LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 14 March 1936, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

When the Waimea County Council passed a motion deciding to place £4OO on the estimates for work on the Rabbit Island in the next financial year. Councillor lloratio Everett said the Council should make quite certain regarding its rights to use the proceeds from the island in future years. The Council’s afforestation 'scheme which was now being carried out was providing a very valuable asset which would make good returns in future years. The Council should be able to use the proceeds from the pine forest to relieve the burdens of the ratepayers and the Council should now make certain of its position in that respect. The county chairman (Councillor J. Corder) is to investigate the matter.

The Waimea County Council at the monthly meeting made a donation of £5 5s towards tho fund being raised for the support of the family of tho late Squadron Leader M. C. AlcGrcgor. Several councillors spoke in support of the motion to make the donation and tributes were paid lo Squadron Leader McGregor’s life work for aviation.

The British and South African Farmers’ party which is touring New Zealand, was very impressed by the agricultural experiments which arc being carried out. at Alassey Agricultuial College, said Air H. H. Dilley, leader of the South African section of the party, during an interview. Particularly were they impressed by the experiments in the’ breeding of cattle to ascertain which gave the best net return per acre. Similar experiments were being carried out in South Africa at the present time, the emphasis being on meat production rather than on the butter-fat yield, with results very valuable to the farming community. The party was also interested in experiments on the cause of taint in milk.

The Hills’ Fruitgrowers’ Union made a request to the monthly meeting of the Waimea County Council for the construction of a footpath along that section of the main road from the Alapua school to the Alapua whlarf and from the Tasman Post Office to the Central packing shed. Councillor R. Teece supported the application and pointed out the amount of traffic on the roads in that vicinity, especially in the fruit season. Footpaths were necessary for the children attending the schools, and other pedestrian traffic. It was decided to ask ihe County Engineer to report on. the matter at the next meeting.

The view that New Zealand might improve its beef animals for the purpose of the chilled beef trade was expressed by Mr J- Marchbank, a Scottish member of the visiting primary producers’ party. The quality of sheep in New Zealand” Air Marchbank considered, was very well adapted to the joint purpose of wool-producing and the fat lamb trade. The standard of dairy cattle was also very high. In beef production, however," the New Zealand animal was not equal to the Scottish. The prospects in the chilled beef trade were very bright at the present time and an immediate study should he made by New Zealand to ascertain the particular requirements of the British market.

Almost one hundred men are now employed on aerodrome construction in South Westland. There are 30 men at Haast, 23 at Wailio 20 at Welieka, and 20 at Wataroa. At all these places, satisfactory progress is being made with the work.

A competition established among -school children by the Whangarei Horticultural Society for the collection of white butterflies lias resulted in very satisfactory numbers of these pests being destroyed." Two children have each handed in. 7000, three others 5000, and numerous others between 1000 and 2000. The president, Mr C. Y. Stringer, stated that the donation of prizes for the children by business people and other residents had done much to encourage the children, and the society was sparing no pains in its effort to keep down tho number of the butterflies.

That the needs of democracy demanded virility on the part of those whose views differed from those of the Government was expressed by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, when addressing a gathering at a complimentary dinner to Air J. N. Alassey at Pukekohe (reports the “Herald”). The numerical strength of the Opposition was small, said Air Coates, and the individual strength had yet to he demonstrated, hut behind the "Opposition was a far from inconsiderable body of public opinion. It was not sufficient that the people who comprised this body should adopt a policy of complacency". “Wait and see” did not serve the best interests of a live community governed on democratic lines. Every move should he watched, and activity in representations and co-operation _to impress on the Government the views of those who did nob fully agree with its policy would have a very decided effect. The "science of government was the provision of comfort for the people in all I their activities and interests, and views ns to how this comfort could best he assured differed under the democratic system. He would appeal to all those who did not think along the same lines as ihe present Government, particularly the young people, to co-operate and maintain activity.

