LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 18 June 1931, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A special meeting of the Nelson City Council wil.l be hold 10-niglit when the estimates for the current year will be considered.

.'tore Magazines 6j.il each at “The Auckland” to-morrow. For other liargains, read advertisement page 3.* Warm Nightdresses in cream wineoyotte, trimmed with lace and hand embroidery, special 6/6 to-morrow at 'McKay's.*

A Wellington Press Association telegram states that Mr G. VV. Massingham, organising secretary of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, is retiring from the position owing to differences with the executive of the organisation.

The distress which prevails ill Auckland is indicated by the fact that during the period of 41 days from Ist May to 10th June 6767 beds and 17,826 meals were provided at tile Auckland City Mission’s night shelter in Hobson street. Those figures give an average of 167 beds and 435 Meals daily. Except for a move to larger quarters earlier in the year the shelter has not closed its doors since the beginning of May last year. On the new premises is sleeping accommodation for about 240 men.

Pertinent comment on the publicity methods of the New Zealand Government was made by Mr Clutha Mackenzie at the weekly luncheon of the Auckland Rotary Club (states the “New Zealand Herald”). In the course of an address on his recent visit to Canada and the United States, Mr Mackenzie said he. had found that everywhere there was the keenest interest in the tourist attractions of New Zealand, but when big companies such as the Canadian Pacific Railway applied for literature on New Zealand they could only obtain a few hundred copies instead of the thousands they required.

Completely disabled, with her engines broken down and with only two small sails which were of little use, the fishing launch “Advance.” of Wanganui, which was sending out S.O.S. messages by Morse lamp, was picked up and towed into port bv the Titoki on Tuesday night, reports the “Chronicle.” The Titoki was on a passage from Greymouth to Wanganui, and at 7 p.m. sighted a vessel some 12 miles from the shore showing the distress flare and sending out messages for help. Twenty-five minutes after sighting the vessel the Titoki drew alongside, and on the request of those on board commenced to tow the disabled launch to port. Slow headway was made owing to the night, being particularly dark, with a strong easterly breeze and a rough choppy sea. The Titoki was only able to sail at half speed in order to ease the strain on the launch, and it was two hours before the Wanganui bar was reached, and another hour before the Town Wharf appeared in sight. In spite of the disadvantages, Captain E. Graham handled the Titoki in a. masterly manner in drawing his boat alongside the disabled launch, and he showed first-class seamanship in managing a difficult situation. Had it not been for the fortunate appearance of the larger boat there, is every probability that a disaster might nave occurred.

Fire hazards caused by leakage of electric currents and corrosion are dealt with in a report prepared by the Christchurch Public Utilities Sub-committee (reports the “Times”). The report states that the, committee desires to know exactly what condition really causes corrosion and would appreciate any information that can be supplied concerning salt or brine deposits that must reach the city when the wind is blowing off the sea. No doubt corrosion is caused on iron roofs in this way, but whether it lends itself to any electrolytic action is another problem. All systems of electrification are blamed, although the greatest burden is placed on the tramways. Earth connections require closer attention and it is claimed that drastic measures should be taken to ascertain where all the leakage currents passing into the earth find rest and what depredations they are causing Several cases of alleged electrolysis in ferro-concreto buildings are mentioned, but are not sufficient to warrant the committee accepting as final the assumption that electrolytic action is breaking them down. The superintendent of the Fire Brigade is endeavouring to have all his alarm circuits converted to metallic return for the elimination of electrolysis ami. it may ease the mind of the underwriters’ representatives to know that this lias been done wherever practicable by using the Post and Telegraph Department's underground cables.

A clever piece of camouflage was detected bv one of the inspectors attached to tlie Traffic Department of the Christchurch City Council, reports the “Times”. The number plates oil a high-powered motor-cycle parked in the city attracted his eye and, though they were cunningly and tidily done tip with paint of the‘new colour, they lacked the finish to pass as otfier than last year’s. The inspector whose quick eye nad detected the deception, waited to interview the owner, but lie failed to put in an appearance, so the cycle was impounded. In the council s yard it was inspected bv Mr H. Macintosn, chief of the Traffic Department, who was struck by the exactitude with which last year’s special mark had been camouflaged.

“Let us be heartily ashamed of all our hospitals ; any hospital is a confession of failure,” said Sir Truby King when speaking to the members of the Plunket Society at Christchurch (reports the “Press”). * “The maintenance of health should come before the prevention of disease, and the continued existence of disease is a reproach to us. We have come to accept such things as the decav. of tlie teeth as inevitable. The farmer does. not. calmly accept such a disease as I'oot-rot among his sheep, and content himself with doctoring, tiis method is to alter fqr the animals those conditions of their life that have caused the disease. Prevention rather than cure is the essential.”

