LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 19 February 1931, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The new Biological Research Station was officially opened yesterday with an ordinary lock key. In handing the key to the lion. 11. Atmore, who performed the 'ceremony, Mr W. J. Moffatt, chairman of the Cawthron Trust Board, said Ihe use of such a key instead of a gold one, was an indication of the general economy being practised. However, the “key of utility'’ as Mr Moflatt described it, served the purpose of opening the building in which a great work for forestry in New Zealand will bo done.

If is didicult to recall a summer when weather conditions generally were so changeable, says the “Marlborough Express.” The temperature has been very erratic, ranging irom very hot days to almost wintry ones. In addition, there has been considerably more wind than is usual at this time of the year. There have been just as many tourists in the Sounds during the holidays, and some settlers too, who do not usually cater for visitors have been glad to take in a few paying guests. Although the adverse economic -conditions must have some effect, the fact that holidays can bo spent so cheaply in the Sounds, with practically no extras except launch trips, should be an important factor in ensuring that there will fjtiJJ lie manv glad to avail themselves of an ideal holiday in glorious surroundings.

Goods sacrificed to-morrow rather than taken into slock. —Truthen’s.*

Giving evidence at the Magistrate’s Court in Blenheim yesterday in regard to the invasion of his surgery by a gang of shearers asking for medical advice in regard to a skin disease, Dr. R. NobleAclams stated that he did not know, at the time, that they were shearers. “They looked more like prosperous solicitors,” he added. “A prosperous solicitor,” remarked a member of the bar, sotto vocc, “is an extinct bird !”■—(Laughter). “Why is it that rnen who are given work visit the nearest hotel as soon as they are paid, while clean-living men cannot get work?” was the question contained in a letter to Mr R. T. Bailey, officer in charge of the Labour Department, Christchurch, which was read at a meeting of the Unemployment Committee (reports “The Press”). -Mr Bailey’s reply was that the Unemployment* Committee did not purport to control the morals of the unemployed. The writer of the letter had stated that he had been out of work since 14th December, and Mr Bailey’s comment was that he should be thankful that, like many of the unemployed, lie had not been out of work for many months. In the course of a short address on “The Racial Problem in Australia” at the luncheon of the Wellington Rotary Club, the Rev. N. S. Miller, of Adelaide. referred to the progress and unrest of coloured races in the East, especially those of India, China, and Japan. He expressed the opinion that it was time that those who lived ill the less densely populated parts of the earth asked themselves if the foundations on which they built theii confidence were secure and unassailable. The time had come when we must educate ourselves as to the distribution of the races of the world. Sooner or later the interests of the situation would develop themselves to such an extent that we would have to give an account of our trusteeship of the lands we occupied. The speaker thought that countiies like Australia and New Zealand should open their doors, especially to the people of Northern Europe.

The National Tobacco Co., Ltd., announced this week that it had already commenced operations at Port Ahurin, where a number of girls and men had already reported for duty. The tempoiarv store is a hive of industry, and stocks are now available for immediate delivery. The new factory is ill the course of construction. Sixty carpenters and men are busily employed, while the engineering staff is getting eveiything in order with a view to commencing operations in the new premises within the period of three weeks.

“The Prime Minister’s programme for the meeting of Parliament next month will mean a lengthy session for each of his proposals will be strongly opposed (comments the Auckland ‘ Star ). But Mr Forbes says he is going to defei Ins taxation proposals 'until the normal session in June, as not until then would the exact result of the year s working be known.’ This is a curious statement. Why should the Government have to wait until June to know the exact result of the financial operations for 195931? It' has been pointed out time alter time that in Britain the Budget is introduced in April, and if this can be done there why cannot it be done here. Surely the community is entitled to know at the beginning of the financial year what it is to be required to pay. Why have two sessions? Why not make this special' sitting the main session, and so go right on with all the country s business?

