LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 2 April 1930, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

In the month of March, 10 deaths, 27 births and 4 marriages were registered at Nelson.

The annual meetings of householders for the purpose of electing school committees for tho ensuing year will be held throughout the district on .Monday, 14th April.

The Arahura sailing for Wellington this evening has been delayed till 8 o'clock.

Eric V. Rodlcy, a plumber, of Nelson, is lying at the" Nelson Hospital in a very serious condition, suffering a fractured skull, the result of falling from an upper storey window at the Owen hotel. Rodlcy went to bed at about 10 o'clock on Sunday night and at 6.30 o'clock on Monday morning he was found on the ground outside the window .of his room, in his night attire. He was brought to the hospital where an operation was performed last evening. There was a heavy earthquake at the Owen soon, after midnight on Sunday night and it is thought possible, that Rodley fell in getting out of the building via the window. Up to the time of going to press there was no change in the patient's condition.

During the last day or two a rumour gained circulation that the Onakaka iron works were about to close down, states the "Taranaki Herald." In order ascertain the facts Mr D. McAllu'm telegraphed to the chairman of directors, Mr Leggo, and received a reply as follows: "No foundation for rumour. Shipping all we can make, and pipe contract £10,COO." Hundreds of applications from all over the world have been received by the Government for the position of general manager of the New Zealand Reparation Estates, Western Samoa. Applications closed on Monday, but it will be some time before the announcement of an appointment is made. A good percentage of New Zealanders have applied for the position, which carries a salary of £IOOO a year. The Reparation Estates comprise an area of approximately 100,000 acres, representing mainly former German-owned properties ill Samoa, which the New Zealand Government took over as part of its share of war reparations due by Germany. In November, 1928, the control and management of the estates were tho subject of a searching investigation by the New Zealand Departmental Committee which inquired into administrative affairs in the territory generally, and many suggested improvements were outlined in the report subsequently presented to the Government. The decision! to appoint a general manager for the estates was one result of the committee's recommendations.

An elderly member of a well-known Auckland local body was maintaining to some of his fellow members recently tliat boys to-day were no worse than the youths of a former decade (records the "Star"). "The young beggars," be said, "used to come into my fine orchard at Deep Crock' and steal my fruit wholesale over forty years ago Many a time I tried to catch the ringleader of the gang, but I could never lay hands on the young scamp; he was too smart for pe. I often wonder what became of l.im, because he would either rise lo a high position in life, or come to no good " A prominent official, who had been listening to the conversation, caused a roar of laughter when he outspokenly confessed that he was the "smart kid" who led on the other boys to steal the fruit, but he added : "Many a time since I've been paid out in my own | coin by boys, stealing my fruit. Boys, are not worse to-day than we were."

This is the quietest season experienced by the Ashburton labour market, for many years as far as labour, dining and after the harvest, is concerned (says the "Guardian"). The market remains quiet, but it is anticipated there will be employment offering for a fair number ot men when the mills commence on the slacks. There are still few inquiries for ploughmen. During the last week, those inquiring for work have not taken up the attitude of demanding high wages, as has been the case in former years. There has been a fair demand from the country for domestic servants, but few are prepared to acccp', positions away from the town.

It is reported from Otago that the demand for the various classes of topdressing materials indicates an encouraging recognition on the part of farmers of the value of this widely adopted farm practice. Superphosphate is likely to head the list again, hut there has also been a considerable inquiry for potash, while sulphate of ammonia is rapidly gaining in popularity. As an inducer of- early growth it has proved its efficacy and it may he; said that many graziers who used it for the first time last year will be more than willing to repeat their orders. Ruling prices for this fertiliser, however, are high, and it may be conjectured that a good many farmers will consider it worth while to wait for the cheaper form which was promised last year, hut of which nothing has been heard as yet. It is not surprising that farmers should think first about the two tons of superphosphate which can be procured for ilie price of one ton of sulphate of am monia, even although the latter material may bring on fresh succulent feed earlier than the former.

