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Otago Daily Times, Issue 19219, 9 July 1924, Page 6

On the nrr.i.'ion of the Otago Harbour Board's jubilee, which was commemorated yesterday, the board's office and the few vc-sels in port, were decorated with flags and bunting. The. recently-erected Q tilled was used for the first time yesterday, and t’ne honour of discharging the first cargo to be stored iu the new shed fell to file steamer ,lohn as a tribute to Air Iv/itli Ramsay, who was mainly responsible for the erection of this commodious shed. The John is one of the coastal vessels which trades here under Air Rainmy’s agency. Victoria Lake, in Hadley Park, was almost frozen over vosterday (says a Press Association message). Tho cold was very severe throughout Canterbury last night.

At the Exhibition Company’s rooms last night, Mr H. Harris presided over a meeting of delegates from the various sports bodies in the city. The object of the meeting was to discuss the proposed art union in connection with the conversion of portion of Logan Park into a playing area. It is proposed to raise. £30,000. It was decided to make the price of each ticket 2s 6d, including admission to thte Exhibition. The following committee, with full power to control the art union, and with power to add to its number, was appointed Messrs Harris (chairman). O’Shea, Foot e, White, Nelson, Deuchrass, Jacobson, Breen, Gillies, Walker, and Black,

During the past two years the annual Poppy Day held by the Returned Soldiers’ Association has been the means of considerably lessening unemployment among the returned soldiers of Dunedin, and. in addition, the work provided has added greatly to the amenities of the city. Preparations are now being made for holding another Poppy Day this year, and a meeting of all ladies interested is called for Thursday afternoon at the Returned Soldiers’ Association Club to make full arrangements.

In view of the intention of the Government to have a second cruiser of the typo of the Dunedin stationed in New Zealand waters, much interest attaches (reports our Wellington correspondent) to the cablegram from Melbourne suggesting that New Zealand might eo-oporate in 'the construction by the Commonwealth Government of a floating dock at Cockatoo Island, Sydney, capable of accommodating battleships. When the matter was brought to the notice of the Prime Minister yesterday, ho said he had not received any communication from the Australian Government on the subject. HA was not in a position therefore to make a considered statement anent the proposal.

Two recent additions to the Otago Early Settlers’ Museum are worthy of special note, their age and unique appearance combining to make them very valuable exhibits. The first is a walking stick pre sen ted by Mr Irvine, of Green Island. It was made 60 years ago from the heart or a kowhai tree from which the outside portion had rotted away, leaving a hard centre covered with a number of spikoy protrusions. The second exhibit is a small chair and a cross on a stand, and what makes them so remarkable is the fact they were made with a pocket knite. Dozens of small pieces of wood which were fitted together in a most. Ingenious way were used. The ends of each piece of wood have been notched, and the work must have taken many months of tedious labour to complete. In some of the joints lead shot has boon inserted, and a peculiar rattling effect is produced when the articles are shaken. The latter gift was presented by Mr A. Cannon, and was mads by the late Mr J. C. Cannon.

The following is the return of infectious diseases oases in the Dunedin and Fever Hospitals for the week ended at noon on Monday :—Diphtheria—admitted 3, discharged 7, remaining 36; scarlet fever--remaining 5; typhoid fever —remaining 1; cercbro-spinal meningitis—remaining 1. Total admitted, 3; total discharged, 7; total remaining, 43.

There has been quite an epidemic of clothes lino robberies in Balclutha of late, and also a few instances of whisky and coal stealing. Dog poisoning has now been added to the programme of the miscreants, and tho local public are becoming alarmed. Two valuable dogs have been poisoned within tho last few days while on the chain at their owners' properties. Mr 11. W. Bundle, S.M., occupied the Bench at the sitting of tho City Police Court yesterday morning, and fined a first offender for dr link on ness 10s, with tho alternative of 2A hours’ imprisonment. There are divers ways of exterminating insect pests cn trees and shrubs, and some are successful while others are doubtful, but one of the simplest methods was that explained at the Dunedin Gardening Chib last night. The chairman (Mr Hollingworth) exhibited a few sprigs of holly which someone bad handed to him wanting to know the nature of ttic disease from which they suffered, for some of the leaves were mere skeletons. ‘‘They axe not diseased, - ’ he said, “but have been attacked by a species of caterpillar. These can best ba destroyed by—er—picking them off - .’’ The chairman’s explanation calls to mind that of (lie Cockney pedlar who, in return for a good square meal, promised the innkeeper a free bottle of hi:' infallible fly poison. Tho bottle was handed over after the meal, and the pedlar was hurriedly departing when mine host inquired as to the directions for use. “Well,” the pedlar explained, edging further away, “you hold tho troublesome little pest between tho thumb and forefinger and squeeze him gently until ho opens his mouth. Then drop in a littlo of the medicine, and in no time he’ll bo on his back.” “But,"' gasped the astounded innkeeper, “1 could just as easily crush it.” “Oh, yes, that’s another very good way too,” was the pedlar’s comforting rejoinder as he faded into the mist.

