LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 7 August 1931, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The Anchor Company announces that the Matangi’s tune of sailing for Wellipgton this evening has been postponed until 9.30 o’clock. Intending passengers are requested to note this alteration. Yesterday and to-day were two of the coldest mornings experienced this winter. Over ten degrees of frost were registered last night and over nine degrees the night before. Warm sunny days, however, have compensated for the chilly mornings.

A “Gazette” issued last night contains amending regulations under the Orchard and Garden Diseases Act 1928 governing the removal of certain plants and bees from the North Island to tho rest of New Zealand. —Press Association.

It is seldom that a local body has bouquets thrown at it; but at yesterdav afternoon’s meeting of the Waimea County Council four letters were received from various parts of the country expressing thanks for work done. Councillors took the unexpected tributes with becoming modesty, a jocular suggestion being made that the letters should be framed. “It is more often we receive kicks than ha’pence,” commented the chairman.

A rumour being current that Mr G. H. Snow, President of the Westport branch of the New Zealand Natives’ Association, was an “Aussie,” and another that he was born on the water before arrival in New Zealand, a “Westport News” representative put the direct question to Mr Snow, who said he was a native of New Zealand, born at Richmond, Nelson, that his parents were both natives of New Zealand, his grandparents having arrived from the Old Country by the Fifeshire and landed at 'Nelson.

When figures were quoted in the Arbitration Court at Auckland by Mr T. 0. Bishop, Dominion secretary of the Employers’ Federation, to show that cooks and stewards in New Zealand were considerably better paid than those of Australia, prior to the 10 per cent, reduction in wages being imposed, tho employees’ representative, Mr E. Kennedy,'protested that such a comparison was” not allowed by the Court. “We used to refer to Australia, but we have now given it up,” said Mr Kennedy. Mr Justice Frazer: “It is a broken reed now.” “The employers would not havo it, but I am prepared to write Australian wages and hours into our award so far as cooks and stewards are concerned " replied Mr Kennedy. “I am afraid you would be told about it by your members,” retorted Air Bishop.

In a letter to a Wanganui resident, an American friend says: “The wages situation is just as bad here as it is in New Zealand. Wo have a great .number of unemployed, and among them are some verv good people. Also wo have had an unfortunate situation in regard to our banks, one large one in particular. However, most of us feel that this is a benefit, as the doubt created by lack of confidence was disturbing all businesses. Now that we know the worst is over, everybody is taking a more hopeful view.”

“I feel it is the duty of every citizen to assist the Government to square the yards and get back on to an even keel. In such an economic storm it is vital there should be no difference of opinion, as that might be fatal.” —Air W. J. Poison, M.P., at Stratford, when delivering an address to members of the Farmers’ Union.

Reference to tlie Arbitration Court using an ‘‘excuse” for a certain line of action, which was made by Mr E. Kennedy, 'general secretary of the Cooks and Stewards’ Federation, in tho Court at Auckland, drew a rebiike from the president, Mr Justice Frazer. “You are most unfortunate in your use of words, said his Honour, addressing Mr Kennedy. “You must not use the word ‘excuse.’ ” -Mr Kennedy said he was quite prepared to substitute the wo id “reason.” “I prefer ‘reason,’ said His Honour, directing Mr Kennedy to proceed.

“I am pleased to say that a spirit of compromise has prevailed, and in most cases both parties have met the position in a very fair manner,” said Mr W. D. Armit, Commissioner of Crown Lands in Taranaki, when asked by the “News” how matters were proceeding m relation to adjustments between mortgagors and mortgagees of farm lands. Mr Armit, who is the adjustment commissioner, said that approximately 30 acres had been submitted to him for consideration and advice. In every instance he had immediately placed a statement of the borrower’s position before the mortgagee, whether a private lender or a Government department. The suggestions and representations accompanying tlie statements had met with a fair amount of success. These cases, said Mr Armit, were not to be confused with applications made to the court under the Mortgagors' Relief Act. His duties were of a conciliatory nature. Applications from (mortgagors were still being received from time to time at the Lands Office at New Plymouth.