The groat increase in the number of smokers iu London—particularly amongst women—has led the managers of the underground railway to alter their passenger regulations. There are now no carriages labelled "Smoking," on. the underground, but instead 30 per cent, of the cars are set apart for nonsmokers. It will come to that in NewZealand by-and-byc. Haters "the divinest weed under Heaven. as Charles Kingsley called it, may rave about the huge annual increase in the consumption of tobacco, but smoking does more good than harm so long _ as the baccy is pure and with little nicotine in it. And that's where our New Zealand tobacco come:; in ! The leaf is toasted. That gives this tobacco its unique flavour and bouquet, anil also kills the nicotine thus rendering Hie goods perfectly innocuous. While the imported brands reek with the poisonous nicotine, the New Zealand is practically free from it. There an; various brands of the latter, perhaps the most popular being Riverhead Gold, Navv Cut, Cavendish and Cut Plug.* Brushed Wool Coat and Cap Sets for children from 17s 6d at McKay's.*

At the Majestic Theatre the art union for the Nelson Obstetrical Fund was drawn, with the following results:—lst prize. No. 2, Dr. Jamieson; 2nd, No. 172. Miss 0. "Day; 3rd, No. 219. Mrs Caselberg.* For the kiddies! Brushed Wool Bauchotte Sets, coat, can and leggings 21s to 32s 6d. McKay's.*"

Dining llie course of a criminal case at tlu- Supremo Court yesterday Mr Moynugli made application for the production of u statement, made to the police in the course of inquiry bearing on Ihe charge at issue. The Crown prosecutor (Mr Fell) said he had never heard of such an application to produce police documents, His Honour Mr Justice Kennedy remarked that ho also had never heard of such a request. If it was the proper course, and counsel could quote authorities in support lie would grant the request. However, counsel could proceed with his examination and nis Honour would give his ruling in the' morning. Counsel then proceeded with Ins questions, and at the conclusion, in j espouse to an inquiry from his Honour, .Mr Moynagh intimated that he would i.oi pursue his application any further.

Tommy Donovan, the boxer, was accorded a great reception when he returned on Sunday night, to Waitara,, his homo town, 'after defeating Pete Sarron. The "Herald" after referring to the lad's modesty, states: "Donnovan did not disguise his respect for his opponent's prowess and punching power and confessed that when a beautiful short right caught him on the jaw in one of tho middle rounds he had some anxious moments. Sarron, he fcaid, fought very fiercely in spasms, and then quietened down for a while. The Waitara man has a black eye and. a cut over the other one, but felt fiE and well. Though he had a bruise in forbidden territory he did not think any lowblows landed Sarron were at all deliberate, but due to his style of fighting. It had been a clean fight." Monday saw Donovan back on his engine again.

"What are the main attributes, the main lessons that a boy should be taught?" asked Sir Michael Myers, Chief Justice, in an address at the annual meeting of tho Wellington Boys' Institute. "To fear Cod, to honour the King, to obey tho law, and to do unto others just as he would have them do unto him. If a boy can learn these lessons, there is nothing to be afraid of when he grows into a man. Law is a necessity. Without it the community would not be worth living in. We may not think the law is good, but our duty is to obey it, and'that duty should be taught to every boy and girl in the community. There are certain habits which a boy should be taught. One is thrift, in which boys should be encouraged. In the last twelve months some of tho boys in the Institute have put by from their wages, after paying their way, a total of ±llOO. It is pleasing to notice things like that. One of the first lessons we were taught in my day was to avoid undue extravagance, to remember that a rainy day might come in our lives, and that unless we were thrifty in our younger days, when we were older we might be left stranded when the rainy day came. Thrift breeds self-reliance. We are not as self-reliant as we ought to be, as our parents were, and the pioneers of this country were. In those days it was never thought of to apply to the Government or the local body, or somebody other than ourselves for assistance in the things desired. People relied individually upon their own efforts, and the sooner we can get back—if we can get back —to that habit of self-reliance the better it will be for the whole community.*'' (Applause.)

A meeting convened by the Runa-nga Medical Society to hear Dr. Meade's appeal took place a few days ago, when nearly 350 members were present. The case was discussed for nearly two hours and a half. The following "motion was placed before the meeting:—"That the doctor's appeal be upheld and that the advertisements for another doctor be withdrawn from the papers immediately." The voting resulted in an overwhelming majority for the motion, which means that Dr. Meade will not need to hand in his resignation as demanded bv the committee.

