LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 11 April 1934, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

It was slated at the Nelson Eire Board meeting to-day, while support was. given to holding fire-prevention week, that one reason why there had been a reduction in fire losses was that it did not now pay to have fires (laughter). Insurance companies were not required to pay to the full amount insured but only up to the extent of actual loss sustained at the date of fire. The man having a genuine fire was always satisfied to get iiis building restored. The essence of the matter was that the building was not insured but the owner guaranteed against loss. Mr Macintosh Ellis, formerly Director of Forestry tc the New Zealand Government, was an arrival by the Wangunella from Sydney where lie is a consulting forest engineer (states a "Wellington Press Association telegram). His intention is to observe the record of progress of forestry and kindred associations since lie retired six years ago and to complete an independent analytical yet friendly survey throughout the principal forest plantation centres in the country.

During a discussion on the restoration of salary “cuts” at the annual meeting of the Nelson Hospital Board for the consideration of the estimates to-day, the chairman (Major R. Dagger) said the present optimism in the Dominion had been due. to tho rise in wool prices. However the Nelson district did not have much wool and until tho prices for butterfat, particularly, for apples and for other products appreciated, the Nelson district would riot enjoy its former prosperity.

In information presented to the Nelson Fire Board meeting this morning, it was stated that one-third of all fires occur from sparks and embers from heating and cooking fires. The principal causes of these were burning wood in open fireplaces projecting sparks into the room, falling of burning brands and embers from the grate or the fireplace, usually due to the use of firing of larger size than the fireplace or grate will hold, minor explosions of stone in coal fires, down-draught with any type of fire.

An unusual incident occurred on No. 1 wicket at Eden Park, Auckland, on Saturday afternoon, when F. W. Byerliev was batting lor Grafton against Y.M.G.A. Byerley, who was delighting tho spectators with an invigorating display of batting, lifted one ball into the grandstand for six, and shortly afterwards, with a still more powerful bit, struck the small tower on top ol tho grandstand (states the “New Zealand Herald”). The ball rolled down the roof and lodged in the spouting, and the game bad to be temporarily suspended while another ball was obtained. This ball was treated the same way as its predecessor shortly afterwards, but did not- remain on the roof. Although Byerley was apparently using the roof ns a target, a small boy subseouenty climbed on to it and retrieved the original ball.

“I have just been talking to a gentleman from another town, and lie tells me. that about all the Board of Governors there is able to do is to order an occasional load of firewood,” reported the chairman iMr W. ,T. Girling) amidst general laughter at a- meeting of the Board of Governors of Marlborough College (reports the “Express”). “The patients’ fees are the same as in 1932, though they are less than last year’s figures,” commented Major R. Dagger, chairman of the Nelson Hospital Board at to-day’s meeting, when reviewing the working of the hospital during the year ended 31st March last. “Considering the times through which we are passing the figures reflect a very creditable result,” lie added. In the past year Lhe patients’ fees collected amounted to £4429, against £4723 for the previous year and £4476 for 1932.

The Nelson Centre of the W.E.A. wili resume its weekly meetings at the Edu cation Office on Tuesday evening next at 7.30. The course of lectures to be studied during this winter session will lie upon “The Personalities of the Romantic Period,” and will include the lives and works of writers such as Burns, Victor Hugo, Goethe, Shelley. Byron and Tennyson, of painters such as Constable, Delacroix, Corot, -Millet and Turner, also of Schumann and other musicians. There will be 24 meetings in all and anyone may become a member mi paying the fee of six shillings. Tile lectures are supplied by the W.E.A. organisation connected with Canterbury College. Mr F. G. Gibbs has 'for some years been the leader of the class and Mr It. Best the lion, secretary. Further information may be obtained from either of these.

