IDEAL WEEK-END

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25049, 13 November 1944, Page 4

IDEAL WEEK-END

SUMMER WEATHER CROWDS AT THE BEACHES Ideal summer weather prevailed over the week-end, and the attractive outdoor conditions gave transport services the busiest period they have had so far this season. The combination of warm, bright sunshine, absence of wind and late afternoon tides drew thousands to all the beaches within easy distances. The Parnell and Shelly Beach baths were well patronised yesterday. All the little bays and beaches on the city side had their quota of holi-day-makers yesterday, but Mission Bay was naturally the most popular resort, and scores of cars were parked there. Numbers of bathers had already found opportunity to acquire something of a tan, but there were others who were obviously making their first sun-bath-ing venture of the season, and not always with the moderation that is learned by painful experience. Like the bus companies, the Devonport Ferry Company had heavy passenger traffic to handle, but the ordinary service was able to cope with the demand quite well. The North Shore beaches as far as Brown's Bay all had many city visitors. The yachting season was officially 1 opened on Saturday, and a great many boats were out on the harbour yesterday. Two of the hottest days in Auckland since last summer were experienced on Saturday and yesterday. According to the Herald's thermometer, the maximum reading yesterday was 80 degrees, which was an increase of eight degrees on the previous highest temperature recorded since the winter months. SHORTAGE OF RAISINS i OFFICIAL EXPLANATION AUSTRALIAN LABOUR PROBLEM (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sunday The Food and Rationing Controller, Mr J. E. Thomas, stated today that numerous inquiries were being received regarding the shortage of raisins, and grocers were experiencing great difficulty in explaining their inability to supply customers. Mr Thomas said that orders had been placed in Australia by merchants for normal quantities of raisins, but in contrast to sultanas and currants considerable labour was required for the seeding and packing of seeded raisins and great difficulty had been experienced in Australia in obtaining sufficient labour for that purpose. Shippers had advised their New Zealand agents that at least 25 per cent of the orders placed could not possibly be filled until after Christmas, Mr Thomas continued. This was most unfortunate, as the*e was always a heavy demand for seeded raisins for Christmas cakes and puddings, but the shortage this year was due entirely to circumstances beyond control. CROWN AND' BOROUGH PROPERTIES AT ROTORUA (0.C.) ROTORUA, Sunday Negotiations of great importance to the future of Rotorua were initiated recently by the Mayor, Mr P. A. Kusabs, in interviews with the Minister of Lands, Mr Skinner, and the Minister in charge of the Tourist Department, Mr Parry. Both Ministers have arranged to come to Rotorua for further discussions. The proposals involve exchanges of land in the'vicinity of the Arikikapakapa golf links and of a municipally-owned block in Haupapa Street for other Crown areas.

Mr Kusnbs nlso placed before the Ministers tho views of the citizens concerning an alternative water supply, the reticulation of thermal water for heating purposes, and the provision of adequate accommodation for visitors. Mr Kusabj; said the possibility of the railway station being moved had also been discussed with the chief engineer of railways, and the hope had been held out of the plantation adjoining the station being transferred to the borough in the exchange of properties. The Borough Council has agreed that its various committees should draw up concrete plans and proposals to present to tho two Ministers concerned. THIS WEEK'S COUPONS Ration coupons available this week are: Meat (ration Is lOd weekly; H coupon worth 7d, others 3d; child's ration lid weekly, J coupon sd). — Nos. 2 and 3. Butter (ration Boz weekly, each coupon 8oz). —Nos. 3 and 4, available until November 20. Sugar (ration 31b monthly, each coupon 12oz). —Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, available until November 26. Tea (ration Boz monthly, each coupon 2oz). —Nos. 1 to 4. inclusive, available until November 26. Petrol (ration ' half _ face value of coupon).—No. 5, available until November 30.