GENERAL ITEMS !

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 19 September 1936, Page 8

GENERAL ITEMS !

The new D.H. Rapide for Cook Strait Airways arrived at Wellington yesterday from England, via Auckland, by the liner Tamaroa. After being unshipped at Wellington the machine will be brought to Nelson for assembly. The framed water colours by McCormack, used by Mr Waghorn in his lecture at the Suter Art Gallery, were lent,by courtesy of Mrs J. Shields, of Nelson, while the smaller reproductions in colour were from the proprietors of “Art in New Zealand.”

A small crowd of spectators at Smeed’s quarry, on the edge of the Waikato river above Tuakau, who assembled to witness the firing of a twoton charge of gelignite, saw a far more spectacular sight than they expected (states a Press Association message from Auckland received today). The charge "blew out,” and in addition to the fall of a large expanse of rock from the cliff, a considerable quantity of rocks was hurled through a three-roomed cottage situated about 200 yards from the cliff. The face collapsed beneath the terrific bombardment of rock. The quarry workshops standing a little further back were damaged extensively, a shed in front being completely wrecked. Luckily all the persons present were well away from the danger zone.

The Loyal Howard Lodge, M.U.1.0.0. F., will hold their fortnightly dance in the Oddfellows Hall tonight. A very attractive programme has been arranged, including the Log Cabin, Gypsy tap, Fox trot, King’s Own Waltz, and all the old favourites. Eight prizes are offered for the novelty dances, and a good supper will be provided. Mr H. Williams’s orchestra will supply the music. All patrons are promised a very enjoyable evening. Bro. G. J. Housiaux will carry out the duties of M.C.

The Regimental Band will give the first of a series of free concerts tomorrow (Sunday) in the Queen’s Gardens, commencing at 2.30 p.m.

An interesting instance of the value of wireless communication with Cook Strait Airways’ ’planes occurred this morning. When the early morning ’plane was over Blenheim the pilot was advised not to come down through the clouds which were too low, but that the route was clear via Top House. The ’plane accordingly returned and flew to Blenheim via the southern route.

On their return from the Adelaide Centenary visit the delegation of New Zealand farmers attended the Melbourne Show yesterday, states a Press Association cable from Melbourne. Before leaving for the Dominion, Mr J. H. Rose (Otago), the leader, expressed admiration at the high standard of stock exhibited and the vastness of the organisation.

With the expressed intention of assisting the Government, members of the Auckland Builders and General Labourers’ Union decided at a meeting to suggest that periodic conferences between representatives of the Government and the workers should be arranged, states a Press Association message from Auckland. In this way it was suggested that the confidence and co-operation of the workers would be maintained. Mr T. Stanley, the union secretary, said much of the discontent among the workers was probably due to misunderstanding. The union believed that if the suggested course were followed industry would enjoy a smoother progress. .

Although the shining cuckoo has not been' reported as having made its appearance in Auckland this year after its long flight from overseas, Mrs H. H. Asher, of Port Jackson, Cape Colville, told the “New Zealand Herald” that she heard the characteristic song of the bird on Tuesday morning and saw the first of the birds to arrive in the bush. Shining cuckoos were seen and heard in Auckland suburban gardens about the middle of August last year.

“That is an appalling state of affairs; you might as well not have brakes at all,” said Mr W. R. Me-: Kean, S.M., to a truck owner who was charged in the Auckland Magistrate’s Court with having defective brakes. ,It was stated that at 20 miles an hour the truck required 100 ft to stop when the footbrake was used, or 110 ft for the handbrake. “What possibility would you have had of avoiding an accident?” asked the magistrate, imposing a fine of £2 and costs.

An enthusiastic Labour supporter created endless amusement at Mr F. W. Doidge’s political meeting at Penrose, says the “Herald.” He kept moving from one part of the hall to another and maintained verbal exchanges with the candidate The climax arrived when he flourished two £1 notes, and marching up to the platform, offered to make a wager with Mr Doidge that he would not win the Manukau seat. The candidate laughingly declined the invitation “to cover the notes.”

Whitebait is rot yet being netted in any quantity in the Waikato River, and is consequently still selling.at a high pr'ce. The season has so far been one of the poorest for many years, but it is thought; that with warmer weather, fhe fish may now become more plentiful. Early supplies from Tuakau have in recent years met with steadily increasing demand from Southern markets, which has had the effect of keeping the price at a high level until fairly late in the season.

The Tasman Social, Club’s second annual ball will be held on Wednesday, 23rd September, at 8 p.m. It will be held in the Central Shed, Tasman, and good music and a good supper will be provided.

The Richmond W.D.F.U. annual dance will be held on Wednesday, 23rd September, at 8 p.m. An invitation is extended to all.

Alt arrangements are complete for the Nelson Hockey Association’s complimentary dance to their visitors, the Blenheim (men) hockey representatives in the Velma Hall to-night. Old time and modern dances will figure on the programme, and Lex Logan’s Dance Band will be in attendance.