GENERAL ITEMS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 28 April 1937, Page 4

GENERAL ITEMS

It’s an 111 Wind . . . Nelson orchardists will have little reason to complain of the local market this year, for few of them have fruit left on their hands. The misfortune of the Hawkes Bay orchardists, whose crops were almost wiped out by frost and hail, meant good fortune tor the Nelson fruitgrower. It has been estimated that the loss of the northern crops has diverted at least 100.000 cases of Nelson apples and pears from export to the Dominion market. Large quantities of fruit have been sent to Auckland from this district, and the Wellington cool stores are full, largely of Nelson fruit. Once Drunk A first offender for drunkenness was convicted and discharged by Mr T. E. Maunsell, S.M., in tne Magistrate s Court yesterday. Harley street, a quiet, short lane that runs past the Police Station, was the unlucky locality for the otfender —right under the noses ol Force, as it were. The Magistrate asked him whether he had ever been drunk before, and received the accepted and expected answer. "Never been found drunk belore 1 suppose you mean,” said the Magistrate. "If you come back again jou will spend long er in gaol than you have this time.” Barred Prom DrivingDescribed by a tFaflic inspector as u menace on the road, Noel T. Hyde was deprived of his motor driver s license fot two years by the Magistrate, Mr Walton when charged with travelling at a speed that might have been dangerous to the public, states a Press Association message from Gisborne. The inspector added that the defendant was convicted last year for negligent driving and last month for dangerous driving. Besides being deprived of his license the defendant was fined £5, with costs.

Milk Scheme Deferred The inauguration of the scheme for Ihe provision ol milk at Greymouth schools will he held over until the spring, when it is expected that airangements will be completed lor an adequate supply of fresh milk, states a Press Association message. This decision is likely, according to Mr A. H. Me Kane, chairman of the committee, who announced lust night that it had received no tenders lrom dairymen tot the supply of 106 gallons of milk daily to local schools. Mr MeKane said it was regrettable that dairymen were unwilling to supply milk lor the benefit of the health of school children. Municipal Trading at Dunedin Results for the year of municipal trading departments were presented at a meeting of the Dunedin City Council, states a Press Association message. These showed profits totalling £50.392 Us 3d, a sum which was contributed to by all departments with the exception of the Roslyn and city sections ol the tramways department, which showed a total loss lor the year of £2563. compared with a prolit last year of C.TLW Last year's total profits were £53.925. A Mixed Cargo Abyssinian starlings. South American orioles, and 500 cases of Pitcairn Island oranges formed part of the cargo brought to Auckland by the liner Akaroa. a recent arrivel from Southampton. The oranges were loaded at night by the islanders when the Akaroa made her usual call at Pitcairn Island. The birds, which were brought ashore soon after the vessel berthed, are part of a collection of 200 consigned to Mr G. Rowland Hutchinson, of Auckland. The collection, which is worth about £SO. includes finches from South j America and Africa. Most of the varieties have been imported into New Zealand before, but some of the African and South American birds have not been seen in New Zealand. Eighteen cages housed the birds, which had been in England for a year. They were kept iu the butcher’s charge during the voyage. Only 5 per cent, were lost, and the remainder arrived in excellent condition.

No Coronation Celebrations for Taliuna “We are too close to Nelson city to carry out any local celebrations for the Coronation,” commented Mr M. O’Sullivan at last evening’s meeting of the Tahunanui Town Board. As Tahuna was regarded as a sububrb of Nelson, it appeared a farce to attempt anything of that nature. Mr C. Chamberlain considered that the people as a whole at Tahuna had no wish for a local function. ‘ But to demonstrate our loyalty, a flag must be procured, and hoisted on the apex of the Town Hall,” he concluded. It was resolved that this be done. Bacon Pig Shortage Bacon pigs are likely for the balance of the season to be in shorter supply than last year, according to a statement made by Mr W. A. Phillips, chairman of directors of the New Zealand Pig Marketing Association. “In view of the present market outlook for bacon weights,” he said, “I strongly urge our suppliers who may intend to send pigs away in the 101/120 class to make a special effort, at least with this class ol pig, to carry them on to baconer weights. To do this, the additional supplementary food and time required is small for the increased return that would be gained. While in sympathy with the drop in New Zealand’s production to 31st March, as against the figures for the corresponding period last year, our own supply has not yet equalled last season’s figures, it is holding up very well indeed and with the combined assistance and co-opera-tion of all concerned there is a fair prospect of finishing the season with an improvement on the position for last year.” Ingenious Device An ingenious device which will relieve housewives of the necessity for watching the clock when boiling the breakfast eggs has been invented by a young Dunedin man, Mr John Ewart. In appearance it resembles an electric water jug, and its purpose is to make the boiling of’ eggs an almost automatic process. Having filled ihe jug with water the housewife places the eggs in it, turns on the power, and adjusts an indicator to the number ot minutes for which the eggs are to be boiled. If she remains m the vicinity the ringing of a bell will tell her when the eggs are ready, but if she should move to anothei part ot the house and lorget them, she will find them nicely cooked on lier return. This is explained by the fact that, immediately after the boiling process has been completed, the water automatically drains away, and steam, circulating round the interior of the utensil, keeps the eggs warm until they are ready for use.

