LOCAL AND GENERAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22950, 31 January 1938, Page 10

LOCAL AND GENERAL

New Zealand Flora Efforts are to be made in the coming year by the council of the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture to seek Government assistance in the production of a volume of coloured plates of New Zealand flora.

Swordflsh Alarms Bathers A thrill was provided for a party of bathers at Carter's Beach, Westport, yesterday, states the Herald's correspondent, when a large swordfish camo in close to the shore while they were swimming. The moment it was seen the swimmers hurried out of the water, but no attempt ■was made to land the fish. Preserving Native Bush "Every precaution has been taken to guard against fire in the cold lakes district in the South Island," said Mr. E. E. Nalder, of Auckland, who recently toured the district and visited the Homer Tunnel. "Camping sites are clearly defined and are kept well cleared and concrete fireplaces have been built in the open to minimise the risk of fire, which may endanger the native bush." Foot Troubles Prevalent One effect of the prolonged spell of hot weather experienced in Auckland has been the increased incidence of foot troubles among city dwellers whose daily tasks involve a great deal of walking on hard floors and pavements. It is stated that many young men and women have suffered in this respect and frequently it has been necessary for them to receive treatment from a doctor or chiropodist.

Departure of Strathnaver A large crowd assembled on Prince's Wharf about 10.30 p.m. on Saturday to farewell the Strathnaver, which was scheduled to sail at 11 p.m for Wellington in continuation of her New Zealand. cruise. No sooner had the clock on the Ferry Buildings sounded the chimes than the large P. and O. liner gave three sharp blasts on her siren and cast off before the hour struck. With her funnels and superstructure floodlit the liner presented a striking spectacle as she moved down the harbour.

Cycling for Women Cycling in recent years has enjoyed growing popularity among young women, but this summer there appear to have been more women cyclists on the roads in and around Auckland during the week-ends than ever before. Clad in shorts and sweaters or some other suitable garment, parties of three or more set out early on Saturday mornings and cover many miles. A few years ago their appearance would have excited no slight comment; today they are almost commonplace. Burglary at Ramarama

A garage at Ramarama owned by Mr. P. H. G. La Vie was broken into early yesterday morning and a few shillings, some bottles of lubricating oil and some private papers were taken. The proprietor said he left the garage securely locked at one o'clock yesterday morning. When he opened the place at 8.30 a.m. he found the office door had been prised open, evidently by a blunt instrument. Investigations were made by the police yesterday, but no arrest had been made last night. Reopening of Schools

Primary schools throughout the Auckland Education District will reopen tomorrow morning after six weeks' vacation. A normally fine and warm Auckland summer has given the children full opportunity to enjoy themselves in the open air. The suggestion has been officially made by the Director of Education, Mr. N. T. Lambourne, to school authorities that while the hot weather continues the ordinary time-table should be suspended and attention concentrated upon outdoor activities, including swimming, nature study and instpuction in road safety.

Few Fire Brigade Calls Although hot, dry conditions prevailed, the central and suburban fire stations experienced a comparatively quiet week-end. Only four calls were answered, none of which were of a serious nature. The central brigade extinguished a minor grass fire in Anzac Avenue early yesterday morning, while the Remuera brigade discharged a similar duty in Komarti Street during the afternoon. The Point Chevalier station answered two calls yesterday, one being to a motor-car which caught fire when an electric wire short-circuited, and the other to an underground cable fuse in Great North Road, New Lynn.

Arbitration Courts The Court of Arbitration presided over by Mr. Justice o'Regan, which commenced brief sittings here last Tuesday, will sit again to-day to hear a compensation claim, and will then leave to-morrow for Hamilton where it will hear compensation and industrial cases. The next sittings will be in Gisbornc on February 7. The Second Court of Arbitration, over which Mr. Justice Hunter presides, is not now sitting on "Monday, but will resume to-morrow with the hearing of fibrous plasterers' disputes. It has a lengthy list of fixtures ahead of it in Auckland.

Underground Cable Fire Flames a loot high issued from a hole in the footpath in Great North Road, near the Stone Jug, as the result of a fuse in an underground electric-power cable shortly before nine o'clock last night. The firo was seen by a woman motorist, who drove on to the Point Chevalier fire station, and an engine was despatched from there, On the brigade's arrival at the scene the fire had burned itself out. Repairs were later made by workmen from the Auckland Electric-Power Board. No services were interrupted. A similar outbreak occurred in Ponsonby Road 12 days ago.

Good Fishing Anglers have been having a successful season in the Wairau, Omaka and Opawa Rivers, states the Blenheim Express. A brown trout caught in the Opawa weighed 151b. 120/,. and was ,'U inches in length. Fishing has been improved as the result of the use ot a weed-cutting machine, also by a campaign against eels. The Acclimatisation Society has also been doing its utmost to combat the depredations of river shags, which also take a very heavy toll of trout, and a few days ago a was discovered in a swamp near Grove-' town. Although it must have been established for a long time its presence was previously unsuspected, and it was not until a small boy brought 100 shags' eggs in to the secretary of the society that investigations were made. Steps to exterminate the birds were immediately taken by the society's ranger and a total of 130 of them were shot.