Statements " concerning certain conditions in Western Samoa were challenged by Mr R. J. Carter, commissioner of labour in the Samoan Administration, who is visiting Auckland. It had been stated that there were now. more than 3000 Chinese in Samoa, but Mr Carter said the' Government had reduced the number to 950. The Government was making every endeavour to get Chinese labour away from the islands and replace it with local labour. No artisans of any description were how imported. The Administration welcomed local labour wbersver it applied, and substituted it for Chinese labour whenever and wlierever possible. There was no foundation tor the statement that any Chinese had been brought to the islands to work in stores or behind counters. It had been stated that recent stormy weather had brought down most of the banana trees, and that it would take many months before Samoa would he able to send away full shipments. Mr Carter said he was at the islands during the last two hurricanes, and the damage was not nearly so sei’ious as had been reported. His own impression was that by next month the island would be sending away the standard quantities of fruit.

There is still a number of single men at Owen River who were dismissed from the Midland Railway works. Mr R. G. Stringer informs us that they are absolutely “up against it,” so he promised to try to sell blackberries for them to help them along until something; turns up. An announcement on the subject appears in our advertising columns.

A request that a prisoner might he allowed to sit down in the dock was made in the Supreme Court at New Plymouth this week. It was rather close, said counsel, and the man was feeling warm and tired. “Is he an invalid?’ asked Mr Justice Adams. “No, he is not,” said the lawyer. “Well, the prisoner is standing at his Majesty’s bar and the court has a certain dignity to keep up,” said his Honour. “Unless you can assure me that he is physically infirm 1 cannot grant the request.” Counsel said he could not say that. The prisoner had asked him to make the request becauso lie was tired.

A well-known farmer in the Ruatangata district took over 700 sheep, including a large proportion of choice lambs, to a sale held at Kamo a few days ago. llis cheque was £BO. Being faced with shortage of feed during the coming winter, he had no option hut to let the sheep go at a price which, a short time ago, would have been obtained for a small leg of mutton. , The trustees and Matron of St. Andrews’ Orphanage desire to thank the following for gifts of various kinds for the use of the institution-Mesdames Tangye and Constable, Miss Hornby. Messrs Marshall, T. Walker, Andrews, A. V. King and Levin and Co.

Miniature golf competitions will be held on the Tom-Thumb Course this evening.

1000 yards all wool Flannel 1/11. Grey, Pink. Shetland, Natural, small quantity Navy. Super qualities. 1/11 yd. Trathen’s Sale ends on Saturday.* Big Thrilling Shilling Day at McKay’s Sale to-morrow at nine a.m. See windows to-night.*

Sensational sale prices to-morrow. Read Trathen’s big list of bargains, page 3.*

The cost of dressing is decidedly lower,. Read Trathen’s sensational sale list, page 3. Sale ends Saturday.* Lots of bargains at one shilling in all departments to-morrow at McKay’s Sale.*

Trathen’s Sale ends. Saturday. See advertisement, page 3, for super bargains.*

Special for Friday at McKay’s Sale! Ladies’ Smart Seasonable Tweed Coats, 75s for 355.*

Constipation! Take Dr. Don’s Grannies. Small active. 1/6 box. Hodgson’s Store, Wakefield, Motupiko, and Murchison.*

See page 4 to-night’s “Mail” for list of bargains at McKay’s Thrilling Shilling Day to-morrow from 9 a.m.*

“The pineapple industry in Fiji is being steadily developed along sound linos,” said Mr A. J. Parker, of Auckland, who returned from a business visit to Fiji by the Tofua this week (states the “Herald”). Coconut planters had not yet fully recovered from recent hurricanes, said Mr Parker, and with the price of copra lower than it had ever been before business men in the Islands were now seriously turning their attention to “minor” crops to tide them over the depression which was beginning to be felt in Fiji. Prominent among these was the pineapple industry, which firmly established a few years ago Factories were operating in different parts of the group and were producing a high-grade article. Questioned concerning the sugar industry, which has recently been threatened by the cheaper cost of production in competing countries, Mr Parker said that although it was naturally feeling the effects of the general depression it appeared to be in a flourishing state. ■'Although Suva has its unemployment bureau the position on the whole in the Islands is much more favourable than in Auckland, for instance,” said Mr Parker, commenting on the general situation. The natives were suffering no hardships as they were able to grow sufficient food for their own needs and by doing an occassional day’s work were able to buy the other necessities of life. Mr Parker was enthusiastic in his praise of Fiji as a scenic resort. “In addition to the neighbouring islands which may be reached by launch or steamer numerous overland trips are arranged,” he said. “The splendid roads in Suva make motoring a delight.” In connection with the Auckland Unemployment Committee’s recommendation that an investigation be made into the question of stimulating industries in Auckland, with a view to absorbing the unemployed, a proposal was made by an Auckland business man this week that oyster cultivation in the Hauraki Gulf be undertaken on a large scale by private enterprise. This industry is at present a Government monopoly, and it is claimed that its transfer to private hands would be followed by an expansion of the oyster beds and a corresponding increase in the number of men employed. Any person wishing to lay oyster beds now lias to obtain special permission from the Marine Department, and it is doubtful if there has ever been a case in which such permission has been granted. In view of the unemployment- situation and the desirability of expanding an industry which should prove very popular, as well as profitable the informant strongly expressed the opinion that the department .should abandon its strict monopolistic policy and permit private enterprise to function. He added that if larger quantities of oysters were obtainable they could be profitably canned for export.

