LOCAL AND GENERAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24275, 16 May 1942, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Milk Council Investment A resolution authorising the investment of £SOO in the Liberty Loan was adopted by the Auckland Metropolitan Milk Council yesterday. The secretary's report showed that the council already has £3525 invested in war loan and bomber bonds. Ship Deserters "We have had quite a number of these young men, and New Zealand is becoming a dumping ground for people who wish to evade their duties in Great Britain." said Mr. J. H. Luxford, S.M., when dealing with a ship deserter yesterday. The offender, who was aged 19, was admitted to 12 months' probation on condition that he took the first available berth on a ship bound for Britain. The Mother ol Invention The acute position regarding supplies of matches is more accentuated in some districts than in others, but an incident outside a store in Albany earlier this week points to a particularly serious shortage in that part of the Auckland district. Watched by an admiring gallery of four or five, an elderly man sat in the sun and with seemingly little difficulty lighted his pipe with a focussed magnifying glass. Free Carriage The great assistance given by carriers in North Auckland was mentioned in a report by the Northland committee to the annual meeting of the Auckland Joint Council of the Order of St. John and the Red Cross Society last night. Free transport was accorded to all parcels either sent out by or addressed to St. John and the Red Cross. This was much appreciated in areas far removed from the railhead. Outdoor Grape Season The outdoor grape season, which has lasted a little longer than usual owing to the mild weather, has now finished. Early in March supplies from Te Kauwhata made their appearance on the markets and with those from local gardens brought good prices throughout the season. Hothouse grapes, which are still being offered in good supply at the City Markets, are being keenly sought at present and are bringing high prices. The Price of Chocolate Higher prices for block chocolate are forecast by a decision of the Confectionery, Cake and Dairy Association, Incorporated, to apply to the Price Tribunal for an increase in the retail figure for block chocolate. The association desires to charge 4d, 7d and Is 2d for blocks now selling at 3d, 6d and Is. It was stated yesterday that since the rise in sales tax was imposed retailers have been at liberty to charge 3sd, did and Is Id for these blocks. The Evelyn Firth Home There was no reason why the Evelyn Firth Home for ex-servicemen under long treatment should not bo occupied at the end of May, although some renovations would still require completion, said Mr. Norman Wade, reporting to the annual meeting of the joint council of the Order of St. John and the Red Cross Society last night. The wards and the old bathrooms required renovation now, but other work could be done after occupation. Crowded Transport When the petrol restrictions came into force a large number of people had to rely on the trams and buses for their transport, and now this number is further increased because of the tyre shortage. Many find that, although they have a good petrol allowance, the condition of their tyres, and the lack of retreads or new tyres, forces them to be sparing in the use of their cars. At the present time Ihe normal crowds are also swelled by the presence of school children on holiday, and even a half-empty tram or bus is an uncommon sight. First Direct Steamer The 59th anniversary of the arrival of the Westmeath, the first, direct steamer from London to Auckland, falls to-day. She brought a few saloon and cabin passengers and 320 immigrants. a large proportion of whom were domestic servants. The vessel, which was of 3200 tons gross and had a length of 320 ft., took approximately two months on the journey. Commenting on the significance of the steamer's arrival, the Herald of the day says: "The changes effected by the direct steam service will be many, and probably some of them we do not yet see. But we have no doubt that it will creatly promote the immigration to New Zealand of persons with small capital, who will make excellent settlers; that, by the rapidity of interchange, it will greatly stimulate trade: and that it will cre&t# new industries.''