LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 3 September 1934, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

At the Cathedral last evening Dean Hjiggitt stated that he had recently met with several cases of cat and dog poisoning and h e appealed to his hearers to help him to find the culprit. “It would givo me great pleasure,'’ ho said, “to hale the fiend before the proper authorities.”

Mr TL Schroder, of Richmond, an enthusiastic breeder of Southdown sheep has this season secured seventy-five iambs from filly e'ves. The Southdown is not generally regarded a prolific breeder, and such a high percentage of lambs is most unusual among sheen of 1 his breed.

Hugo Opening Season Sale starts at “The. Auckland” on Thursday. Astounding Bargains in Sheets. Sheetings, Towels, Curtain Nets. Hosiery, "Women’s Underwear, Men’s Wear and New Spring Dress Goods. 100 per cent. Drapery Sale of new goods. Nelson and Motueka. Watch “The Mail” for 111111101' details.*

“Rabbits were introduced to Southland in 1863,” said Mr G. H. Holford o‘ Christchurch, in ail address on grassland farming to young farmers at Invercargill last week. in those days shooting rabbits was prohibited under a penalty of £5. If the sportsman who liberated the rabbits were here to-day he would realise the thousands of pounds his action cost the-country.”

Yesterday afternoon, a small yacht manned by ono boy missed stays in the entrance to the harbour and rapidly drifted on to the rocks of the mole, iter plight was noticed by the Sea Scouts who were entering the harbour at the time, and an effort was made to tow the small craft off, but this was unsuccessful ,as the scout boat was unable to approach near enough because ef the heavy surge on the rocks. The lad was ashore trying to keep his boat clear when by some freak of wind and wave, the yacht, which still had its sails up, went clear of the rocks and sped merrily before the breeze inside the harbour where it was picked up by Mr A. Day in his launch. Meanwhile the scouts had picked up the lad, who was little the worse for his exciting experience. The yacht was later towed by the scouts to their headquarters where it was examined. It was found that some planks had been bruised, while the centre-plate was missing. This is the second accident of this nature which has occurred recently and yachtsmen would be advised to be extremely careful when negotiating the entrance in a strong ebb tide.

It is a comparatively easy matter for testimonials to go astray when they are forwarded by their possessors to firms that advertise vacant situations; therefore unless a firm which is calling for applications for some particular job intends to be scrupulously careful about returning them, it has no right to call for the despatch of original references, and on no account- should the originals be sent by an applicant unless they are specially asked for. . Four vears ago a firm advertised in the 'Dunedin “Star” columns for salesmen, and in doing so called for original references. Among the many replies was one with which was enclosed valuable references written by an English chemical firm and a British Secret Service agent in favour of the applicant. This 'man’s much-prized documents were rescued from the wastepaper basket by an employee of ihe firm who was more considerate than his chiefs, and who in-, tended to forward them to their owner. Unfortunately stress of work prevented his doing this immediately, and the testimonials were laid aside lor the time being. It was not until August of this year that he discovered them in his personal effects, and, surmising that the owner had pyobably changed his address in the meantime, lie sought the cooperation of the “Star” in tracing him. The former applicant was eventually located by the “Star,” and was delighted to have his references returned after being posted missing for four years. ■ After having been merely an ornamental plant for at least 14 years, a banana tree at Baines terrace, New Plymouth, is bearing fruit. The bananas are about- two inches long. The tree blossomed about four months ago, right i i the middle of winter, and now the flowers are giving place to fruit, which, with the coming of warm weather, are expected to ripen. Though there are at least a dozen banana trees at Baines terrace, this is the only one to bear fruit.

“It is only a personal opinion, but I do not think the great bridge has improved Sydney at all,” said Mr E. V. Chaffey, who returned to Christchurch last week after spending four weeks in Australia. “There used to be a large fleet of ferry boats on the harbour,” lie said, “but the motor traffic across the bridge has tied them up. That Venetian-like charm of the harbour has disappeared, and in its place is a great piece of meccano work.”

“Dr. J. Henderson, Director of the Geological Survey, has suggested the possibility of obtaining salt from sea water at White Island, where the powerful thermal forces could be appropriately used in the evaporation process,” said Mr J. A. Bruce, lecturing to the Wellington Philosophical Society. “I understand that an engineer from Australia is at present investigating the position for a private individual.”

Now that New Zealand flax, or pliormium tenax, seems to be coining into the picture again amongst New Zealand’s industries, there is added interest in the references to it in the annual report of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. “The nursery areas at Massey College,” says the report, “have continued to be used for the selection, breeding, and propagation of strains of phoimium. With the likelihood of there being a specialised demand for fibre suitable for fabric purposes, now that the manufacture of wool-packs has been commenced, attention is being devoted to the qualities of strains of phormium for this purpose, while, for cordage purposes, several outstanding varieties have been fully tried out, and certain of these have been supplied for field propagation. The possibility of the utilisation of phormium as a source of cellulose has been the subject of considerable investigation, both in New Zealand and overseas, and it is hoped that the work will be completed during the coming year.”

