LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 14 January 1936, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

In order to meet the demand for seats between Wellington and Blenheim by Union Airways passengers, Cook Strait Airways have amended their timetable. On and after the 16th January the afternoon plane from Nelson will depart at 1 p.m. instead of 1.45 p.m. and an extra return trip will be made between Wellington and Blenheim each week day. A limited Sunday service is also being run to connect with Union Airways.

While the 'Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) was at Gowan bridge m the course of his tour of the district Mr 11. Trower made representations for access to be given to his land across the Railway Department’s property near Gowan station. Reference was also made to the diversion of a stream which previously ran through his property. The Minister said he would see that the Department provided the access road, and promised to have the matter of the diversion of the stream investigated. A visitor who said he had read with very great interest the article in Saturday’s “Mail” on the late Hon. Constance Dillion, called at this office to state that on his tours round this delightful district, he had been very unfavourably impressed with the neglected state of various country cemeteries. He felt some mention of the matter might help to bring about some improvement. The University of New Zealand expects that the results of the annual entrance scholarships and university entrance (matriculation) examinations, conducted in December, will be available for publication by 24th January. The Senate will begin its annual meeting in Auckland on Thursday and if, as expected, the sessions conclude on 20th January, the meeting of the entrance examination results committee will be held in Wellington on 21st' January. A general meeting of all interested in the Kaiteriteri Domain will be held at the Riwalca Library on Thursday evening, when the election of members to the Board will take place and road improvements will be discussed.

The Postal authorities advise that mails which left Auckland on the 11th December by the Niagara via Vancouver arrived at London on 12th January.

Turn to page 7. You’ll see the most sensational prices you’ve ever seen in your life. Big final oddnient and half price clearance at “The Auckland” 10 a.m. to-morrow. This filial clearance will definitely not be for longer than 10 days and it might be much less.

Determination to (succeed usually brings its own reward. It has certainly done so in the case of Air Clifford Peene, son of Air and All’s G. A. Peene, old residents of Napier, who left New Zealand shortly before the earthquake for Canada, imbued with one desire — to establish himself in aviation, states the Napier “Daily Telegraph.” He was without the funds which would have been necessary for him to enter a college for the purpose, but such was his enthusiasm that during the comparatively short space of time which has elapsed since lie left New Zealand he has secured his certificates for engineering, aeroplane construction, instruction, and as a commercial pilot. He is also an expert wireless operator and telegraphist, which he learned while a member of the P. and T. Department at Napier. It is stated that there is only one other man connected with aviation in Canada at the present time who is so widely qualified)

An indication of the fall in value of real estate which occurred during the depression years was given to an “Otago Daily Times” reporter yesterday by a well-known Dunedin land agent. Taking a general average over city freehold property, he said, the fall would be about 15 per cent, but it varied according to circumstances. Thus it was estimated that on old buildings or in the case of very large houses the decrease in value ranged up to 40 per cent. It was stated that the drop in prices had been arrested and that property values were now steady, while the outlook for the coming year was brighter than it had been for some years past.

“There is a greater demand for houses to rent than can be supplied and there is also a steady inquiry for house properties on the_ part of prospective buyers,” said a well-known Dunedin land agent to the “Otago Daily Times.” “Values have steadied now following the fall during the depression years, and prospects for the coming year are decidedly bright.” It appears to be the general feeling among architects and Land agents that Dunedin is facing a housing shortage which can only be met bv building on a more extensive scale than has been undertaken at any time since the depression. It may be possible to carry on for a short period under present conditions, but sooner or later a fairly comprehensive building programme appears to be inevitable. A peculiar position arises in Dunedin, however, owing to the reluctance of local investors to supply the necessary. finance for such undertakings. The opinion is held in many quarters that the expansion of the city is being hindered by the over cautiousness of those with money to invest. “Dunedin people would sooner lend theii money to other cities than invest it in local projects,” was tlie statement of one man, and it found general support. Alention by the Auckland “Star’s” special correspondent of the extra-vigor-ous play that was seen in the match between Neath-Aberavon and the All Blacks reminds a correspondent of the tough but good-humoured tussles in which George Nepia and Tom Yoyce (now a Rugby legislator) were the leading participants during the 1924 tour. The fun began in the match against the East Alidlands, when the stockilybuilt young Maori went “bald-headed” for tne big, powerfully-built English forward and brought him down. “You could almost feel the earth shake,” says the eye-witness, and the amusing part about it was Voyce’s look of surprise when he picked himself up and regarded his adversary. The pair did not come to grips again until the big 'Test match at Twickenham. This time Voyce was waiting for the full-back, and when Nepia ran in to tackle him he grabbed him by the back of his jersey and the seat of his pants and lifted him up bodily, giving him a shake like a mastiff with a terrier. Nepia hounded to his feet, and, with a broad grin, continued to play. To the delight of the grandstand spectators, the incident occurred on the referee’s “blind” side, and he was obviously mystified by the roar of laughter that went up. It was Rugby at its brightest, and an incident as yet unrecorded.

Houses of a moderate rental within easy access to the city are in great demand at present (reports the “N.Z. Heraid”). Auckland land agents are reported to he receiving inquiries constantly for houses, but are unable to fulfil the lequiremmts. The houses most generally desired, it- was stated, were those of a weekly rental from £1 up to 355, situated near the second or third tram sections, or within easy access to the bus routes. “It. is astonishing the number of inquiries we have had for these houses, but- they do not seem to be "in existence ” said one land agent. ‘‘The expensive residences and those further out in the suburbs are more difficult to let,” he added. It was generally considered by city agents that the explanation for the shortage was to be found partly in the comparatively small amount of building that had taken place during the depression. This, it was stated, had been insufficient to allow for the normal increase in population. Moreover, during those years there had been a tendency for two or three families to share a house to reduce living expenses. An improvement in conditions had made this no longer necessary, with the result that these people were now looking for separate homes. Another reason advanced for the shortage of houses was the increase in the number .of marriages owing to more prosperous times.

The Returned Soldiers’ social committee held a very successful dance in the Velma. The evening throughout was marked by a bright carnival spirit. The ladies who had fans presented to them, found that they were as useful as they were ornamental The music which was supplied by the Melody Boys’ Band was all that could be desired, for the melody and time. Mr A. Gascoyne played the extra which was very much appreciated. Prizes were awarded to Mrs J. McArtney and Mr E. Woodward for the Monte Carlo and Miss K. Styles and Mr S. Goodman for the Lucky Spot. The ladies committee provided a refreshing supper. Mr G.-'L. Housiaux carried out the duties of M.C.

The Loyal Howard Lodge social committee’s carnival dance was most successful. Dancing commenced at 8 p.m. and the hall was soon filled with happv dancers, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves. As usual good prizes were awarded, tlie Early Bird and Monte Carlo competition winners being: Miss B. Coleman and Mr S. Williams, Miss Reardon anil Mr Jones, Mr and Mrs Coleman, Miss Webby and Mr Stilwell respectively. Much of the success of the evening was due the the carnival music supplied by Mr H. Williams’s Orchestra A dainty supper was supplied by demand. A pleasant evening terminated with Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem. Bro. Geo. Scott carried out the duties of M.C.