The approaching visit of Lord BadenPowell recalls an intimate link between Auckland and the Chief Scout. Auckland rejoiced when the news of the relief of Mafeking was announced during the South African War. Certain Auckwand citizens, namely the late Messrs A. C. Caughey, J. P. Hooton, H. M. Smeeton and W. E. Hutchinson, with Messrs R. S. Abel and J. W. Shackelford, were dining in the old restaurant so well known as Dallans, , in Queen street, and immediately took up a' collection of Is each from other gentlemen present, and further collected, in shillings only, the sum of nearly £3OO, so spontaneous was the admiration of Baden-Powell’s gallantry. The gentlemen named formed themselves into a committee and arranged with the late Mr Suefert, whose inlaid work is well known, to make an escritoire of New Zealand woods with a view of Auckland Harbour inlaid. This, with a very handsome silver casket on solid greenstone mount, was sent to “8.P.” in the name of the citizens of Auckland. In his letter of thanks, the defender of Mafeking wrote: “Wo in South Africa. were all agreed as to the particular excellence of New Zealanders as brave fighting men, who did their duty with marked cheeriness as well as devotion. Therefore, I feel that to be honoured \by New Zealand is an honour of more than usual value.”

Speaking at the opening of the Forest Biological Research Station yesterday, Mr Philip Turner,- Director of State Forests, mentioned the fact that the supply of timber with lasting qualities such as totara, was gradually becoming less. He said in the future it would be necessary to treat the woods now being grown with chemicals to make them serviceable for posts and similar uses.

Is bottled beer a food or a drug?” inquired Mr T. E. Maunsell at the Magistrate’s Court in Blenheim yesterday during the hearing of a case brought under the Foods and Drugs Act. “It just depends,” said Mr F. F. Reid, “on how one views the prohibition question, but the legislature, in its wisdom, has decided that beer is a food.” As counsel resumed his seat there emanated from the back of the court noises interpretable as indications of popular commendation of the decision of Parliament.

Before Mr T. E. Maunsejl, S.M., at Blenheim yesterday, James Hunter, of Nelson, charged on the information of Inspector Laird, with driving a motor car at a dangerous speed, pleaded guilty through Mr F. F. Reid (reports the “Express”). Inspector Laird said the accused travelled from the top of the Wangamoa Hill to Picton—B6 miles—in two hours and ran into the bank at one corner. It was as bad a case as he had heard of. Mr Reid said the accused admitted travelling from Nelson to Picton in 2 hours 45 minutes, which worked out at just under 30 miles per hour. He stated that during the trip his muffler had come adrift, which would give the impression that he was travelling at a greater speed than was really the case. His Worship imposed a fine of £5 and costs (13s) and also suspended the defendant’s license until 31st May and disqualified him from applying for another for three months after that date.