Al; a meeting of the Waikouaiti branch 'of the Farmers’ Union on Saturday last, the action of various interested bodies in making an endeavour to alter the system of election of members of too Dairy Control Board was criticised. After considerable discussion the following resolution was unanimously carried: —“That this meeting of the Waikouaiti branch of the Fanners’ Union disagrees with the. action of the National Dairy Association in advocating the election of members of the Dairy Control Board by factory directors. Jt considers that only producers, who are responsible for the finance of the Control Board through an export levy, are entitled to elect such members. Further, it is entirely opposed to the dairy associations—bodies which receive financial support both from the Control Board and certain factories supposing them, being lit and proper bodies to fairly act as an advisory council to the Dairy Control Board.” Mr J. C. I’rudhoG, of Christchurch, who in April last issued voting papers to school teachers with the object of ascertaining their views on the two questions submitted, announces (says a Press Association telegram) that the following are (bo results a-s certified by Messrs 11. Holland and J. Russell Brunt, justices of the peace:—No. 1 : In favour of repealing the words - in the Education Act “and the teaching shall bo entirely of a secular character,” 608; against the repeal, 363. No. 2: In favour of a uniform plan of Bible reading in all State schools on the lines sot down in (he, voting paper, 530; against the plan, 354.

Tho Minister of Railways (the lion, .T. Cl. Coales) states in connection with llic ©led r ideation of suburban railways (reports a Wellington Press Association telegram); “Cuomet has asked for a report on the whole, question of electrical or other working of suburban traffic at the four centres from a firm of world-wide reputation, and with that object in' view 1 am now in communication with suitable engineering (inns, who will first consider whether electrification is necessary and economically justified, and then the best system to bo adopted, tiro probable effect on traffic, and general commercial considerations.”

The postal authorities advise that a large mail, comprised of 311 bags of loiters and 167 parcel receptacles from America and tho United Kingdom, ex the Maunganui from Iran Francisco, at Wellington, are due hero to-night, and will bo delivered tomorrow morning.

Tho British Printer gives prominence in its March-April issue, to a reference to the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition.

“B is expected.” it says, “that tho new Exhibition, to bo held during next year in one of the fairest cities of what is certainly one of tho most beautiful dominions in the whole Empire, will surpass all previous records. New Zealand is very much alive, and quite apart from its wonderful natural resources with surely unsurpassed facilities as a tourist resort, tho whole country reflects vigour, life, and energy.”

The soldier settlors on Hauraki Plains at Torehape, Mangawhera, and Pntotonga have been advised (reports an Auckland Press Association message) that (ho {Revaluation Board has greatlv roduced f tho prices of their sections. Each case was considered separably, but the general reduction appears to bo about 50 per cent. In extreme cases the prices have boon roduced from £lB to £5 per acre, the average reduction being £7 an acre. Tho Dominion Board has also recommended that arrears of rent be written off, and rent remitted for from iwo to four years, and that the Land Board grant loans.