It has been decided by the Matson Steam Navigation Company to name the third 25,000-ton motor-ship to bo encaged in the San Francisco-Sydney service. with Auckland as a port of call, :he Lurlinc. The Mariposa and the Monterey are the other vessels of similar tonnage at present under construction. Until they enter the service early next year the Sonoma, Ventura and Sierra, will be engaged on the company s transpacific run, which will mcludo Auckland from next month.

There is further adverse comment upon Mr Lang’s action in reading at tho Premiers’ Conference a list of the names of persons with large holdings in bonds, together with the amounts of tlmir holdings writes the Sydney correspondent o f°tlie. “Argus”). Every time a loan is floated in New South Wales there is an •inpeal to the patriotic, asking lliem not to seek the larger profits that gre available to them in ordinary avenues, but to consider their country and take bonds. Thev are now insulted. It is realised in Sydney that Mr Lang lias dealt Australia another serious blow. He cannot therefore he surprised to learn that tlm demand that lie should retire and should permit, business men of experience and proved patriotism to govern the State |,nd to share in adjusting the affairs of Australia, has grown since lie disregardod the established rules of Ministerial responsibility concerning matters that are supposed to be private. Comment, upon his reading of the list is widespread.

Alfred Gould will hold an auction sale of "surplus stock of pianos, wireless sets, etc' on the premises of Claugliton and Co..’ Hardy street, at 2 p.m. to-morrow* One penny in shilling readjustment discount at ' McKay’s, applies (o all Ts'iecinl” prices to-morrow.* Just arrived— Magazines 6.kl each at I 'l J,. An -kland.” Head advertisement r , a cre 3 for details of other Week-end i icnlisliells. * Pink Rroelie Corselettcs, tlie Royal Worcester well cut line, sizes 30 to 34. Special 6/11 to-morrow at McKay s.*

The evidence given by Mr T. J. Harligan, comptroller of accounts in the New South WaL's Railways Department, before the Select Committee of the Legislative Council which has been taking evidence on the Arbitration Bill, was interesting apart from the subjects upon which he was especially examined. Mr llartigau said that the deficit on the railways this year would be between £4,500,000 and £5,000,000 “There is a diminution of first-class traffic for one thing,” said Mr llartigau. “Are the people walking?” he was asked. “No,” he replied. “They are travelling second class.” Many residents of the suburbs, a correspondent states, arc travelling second class because they cannot afford to travel first class, but many more in recent years have taken second-class tickets because their first-class tickets did not give them what they paid for.

In explaining his lateness in arriving at a public meeting at Christchurch held under the auspices of the Sunlight League, Sir Truby King—who was over an hour late—stated that he had been endeavouring to find a passage in a book which he had read many years ago (reports the “Press”). He could not find it in Christchurch, and had telegraphed to the Parliamentary Library in Wellington for it, advising his willingness to expend up to £lO for a verbatim telegram. “It has arrived,” he said, “ail I may now quote it to you.” The passage dealt with the value of sunlight to the human being.

Among those present at a meeting held in Benheim this week (reports the “Express”), was a well-known fanner, who put in an appearance in a hand-some-looking overcoat. He was chaffed by a town resident, who remarked that, although times in the country were supposed to be hard, the .overcoat was the only one in the room, which suggested that townspeople were unable to buy coats. “Perhaps they are,” retorted the farmer, “but I’ll show you why I wear this coat.” Therefore he slipped off the coat and revealed the worn-out seat of his trousers, and an elbow-less coat. He . assured those present that it was his best suit, and that lie had to wear an overcoat for decency s sake.

Declaring that farmers should quietly get together and preserve their own rights. Mr J. G. Brechin, member of the National Dairy Association executive, according to a‘ “Dominion” Special Service message from Masterton, told a meeting of Pahiatua farmers that they should remember that every dairy farmer in the country was carrying two Civil Servants on his shoulders. There were 80,000 Civil Servants to 40,000 farmers, and the burden was just a. bit too big to bear.

The postal authorities advise that mails which left Wellington on 19th May per Maunganui via San Francisco arrived in London on 16th June.

Among the wide variety of inquiries received at the offices of the commissioners for Napier (says the “Telegraph”) there has been one by a citizen asking if he had any chance of being reimbursed for the loss of an artificial leg, burnt in the fire following the earthquake of 3rd February, and, if so, whether he should apply to the Napier Relief Committee or to the Rehabilitation Committee. The clerk gravely replied that he should forward his application to the latter committee, whose function was to restore earthquake sufferers to the pre-earthquake “footing.”

In view’ of the benefit that would follow greater gold production in Otago at the present time, residents of the Cromwell district are showing increased interest in the possibilities of mining (says the “Otago Daily Times”). Experienced miners are still obtaining gold in small quantities from the Kawarau River while the level is low, and the opinion is freely expressed that considerable quantities of gold have yet to .be recovered from the rivet* if suitable means of obtaining it could be devised. A suggestion- that is gaining wide support in the district is that a second dam should be constructed below the Shotover and Arrow Rivers in order to hold back the water from them and expose ledges which have not so far been reached. It is claimed that this could be done at a cost which would enable gold to he profitably obtained.