Replying to a question froin Mr V E. S. Parker at a special meeting of the Marlborough Power Board yesterday, the manager-engineer (Mr G. F. MacLean) stated that the reason the powei supply was reduced so drastically that morning" was that on Monday morning the plant had to be started up for medical purposes, resulting in the loss of some of the storage, while the gain over the week-end was not what was expected. In addition, the river had fallen slightly, and the How into the lake yesterday was only till cusecs, compared with SO cusecs three weeks ago. The fact that more night work was being done was increasing the night load and preventing the leeway being made up as desired (reports the "Express"). The disconnecting of water heaters had now begun, Mr MacLcan continued, and 105 were cut off in Blenheim on Monday; but he did not know how many had been attended to in the Awatere. Of the 105 heaters that were disconnected in Blenheim 80 per cent, had been operating despite the Board's request that they be kept switched off. During the time the plant was running yesterday morning there was a peak load of <SSO k.w. If the river remained low it would be necessary to shut down for an extra hour daily to maintain the lake level. Replying to a question by Mr W. Carr, the chairman (Mill. J. Stace) emphatically denied that Messrs Chaytor and Company's flaxmill was working at night to take advantage of the current. The mill was working on ordinary hours, namely from 7 a.m. to 5.15 p.m., and current war, only used during the time it was available between those hours. .

Officers of the New Zealand Permanent Military Forces gave some interest ing views when questioned by a representative of the Christchurch "Times.''

"Is compulsory military training necessary for the defence of New Zealand," one of them was asked. "No," was the reply. "Is a voluntary system necessary?" "No." New Zealand is not capable of being attacked, he'added. No country could possibly attempt the capture of the Dominion without absolute command of the sea, and without mobilising an army corps for the purpose, about 50,000 men. There is no country that has the shipping available for such an enterprise. From the point of view of the defence of New Zealand's coast, all that is required is a powerful battery at each of the main ports, Auckland and Wellington, to prevent raiding vessels from entering, and a few efficient aircraft. All the officers interviewed expressed the opinion that some training was necessary in order that New Zealand mieht play its part in the defence of the Empire. Training of pilots was essential, but it would not be found possible to train them purely from a military point of view. The great advantage of aerial training was the impetus it would give to civil aviation. All the officers of the Staff Corps interviewed were insistent upon the waste of money caused bv the cadets. The value of the cadet training they said was "nil." If the cadets were entirely abolished as a part of the defence system, there would be a saving of something like £4 per head. If the Government thought that physical training of the youth of the country were necessary, it could be carried out by the Education Department. Naval training was considered to be of great value, and should receive every encouragement. For themselves, they were prepared to take the verdict of the Government with enuanimity, but it was suggested that if there were to be drastic reductions of the staff, ample notice should be given. Children's Frock and Bloomer Sets in fine woven cashmere sizes 16 inch to 27 inch. From 17s 6d at McKay's.*

Last evening in the Library of the Marsdon Church House. Dr. Northcote Deck spoke to an. interested gathering on the Laws of Spiritual Health. He showed how Lho same laws that governed tho health of our natural bodies applied also to our spiritual nature, and now very necessary it was to pay attention to such laws if one desired to grow and progress in one's Christian life. To-night the subject will be "Tho Hall Mark of a Christian." Dr. Deck is a noted Convention speaker having given addresses in many gatherings in Britain, including Keswick, and also in America and Australia.

The transcription of the voluminous shorthand notes which were taken of the evidence heard by the Education Committee of the House of Representatives during its tour through the Dominion is chiefly responsible for the delay in the framing of the committee s report. The Minister of Education (the Hon. 11. Atmore) states that there v ill be no avoidable delay in completing the work. The first section of the report is being prepared, and when the notes are fully transcribed the committee will resume and the final recommendations will bo drafted. Last month there were only sixteen ooints of rain in Oamaru, compared with 7.47 inches in March 1929. There were 27 rainless days. The fall for tho quarter is 3.50 inches, compared with 10.38 inches for tho same period in 1929. Press Association.