LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20114, 27 November 1928, Page 8

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

The ratable capital values of tlie districts served by tho Auckland ElectriePowcr Board were given in a letter received by tho board yesterday from the Valuation Department. Tho figures showed tho Auckland City valuation, at March 31, 1928, as £44,334,688 (the city portion being valued at £26,536,583). Tho total valuation of the whole district is £73,537,262.

"I have been broadcast for the fust time in my life," said tho Right Rev. Professor Howitson, moderator of the General Assembly, in speaking to the gathering in tho Town Hall last evening of novel experiences that had befallen him since coming to Auckland. "It reminded mo of the first timo 1 prayed down an ear trumpet. (Laughter.) 1 had tho utmost difficulty—l say it with reverence —in remembering to whom I was speaking. If I had not forgotten tho machino when speaking at St. David's last evening I don't know what would havo become of me. I am not forgetting it now," he continued, "for tho item I have to announce will bo of very great interest to the listeners-in, namely tho offertory."

A conferenco of traffic managers and district engineers in tho North Island division of tho Railway Department will be held in Auckland to-day. About 10 district representatives will attend, and Mr. E. Casey, divisional superintendent for tho North Island, will preside.

Two notices of motion will come before the Auckland City Council on Thursday evening. Ono is in tho narno of Mr. T. Bloodworth, who will ask that all members of the council should bo provided with copies of tho report or reports of tho officers who inspected tho Auckland Power Board's books with respect to power charges for the tramways. Mr. Bloodworth also desires copies of correspondence which has passed between tho board and the council on tho same matter. Mr. W. H. Murray has given notice of motion, in which ho seeks to bo provided with a verbatim copy of the evidence given beforo tho special committee which recently investigated tho charges of waste and extravagance levelled by him against tho city administration, particularly the engineer's department.

Seriously affected as the result of accidental gas poisoning on October 16, Mrs. P. Lynds, aged 75, of Hastings Parade, Devonport, died at the Auckland Hospital on Sunday. Mrs. Lynds, with her husband, who is aged 79 years, was overcome by gas whilo sleeping at the residenco of their son-in-law, Mr. A. G. E. Watson. Mr. Lynds recovered quickly after being taken from tho room in the morning, but Mrs. Lynds, who had been in poor health, showed little response to treatment.

A bush fire on a prominent hill to the enst of Bombay, 30 miles south of Auckland, made a glare ori Saturday night which was visible for many miles. 'J lie fiio was burning on a wido front, native bush and scrub on the hillside being consumed. Settlers with piggeries on the edge of tho bush spent a strenuous time preventing the fire from destroying the piggeries.

Several hooka belonging lo Die Dunedin Library, which had previously been reported lost, havo been found in tho stock of the lending department of the Public Library. One novel has been missing for ten years, another has not been seen for over two years, while a third volume, complete with issue card, was recently received by post. Some little timo ago a missing volume was recovered from the stock of a dealer. Instructions havo been given by tho committee to notify all dealers that all books bearing the stamp of the Public Library aro the property of the City Council, and cannot legally be offered for sale by any private person.

After a period of very unfavourable weather conditions, shearing is now in full swing in tlie Manawatu district, and the indications aro that the clip will be heavier than was the case last year. Flocks have dono exceedingly well this season. It is generally stated that there is less trouble from bidi-bidi than in picvious seasons, owing to tho fact that the weed has not dried off so early, and that in its green state it, does comparatively little damage.

A Christchurch elector, in casting a declaration voto, found a new profession for herself, and provided a little amusement for tho returning officer and his staff. She described her profession as "retired spinster."

Tho Mayor of Wellington, liko other mayors, lias many callers, some seeking assistance, others airing grievances, others merely wanting to talk. But now and again thcro aro really bright passages. Last Thursday a deputation of Indian residents called on Mr. Troup and announced that they had called to ask him to accept, as from the Wellington Indian Association, contributions amounting to £lB (o tho Art Gallery and Museum Fund. Tho Mayor thanked the contributors warmly. The spokesman said that tho Indians were very pleased to be able to help and, he continued, 'T wish to say that any time you have a fund for a good object the Indian Association will help." ''l am very pleased." replied tho Mayor; "it comes with all tho greater surprise because it has been unsolicited. Wo have now had subscriptions from many of the national groups—the Greeks, Syrians, Danes, Chinese and others. It ail shows the right spirit."

The Delicious apple, one that is among tho most popular in New Zealand, is not favoured in Southern England. When commenting on this fact at a meeting of Poverty Bay orcliardists tho other evening, Mr. 11. E. Stephens, overseas representative of the New Zealand Fruit Control Board, stated that this year Now Zealand Delicious wcro coming into favour, but tho frequency of tho brown core, and tho fact that much of tho fruit must have been immature, had spoiled tho salo of tho remaining quantities. He hoped, however, that the bad reputation I hat a portion of this variety held in England this year would bo outlived.

"In entering Now Zealand from Australia I wa3 amazed t>y the simple courtesy of His Majesty's servants in thoir efforts to help us comply with a few sensible legal requirements," writes Mr. J E. Hogg, of New York, in an American paper. "Thoy trimmed tho red tapo to almost nothing. The customs officers were almost apologetic for asking me to open tho lids of our trunks—and closo them again. The. immigration officers dismissed us with a few perfunctory questions nnd h rubber-stamp mark on our passports. Tho customary examination for mental fitness was waived upon presentation oJ evidence that I had recently complied with limilar regulations in Australia."