That many people who have until recently driven ears are now bad*, to tlie’ humble gig, was a remark of a councillor at the Eltliam County Council meeting on Saturday. Tlie clerk (Mr A. Tiplady) stated that- up to the present only 700 drivers’ licenses had been issued, as compared with 908 last year. “Yes, they’re going back fast to the gigs,” said Councillor A. V. Messana. Councillor W. E. Carter said tlie number of gigs appeared to have increased in Hawera.

At Palmerston a deputation of settlers from the surrounding district approached tho Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr P. A. de la Perrelle) to request that lie should make representations to the Government to allow a brief open season for the shooting of pukeko (reports the “Otago Daily Times”). Mr J. Gordon. who introduced the deputation, said that the position with regard to pukekos in the outlying districts was becoming serious, and during tlie time when the swamps were frozen these birds, unable to find their natural food, resorted to the stacks of the farmers. They did a great amount of damage, and he thought that if a brief open season wore allowed they would bocomo wilder and keep further away from civilisation. Mr S. C. Greer supported Mr Gordon's remarks and pointed out that, even when there was an open season for pukeko, they increased out of all proportion to the number that was shot. If an open season of only a week were allowed he thought it would meet tlie position. The Minister pointed out that any farmer who wished to shoot pukeko on his own land could get permission from tlie Department of Internal Affairs to do so. hut as soon as lie reached Wellington lie would bring tlie deputation's request for an open season before the proper authorities. A real saving. Trathen’s Special Cash Discount off everything. Siiop to-mor-row.*

Free Constipation Remedy.—Small, easy to take, active, Dr. Don’s Laxative Granules are far superior to any other remedy for constipation. They quickly restore the stomach and bowels to healthy, normal action. Free trial packet from R. W. Martin, Chemist. Send 2d in stamps. Frocks, Hals and Coats are great value at Trathcn’s, and just now you get a special discount off all purchases.* Tlie latest Parisienne Toiletry Creations are Godet’s Petite Fleur Bleue 'Forget-me not) fragrance. Obtainable u talcs, powders, rouges, lipsticks, etc W. McKay and Son Ltd.* Constip.-.cion, especially “unconscious,” is the main cause of disease. Doctors recommend Lubrolax—pure paraffin and Japanese seaweed. Nees, Chemist, ILnrdv st

Id off 1/-. 5d off s'-. lOd off 10/-, 1/8 off £l, and so on. Trathen’s Speciai Casli Discount. Yes, and there are plenty of nice things to buy at Tiallien’s.* Ladies’ Velour Coats 32/6! These are in fawn, brown, saxe, and navy with “Fnrlyke” collars, S.W., \V\, and O.S. Special for to-morrow at McKay’s* It all helps. Tratlien’s are allowing a special discount of Id off each shilling. You save 10d in 10/-.*

The number of children in the Dominion who have to be cared for by church and- other charitable organisations is surprising. In an address to New Plymouth Rotarians. Mr G. B. Stephenson, superintendent of the Presbyterian Orphanage and Social Service Association provided some enlightenment. Hq said that in Dunedin there were 500 maintenance orders out against erring husbands, in Christchurch 800, in Wellington 1000 and in Auckland over 1500. All the children of these, defaulting fathers had to be cared for by organisations such as his.

The installation of the wireless at the Nelson Hospital has been completed and patients have already had the pleasure of listening-m during the testing of the machine. The installation will be officially opened to-night.

Mr T. W. Lancaster, lecturer in botany at Auckland University College, spent the greater part of last year in travel in Australia, and Great Britain, where lie visited the principal botanical gardens and centres of horticultural interest. In the course of a report he presented to the College Council, he mentioned that in several places he found a variety of shrubs and plants which are native to New Zealand. In Malta he had occasion to buy „ somo honey, which is a product of the island and also of the neighbouring island of Gozo. He entered a grocery in the Strada and asked for a jar. ‘ To his astonishment a bottle of a well-known New Zealand brand was handed over. “When I remarked that this had come a long way,” said Mr Lancaster, “the proud Maltese said that they also sold New Zealand butter, ‘the best in the world,’ he .declared, and also New Zealand tinned meats. A common shrub, Coprosma Baueri (taupata), which was seen flourishing in. the Barranca Gardens, overlooking the harbour, was another New Zealand product which had found its way to Malta.”

Members of the Nelson Rotary Club who attended the weekly luncheon today were much interested in a talk given by Major Lampen dealing with Army life. Rotarian J. G. McKay expressed the appreciation of those present, and the speaker was heartily thanked.

The tender of Mr B. Holbrook has been accepted for repairs, to the Nelson Institute.