LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 21 May 1936, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Considerable legislative progress wag made in Parliament yesterday, each chamber dealing with important industrial measures. There was keen public interest in the proceedings of the Houge, the galleries being well filled. During (he afternoon the Factories Amendment, Bill was given a third leading in the House of Kc-presentutives and passed on the voices. In the Legislative Council the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill was put through the final stages. There was a fairly close division on the clause providing for compulsory unionism, the voting being IB to J. 6. The third reading, however, was carried by 24 votes to 7. In the evening the House resumed the debate oil the second rending of the Transport Licensing Amendment Bill. The House rose at 10.20 p.m.

Further depredations by grass grubs are causing anxiety to farmers in eer--.Uii putts ot riawK.es Bay and in many cases pastures are being damaged, in places seriously, by the activities of this grub (states 'the “Daily Telegraph”). Tiiis year the trouble is reported to be worse than for some seasons past, owing probably to the amount of growth during the summer and liberal amount of shelter which was consequently afforded the beetle during egg-laving operations. In places where inlestation from the grub is severe this year it is not considered likely that the same land will suffer next season. However, where the plough has been brought into operation on such land, or will be used in the near future, it would probably prove good policy to resow the area with grass immediately, owing to the possibility of further damage through the continued presence of grubs in the ground, but rather to plant such crops as rape, mangels or turnips. The chief egg-laying periods of tlie beetle are during the months of October to December and the growth of such crops as these leaves the ground sufficiently bare to discourage tlie laying of eggs on the land covered by them.

There was barely a handful of visitors to Westshore on Sunday, states the

“Napier Daily Telegraph,” but those few who were there enjoyed a sight perhaps never to be seen again. A. large flock of black swans were resting 1 on the sea. No doubt many sportsmen were at favourite haunts in search of such birds. They should have done their searching at Westshore, though it would doubtless have been well-nigh impossible to get within shooting distance. The birds, evidently resting m the course of a migratory flight, had probably been attracted by the smooth surface‘of the sea. which was unusually calm. Their numbers were difficult to estimate, but.there must have been at least 1500 or 2000. They were divided into ten or a dozen groups, about 200 yards off the shore, and stretching over a distance of more than a mile.

After the first few weeks of a projected year’s stay in New Zealand Mr D. M. Sherwood, a London accountant, summarised his impressions of New Zealand and its people in three sentences (says, the Dunedin “Star”). They were: A feeling of optimism in direct contrast to the general tone of opinion in other countries lie Had recently visited; an absence of poverty as they knew it in England; the inclination of the people to live too vicariously on the glamour that was Britain’s instead of building up tlieir own national destiny. Considering the size of the population the roads, railways, and hotels in New Zealand were surprisingly good, said Mr Sherwood, who has formed a very definite opinion that when the depression lifts New Zealand will become one of the tourist centres of the world. In the Dominion one could do much more on a small income than at Home, but luxuries such as motor-cars and telephones were naturally much more expensive. New Zealand had none of the violent contrasts of a wealthy minority and a great mass of povertystricken people. Levelling in life was very apparent in the Dominion. Eleven tenders were considered by the Power Board at this week’s meeting in connection with the provision of a Diesel engine and generator for the extension of the stand-by plant at Springlands, for which a loan of £22,000 i 3 shortly to be raised (reports the “Express”). It was eventually decided to accept that of Messrs A. and T. Burt, who quoted £12,545. The engine will, be a two-stroke six-cylinder one of Belfast manufacture. The other tenders ranged from £13,243 to £23,000.

In tile course of his address last evening at the School of Music, Dr. David Lang said that never had ho seen more beautiful scenery than that on the Cook Strait Airways route between Wellington and Nelson.

In order to meet the convenience of motorists who are unable to relicense their vehicles during ordinary business hours, the Chief Post Oliice, Nelson, and the Post Office, Motueka, will remain open for motor relicensing business until 8 p.m. each day during the period 25th to 30th instant, inclusive. Good progress is being made with the extension of Calliope dock, Devonport, and it is expected that the work will be finished in a few weeks’ time (says ! tlie “Star”). The excavation work involved in lengthening the dock is nearly completed, and the task of lining the excavated portion with concrete will be begun almost immediatly. The enlarged dock will be able to accom. module the two large new cruisers, 11.M.5. Leander and 11.M.5. Achilles, that will shprtly replace 11.M.5. Dunedin and H..YI.S. Diomede oil the New Zealand naval station. About. 1800 cubic yards of concrete and sandstone-at the head of dock have been excavated. Mr W. Williamson, of Christchurch, is the contractor, the contract price for the improvements being £2489. Winter Coates for College Girls in heavy cjuality navy velour cloth. Well tailored with neat collar and rovers. Stocked in all sizes from 27ineh to 44 inch. 29/6 to 47/6 at McKay’s.*

A popular dance will be held in the Velma Hall on Saturday next when Lex Logan and his dance band de luxe will supply the music and will have the benefit of the amplifier. The programme will consist of modern and. old time dances and there will be a Monte Carlo dance and novelties will be distributed amongst the dancers. Patrons are assured of a pleasant evening. McKay’s for Evening Wear—Model Evening Gowns in attractive cloques and tinsel run crepes. Boautifullv cut and designed. Lovely shades of Green, New blue. Apricot and Amethyst S.S.W. to W. 59/6 to 5 guineas.* A “Bring and Buy” Sale is being held at St. Barnabas’ rchooiroom next Saturday afternoon, commencing at 2.30 o’clock. Attractive Dinner and Bridge Frocks, elegantly cut on slimming lines, with long sleeves. Velvets, new crepes, and blistered cloques. In delightful shades of Wine. Bottle, Nut-Brown, and New Blue. S.S.W. to O.S. At /McKay’s 69/6 to 6 guineas.* McKay’s for Girls’ College Wear. We have large stocks of all regulation garments in all sizes. Only best quality stocked, and at reasonable prices.*

Although statements to the contrary have been published., the impression still exists in the minds of some people that under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act Amendment Bill all people in' employment must form unions of which membership will be compulsory. As the Hon. W. W. buu.. s .ii3j punas out, the Bill does not compel all workers to form new unions. Clerks, gl'ocerg assistants and so on need not form unions. It is compulsory, however, for employees to join an existing union if they are engaged in an industry to which an award or agreement relates.

The Imperial Communication Company's Cable Ship Recorder, formerly the Iris, will arrive in Wellington early next week to commence cable repair on. two of the telegraphic cables crossing Cook Strait. The first to receive attention is the No. 5 cable running from Lyall Bay, Wellington, to White’s Bay, near Blenheim. This singe-core cable used for telegraph communication has given good service for 30 years, and this is only the second occasion on which it lias required attention. One break is three miles front the Lyall Bay end and another twelve miles further out. The Recorded will afterwards repair the No. 1 telegraph cable running from Oterangi Bay to White’s Bay, a fault having developed offshore from White’s Bay. Although the actual fault is only three miles out, it will be necessary to replace twelve miles of the cable because so much has been deeply buried in the. detritus carried down by the Wairau River.