LOCAL AND GENERAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24243, 8 April 1942, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Extra Express Trains Business at the Auckland railway station had reached almost normal volume last night, although an extra express for overflow passengers left for Wellington at 7.35. Another relief train will leave for Wellington at 3.30 this afternoon, carrying the last of the visitors to the city. Travel Ban Lifted The Easter ban on rail journeys of. more than 100 miles was lifted yesterday and travellers will not now be required to state their reasons for moving from their own districts. At the same time the issue of platform tickets to persons farewelling passengers will be recommenced, after having been suspended since last Thursday. Returned Servicemen The membership of the Auckland Returned Services Association is now 4241, which is 266 fewer than the record figure attained during the last financial year, Deaths among members, at the rate of between 10 and 20 a month, have caused a heavy drain on the association's numbers. Returned men of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. who have joined the association total 260.

Cutting ol Street Grass An appeal 'to householders in the suburban areas of Auckland City to cut street grass patches in front of their properties was made yesterday by the Mayor, Mr. J. A. C. Allum. Ail available City Council employees were needed for work on air raid shelters, he said, and if householders would comply with the request it would be possible to increase the number so engaged. Malayan Road Unscarred Japanese bombers strafing British columns on Malayan roads were careful to preserve the fine concrete roads for their own use, said a New Zealand mining engineer, who recently returned from Malaya. Huge ditches were blown at the sides of the roads by enemy bombs, the Japanese aviators relying on bomb fragments to sufficiently impede the British motor and infantry columns. The bombs were accurately aimed to save the roads for Japanese use. Blind Social Club Ample proof that the blind section of the Auckland community is by no means devoid of social life was given by the director of the New Zealand Institute for the Blind, Mr. J. W. Broadfoot, in his annual report presented yesterday. Mr. Broadfoot said that no fewer than 33 functions had been held during the past year and attendances had been good. There had been social evenings, concerts and parties as well as the usual Christmas tree for the children. In addition the committee had organised 15 dances which had proved most popular, especially among the .younger members. Americans Give Ambulance

Costing 10,000 dollars, a four-ton mobile dental unit for emergency dental and facial surgery has been presented by the American Dental Ambulance Committee to the British American Ambulance Corps and has been shipped to the Middle East for service with the Australian and New Zealand troops. Built to specifications supplied from Egypt, this 10-wheeled ambulance is a replica of one lost during the evacuation of Crete. This information has been forwarded by the Anzac War Relief Fund, New York, which, as the result of America's entry into the war, is now working in conjunction with the British War Relief Association.

Demand lor Vegetables A wide variety of vegetables was offered at the City Markets yesterday. Cabbages and cauliflowers in heavy supply met with a fair, demand. Carrots were better supplied and good lines had a keen demand. Peas and beans are still scarce, as a result of the dry weather, and those offering were keenly sought. Crown pumpkins are replacing the Red Warren variety, with a consequent easing in prices for the latter. Lettuce were plentiful and isold at 5s to 10s a case. Water and rock melons came forward in heavy supply and had a_ fair inquiry. Potatoes trom Rangitikei realised 18s 6d to 19s 6d per cwt., while those from Pukekohe sold at 6s to 10s a bag.