GENERAL ITEMS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 15 April 1939, Page 6

GENERAL ITEMS

Centennial —Not Centenary

Although good reasons have been given for the Government’s selection of “centennial” as a noun in preference to the variously pronounced word “centenary,” many folk, including some in official positions, cling to “centenary” (states “New Zealand Centennial News”). At a conference in Wellington in March, 1936, Mr J. W. Heenan, Un-der-Secretary of Internal Affairs, explained why the Minister had approved a recommendation of the National Centennial Committee for the Government’s adoption of the word “Centennial.” “It was agreed,” said Mr Heenan, “that to save constant reference to ‘Centeenary’ (with the stress on the ‘teen’), ‘Centenary’ (with the stress on the ‘ten’), and ‘Centenary’ (with the stress on the ‘Cent’), we should adopt a word which called for only one pronunciation. So it was agreed to use a perfectly good word, the educational use of which as a noun as well as an adjective was settled. ‘Centennial’ is a very euphonious word, one that is established in other countries and one that for all general purposes could be usefully adopted.” Summer Time Changes A paragraph was published recently which called attention to the relative change of time between New Zealand and European countries consequent upon the reversion of New Zealand to standard time on 30th April and the institution of summer time in Great Britain on 16th April. It omitted to point out that broadcasts from the European radio stations are carried out without relation to summer time changes. Great Britain times her broadcasts by Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year, for instance and Germany and Italy by Central European Time, which is one hour ahead of Greenwich. The only difference for radio listeners will be that a broadcast from Daventry at noon, which at present is received here at midnight, will be heard at 11.30 p.m when New. Zealand reverts to standard time. Turtles Protected Turtles in New Zealand waters are orotected. Advice to this effect has been received by Mr V. Salek. the honorary secretary of the New Zealand Deep Sea Anglers’ Association, from the Department of Industries and Commerce (states the Auckland “Star") The Departmental communication states that both the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the luth or leathery turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) are strictly protected, and that the taking of them, or having them in possession, is an offence under the Animals Protection and Game Act. Turtles are only occasionally seen in New Zealand waters, and are evidently stray specimens from warmer seas further to the north. This vear two turtles were caught off the eastern coast of North Auckland. The Departmental intimation is of Interest to anglers in view of the fact that next year New Zealand is to stage a world deep-sea game-fishing contest