“It goes without saying,” remarked a Dunedin smoke-merchant to a customer, that some have been rolling their own cigarettes for ages. But now, as the old song runs, “everybody’s doing it,” and it has become a perfect) craze. Well, one newly rolled 'cigarette is worth a whole packet of ‘ready-to-smokes.’ Some packets, bless you, may have been in stock for years, and there’s no flavour left in ’em. Besides it’s cheaper to roll your own. You try it! Cigarette tobaccos? —they're as plentiful as postage stamps; but give me the toasted New Zealand. Your confirmed cigarette smoker often complains of throat-irritation and smokers’ cough. Why? Because there’s too much nicotine in his tobacco. Well, there's hardly any in toasted. It makes splendid cigarettes, and is suitable for the pipe too, what’s more you can smoke toasted in cigarette or pipe and it can’t- hurt you, however much of it you smoke. There are five brands: Riveriiead Cold, Navy Cut No. 3 (Bulldog). Cnvednish, Cut Plug No. 10 (Bullsliead) and Desert Gold. The customer now “rolls his own.”*

Huge Opening Season Sale starts at “The Auckland” on Thursday. Wonderful new Spring Dress Goods. Frock Lengths, Household Drapery, Men's Wear, Tennis Shoes, Hosiery, Women’s Underwear etc., will he thrown out at prices that will cause a sensation. See the windows on Wednesday night and read Wednesday’s “Mail’’ for the biggest Drapery Bargains of all time. .Nelson and Motueka. * Children’s Felt Breton Sailor Hats, in Cream, Beige, Fawn, Saxe, and Brown. 5/6 at .McKay’s.-*

This evening the pupils of Miss I’. Aydon and other Nelson performers will give a. concert in the Cathedral Sunday School. The proceeds will he in aid of the St. .Tolui Ambulance brigade. The windows at “The Auckland” are shrouded in mystery. On Wednesday night at 7.16 the window blinds go up and you’ll see the most amazing display of smart new Spring Dress Goods and General Drapery ever seen in Nelson. All to go at knockout bargain prices on Thursday at a Huge Opening Season Sale.*

“The activities of the Wheat Research Institute have exemplified well the value of scientific co-operation between the three sections gi the wheat industry,” remarks the annual report of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. "A new wheat lias been brought to the stage of commercial exploitation, and, after exhaustive trials, has shown a high per-acre yield capacity, and an increased yield of flour associated with a definitely higher baking-quality. Further testing and selection has enabled some of the less desirable varieties of wheat to be eliminated and replaced by varieties of better quality The research experience gained in previous years lias now made *it possible to give guidance to matters which help to overcome the ditfieulties associated with the gristing of wheat harvested in difficult conditions. Bakers have had a number of their own specific problems dealt with, while the incidence of the wdiole research, carried out as it has been with the fullest co-orclination through all stages from the sowing of the seed to the baking of the bread,,.has resulted in a standardised product of more even arid higher quality than would otherwise have been possible.”

Certain people who almost regard Russia as their fatherland, though they wore born in Britain, have on occasion acclaimed Mr Lang. as being “greater than Lenin” (writes the Sydney correspondent of the Melbourne “Argus”). He has never thrust the flatterers from him, possibly because he does not regard them as flatterers. It may be, too, that lie is looking for what he may consider to be a- higher compliment, expecting that one day some may rally round and address him as “Greater than Hitler.” Ho has lately exhibited tendencies which seem to indicate a study of the methods of Herr Hitler. The “business” of all piesent at an election meeting standing when he enters and singing “Advance Australia Fair!” is reminiscent of practices in countries ruled, by'-dictators.. No ‘(Lang salute” has been devised, though it has been talked of in what is known as the inner circle. The members of the inner circle are associated chiefly with the Trades Hall, where “Red” leanings have long been patent, stimulated at intervals by the return of delegates to Russia filled with Communist propaganda. Mr Lang disclaims association with the “Reds.” They vote for him and work for him, but they are not welcome as open allies when he is demanding the singing of “Advance Australia Fair !” (all standing). The Communists and their associates are arranging a demonstration a week before the final rally of the Labour party. Forty-five years' ago the Dominion had not a- third of the population >t has to-day, but limes were bad, and there was an unemployment problem. A Government return at the time showed that the number of men out of employment in New Zealand was 237, as against 779 in August, 1888, a year before. This satisfactory result was attributed to the development of the flax industry, the refusal of the Government to put single men on relief work in the towns, and the extension of industries of various kinds (says the Auckland “Star”). It was at this time that the colony suffered a loss of 10,000 of its population, who left chiefly for Australia. It was a sad commentary for the colonists to realise that the surplus of emigration over immigration for two years was 9580. It was said at the time that when things improved every person who had gone away would bring back two with him, and that the country would go forward by leaps and bounds. That was true to a very large extent, because hundreds of those who left New Zealand, in a year or two found their way back here, and by going into the backbiocks and taking up land, which the Government offered at 30s per acre, became prosperous. The settlement of bush areas in central Taranaki in from Stratford, on what was called the East Road, is one of the romances of our colony’s development because from that time on till recent years prosperity was assured to those 'who were young enough to take the plunge and do some of the finest colonising ever don? in this country.

