GENERAL ITEMS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 10 February 1938, Page 6

GENERAL ITEMS

Foxton Flaxmills to Close Notice of the intention of owners to close down this week has been received by employees of three Foxton flaxmills. Mr D. R. Ogilvy, president of the New Zealand Flaxmillers’ Association, said that throughout the Dominion mills were closing down, some in fact having already closed. The closing of the mills was due to the fact that millers were unable to sell their hemp owing to the depressed state of the market. He was not in a position to say what was likely to happen, but he was much concerned with the position in Foxton. Prices of Petrol An announcement that it was the intention to fix the price for petrol throughout the whole of the Dominion in due course, was made by the Hon. W. Lee Martin, in a letter written on behalf of the Minister of Industries and Commerce received at a meeting of the Automobile Association (Auckland), states a Press Associaiton message from Auckland In introducing Mie regulations fixing the price of motor spirit in various areas, a very careful ! and extensive investigation was carried out, the Minister stated. At the present time investigations had almost been completed in the remaining districts to be covered by regulations. The Minister gave an assurance that everything possible, would be done to introduce t’,2 new regulations at an early date. Union Bank of Australia The Union Bank of Australia yesterday opened a branch in Farish street within a few yards of its first premises in Wellington, which was the first bank in Wellington, being opened in 1841. Atkinson Observatory If the sky ir. fairly clear to-morrow evening the Observatory will be open to the public from 8 to 10 o’clock. None of the planets will be well placed for observation, but the moon will be at a favourable phase, and if conditions allow the Beehive, the nebula in Orion and other objects may be viewed. Virtues of an Anaesthetic

“All these gifts of better materialistic conditions are insufficient if the major problem be left unsolved,” said Professor Algie, organiser of the Auckland Provincial Freedom Association, in the course of a recent address. “They are but palliatives. They have some of the virtues of an anaesthetic. They put the people to sleep—for a time.” The malady from which the community was suffering was the selfish, greedy and conflicting claims of individuals. Capital and labour were forced into hostile camps, and employer and employee were often as the Poles apart. Some were making it their business to broad-* en the gulf between capital and and to foster by all sorts of means the altitude of enmity which made reconciliation and harmony utterly and completely impossible State Socialism, with all its restrictions, its regimentation, its domination and control by bureaucratic parties, might go a long way towards a solution if man were a mere (nachine. Man, however, was not a machine; he was free, and believed that he transcended the State and that the State existed for him so that he might develop to the fullest extent the qualities that befitted a man who had a belief in immortality That was the conception to which our efforts should be directed. Agricultural Statistics • The annual collection of agricultural and pastoral statistics is now being undertaken by the police in the Nelson district, and occupiers of holdings would facilitate the work if they returned their schedules promptly. Mushrooms The warm, soaking rain at the weekend was followed by the appearance oi mushrooms in abundance on the pasture lands south of Auckland, says t/»e “Herald.” Large supplies have been gathered in the last two days on some farms, while on others there are more than are required for the farmhouse or for the market. At Pukekohe some residents have even found enough mushrooms oil their lawns for a meal. A Delicate Subject The age of a woman witness in a wages claim before the Auckland Magistrate’s Court this week became a necessary point in evidence (reports the "Herald”). “It is a delicate question, as I well realise from former experience, but am I to presume that you are over 21?’ the magistrate, Mr C. R. Orr Walker, asked the witness, who nodded. Smiles appeared around the courtroom, but the answer did not satisfy the Court. "Is it long since you were* 21?” the magistrate inquired. "Several years,” was the vague reply. Pohutu Geyser After creating a record by playing 210 times during November, 1936, Pohutu Geyser has played only three times and it is now almost 12 months since its last display, says the ‘‘N.Z. Herald.” The geyser commenced a period of quiescence ori 30th November, 1936. showing no signs of activity until 17th May, 1937, when it gave three shots of no great height. The two small unnamed geysers between Pohutu and Waikorohihi appear to have affected them, for it has been noticeable that since the two vents have become active, neither of the larger geysers has given displays.

“Fantastic.!” “Fantastica” is the title of a book rl imaginative drawings by Leo Bensemann, an Old Boy of Nelson College These are of considerable merit, and represent much progress in this particular kind of work. More will doubtless he seen from Mr Bensemann in the future. Tne book is modern in its conception and artisti.’ in its tret tment.