Commencing to-morrow (Thursday) night, the Loyal Nelson Lodge will be holding the first of a series of fortnightly dances in the Oddfellows’ Hall. The committee is sparing no pains to ensure patrons of a happy evening. Mr Harold Williams has been engaged to supply the music, and the floor is being specially prepared. The programme will consist of old-time favourites, interspersed with one steps, fox trots, and the Gypsy Tap.

Next Saturday evening in the Velma hall the Nelson Ambulance Division will hold another of its popular dances. A first-class programme has been drawn up with good prizes for the Monte Carlo and lucky spot competitions. Lex Logan’s popular Band de Luxe will provide all the latest dance hits, and combined with the usual first-rate supper an enjoyable evening’s entertainment is assured everyone.

The Molueka Chrysanthemum Show will be held in the Horticultural Hall on Friday, 30th April, when it is expected that a fine collection of chrysanthemums and other blooms will be on exhibition. Mrs Harry Atmore, of Nelson will officially open the show at 3 p.m. A good attendance is hoped for to ensure the success of the club’s enterprise.

Something new in wedding presents! Amongsi the gifts received by a young Auckland couple the other day, was a ihree-pound tin oi the famous cigarette tobacco, Riverhead Gold, and as both the bride and groom love a whiff, this very unconventional bridal offering was highly appreciated by them. Of the ordinary stereotyped wedding gifts there was no lack, and duplicates were as numerous as usual on these occasions. This big tin of “Riverhead” occupied a prominent place amongst the other things and attracted much attention. The donor of tiie tobacco has set an example well worthy of imitation. His present v ns one that any "happy pair” would be sure to welcome. Riverhead Gold, it is scarcely necessary to add, is the leading cigarette tobacco, another famous cigarette brand being Desert Gold, while for the pipe smoker the three blends, Cut Plug No, 10 (Bullshead), Cavendish, and Navy Cut No. 3 (Bulldog), are also universal favourites. You’ll find them on sale wherever you go, a convincing proof of their popularity. But intending buyers are cautioned to beware of imitations.*

Tahunanui Representative on rower Ron rd

The vacancy on the Wainiea Electric Power Board, created by the deatli ot the Tahunanui district representative. Mr F. W. Greenslade. has been filled by the selection of Mr J. Logan, the Tahunanui Town Board last evening confirming the appointment.

Duly on Mountain Equipment

Many visitors to New Zealand have suggested that a sport which is likeiy to be one of the country's big tourist attractions, skiing, is being severely cramped in its development by the very heavy import duty on equipment. Mountaineering equipment is also very heavily taxed. The Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand are endeavouring to obtain a reduction in import duties, and representatives of the federation have already waited on the Comptroller of Customs and the Acting Minister of Customs. The latter gave the question his favourable consideration. but intimated that nothing could be done until the next general revision of the tariff. The general manager of the Tourist and Publicity Department said that he would support rhe request of the Federation.

Fish Stories in London

Over-statements said to have been made by the London office of the New Zealand Government Tourist Department about the size of fish which visitors to New Zealand might expect to catch without much difficulty were the subject of friendly criticism by Dr. F. G. Cross, a visiting angler who has been in the Dominion since the end of last November. “I believe it is a mistake for them to tell potential visitors to New Zealand that trout averaging between 31b and 101 b, sometimes 151 b, can be caught here without difficulty,” he said to the ‘‘New Zealand Herald.” Dr. Cross is intrigued with New Zealand, and says that for his own part he is well satisfied with the fish he caught. His experience this year, mostly on the Waikato river, was very satisfying—his fish averaging 4|lb—but he met several English anglers who were a trifle disgruntled because they had failed to land any of the “big fellows” about which they heard so much in London.

Revenue from Opossums Regret that the Government took such a large proportion of the revenue from opossums and left so little for the acclimatisation societies was voiced hy the president, Mr F. E. McKenzie, at the annual meeting of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society, reports the "New Zealand Jerald.” Prior to 1930. said Mr McKenzie, £3500 of a total revenue of £7OOO from opossums was allocated to the societies, but the whole amount now went to the Consolidated Fund, a grant of £ISOO, of which the Auckland Society’s share last year was £139, being .made to the societies. Mr McKenzie said opossums were introduced and protected by acclimatisation societies, which were responsible for the establishment of the fur industry. Token Pennies Time was when advertising on coins was allowed, firms paying to have their names stamped on one side of pennies and halfpennies. Token pennies, as they were called, were then in common use. Half a dozen such coins were brought into “The Mail” office this morning by Mr G. J. Cullen of the Port, who is a collector of coins. Australian and New Zealand firms are represented on the pennies, which date back to 1857, and include one stamped with the name of J. M. Merrington and Co., wholesale and retail drapers and outfitters, Nelson.

Alfred Gould advertises details of an auction to be held next Monday at 1 p.m.*

Another successful dance was held in the Stoke Hall last night. Bright and popular music was supplied by the new Regal Dance Band which is becoming very popular with the dancing public. Mr Norm. Hollyman was M.C.

The public’s attention is drawn to the dance to be held at Wakefield on Saturday next, the Ist May. The new Regal Dance Band will supply the music. Both modern and old-time dances will be played qnd patrons are assured of a varied programme and an enjoyable evening’s entertainment.