LOCAL AND GENERAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23274, 17 February 1939, Page 10

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Minister at Naval Base A visit to the Devonport Naval Baso was paid yesterday by the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash. Ihe Minister said that the purpose of his visit was to look at land ultimately required for the extension of facilities to enable more sailors to be trained. While at Devonport, Mr. Nash also visited H.M.S. Philomel and made-an inspection. Practice for Pilots

Pilots of the Auckland territorial squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force, carried out bombing practice yesterday near the mouth of Henderson Creek in the upper readies of the harbour. The squadron will continue the practice intermittently for the next fortnight, with the greatest activity over the coming week-end,' Eight or nine pilots are taking part in the course.

Legal Phraseology "Put it in English," was a suggestion made by Mr. E. C. Levvey, S.M., in the Rangiora Magistrate's Court when the reading of a formal charge against a traffic offender and the question, "How do you plead?" by the clerk of the Court appeared to mystify the defendant. Taking the magistrate's suggestion, the clerk asked: "Did you do that or not?" Ozecho-Slovakia's Export" A request for assistance in its efforts to make it known that Czecho-Slovakia had preserved its character as an exporting country was received by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce yesterday from the Czecho-Slovakian Chamber of Commerce. The letter stated that recent boundary changes had not disturbed the identity of the country as a manufacturing centre and that manufactures were being continued at their former high level at competitive prices.

Shortage of Typists A shortage of typists is causing some public works undertakings to be held up. This information was contained in a letter received by the board of Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, from the Public Works Department in answer to an inquiry about the delay in starting urgentlyrequired buildings at the college. The letter also stated that there was a shortage of draughtsmen, but this shortage had to some extent been overcome. Escaped Prisoner at Large

In spite of a combined search by police officers and warders, Alfred Hicks Howell, aged 22, who escaped from the Waikune prison camp, near National Park, at 4.30 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, has not been traced. He made his escape while working with a gang about half a mile from the camp, and it is considered likely that unless a change of clothing awaited him at some predetermined place in the bush his prison clothes will quickly lead to his capture.

A Leisurely Divorce "This is an unusually leisurely divorce," remarked Mr. Justice Callan in the Supreme Court yesterday after perusing the documents concerning a petitioner who had begun proceedings 1" years ago. His Honor said he hoped counsel would prove, as part of his case, that respondent was still alive. He would not like to issue a decree nisi in a case in which one of the parties was dead. Counsel smilingly assured His Honor that the necessary proof would be forthcoming.

Scott Expedition Flag Lady Maxwell, of the Isle of Bute, Scotland, who is a sister of Lieutenant H. R. Bowers, of the Scott Antarctic Expedition, has sent to the Waitaki Boys' High School her brother's sledging flag, to be hung in the Hall of Memories. A duplicate was presented to the Polar Institute, Cambridge University. Lady Maxwell liais said that the Hag is sent in recognition of the warm-hearted appreciation and commemoration of the expedition shown throughout the last 25 years by the annual memorial service at Oamaru.

Warships lor Sydney On the first stage of a cruise to Sydney the Imperial escort vessel Leith, commanded by Commander G. R. Waymouth, will leave Auckland this afternoon for Russell, where she has a rendezvous with the escort vessel Wellington. commanded by Commander R. E. Hyde-Smith. H.M.S. Wellington left the Devonport Naval Base on Monday for the Bay of Islands, via Port Fitzroy. The two warships will leave Russell in company on Sunday for Sydney, where they will remain until March 31. Courteous Official A tribute to the courtesy and help accorded to businessmen recently by Mr. F. N. Abercronibie, Collector of Customs at Auckland, was paid yesterday by Mr. J. A. C. Allum, who presided at a luncheon meeting of the New Zealand Institute of Business Executives, held at Milne and Choyce's Reception Hall. Mr. Allum said that the commercial community felt deeply indebted to .Mr. Abercrombie, "and, although it had not always been satisfied with what he had done, it appreciated the courteous and helpful way in which he had met businessmen. This also applied to his officers. Mr. Allum's remarks were warmly applauded. Service Oar Drivers

"I do not think I could go to any other place in the world and find such fino men," said Mr. Harry P. Kuhn. jun., an American visitor, when praising the New Zealand service car drivers "I have never seen such drivers in my life. They are so interesting and courteous, and they point out all the interesting places on a journey to the passengers. I was rather amazed that their duties were so varied, including the delivery of newspapers and the carrying of schoolchildren and milk." Mr. Kuhn also spoke in high praise of the officers in the Government tourist offices, whom he said were bo efficient that one did not have to think unless one wanted to. Scenic Drive Praised "In my opinion it is a very fine drive and should be a wonderful attraction for the public round Auckland," said the Hon. R. Semple, Minister of Public Works, when referring to the Waitakere Scenic Drive, yesterday. The Minister made a detour over the drive, when he was on his way to visit the military aerodrome at Whenuapai "The drive certainly seems to be something worth while," added the Miri ister. "We must open up these scenicattractions in all parts of the Dominion and encotirnge the people to see the whole of their country. The view hero is wonderful and I am satisfied the money has been wisely spent."