According to information presented at to-day’s meeting of the Nelson Fire Board more than tlnce-fourths of all electrical fires arc caused by movable electric equipment, such as irons, radiators, kettles, etc. The electric iron was responsible for the great majority of these fires, which are caused through the iron falling, or being left fiat on the ironing table, either with the' current turned on or with the element “alive” owing to a faulty switch. The importance of the metal stand is strongly stressed. Radiators frequently cause ln'es through being placed too close Vo woodwork or other material. It is strongly urged that when the apparatus is not. in use power should be turned off at the switch and “the plug discon nected.B 71,d for Women’s Traced Calico Aprons at “The Auckland.” Alteration Sale, Nelson and Motueka.*

Dainty Crepe de C-lilue Blouses, t-a wear with a costume. Creme, Beige. E'awu and ?>lai/.e. 23/6 to 27/6 <tMcKay's.” The attention of farmers is directed to an advertisement in connection with the disposal of the property at Wakapuaka previously held by Mr E. A. Wheeler.* Rubber Hot Water Bags 1/11 at “The Auckland.” Big Alteration Hale. White and (Sold Cups and Saucers 4 for 1/6. Nelson and .Motueka.' 1 Smart Costumes in Diagonal mid Barathea Sailings. Well cut tailored finish Coats in two and throe button stvies, and Skirls plain or pleated. 95/ to £5/10/- at McKay’s*

Alfred Gould advertises details of the auction sale of surplus household furniture, etc., at the residence of Mr Eric Leggatt, Ngatitama street, to-morrow, at 1 p.m. ; also freehold property, furniture and effects to he sold at 78 Nile street next Friday, at 1.30 p.m.* Roslyn Corded Suiting makes a very smart costume in Black or Nigger Brown. Double breasted coats and wrap over style skirt. Only 84/- rt McKay’s.*

A distinctly Nelson characteristic (and atmosphere) was given to the Eire Board meeting this morning by the presence of a basket of apples supplied by a member not: uninterested in the industry. Obviously they were greatly appreciated by members. In the year ending 31st March last tho average stay of patients at the Nelson Hospital was 25.8 days, against 20.6 days in the previous year. Accounting for this fact at to-day’s meeting of the Nelson Hospital Board the chairman (Major R. Dagger) pointed out that during the year quite a number of patients came from the unemployment relief camps ’.n tiie district. 1 hose men had no homes or friends to go to on discharge from hospital and so the / had to be kept in the institution until they were absolutely cured before sending' them back to’ the camps. This entailed keeping such patients in hospital longer than would he the case lor local people who could return home to convalesenee, and the result was an increase in the average stay of patients.

“Smokers’ carelessness is one of the most prolific causes of fire”, stated a pamphlet presented at to-day s meeting of the Nelson Fire Board. The statistician classified these under the following headings Lighted match dropped, smoking in bed, cigarette and cigar butts dropped, ashes from pipes and sparks from cigarettes, pipes placed m pockets, children playing with matches, and rats chewing matches. Smoking m bed has been responsible for a considerable number of fatalities. Fires in connection with smoking were usually associated with the dropping of matches or live cigarette-butts into collections of rubbish

The committee and helpers are busily engaged again in preparing for the Briglitwater annual show, which is to he held cu 20th and 21st inst., for the 32nd time in succession. The show includes fruit, vegetables, flowers . and domestic produce and stimulates quite a deal of interest and competition m the various sections. This year there will also he games and competitions with a musical programme provided on- both evenings.

Commenting on tne annual returns submitted to to-day’s meeting ot the Nelson Hospital Board, the chairman (Major It. Dagger) said a pleasing lea--1 ui'o was tlie reduction in the cost pel bed during the past year. For the year ending 31st March 1933 the cost was £197.7 and for last year approximately £l7O. This was accounted for, the chairman pointed out, by the fact that although there was a considerably increased number of patients, the board had the same, overhead expenses and the same staff, and the cost spread over the whole institution brought down the cost per bed for the year. According to the annual report, submitted to to-day’s meeting of the Nelson Hospital Board, the number of outpatients attended in the year ending 31st .March was 1137, an increase of 431 over the previous year’s figure of 705. rli.e increase in outpatients is remarkable commented the chairman (Major R. Dagger). He considered the present economic conditions accounted for tho increase. The increase he pointed out, resulted in a - considerable outlay to the hoard as man yof the people could not pav for tho medicine or attention given them, and that was how some ot the extra expenditure last year was made up. The first anniversary of the reorganisation of the- “New Zealand Railways Magazine” into a national monthly .s -marked by a change to a larger quarto size which permits a more impiessive display of the numerous interesting features. The April issue gives New Zealanders far-ranging views oi their countvy, past and present. In a discussion on the investment of monies at this week’s meeting of the Nelson Harbour Board Mr H. AV, Kelly in referring to the large amounts on hand for investment said it made one wonder. Only a few weeks ago it was much as the hoard would do to restore a 5 per cent, “cut” in wages. The hut which was built in the Ashburton riverbed for the use of itinerant men had been a great boon stated Mi \V G Gallagher, chairman ot the Ashburton Hospital Board, in his review ot the past year's activities at the meeting of the board this week (states the Christchurch “Times”). The erection of the hut, lie stated, fulfilled a long-stand-ing desire on his part and it was particularly gratifying that it should have been built during his period of chairmanship. Night afte* night the hut was occupied, sometimes over a dozen man finding shelter there. The present arrangement had proved to be both an economy to the hoard and a blessing to the men on the road.