Gifts of trade commodities, such as fencing wire, staples, tools, rope, paint, harness and building materials, will be welcomed by many farmers (says the “Star”). This information was conveyed in a letter from the Auckland Social Workers’ Association which was received at a meeting of the Manufactureis’ Association. “You are aware of the splendid services being rendered *,o the poor of Auckland by farmers of the province who have made gifts ot food and clothing,” wrote, the Rev. 0. G. Scrim geour, secretary of the Social Workers’ Association. “You may not be aware, however, of the fact that although farmers in general possess ample foodstuffs, as a class they are badly affected by the depression, and ill many districts are seriously crippled by their inability to purchase working necessities, this particularly applies to those in areas where settlement is new. 'Members of my society desire to reciprocate the fraternal sympathy shown by rural communities, and we ask you it something could not be done 111 returning to distressed country families the benevolence which the poor of Auckland have received.” The letter was very symptheticulW received, and on the motion of the chairman Mr b. T ;l kle it was decided to forward copies to all members in a position to give assistance. The goods will be deposited in a central pool and distributed through branches of the Farmers Union.

They were yarning about, smoking aboard the Ilelensville train the other ( ]., v “Give me a good cigar, a Corona for choice,” said the man in the check suit, “and I’m happy.” ‘ Cigarettes for me every time,” remarked the chap opnos’ile “They’re too seductive, I know, and I sometimes smoke half-a-dozen packets a day.” .“More fool you growled the veteran in the cornei 1 m a dyed-in-the-wool smoker, and 1 fay there’s nothing like a pipe for solid satisfaction ” “Too much ‘juice in pipe-to-bacco for me,” said the cigarette-smoker. “Depends on the brand,” grunted the veteran “Of course Hie foreign leaf is generally chock a block with ‘juice.’ But bow about tho New Zealand.' It s toasted, and not only dons the. toasting give it flavour and aroma, but kills the nico tine* in it, and makes it safe to smoke. See’” They let it go at that. Tho old smoker was right. Toasting works wonders 1 There are only four brands Rivei'head Gold, Cavendish, Navy Cut o. A and Cut lTim No. 10.*

Loyal Nelson Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., will 'bold their fortnightly dance tomorrow evening.

The acting-secretary of the. Municipal Association of New Zealand replying to a letter from the City Council, stated that he had not heard of rumours that the Government intended to retain the whole of the petrol tax in the Consolidated Fund, so depriving local bodies of their share. The Executive Committee was deeply concerned in the matter, and had been pressing the Government for an increase in the proportion of the petrol tax payable to local bodies, and that if any such proposal was made, the association would use its best endeavours to prevent the same being carried into, effect. Councillor Gibbs pointed out that the Prime Minister had stated recently that it was absolutely wrong to have any special class tax’, and that the money would be paid into the Consolidated Fund and then allocated according to requirements. It was resolved to write to the Association pointing out the Prime Minister's statement.

The Minister of Finance replied to the City Council last evening that at the present stage he was unable to agree to the issue of an Order-in-Council authorising the raising of the balance of the gasworks loan at 5i per cent, as that would tend to nullify the efforts of the Government to stabilise interest at a lower rate. He suggested therefore, that the Council should make a determined effort to place the balance of the loan at' 5 per cent. The Town Clerk said £23,200 had been raised, leaving another £4OOO to be obtained. It was resolved that the balance of the loan be offered at 5 per cent.

At an emergency committee meeting of the Nelson Progress League held to-day it was decided to ask the Railways Board when visiting Nelson to spend a day in the district before proceeding to inspect the railway: also that the Board be asked to allow the chairmen of local bodies to accompany the Board on its tour of inspection. At the dance in the Velma Hall on Saturday night, the guests of honour will be three ladies’ basket ball teams from St. Mary’s College, Blenheim. Various novelty dances will be introduced, and the latest jazz music supplied by the Gaiety Orchestra.

