) and was greatly interested in the system of electric appliances installed. Every point of the city is connected, and if a policeman fails to report on his beat within the regulation period headquarters is awa,ro of the fact within two minutes, and sends out an official to investigate. In Chicago it was remarked that there were 418 shooting cases last year. The New Zealand party was within 50 yards of the scene of a shooting affray one afternoon. A large crowd soon assembled; hut as soon as the man was picked up the crowd dispersed and showed little concern for what is practically an everyday occurrence. While driving through the streets with a resident Mr and Mrs Dee were told by their host that if the car was stopped and they were told to put up their hands to do so at once, and if they were ordered to give up their money to do so without demur. The advice was given in all seriousness, as such occurrences were quite common. At this particular moment the Nelsonians fervently wished that they were hack in their own little home town.

The charges against Arthur Mason Hyde and William Bagley of unlawfully taking 27 opossums by cyanide poisoning on the Waterworks Reserve after the season had closed were finally disposed of at the Magistrate’s Court before Mr T. E. Maunsell, S.M., this morning. The question of penalty on these charges was adjourned to enable the police to ascertain whether the defendants would have to forfeit 56 other skins in their possession because the last date of registration had passed. Inspector Lewin. informed the Court that the Department of Internal Affairs was prepared to stamp the skins under the special circumstances. Each defendant-was accordingly fined £2O with costs 10s. On the application of Mr W. V. Rout time to pay was allowed.

“A Listener” writes: As the Press cable in Saturday’s issue gave some particulars of what no doubt was a great achievement, viz., a conversation between Sydney and New York a distance of 10,000 miles, a line or two in connection with wliat is called duplex telephony tests, between New York and Sydney may be of interest. The whole of the test could have been heard in Nelson, and as a matter of fact was heard here on a short wave set. The oeeasion to which the cable refers was the third of a series of tests, consisting of general conversation on various matters and some music. New York asked the Sydney station “what time it was in Sydney, and wliat the weather was like.” Sydney replied “that it was not yet dark, what you would call twilight. The time was one minute to 7 p.m. and there had been a thunderstorm in Sydney that day.” New York replied that it was very cold there and the time was one minute to .4 in the morning. Sydney then said he would put on some music, selections by the studio dinner orchestra for only 15 minutes. What appeared to be ex-, traorclinary was that the music from the Sydney orchestra was heard in Nelson from the New York station. Most of the talking during the tests appeared to he doiie by tlie Sydney station, which the New Yorker addressed as “Mr Farmer,” and was often heard to say “I see, I see,’ and occasionally, “I* beg your pardon.” These little details are given as evidence that the test was heard in Nelson. The New York station, also stated that at 12 noon Eastern Standard Time on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, special broadcasts were sent to SSW, London, which are of special interest to business men.

The Rev. Father Martindale is not the only experienced traveller who has been moved to praise the hotels of New Zealand. The latest tribute comes from 'Mr J. I). Simpson, assistant manager to an insurance company which has branches in all parts of the world, who is now in Auckland. “I have read American criticisms of your hotels,” he told an interviewer, “but I can honestly say, with 12 years’ experience of hotels in many countries, that the accommodation provided in New Zealand is excellent. I would just as soon stay at a good Auckland or Wellington hotel as I would at the Savoy in London.”

After a fairly lengthy sojourn in Australia, Mr D. R. Caldwell returned to Auckland last week firmly convinced that the Dominion is a better place to live in than the Commonwealth (states tlie “Star”). “Business throughout Australia is bad,” said Mr Caldwell. “Nearly every class is complaining. Heavy taxation, high tariffs, huge borrowing and labour troubles are the principal causes. Some of the bigger men in Sydney with whom I conversed were decidedly pessimistic. Secondary industries were supported by very higll tariffs. A high basic wage was then necessary and short hours and constant labour troubles, combined with huge interest on borrowings by State and Federal Governments, necessitated heavy taxation and high prices. All of this must be continued or a collapse would result. These men considered the foundation unsound. On the whole, I think we New Zealanders had better remain where we are. It may not be exactly God’s own country, but it’s better than many others. Politically I have learned one lesson from my visit—that we can only have two parties, Labour or anti-Labour —and if we are against Labour ruling and wish for sane government and protection of law and order, then we should get together and form one strong party, otherwise we are obviously playing into the hands of Labour, and I have seen enough of their rule in Queensland to say, ‘God protect us from that!’ ” Sale Surprise in Suits to-morrow at “The Auckland.” Men’s splendid dark Tweed Suits, 39s 6d.* •Millinery-Money Savers at “The Auckland’s” Sale. Delightful trimmed crinoline Model Hats. 14s 6d, 17s 6d, 19s 6d*

The Rev. V. LeC. Binet. of the Solomon Island mission, will give a lantern lecture in the Methodist Church Hall this evening. 39s 6d for Men’s splendid Dark Tweed Suits To-morrow at “The Auckland.”* Money Savers in Millinery at “The Auckland’s” Sale. Stylish’ trimmed readv-to-wear hats, 10s 9d, 12s 6d, 15s fed.* Towel Clearance continues to-morrow at “The Auckland.” Astounding bargains.*

“I am very pleased indeed,” was the comment on Saturday of Mr Charles Low, the Government Tobacco Instructor, after completing a tour of the areas which have been laid down in tobacco in Marlborough this year (reports the “Express”). Mr Low paid a tribute to the work in this connection carried out by Mr Davy, the Orchard Instructor, but said that the chief credit for the excellent start in Marlborough was due to Mr Ernest Bartlett, who, as a nurseryman, had ' produced marvellous plants. The enthusiasm displayed by Mr Bartlett had been an inspiration and the assistance which he had given growers in pricking out the plants had been immeasurable. “The condition of the plants,” said Mr Low, “is much ahead of anything I have seen in Nelson, and I may add that this morning Mr Bartlett ’showed us two or three wrinkles which were entirely new to me and which will he adopted by the Department from now on.” Mr Low said that there was a total of 37 acres in Marlborough in tobacco this year, which was a good start. The, largest area was about six acres and the average was about two acres, which he considered the ideal, as larger areas meant employing labour, which ate into the profits. “I want to emphasise once more,” he said, “that tobacco growing is best done in small areas, so that the family can carry out the work. By this means a return of £IOO per acre can be secured. Larger areas mean employing labour and down go the profits.” Mr Low predicted that the quality of leaf turned out in the district would be splendid and said he anticipated that Marlborough would be one of the most famous tobacco-growing districts in the Dominion.

The Grey Comity Council has received advice that a grant of £10,165 has been authorised by the Public Works Department for woi'ks to he proceeded with in connection with the completion of the Grevmouth-Westpoit coastal road. The work involves the bridging of eight streams, including Canoe Creek, the widening of the road at dangerous points such as the Nine and Ten Mile bluffs, and general roading improvements which will give better visibility, thus minimising the risk of accident to motorists. The preliminary work is to he put in hand immediately.