LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 29 May 1930, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A meeting representative of the large property owners and business people of the western area of the city comprising lower Hardy and Bridge streets, Vanguard, St. Vincent streets, etc., was held last evening at Messrs Kirkpatrick and Company's office to discuss the storm water drainage question. The meeting was fully representative and the subject was closely discussed. Storm water drainage is a matter of serious importance to these property owners in particular and the city in general, as the damage, loss and inconvenience caused by the frequent floodings is a serious handicap. It was unanimously agreed to urge the City Council to place a° proposal before the ratepayers to laise a loan to finance an adequate drainage scheme. It was pointed out at the meeting that the western area of the city receives storm water from a large area of the city outside of its own locality, and it is not generally known and understood by ratepayers that practically all the storm water from the area bounded on the south by Bishopdale and on the east by a lino taken from the Baptist Church south drains on to the western area. The present drains in Trafalgar, Collingwood and Waimea streets are not sufficient to cope with flood water, and in consequence the overflow rushes over the western area. It was emphasised that frequent floodings and the menace of floods which has beer, going on for many years now does not reflect to the credit of Nelson's claims as a i residential city. It was decided to form a deputation to wait on the City CounI cil at to-night's meeting to urge the 1 legitimate and reasonable claims of the property owners of the western area 1 in regard to storm water drainage.

A useful hint to prevent a haystack from firing was recently passed on to the "Dailv Telegraph"' bv a Hawkes Bay farmer. It consists of cutting two or' three dozen ti-tree poles, if possible of sufficient length to stretch across the stack, and when the hay is built up to the point where topping-off commences, tic the sticks in bundles of about half-a-dozen, and lie them across the stack at intervals down the length, with six or seven inches overlapping at each side. The stack can then be completed over the top of the sticks. Any steam caused by over-heating, escapes through the cracks between the sticks.

Messrs H. Best, of Wakatu, and E. Price, of Stoke, were admitted to hospital as the result of an accident on the main road at Wakatu. Mr Best,, who was walking along the road, was run into by Mr Price on his motor cycle. Both sustained injuries and were found lying on the road.' They were conveyed to hospital by Mr Tyerman. Mr Price received severe head abrasions and one of Mr Best's legs was broken. Both are progressing satisfactorily. Farming authorities all over the Dominion have recently devoted a good deal of space to pushing the advantages of the introduction of iodine into stock rations and in this connection it is interesting to note that Hawkc's Bay poultrymen are becoming alive to the value' of iodide as a stimulus to egg production in the fowlyard (states the "Telegraph)). Experiments have recently been carried out in Napier and the adjoining district with the mixing of a solution of potassium iodide and water with the feed of pullets and already it is stated" that excellent results have been achieved. The mixture used is in the strength of a sixth of a grain of potassium iodide per fowl, with six teaspobnfuls of water for every grain of the chemical. This should be administered daily.

An intimation that he would not countenance laxity in the observance of rules regarding discovery and other rules of procedure was given in the Supreme Court by the Chief Justice. He had noticed that affidavits were brought time and again before the court to the effect: "I am informed, etc." There was a rule that where a statement was made of that kind the source of information and ground of belief should be stated. That rule, to his mind, must be insisted on. --Press Association.

The chairman of the Auckland Flaxmillers' Association, Mr E. L. Broad, who is also a mill-owner at Te Puke, states that all the Bay of Plenty mills and also the mills in the Waikato and Ilauraki districts will bo closed within a few days, on account of the low prices ruling for flax fibre. This will mean thi\t many men will be thrown out of work. I" the Te Puke district alone this step will mean the withdrawal of about £2OO a week in wages. A deputation from the Flaxmillers' Association recently waited on the Hon. G. W. Forbes and' asked that the Government give £4OOO for the formation of a stabilisation fund. It was informed that while the Government could not accede to the request, it was prepared to lend £4OOO at 5 per cent, interest, in order to allow the association to form its own fund. This offer, after careful consideration, was declined as impracticalue. It is hoped that some way will be found out of the difficulty for, with winter approaching, a cessation of work at the mills is likely to cause considerable hatdship to many.

lii to-day's issue the Railway Department draws attention to train arrangements for 3rd June next (King's Birthday). Special trains and cheap fares have been arranged for the Town v. Country football match at Richmond. Alfred Gould announces an auction sale of motor cars, motor cycles, fruit trees, shrubs, and general nursery stock at the rooms, Hardy street, next Saturday at 10 a.m. sharp. The annual re-union dinner under the auspices of the Motueka brand) N.Z.R.S.A. will be held in Bowers' Sample Booms on Saturday evening. To-night at 7.30, the annual general meeting of the Y.M.C.A. of Nelson will be held in the Club room upstairs in the Y.M.C.A.