A New Zealander living in Shanghai, Air S. Hutchison, writes of a remarkable railway achievement. On 31st August last year, he states, the old 'Russian railway gauge of sft was standardised into 4ft S.jiin over a distance of 240 kilometres within three hours. It is considered the greatest railway achievement in the East. Over 3000 wprktnen were engaged on the job, which was done between 5 a.m. and B a.m. The old gauge was only 3in wider than the new, thus it was impossible to lay the new line inside the old one in advance, as the bottoms of the rails would then overlap. This meant withdrawing the spikes of the old rails and removing them before the new line could he laid. About 15 men covered two kilometres each, which meant that there were no “smoke-ohs” until the job was finished. The standardising of the gauge will mean that expresses can run right through from Dairen to Harbin in thirteen hours and a half without the necessity of changing trains at Hsinking.

Holiday-makers who have 'returned from Central Otago have again raised the question of how many place names received animal prefixes, states the ‘‘Otago Daily Times.” Gimmerburn, Ewebijrn, Kyeburn, Hogburn, Sowburn, the Pigroot, and the Valley of the Sow are all names which arouse curiosity and cause amusement. Various reasons for these eccentric names have been advanced, and the latest is attributed to a retired civil servant who was for many years employed in the Survey Department. His explanation is that in (he early days the surveyors were most careful to preserve the Maori immes and correct spelling. But when they submitted their plans to their chief they were told to go away and substitute names which the people could understand and pronounce. Incensed hy this summary rejection of their efforts, they departed and decided to append names which would express their opinion of their chief’s action. They were Scots and so was their chief, but according to the story, he did not appreciate the sarcasm implied in such names as Sow- j burn.

The attention of members of Maitai Lodge and visiting Druids is called to an advertisement in this issue inviting ail to attend a meeting in the Orange Hall. Collingwood street, on Monday evening to meet the Grand President and Grand Lodge oflicers.

Owing to most of the men engaged on unemployment- teliof work for the Waimea County Council leaving to undertake seasonal farm work, a number of the works in various parts of the county will be dosed down. The County Engineer (.Mr W. Bullivant) stated at yesterday's Council meeting that most of the men would probably return after the seasonal work when the works would be reopened. Councillor H. Everett remarked that in the Motueka district men were leaving farm work to go onto the Motueka aerodrome and other relief works. They found it more profitable on relief works than on farms. The chairman (Councillor J. Colder) expressed the opinion that if the Public Works Department offered 15s per dav in wages, the councils would probably have to pay that wage also. Speaking of the work of the new Government when replying to the civic welcome at Wailii, the Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb, said there had never been one cross work exchanged over the Cabinet table. “We feel that we can do our job and bring hope and happiness to tile homes of the people,” lie said. Tf the Government did not go back at the next election it would be its own fault. -If there were an election every year he was sure that none of those present would live long enough to see a change of Government. The major portion of their election pledges would be carried out within the next three months, said Mr Webb, and lie was sure tlie result would cause the people to rejoice. He gave an assurance that, no matter how well off some people were now, they would have no fear of going on relief, but others would be raised up.

“It looks as if we are becoming one big family and everyone is going to receive everything free,” said Councillor ,T. S. Tosland, ;vt the monthly meeting of the Egmont County Council when a cirlcular from the New Zealand Counties Association asking for the council’s views on a compulsory national health insurance scheme was brought up for consideration. “We are drifting into absolute State socialism,” lie added. The chairman, Mr W. C. Green, pointed out that the scheme would not be discussed because none had vet been drawn up. No action was taken by the council.

Striking evidence of the commercial value of the much-despised rabbit is afforded by the increase in the number of skins auctioned in Dunedin this week as compared with the sales of 12 months ago (states the “Star”). On 12th .March last vear, 37,4831bs of skins were auctioned. but this week the figure rose to 88,092. Contrary to the general trend in market prices consequent upon increased production, the price of rabbitskins to-day is 100 per cent, higher than it was 12 ‘months ago, while over 100 per cent, more is being paid direct to trappers by the exporters of frozen rabbits.

