LOCAL AND GENERAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22845, 28 September 1937, Page 8

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Prevalence of Borer Inspectors engaged on the housing survey in the older parts of Auckland have been astonished at the prevalence of borer in wooden dwellings. Their experience was that very few houses of any age were not found riddled with the pest. Tlio degree of infestation was much greater than they had expected. Hardy Swimmers Although swimming does not usually become popular until after Labour Day a number of enthusiasts entered the water at Cheltenham yesterday morning. The fresh wind and the chilly water soon took effect, however, and the bathers spent some time racing \ip and down the beach in frantic endeavours to warm themselves. Monterey's Passengers Practically a full complement of passengers is being carried by the Matson liner Monterey, which is en route from San Francisco to Auckland, via ports. The Monterey, which will arrive hero on Friday morning, has about 700 passengers, of whom about 150 are landing at Auckland. More than 120 will join the liner here for Sydney. Centre Lines on Highway ♦

The painting of white centre lines on all bends of tho Great South Boad between Penrose and Papakura was recommended in a report adopted last night by the Otahuhu Borough Council. Tho report urged this course as a road safety measure, it being considered a factor in tending to reduce traffic accidents. It was decided to submit tho recommendation to the Main Highways Board.

Japanese Steamer One of the vessels which inaugurated the Yamashita Kisen Kaisha Line's service from Japan to New Zealand, the steamer Chifuku Maru arrived at Auckland from Miike yesterday afternoon on her last voyage before she is transferred to another run. The Chifuku Maru will be replaced by the steamer Moku Maru, which will arrive here on her maiden voyage toward the end of the year.

Ship lor Vanikoro An unusual port of call for ft ship leaving Auckland, Vanikoro, in the Santa Cruz Group, will be the destination of the steamer James Cook when she clears port to-morrow. Vanikoro is regularly visited by steamers from Australia, its chief export being kauri timber. This will be the cargo to be taken by the James Cook, which will load logs for Melbourne. The James Cook will carry mails from Auckland.

Civil Cases Struck Out Five civil cases were set down for hearing in the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, but in none of them did counsel appear. Mr. W. R. McKcan, S.M., the bailiff and the clerk were the only officials present, and the cases were all struck out. Dominion Day was observed as a holiday by the Supreme Court and legal offices yesterday, but the Police Court and Magistrate's Court were open as usual. Taxation and Jaded Nerves "You have not shown me how I can reduce my taxation," said the chairman, Sir Francis Frazer, with a smile, at yesterday's sitting of the special transport tribunal, when an expert witness was giving elaborate evidence on company taxation. " I am afraid that would be very difficult, as we have no stock-in-trade to write down," interposed counsel. "However, there should be some allowance for our jaded nerves."

Minister Enjoys Milk Ration The spectacle of the Minister of Education, the Hon. P. Fraser, consuming a half-pint bottle of milk among the scholars provided a very human touch to his visit to the Otaliuhu Technical High School yesterday. Mr. Fraser completed a tour of the grounds as the children were assembled for the distribution of the daily milk ration, and to their delight he sipped a bottle in their midst. He said ho found the quality and the quantity both very satisfying.

Orderly Crowds In spite of the large number of visitors t8 the city over the weekend only five men were arrested for being intoxicated, while two others were arrested at Eden Park for being disorderly while drunk. Gratification was expressed by police officials, who remarked that the city was remarkabb' free from crime during the weekend. Except for one or two incidents, when police intervention was required, the crowds were exceptionally orderly and amenable to discipline. Otahuhu Municipal Block Progress returns of the postal ballot of Otahuhu ratepayers on a proposal to acquiro a site for a municipal block were presented to the Borough Council last night. The town clerk, Mr. R. W. F. Wood, stated that of the 1100 papers issued, fully 500 had been returned. Of these 343 ratepayers favoured the project, 134 recorded opposition, and 41 were informal. It was decjded to authorise the Finance Committee to consider taking action on the final result of the ballot if available by next week. Misplaced Sympathy Among the fines imposed at tho Rotary Club luncheon yesterday on members for various "offences" during tho past week was one inflicted on the programme organiser. "I see there is an item on my agenda to offer the club's sympathy to the Springboks on their defeat in Saturday's match, said the president, Mr. H. T. Thomas, amid laughter. "Perhaps the programme was arranged before Saturday, but that docs not condone the offence," added Mr. Thomas, imposing the fine.

Record Day at Zoo The best attendance for two yeara was recorded at tho Auckland Zoo on Sunday, when 3094 people took advantage of tho brilliant sunshine to make a tour of the gardens and exhibits. Many of the visitors were strangers to Auckland who had travelled from all parts of tho North Island to see the third test match at Eden Park and had remained in the city for the week-end. With the return of warmer weather increasing numbers of local residents also will be taking advantage of their opportunities to visit ono of tho city's show places. Team-work in Education Tho difficulty which speakers find in employing analogies which are readily appreciated by hearers was astutely overcome by the Minister of Education, the IJon. P. Eraser, yesterday when addressing pupils at the Otahuhn Technical High School. Mr. Eraser was stressing tho need for co-operation between pupils and staff in educational matters. "You must have team-work," said Mr. Eraser. Then, after a slight pause he added: "Just like that shown by the Springboks on Saturday," and an immediate burst of anplause indicated that the point haa been fully grasped..