The chief speaker at the Rotary Club luncheon to-day was the Rev. Ray Dudley, M.A., who took for his subject, Economics. President C. R. Fell, who proposed a vote of thanks to the Rev. Mr Dudley, was in the chair. On the 17th inst. in the Supreme Court in chambers at Wellington, on the application of Mr 11. L. Harley, his Honour Mr Justice MacGregor granted probate of the will of Percy Holland Adams, late of Nelson, solicitor, together with a codicil thereto, to Noel Percy Adams, Charles Richmond Fell and Harold Leon Harley, the executors named in the will. On the same date on the application of Mr O. Richmond Fell, his Honour granted probate of the will of Richard Campbell Ellis, late of Gordon Downs, Hiwipango, sheepfarmer, to the Guardian Trust and Executors Company of New Zealand Limited, the executor* named in the will.

Constipation causes unpleasant breath, and in most cases we are unaware of the presence of either. By taking the effective medical prescription, Dr. Don’s Granules, you ensure the regular functioning of the bowels, liver and stomach. 1/6 box from R. W. Martin, Chemist.* Chronic Constipation makes intestinal cripples ! Doctors recommend Lubrolax, the pure paraffin and Japanese Seaweed combination. Eliminates poisons.—Nees, Chemist, Ilardy-st. Tennis girls will find Godet Face Powder just ideal, amazingly fine and cEnging, gives the skin a delightful freslr ness.—\V. McKay and Sons, Ltd.*

When speaking at the opening of the Forest Biological Research Station yesterday afternoon, Mr W. J. Moffatt, chairman of the Cawthron Institute Trust Board said he hoped that in the probable early readjustment of Cabinet portfolios, the Hon. 11. Atmore would again he 'given control of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Citizens in the wrecked areas have already become accustomed to the army way of dishing out rations and many old soldiers reconstruct the dear, dead days beyond recall when ration time was the great event of the moment (writes “M.A.T.” in the, Auckland “Star”). One unregenerate old-timer recalls the occasions on service when the cry of “Rum!” drowned all other cries and men invented methods for obtaining extra supplies. The quartermaster might be found sitting under the tail of p wagon with the rum keg between h>s knees and the measure in his hand. His usual method was to hold his thumb inside (he measure. When the rum wetted his thumb that was a ration, and that particular thumb, at least,, was always clean. An ingenious soldier invented means for obtaining a larger share, and this was much followed. He would stroll round the first time attired in a felt hat, receive his tot in a canteen, retire to the rear of the wagon, empty it into his mate’s canteen, change his headgear to a cap, stroll round again and receive another tot. By the time he had worn a war hat, a field service, cap, a glengarry and a helmet he considered he had had his share. These wicked thieves considered they were justified in beating the Army Service Corps on the excellent ground that the quarter-staff notoriously robbed the troops. There are no predatory quartermasters in any army nowadays 1

Fortune smiled in a destitute Sydney family last week, when, with a ticket, which they had received in payment for a pair of rabbits, they won a prize ot £2OOO in an art union. Mr and Mrs J. Derbyshire, living in Derbyshire street, Leichhardt, were the lucky winners. Mr Derbyshire has been out of work for 15 months, and since last October has been hawking rabbits round Sydney suburbs in an effort to make a living for his wife and family of seven. A few days before Christmas Day, 1930, he sold a pair of rabbits to a customer at Annandale, who did not have any cash at the time to pay him. As he was not returning that way for some time and would have found it inconvenient to return for the money, lie consented to take as payment two tickets in the Christmas Box Art Union, fie gave them to his wife, as the only Christmas box lie could afford, and when the winning numbers were announced last week discovered that one of the tickets had drawn the first prize, £2OOO. Naturally the family was overjoyed at their good fortune and Mr Derbyshire has decided to buy a house in Leichhardt and hank the rest of the money for another “rainy day.” Meanwhile he intends to keep on selling rabbits.

Keen satisfaction was expressed at this week’s meeting of the Marlborough Power Board in regard, to the manner in which the Board’s concrete poles had stood up to the recent succession of heavy gales (reports the “Express”). The chairman (Mr H. J. Stace), after remarking that the gales were of unusual severity, stated that he had received information that a southern Power Board, using wooden poles, suffered £990 damage in one blow, while a few days later a further 40 poles went down. In Marlborough, though the gales were the heaviest for many years, not a single pole had suffered damage.

Rather than take frocks, hats, coats and seasonable goods into stock, Trathen’s will sacrifice hundreds of pounds worth of goods to-moiYow. *