LOCAL AND GENERAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22865, 21 October 1937, Page 12

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Arbor Day Fixed An early decision in fixing Arbor Day for next year has been made by the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. Parry. In response to an inquiry, tlie Minister has intimated that tho day will be observed on tho first Wednesday in August. This year the second Wednesday was chosen. Synod Concludes After devoting most of the afternoon to a discussion on the- cathedral project the third session of the 28th Synod of the Auckland Diocese concluded yesterday. After the motion dealing with the cathedral had been carried machinery business was disposed of and the session was brought to a close with tho blessing given by Archbishop Averill. Shearing Begins Early Favoured by ideal weather during tho past few days, shearing on dry sheep has begun on most of the larger holdings in the King Country. This is several weeks ahead of the usual time. The warm sunshine has brought up the yolk in the wool, and improved tho weight and value of the fleeces considerably. The yield promises to be exceptionally heavy. An Unusual Accident When a large packing capo which contained a motor-car fell off a truck at the corner of Beach Road and Customs Street yesterday afternoon, minor damage was done to a taxicab which was struck on tbe side by the falling case. If the taxi had not swung out sharply, the packing case would have broken the windows and possibly have injured those inside the car. Teaching His Horse to Swim Groups of interested spectators yesterday morning watched the efforts of an Orakei resident to teach his horse to swim. The animal, which was attached by a long rope to the stern of a dinghy rowed by the owner, manifested much reluctance, but, urged from the rear by small missiles thrown by some of tlie watchers, was at last induced to strike out to sea in businesslike fashion. j Rating Exemption A draft clause providing for the exemption from rates of the parklands in the Cornwall Park Estate, forwarded by a firm of solicitors, was approved by the One Tree Hill Borough Council last night. The Mayor, Mr. I. J. Goldstine, said that Mr. A. G. Osborne, M.P. for Manukau, would be asked to sponsor the clause, which would probably be included in tho Washing-up Bill. Spring Lamb in Good Supply Spring lambs have been coming forward in good mincers at the Westfield stock sales recently, and there is now a plentiful and constant supply in the various city shops.'The rates at present in operation for the sale of spring lamb, as determined by the Auckland Master Butchers' Association, are as follows:—Forcquarter, Is 4d per lb; loin. Is 6d; hindquarter, Is 6d; leg, Is Bd. Warship's Refit After having been in Calliope Dock for several weeks undergoing her biennial refit, the flagship of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, I H.M.S. Achilles, will come out of dock ! and go to Calliope Wharf to-morrow I morning. On November 3 she will leave I for her summer cruise of southern ports I and at Lyttelton will fall in with H.M.S. Leander, both warships visitj ing several ports after that in company. Price of Petrol A decision to enter a strong protest against any suggestion to increase the price of petrol was made at last night's meeting of the council of the Automobile Association (Auckland). The council decided to make strong representations to the Government through the North Island Motor Union. The matter was the subject of a fairly long discussion in committee, and the resolution was later confirmed in open council. Omen of Dry Summer Evidence in support of the theory that the present summer is likely to be a particularly dry one is provided in the fact that tho wharangi, a. shrub belonging to the fuchsia family, is in full bloom on the Taupiri mountain. The wharangi blooms at intervals of about seven years, and when in flower is regarded by the Maoris as a sure sign of dry weather. So convinced are some settlers that there will be a shortage of feed in consequence of the dry spell that they are reducing their holdings of cattle to minimum requirements. Rising Costs "This is just another instance of the upward trend of costs," said the Mayor of One Tree Hill, Mr. I. J. Goldstine, at a meeting of the borough council last night, when advice was received from the City Council that in future any local body requiring the services of city traffic officers would be called upon to pay at not less than overtime rates. With regard to control at Alexandra Park on the occasion of trotting meetings, the charge for each officer, for the five hours on duty, would bo 255. The town clerk, Mr. A. Leese, said tho charge had previously been 21s. j . Cherry Blossom

Many Auckland streets are known for the beauty of their trees: the simple dignity of the Princes Street poplars, the cool retreat under the plane trees that meet overhead in Alfred Street, the alternate kowhai and pohutukawa trees of the lower Domain Drive, the fine avenue, in Coronation Road. At the present time, however, one of the most beautiful streets must he. Clive Road, leading from Mountain Road to Mount Kden. The cherry trees with which it is lined are now in full flower and the warm sun has brought out the sweet perfume to its best. Seen from the mountain, the street appears to be a sea of palest pink, gently undulating as the breeze stirs the blossoms. Heavy Express Traffic For the first time for some months the mid-week expresses to and from New Plymouth will be run as separate trains to-day. Instead of arriving attached to the early express from Wellington ;it 7 a.m., the train from New Plymouth will arrive at 6.30 a.m. The outward express to-night will leave after the limited express at 7.«% p.m. The arrival of a record number of overseas visitors by the Kangitiki and consequent heavy bookings on the south-bound expresses are stated to be the reason for the alteration. Two carriages on the limited express have .been fully booked by the visitors, and the express will comprise a total of at least 12 units when it leaves Auckland. The express for New Plymouth will have five cars attached.