LOCAL AND GENERAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22515, 4 September 1936, Page 10

LOCAL AND GENERAL

First Sight o! Train To reach the ago of 14 before seeing a railway train is an unusual experience in New Zealand, but this actually happened in Southland last week, when a girl from a district near Glenorchy went on a visit to Invercargill. Paradoxically, the girl had been for a flight in an aeroplane, which is not the experience of many children who have lived near railways all their lives. i Electoral Boundaries "There has just, been a census taken and, there is 110 telling, tbe South Island may lose another seat," said the Hon. Adam Hamilton, M.P., in an address at Riverton, Southland, recently. Nothing had yet been announced, he said, but it seemed that the South Island would lose a seat, on transfer to the Wellington suburbs. Although it was regrettable, it was quite evident that the trend of the Dominion's population was toward the cities.

School Children and Bicycles In a report to the Auckland Education Board yesterday it was stated that 7330 Auckland children were using bicycles regularly to go to school. Of these, 1284 lived up to half a mile from school, 1042 from half to three-quarters of a mile, 1311 from three-quarters to one mile, and 3693 over a mile away. The chairman, Mr. T. U. Wells, said the board was constantly receiving requests for the provision of bicycle sheds, which on the figures would cost the board from 15s to 18s a bicycle. Albert Park Fountain and Fish The fountain pond in Albert Park was emptied and cleaned this week, part of the task of the workmen being the capturo of a number of goldfish for temporary safekeeping. Four boxes of new water lilies were placed around the central fountain head, which was then brought into play while the pond was refilled. The fish, no longer concealed under discoloured waters, are jigain an additional object of interest to park visitors, as well as other persons who make regular use of the park paths. Ferry Passengers Drenched Several men and women passengers on the 8.20 ferry boat from Devonport yesterday morning were drenched when a large wave unexpectedly struck the boat and swept along the lower deck. The water also entered the women's cabin, where th§ occupants received a heavy shower. Shrioks of dismay wero mingled with laughter as tho victims rushed for shelter, their more fortunate fellow-passengers apparently appreciating the humour of the incidont. Actually the sea was not rough, and this was the only wave that came on board.

Statements to Police Requested by counsel for plaintiff in a civil action ?n the Magistrate's Court yesterday to produce a statement made by defendant, Detective Finlay said he was instructed by the Commissioner of Police nftt to produce the statement unless by order of the Court. After hearing argument between opposing counsel on the matter, the magistrate, Mr. Wyvern Wilson, said only a Minister of the Crown could order that a document should not be produced, on the grounds of public policy. Witness should produce the statement. The statement was then read.

Anti-treating Move Falls An arrangement entered into by Wanganui hotel licensees to eliminate as from September 1 counter-lunch and the treating of seasoned customers quickly broke down. In some hotel bars notices had been posted intimating to customers that they need not expect tho licensees to treat regular customers. This caused general inquiries to see whether it was possible to find a hotel where tho regulation would not be enforced. Either through lack of unanimity among licensees or for some other cause there has been a hurried pulling down of notices from bar walls and business now proceeds as usual.

Speeds ol Motor-cars "A witness is not entitled to express an opinion unless he is an expert. I am still waiting to hear an expert on 'miles an hour,' but have not done so yet,'' said Mr. Justice Blair in the Supreme Court at Palmerston North, when a witness was asked by counsel how fast a car was going and the witness named a speed in miles an hour. "Everybody tries to tell us in miles an hour, but nobody knows anything about it," His Honor interposed. "Nobody knows how long a mile is, or how long an hour isi They cannot tell in miles an hour how fast a car is going. I used tp think I could, but I gave that up."

Island Oranges Scarce Supplies of Island oranges aro very short nt present, and as much as 28s and 80s a case was paid for the fruit by retailers in Auckland yesterday. The last shipment arrived nearly three weeks ago and, as no further supplies are due for well over a fortnight, the shortage is likely to becomo even mor«» acute. A shipment of South Australian oranges is expected next week and "this will ease the position a little. Hothouse tomatoes also aro in very short supply and are reaching high prices. A shipment of Island tomatoos is due to arrivo within a fortnight and is being eagerly awaited by retail dealers.

Wellington Railway Excursion Tickets for tho Auckland to Wellington railway excursion this week-end were in great demand as soon as booking opened about a week ago. The limited number available was rapidly disposed of and when tho train leaves for tho South to-night its 13 cars will bo fully reserved. Many would-be travellers have been disappointed during the past few days, and some have pencilled in their names for tho usual last-minute- cancellations. A shortage of- express rolling stock, made acute by the Main Trunk accident a few days ago, has forestalled any plan to provide a second train.

Transport In Defence That motor transport efficiently organised would ho invaluable in the event of hostilities was the view expressed by Mr. It. Darroch, secretary of the Wellington branch of the Navy League, at a recent meeting of the executive of tho branch. "The matter of transport is going to be a very important thing in tho defence of the Dominion," said Mr. Darroch. He said that on a recent trip to Wanganui he was struck by tho way tho population was crowded into tho cities, and it seemed that if motor were not efficient!} organised tho mortality in tho cities in the event of war would be great. New Zealand had a very high percentage of motor vehicles, and if these were called into service the population of the cities could be transferred to open country within a small time, thus reducing casualties considerably.