The fact that during the past year or so Marlborough College had been broken into at night on numerous occasions was reported to the Board of Governors at its last meeting by the Principal (Mr J. Stewart) (reports the “Express”). Mr Stewart stated that, although nothing of any great value had been stolen, an attempt had been made on one occasion to break into an office in which a safe was situated, a crowbar having been used unsuccessfully on the door. An effort had been made to capture the marauder, hut so far without success. The last “visit” paid -was during the present term.

Rabbits apparently find,salt as necessary in clieir diet as do other animals and humans. Recently wheat was sown on an experimental farm in South Canterbury, in salted soil, to show whether the salt had a beneficial effect on germination and growth (says the “Press”). The grain germinated successfully, and matured, the wheat being much improved generally on that from an unsalted plot, grown under otherwise similar conditions. But shortly after the harvesting rabbits visited the farm and chewed the salty stubble level with the ground. The stalks of the wheat- in the unsnlted plot were left untouched. 8/11 each for Single Bed White All Wool Blankets, 11/11 each for -J he'd, 13/6 each for Double Bed. Alteration Sale at ‘The Auckland.” Nelson and Motueka.*

In that amusing hook, “Husbands and How to Manage Them,” the writer relates how, during the engagement, she told her intended that if lie wouldn’t abandon smoking for her sake she’d know lie cared more for his pipe than lie did for her. So he gave in, and the.v were married. Six months later she' begged him to start smoking —“and lie became a different limn !’’ “My advice to all wives,” says this vivacious lady, is: “Let Him Smoke! Tobacco is a wonderful sweetener of the temper.” It is—if it's the right kind. Brands containing a lot of nicotine (there are plenty of them !) upset the nerves, and when a mail's nerves go wrong his temper may prove the reverse of amiable. “New Zealand Toasted" ; s lhe. purest tobacco —and the best. Almost free from nicotine (which is toasted out of it) this beautiful tobacco is as harmless as it is fragrant, and delicious. The four brands are: Navy Cut No. 3 (Bulldog), Cavendish, Riverliead Gold, and Cut Plug No. 10 (Bulkhead).*

Alteration Sale at ‘‘The Auckland.” Boys’ Grey School Shirts 1/11, Boys’ strong Tweed Shorts 3/6. Nelson and Motueka.* Arrived .gain at, ‘‘The Auckland. ’ Women's Cosy Felt Slippers 1/6 pair. Big Alteration Sale, Nelson and Motueka*

“Are churches places of amusement?” was a question which suddenly wrinkled the brows of the Nelson Fire Board at the meeting to-day. Members appeared rather pleased that they were not required to enter into the deeper aspects of the question. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof and it was decided that from a fire fighting point,of view, churches were not places of amusement.

When compared with the figures for 1932, the coal output from the Duller mines for the year ended 31st March, 193/1 shows a falling-off in production of 259,690 tons, reports the Westport correspondent of the “drey River Argus.” A comparison with the output for 1933 indicates a drop of 5781 tons. Tli e ouptut for 1932 was 521,818 tons. For 1933 the figures >vere 287,909 tons, and for 1934 (ended 31st March), the total output was 382,128 tons.