LOCAL AND GENERAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22224, 26 September 1935, Page 10

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Railway Bridge Fire Sparks from an engine are thought to have caused a small outbreak of fire in the planking of the Parnell overhead railway bridge yesterday afternoon. The Parnell Fire Brigade extinguished the flames with a few buckets of water.

University Examinations The university examinations for degrees and diplomas will commence on Friday, November 1, and end on Thursday, November 21. The university entrance, school leaving certificate and similar examinations will begin on Monday, December 2, and end on Tuesday, December 10.

Educating a Magistrate Laughter enlivened proceedings at the Magistrate's Court, Wellington, when during the hearing of a case Mr. E. D. Mosley, S.M., asked, "Whore in the Imperial Hotel?" "In Cuba Street, opposite the White Swan, if you know where that is!" replied counsel. " I am learning very rapidly," said the magistrate. The Albany Bridge Construction work on the new bridgo at Albany is practically completed, but considerable work remains to be done at the approaches, as the new bridge is considerably higher than the old structure. On several occasions red danger flags erected by the Automobile Association (Auckland) in the vicinity of the" bridge have been removed without authority. Battle Practice Postponed

Owing to the high wind and rough seas in the Hauraki Gulf yesterday the battle practice to have been carried out by H.M.S. Dunedin and H.M.S. Diomede in co-operation with Air Force seaplanes was postponed until to-day. The sloop Wellington will leave for the gulf at seven o'clock this morning towing the practice target, and the cr.uisers will sail at noon.

Tire Brigadesmen's Wages The restoration of the remainder of the reduction in the wages of members of the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Brigade will be made on October 1, according to a statement made at yesterday's meeting of the Fire Board. A reduction of 10 per cent in brigademen's wages was imposed in July, 1931. Last October effect was given to a decision by the board to make a restoration of 5 per cent. Wireless at Power Stations

The Public Works Department has installed radio telephone sets at the Mangahao and Waikaremoana power stations. As the various generating stations are now linked for the supply of power, it is essential communication between them should be quickly effected at all times, and the telephone equipment has been installed for that purpose. Excellent results were obtained during the tests.

Young Woman's Injury Although stated to be still fairly serious, the condition of Miss Winifred Miller, aged 22, who was found lying semi-conscious in Remuera Road at about 7.30 on Tuesday morning, was reported last night to have shown considerable improvement. Miss Miller left her home at 62 Orakei Road, Remuera, to cycle to work, and it is believed that she fell from the machine which was lying near her when she was found by a passing motorist. One of her arms was broken.

Smoking in Public Places The fact that it was contrary to the City Council regulations for a person to smoke in any building licensed for public meetings; or as assembly rooms, a theatre, music hall, dancing hall, or for any public performances or amusements, unless permission had been granted by the town clerk, was mentioned by the superintendent, Mr. W. L. Wilson, at yesterday's meeting of the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board. "People who smoke in the Town Hall are breaking the by-laws," said Mr. Wilson.

Few Spring Lambs' The supply of spring lambs continues to be abnormally short and although graziers were tempted by recent fancy prices to send in a larger number last week there were only 25 at the Westfield sale yesterday. Active competition ruled for these and the first to be sold realised the very high price of 34s 6d, while several of the others sold for 30s and over. Those farmers wlio make a practice of selling direct to the butchers are finding it very hard to meet even a small demand and it will be some time before lamb in quantity is in tbe shops.

British Regard for Law A strong point in the successful administration of British justice was mentioned by Professor R. M. Algie, addressing the New Zealand section of the Australasian Institute of Secretaries last night. He said there was always the feeling deep in the individual that he indirectly enforced the law, and to assist the police was to perform a duty as a citizen. That was not the case in the United States, where the attitude toward justice had no doubt been impaired by the influx of various peoples. There, the enforcement of law seemed to be regarded as simply a matter between the police and the criminal.

Northcote High School A letter from the Minister of Education. the Hon. S. G. Smith, read at a meeting of the Birkenhead Borough Council last night, acknowledged receipt of a joint letter from the Birkenhead and Northcote Borough Councils and the Waitemata County Council, asking that favourable consideration should be given to raising the status of the Northcote District High School to that of a technical high school. "1 have to say in reply," the Minister stated, "that the matter will receive careful consideration, but that so far no recommendation appears to have been made in this direction by the Education Board of the district." The Mayor, Mr. G. Mills, said lie had taken up the matter with the educational authorities. Speed Test For Trucks

New models of five different makes of motor truck competed in a speed test up Pukekohe Hill yesterday afternoon. The purpose was to assist the Pukekohe Fire Board 111 choosing a newfire engine, for which the board earlier in the day had arranged a loan of £9OO, at 3} per cent interest, and repavabje over ten years. For the first miles, from the business area to the foot of the hill, all the trucks made fast time, but up the steep grade of approximately a mil© to the top, the pace was very much slower. Each vehicle was loaded with the equivalent weight of the fire brigade and equipment, and one failed to negotiate the incline, stopping about three-quarters of the way up. The fastest time over the full distance of approximately 2i miles was minutee.