Buxton's Sale—Maid's all wool cash mere frocks, 30in 32s 6d for 19s 6rl: 33" i. 37s 6d for 21s 6d; 36in. 36s 6d for 25s 6(1.* Dance frocks recently opened from a leading British maker are new and smart hut lightly priced, 27/6, 39/6, 49/6, 69/6. 89/6. Trathen's.* Friday special at McKay's! Girls' Fleecy Bloomers in Navy and Creme. Sizes'l2 to 22 inch, 1/4 to 2/11 according to size.* Buxton''s Sale. —2 only maids cashmere jumper suits, 1 fawn 36s 6d for 25s 6d: 1 saxe 39s 6d for 25s 6d.*

The following clause with regard to native bird life is contained in the annual report of tho Ota'go Acclimatisation Society :—"lncreasing attention is being directed, and rightly so, to the fact that our native birds are decreasing in number. While opinions may differ as to tho causes for the decrease, your council feels sure that everybody would deeply deplore the extinction of any of our beautiful and unique birds. An appeal is made to all those who appreciate our birds, to do all in their power to prevent the lulling of species whose numbers are decreasing. Tho society's ranger, whoso duties take him regularly into considerable bush areas in the Awaka, Wyndhain, and surrounding districts, recently reports as follows :—'All native birds are on. tho increase, especially the native pigeon, parrakeet, parson-bird, bell-bird, black fantail, pied fantail, and tom-tit. I made inquiries in all the different places I have been to, and found everyone of the same opinion. Their food supply is very plentiful this year, and I attribute their increase to the great toll the opossum trappers are taking of their natural enemies the stoat, weasel, and bush rat, and I believe the sparrow-hawk and owl take their toll too. There are no other means of preserving native birds than by trapping their enemies.' " To-day begins the Mahommedan New Year, 1349. The Mahommedan era, or era of the Hegira, is dated from the first clay of the month preceding the flight of the Prophet. Mahomet from Mecca to Medina, which took place on 16th July, 622. The Mahommedan year is purely lunar and is reckotied in a way different to that to which we are accustomed. As there are less than one hundred Mahommedans in Now Zealand, I to-day's event will not attract much notice in this part of the world.

The financial stringency, coupled with the disastrous effects of the root disease, is responsible for the reduction in the area being planted in strawberries for the forthcoming season (states the Auckland "Sun"). A large number of growers have temporarily abandoned cultivation of the plant, especially in North-cote-Birkenhead area, as last season the root disease was responsible for the destruction of the major portion of the plants, and the public demand, owing to the financial depression; was responsible for the unremunerative prices which existed, leaving the growers with comparatively no profit. The areas under cultivation are practically confined to the Northcote-Birkenhead districts, which include Glenfield, Birkdale, Albany and portions of Takapuna. South Avondale is also now a serious competitor as a producing district. The recent showery season has enabled growers to proceed with the planting out, and they are now taking full advantage of the favourable weather conditions. The plants are grown principally in the Waikato and Otamatea districts, while an exceptionally fine lot have been forwarded from the Pollock district.

The trout-fishing season in the Taupo and Rotorua districts will close next Saturday, after a season which has been a disappointment to most sportsmen. The season in the Auckland Acclimatisation Society's district closed at the end of last month (states the "New Zealand Herald"). Reports show that catches have not been nearly as numerous this season as in past years and experienced anglers state that it has been one of the poorest seasons for tho past 20 years. Very few fish have been in the rivers in the Taupo area, although the condition of the. fish landed has been good. At (Easter fly-fishermen experienced poor sport in the rivers and lakes in the Rotorua-Taupo district, but it was thought that there would be a good run of fish after heavy rains. The water in the rive'rs has remained low, however, until now and'the run has not taken place to the extent'of past seasons, and it is not anticipated that the conditions will improve before the end of the month. This has been all the more unsatisfactory because weather conditions during the past month have been almost perfect. That fishermen were cognisant of the position is shown by the fact that at the favourite pools where there are usually many sportsmen in camp there,has not been a third of the usual number this month.