Serious consideration has been given during recent years to the problem of malnutrition among school children throughout the Dominion, with the object of obtaining knowledge of its extent, and of suggesting and assisting any necessary methods of amelioration. Figures showing the percentage of subnormal nutrition noted in the routine examination >f children from 1928 to 1933, included in the annual report of the Health Department presented in the House of Representatives show a gradual decrease. In 1928, of 51,490 children examined 6.84 per cent, showed signs of malnutrition. By 1933, when approximately the same number of children were examined, the percentage had fallen to 5.46. ;,cThe report states that the percentage of primer children suffering from malnutrition was slightly higher than that of older children, and that the country record was generally better than that of the cities.

A cow owned by a Richmond resident recently met with a most unusual mishap. The owner had burned some hedge clippings in her paddock and the animal, which was wearing a cover made of sacking, lay on the warm ashes which set fire to the cover, ahd before the unfortunate cow got rid of it she was severely burned along one side of her body. However, she js now recovering and on that farm hedge-clip-pings are not likely to be burnt again where stock are grazing. The Blackbyre Bacon Factory is still going strong. The window display in Messrs P. Howcroft’s, Hardy street, is very creditable indeed. AH the BlackLyre products are represented and consumers should make a point of inspecting them. The proprietor of the Blackbyre Bacon Factory also extends to interested parties an open invitation to inspect the factory at Appleby and the Blackbyre Farm where pigs are kept o:i the most up-to-date principles, and, , s the proprietor says, just as pigs should he keptAc

Nobby Ready-to-Wear Felts, in soft pastel shades, showing the popular shallow crown and slight; uplift brims. Comfortable and becoming. 6/11 to 11/6 at McKav’s.*

3 Years since “The Auckland” hail an Opening Season Sale. The hard-up state of a Northern Warehouseman made this one possible. Huge Sale on Thursday of wonderful Spring Dress Goods, Exclusive Frock Lengths, Hosiery', Women’s Underwear, Men’s Wear, Household Drapery and Tennis Shoes. The prices will thrill you. Watch “The Mail” and see the big Window Display on Wednesday night. Nelson and Motueka.*

Ladies’ Lightweight Coals for Spring and Summer wear. All Wool Corded Coating, smartly cut with belt to finish. Lemon. Fawn. Blue and Grey. 52/6 at McKay’s.*

Never before have such wonderful Spring Dress Goods and Exclusive Frock Lengths been seen in Nelson. All to be thrown out at thrilling bargain prices at a Huge Opening Season Sale at “The Auckland” on Thursday. Nelson and Motueka. See the Sensational Window Display on Wednesday night and read Wednesday’s “Mail”' for re-cord-breaking bargain prices.* Girls College, opens next Monday! Buy Regulation Garments of miner quality modestly priced at McKay’s.* Everything for the Girls’ College Uniform is stocked by McKay’s, the quality outfitters.*

Speaking at a farmers’ gathering at Urenui last night, Mr E. Griffiths, of New Plymouth expressed the opinion that the dairy farmer of New Zealand was the most fortunate dairy farmer in the world. He compared the position in New Zealand with that in the Baltic States, where the farmers were receiving 3d a pound for their .butter and there they had to stall their stock for six or seven months in the year. Mr Griffiths considered that the politicians of New Zealand laid missed a great opportunity in dealing with the tariffs, which they had reduced by only 5 per cent , when a little while beiore they had added 15 per cent, exchange. It would have been the finest thing for New Zealand if they had allowed British goods to enter free particularly when England needed help to rehabilitate its industries. Moreover, Australia had just raised the duty on English cotton goods, which had caused dissatisfaction in Britain, and New Zealand had missed -the opportunity by net reducing the tariffs more.

The Royal Australian College of Surgeons, which was officially instituted at a meeting of the founders in Dunedin :n 1927, holds a. general meeting of the whole body once a- year in one of the large cities. This year the general meeting took place at Adelaide; next year it will be held at Melbourne, and in 1936 at Auckland. In addition to those combined conferences, each State of Aus tralia and the Dominion of New Zealand holds annually a local meeting of the Fellows residing in its particular district, and the meeting of New Zealand Fellows is to take place at Dunedin on Thursday and Friday, 6th and 7th September. The programme will consist of surgical papers aiid discussions, clinical work, ancl demonstrations in anatomy, pathology, and cancer research. Other questions to be considered will deal with the admission of new candidates, the classification and grading of hospitals from the surgical standpoint, and the improvement of facilities for postgraduate surgical education.

During August 19 births, 29 deaths and 4 "marriages were registered in Nelson.