LOCAL AND GENERAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23194, 14 November 1938, Page 8

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Abolishing Homework "1 hope the time is not far distant when homework for primary school children will be abolished and homework for secondary schools very much reduced," said Mr. G. W. Slane, headmaster of the Mount Albert School when speaking at a reunion banquet of old pupils on Saturday evening. His views on this subject evidently found favour with the largo gathering present. More Train Travellers

Increased demand for accommodation resulted in two extra cars being attached to the limited express for Wellington last night, bringing the total up to 12, instead of 10 as usual on a Sunday night. A number of the passengers were people who intended travelling to Australia by the Wanganella, but who now propose to sail by the Awatea from Wellington to-day. The Wanganella has been delayed by the waterfront dispute at Auckland, and will not sail until Wednesday. Interest in Roses

Keen interest was shown by the public in the annual field day held by the Auckland Horticultural Society at the civic rose gardens, Parnell Park, yesterday afternoon. There was a gathering of about 2000 people. Information on the culture and the various names of the roses in the garden was given, by eight experts, members of the society. During the afternoon music was played by the Blind Institute Band, for the funds of which a collection was taken up by members of the St. Aidan's Boy Scout troop.

Two Dutch Ships in Fort For the first time in the history of the port, two Dutch merchant ships will be at Auckland to-day, both vessol being units of the Royal Packet Navigation Company, one of tho world's most important lines. The steamer Ombilin has been at Chelsea for a fortnight discharging sugar from Sourabaya. She will bo joined this morning by the passenger motor-ship Maotsuycker, which will arrive from Saigon and Eastern ports and anchor in the stream. Tho Maotsuycker trades under tho South Pacific Line, a subsidary of the main company.

Devonport Post Office Tlio new post office at Devonport on the eastern side of Victoria Road will be officially opened by Mr. I«\ W. Schramm, M.P. for the district, this afternoon. The building, which was begun in February and completed about a week ago, consists of two storeys, and together with store rooms and garages, cost approximately £15,000. The ground floor of the post office has an area of 4200 square feet, and in lay-out no effort has been spared to ensure the maximum convenience to the public and staff. A well-equipped flat of six rooms for the accommodation of the postmaster and his family is situated upstairs. An Unusual Mishap

An unusual mishap occurred during the progress of the first-grade lawn tennis match at the Stanley Street courts on Saturday afternoon between Remuera and Campbell Park. W. Watkins and Miss J. St. George, Remuera, were opposed to J. Hutchinson and Mrs. Whiting, Campbell Park, in the combined doubles and, after winning the first set at 6—4, were 4—5 in the second set when Watkins slipped. He fell on his thumb which was fractured and ho and his partner were compelled to default. Medical attention was received, but it will be some weeks before the player is again able to take an active part in the game. Honour lor Minister The honour of being acknowledged as a member of tho school was bestowed upon tho Minister of Education, the Hon. P. Fraser, when ho visited tho St. Heliers Bay School on Saturday afternoon to officially open a new wing. The headmaster, Mr. H. E. Prendergast, said the children wished to pay a tribute to Mr. Fraser, and the Minister was presented with a school badge by one of the youngest of the girl pupils. He was obliged to almost kneel in order that tho decoration might be pinned on his lapel by the smiling child. "It was the most interesting investiture I have ever attended," Mr. Fraser observed when addressing tho gathering subsequently. Newspaper Birthday The New Zealand Herald had its 75th birthday yesterday. First published on November 13, 1863, the Herald owed its origin to the determination of Mr. W. C. Wilson to fight counsels of despair concerning tho development of tho province. Tho spread of the Maori War to the Waikato had created in tho minds of many the feeling that the settlement of the hinterland would not bo practicable. Mr. Wilson's vigorous conduct of the new journal and his pronounced faith in Auckland city and province soon won friends, and set the Herald on that path of leadership which to-day is reflected in the fact that its circulation far exceeds that of any other daily newspaper in New Zealand.

Mission School Praised A gratifying compliment was recently paid to the work of the Boys Christian High School at Kharar, in the Punjab, conducted by the New Zealand Presbyterian Church, and this is quoted in tho mission's report presented to the General Assembly of tlio Church in Dunedin. The Rev. Morton llyburn stated that tlio school had been fortunate in having a visit from Dr. L. Zilliacus, the world chairman of the Now Educational Fellowship. "I am grateful," wrote Dr. Zilliacus afterward, "for having been given this contact with education in its best sense in the heart of the countryside. I have seen a happy school and an active school, where education is iu touch with everyday reality, as well as being inspired by a vision above the ordinary." First-aid in State Schools

Intorcst in St. John ambulance work in tho State schools is increasing, and the children are taking their lessons very seriously. The llev. C. J. Bush King, assistant-minister at Epiphany •Church, has at present nine classes, three for adults and six for boys and girls of school ago. Already 125 candidates are prepared to sit for their examinations. Classes have been held lat Epiphany Sunday school, and those •who have passed in first-aid are continuing classes for home nursing. Other classes have been held at St. Luke's, Mount Albert, Carlton Hall, Sandringham, and also at Edendale, Owairaka and Campbell's Bay. Still further classes are in process of formation and it is hoped that many of theso scholars will obtain their first-aid certificates before the school vacation, when the knowledge thus gained will be of great value.