A large number of young people attended the Marsden Church House last evening when the Rev. W. Cash, D. 5.0., 0.8. E., general secretary of the ChurchMissionary Society, delivered an address. He took as his subject the history of the mission in Persia, and gave a most interesting account of the work of the mission. Canon Quintrell presided. Provoked by the demand of Methven farmers for immediate relief from land tax the Wellington “Post” gives the following facts in an editorial: “Almost a third of the land tax is now paid by urban landowners. Rural landowners pay about £650,000. Urban landowners pay £280,000 land tax and the greater part of £4,000,000 income tax, altogether almost seven times as much as rural landowners pay. Income tax in 1914 was 9.37 per cent, of The total tax yield and land tax was 12.97 per cent. For 1929-30 income tax was 18.15 per cent, and land tax 7.74 per cent. Last year income tax was greater and land tax less. This year income tax will be much greater still. Land tax will not be increased, And what is the land tax burden?” asks the “Post.” “On rural land it is not much over £650,000 for all New Zealand. In 1928-29 the average tax assessed per return on owners of land ranging from £4OOO to £4999 unimproved value was £8 10s sd. On the- biggest class of landowners £IOOO to £1999 unimproved value) the average per return was £1 18s 4d. Something more convincing is needed-before the plea for relief at the expense of income or Customs tax payers can be deem.ed reasonable.”

To pay £l6 3s ‘7d to dispose of a consignment of five tons of potatoes in Wellington and to receive £l6 17s 5d for them, "was the experience recently of Mr James Carr, of Methven, the president of the Canterbury Progress League. On the deal he obtained a profit of 13s lOd, but this figure made no allowance for the cost of planting and growing and Mr Carr places his loss at £ls approximately. The list of charges worked out as follows: Commission at Wellington, £1 5s 4d; freight at Lyttelton, £4 15s 6d; cartage at Wellington, 16s 6d; wharfage at Wellington, £l 0s 8d; receiving and delivering at Wellington, 4s 7d; weighing at Wellington, 2s 6d; grading at Lyttelton, 5s 6d; branding, Is 6d; boat note and agency fee, ss; brokerage, 12s 9d; cartage from farm to rail, £1 7s 6d; sacks, £1 16s 8d; railage, Methven to f.0.b., £3 9s 7d—a total of £l6 3s 7d.

Speaking in the House of Representatives, the Hon. E. A. Ransom said that it was a waste of money to employ men on forming roads and then not to metal thorn. It was the policy of the Government when it opened up new settlements to form roads and metal them so that settlers would , not have to contend with mud when taking produce to market. He could not agree with the Leader of the Opposition regarding the number of men who could be employed developing land. It had been found in practice that once land was cleared there was very little work for unskilled labour.

The belief is growing that there will be a great increase in the yield of gold in 1932 (writes the Sydney correspondent of the Melbourne “Argus”). There is already evidence that the prospectors scattered over the State during the last nine months have added something to the volume of production, but that which lias been accomplished will be as nothing compared with production in the future. That, at any rate, is the impression. The appetite for prospecting has increased eiiormourdy. All that is awaited is the return ot the warm weather. Then many more will go to old fields and new. Authorities in Pitt street express the utmost confidence in a revival of goldmining. One declared that within a year there would be a double boom —in oil and gold. Gold, however, is most discussed. It is hoped that scientific instruments will indicate deposits of gold. The report received from Britain' that a geo-physical survey suggests that there are highly valuable deposits of gold under the basalt at Gulgong will direct attention to several more districts where' there are known to be rich gold drifts under the basalt. The Orange district is one. There the Lucknow mine yielded handsome returns for many years. It might still be yielding them but for objection to the system of searching that the richness of the field made necessary.

The quickest, safest relief, for conslipation is to take Dr. Don’s Laxative Granules. These are prepared from tho prescription of a New Zealand doctor. Dr. Don’s Granules are non-habit-form-ing and are easy to take. A Free trial package will ho sent on receipt of a 2d stamp.—R. W. Marlin. Chemist.*

Chronic Constipation is best treated with Lubrolax—the gentle, active laxative made from Pure Paraffin and Japanese Seaweed. Recommended by medical men.—Nees, Chemist.* 1 Good Taste in perfumes and powders is defined by tho woman who chooses Godet- Toiletries—those fragrant, delicate creations of the Master Perfumer of Franco. —W. McKay and Son.*