"An expression of Poly's views may not be in his favour for election purposes. He has the rare combination of imagination with business acumen. Even though he may be dethroned at the next general election, his qualities of statesmanship will some day find for him a niche in the elaborate collection of political ineffectives" (laughter)— thus Mr Louis Cohen, when moving a resolution of thanks to Mr W. .T. Polson ,M.P., at the conclusion of an address given by him at the weekly luncheon of the Wanganui Rotary Club. In his letter replying to Mr Stannard in "The Mail" yesterday Mr Duncan points out that he omitted the word "not" in the concluding paragraph which should have read: ". . . And

at the same time evidently not knowing" etc. The steamer Golden Cross, which arrived in Auckland this week, will, when she leaves for America, have a very mixed cargo aboard. The ship will load a large quantity of scrap-iron, over 300 empty petrol drums, frozen meat, blood and 'bono manure, kauri gum, tallow and other general cargo. Suva will be her first port of call, and there she wiii take aboard copra. At Honolulu she will load sugar, and then will go to San Francisco. The Golden Cross will be the second steamer to load scrap-iron in Auckland within four months. About 1000 lons were dispatched to America in February on the Union Company's steamer Kairanga. Scrap-iron in America is turned into manv uses.

How the "Star" once saved a man a lot of money is recalled by the recent death of Mr W. Lamber, a resident of Onehunga for upwards of 50 years. Mr Lanfbert at the time was employed as a collector, and one evening lie counted up his takings on the dining room table, and then covered the money over with the "Star." He intended to remove the money to a place of safety before retiring, but he forgot. That night a man broke into the house and immediately began to ransack the top drawer of a chest near the table. As he removed the articles he laid them on the "Star," thus covering the money he was looking for. After searching the pjare in vain, he left the house. The Rowing Club will bo holding their carnival dance in the Club shed to-night. Lucky spot. Monte Carlo, streamers, and confetti will be included in the programme. Harold Williams' orchestra has been engaged for the occasion, so that patrons will be assured of a good evening's entertainment.

Warm winter drapery at special prices to-morrow. Trathen's.* Another big busy day at Trathen's to-morrow. See page I.* Friday special at McKay's! Ladies' "Fleecy lined Bloomers in Creme and Navv easilv worth 4/6. Friday's price 3/3.* Buxton's Sale.—Women's all wool vest?, "Manawatu."w. 8s 6d for 5s lid, o.s. 9s 6d for 6s 6d.* Ladies' Wool Vests, pleated with cotton inside, short sleeves, women's size worth 7/6 for 5/11, to-morrow at McKay's.* Many specials are offered for to-to-morrow. See page ■ 1 Trathen's.*

It is probable that a very large percentage of restaurant patrons who sit down with enjoyment to an oyster supper, have little knowledge of the conditions under which the oysters arc obtained from the deep (states the "Southland Times"). Ever since the steam trawler took tho place of the sailing cutter tho market has been fully supplied practically throughout the season. Regardless of the weather the little trawlers sail out into tho open sea even when, the ferry boats running to Stewart' Island cannot make the passage and large cargo steamers are obliged to shelter on their way to Bluff. On Friday three of tho trawlers left for the oyster bods. With a whole gale blowing from the south-east and almost continuous rain squalls, two of the boats returned from outside the heads. The Cowan, however, commanded by Captain M. Joss, proceeded to the beds to do half a day's dredging under conditions that one, not having, had the experience, could not well understand. Steaming slowly around the boat had, no chance of .avoiding the waves, big and small. The staunch little ship was I tossed about by them like a cork and the crew, thoroughly drenched with rain and spray, at times had to take firm hold of the rigging or other support to avoid being washed away. In between times the crew went on calmly picking out the oysters from the heap of miscellaneous shells and foreign matter caught up by the dredges. It seems, writes our Bluff correspondent, that this is the training that has made British seamen' what tney are.