New Zealand, in the opinion of Mr H. H. Dillev, leader „of the South African farmers’ party, has suffered irreparable loss in the burning down of much of the bush. The New Zealand bush, he said, was very beautiful, and was particularly appreciated by the South African visitors because there was so little forested area in the Union. Only the eastern section was timbered, the central and western parts of South Africa being mainly grasslands, tal] plateaux with prairie-like tops. Mr Dilley said that his first farm was sixty miles from the nearest town, and it was necessary to cross a 4000 ft range to get to it. The construction of a highway through Westland to mark the celebration of New Zealand’s centenary in 1940 is suggested in a circular that has been sent to the Prime Minister and members of Parliament by Mr D. J. Evans, a prominent citizen of Hokitika. Mr Evans claims that such a highway would be a worthy memorial. Much of the work could be finished before 1940. There is, lie claims, ample scope for providing employment and for adding to the value of the Crown lands in 'that area. The timber royalties, which in the main pass to the Crown, would give a huge cash return as development progressed. The inflow of visitors and tourists would supplv new capital to the country, and the fillip to business generally would be distributed through, shipping, railways, motor transport organisations, and _ so through the community. The opening of the southern part of Westland would add a virgin area to the Dominion and give the country a new and assured field for definite expansion. That the New Zealand farmer and his wife were the hardest-worked persons in the world was the view, expressed by a member of the visiting British and South African farmers’ party (says “The Post”). In spite of the surprisingly large use made of labour-saving machinery and the very efficient manner of cultivation, over capitalisation of the. land, in liis view, made the farmer, particularly if he was producing butter, work exceedingly hard for what seemed a very small net re turn. He could not see very much prospect of an earlv improvement in the prices of dairy produce.

“I feel that the railway service has not had that support that it should have,” declared the Minister of Railways (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) when speaking at the jubilee dinner of the A.S.R-S. He mentioned the .Government Committee that was working on the problem of transport co-ordination, and declared that as the result of the work of that Committee a great deal would be done to put the railways on a better basis. “That does not . mean that other forms of transport will be sacrificed,” said Mr Sullivan. “It means that all forms of transport will'work together for the purpose of serving the people of this country.” The fourth wool sale of this season to be held in Wellington will begin at 2 p.iii. on Monday at the Town Hall. An offering of nearly 28,500 bales will be submitted.

A final reminder is given of the grand carnival dance to be held in the Velma Hall this evening bv the St. John Ambulance Brigade, being complimentary to the Blenheim Amateur Athletes. A first class programme lias been drawn up and include Monte Carlo and Lucky Spot competitions for which good prizes arc offered. During the supper interval n novelty item will be presented. Music is by the popular Cilv Dance Band and combined with a first rate supper patrons are assured of a pleasant evening s entertainment.

Exporters are notified by advertisement in this issue of the amended closing dates for early pools, also grades and sizes approved for export in the varieties Brownlee Russet, King David, Simmonds winter, Stayman winesap, Adams pearmain and Premier.

The Nelson Citizens’ Silver Band will give a concert on Sunday evening at the Church Steps commencing at B.lfi>. A silver coin collection will he taken in aid of the baml’s.new. uniform fund.

The final between Eastbourne and Pctone in the Wellington Bowling Centre’s champion of champions rinks competition on the Wellington green was won by Petone after an exciting game, the issue being in doubt till the last head. The result was as follows: Pelone : Bush, Robertson, Melhuisli, and 0. Silbery (si, 18. Eastbourne: Battersby, de Laiitour, James, and S. Johns (s), 16.

The Nelson City Pipe Band, Incorported, will hold the fortnichtlv dance ln-"i'rht. i-i Bl ight water Hall, the proceeds to be in aid of new uniforms. Citv patrons are notified that the bus will leave the Post Office at 7.30.