The Pvoslyn Fire Brigade responded to a call at 5.24- p.m. yesterday to a chimney tiro in Mr Reid’s house, Rose street, Kaikorai. No damage was done. “Why do kingfish run ashore and get stranded on the beaches?” When asked tin's Question by a Times reporter, Mr W. Sutherland, who has lived many years near the entrance, of the harbour, said he perhaps could not answer the query, but lie knew something about it. As a lad be went to live with his parents on the Kaik side of the harbour. Kingfish used to come ashore on the Kaik beach on and off from November until May, He had soon as many as 240 picked up one morning. All the fish that came ashore were in tip-top condition. In shoals they used to enter the harbour chasing red cod. The kingfish seemed to enjoy the chase, leaping out of the water and incidentally gorging themselves with cod diet. Evidently their leaping out of the water filled the airbag along the vertebrae, for after a eiiaso they swam with some difficulty, showing a tendency to turn over in the water. Presumably the reason they went into shallow water was in order to strike their tails vigorously against the sand, and thus ease the pressure on their “air tanks.” A fish caught as soon as it came into shallow' water was found to have its air bag highly inflated, and when examined, after struggling on tile sand for a while, the air bag was partially deflated. When caught it was usually ebb tide, and they were unable to launch themselves back into deep water after achieving deflation of the overfilled air bags. The Mayor (Mr H. L. Tapleyj informs us that the statement made by a correspondent, whose letter appeared in our issue of Friday last over the signature of “Amenities,” is entirely incorrect. Writing tm the housing problem, our correspondent said: “It will surprise your readers to learn that the derelicts referred to by the deputation to the City Council are on a corporation reserve.” “That sflfeement, ’ says Mr Tapley, “is not supported by the facts, as the particular places referred to by the deputation are not on land in any way owned or controlled by the City Council. Even if they were, the council would have no more control over them than over buildings erected on private land, as tne council’s lands ore leased and the buildings arc owned by the lessee.” A meeting of the Dunedin Gardening Club was held in the Y.M.O.A. Assembly Hall last night, when an address on “Striking Chrysanthemum Cuttings” was delivered by Mr J. Nelson to a large attendance of members and visitors. The speaker outlined the methods of cutting, pointing out what kinds to cut, and explained also the system in vogue for taking early cuttings and developing them by heat. A number of questions were answered, after which Mr A. M. Thomson read a paper by J. White, of Anderson’s Bay, on “Auriculas and Their Culture.” Bo 1 h speakers wore accorded a hearty vote of tuanks for their addresses. When . the mail steamer Maungunui, which arrived at Wellington yesterday, wan four days out from S'an Francisco (says a Press Association message) one of the blades of the propeller was stripped and the vessel’s speed was slightly reduced for the remainder of the journey. The damaged propeller was not, however, the main factor in the Manngauui being 24 hours late. She was delayed at Rarotonga whilst loading a fruit cargo, and did not leave that port until ‘midnight on Tuesday, almost 14 hours late

In the course of an address delivered at Blenheim by Mr J. D. Bruce, representative of the South Island counties on the Main Highways Board, he said that the main highways scheme offered county councils the opportunity of getting first-class roads at an annual cost below that of maintaining the present roads. He pointed out that the North Island counties were already to the fore with their proposals, while the South Island was hanging back. He urged South Island counties to get a move on in case the North .Island counties should say; "If the South Island doesn't want the money, give it to us!” H© stressed tho point that the contribution of 50 per cent, from tho Highways Board was a gift as far as tho counties were concerned —something they were getting for nothing. The South Island counties should realise that it was possible to get 50 per cent, of tho cost of road construction for nothing, only provided that they made good sealed roads—and tho standard of roada was elastic, depending on local conditions, and tho financial resources of the local bodies concerned. He emphasised that the cost of maintenance and the provision of interest and sinking fund on sealed roads was less than the cost of maintenance of the present style of roads, and the district had tho benefit all tne time of good roads. He urged oountv councils not to be dismayed at any evidences «>f red tape in connection with the scheme —no one hated rod tape more than he did—but to give the scheme trial. He said thcro were many weak spots in the Act, ana several of these had already been rovea.ed, hut they would he put right, and Ihe scheme would ultimately be improved, and all littlo kinks beaten out of it. All that was now required was co-operation between tho counties and their district councils and between the district councils and tho hoard.

When the nurses at Cook Hospital, at Gisborne, wont to sign for their pay a few days ago they found that their quarterly uniform allowance, amounting to £2, was not included. They therefore refused to sign the pay sheets and take their money. It is understood that the trouble dates bade; v to a time when the matron recommended the board to provide uniforms and discontinue the allowance. The board decided hat, the idea was a good one, and promptly put it into practice. It is not definitely known whether the members choose (ha material, but the results, when some of the nurses appeared in the drab-colourcd uniforms, wore distinctly ludricous. With the idea of creating an entirely new fashion, (lie uniforms had been made quite different from any previously seen at the institution. The waists were placed in varying positions, while the skirts were finished oft' well below the ankle level. It is said that when the results became apparent to the board they readily agreed that something would have to bo done (states a local correspondent). Those to whom (ho uniforms were supplied were the new probationers. The first, second, and third year nflrses are still wearing their old uniforms, but their allowance has been cut off. Some of the nurses have recently purchased uniforms, thinking tha.t their allowances would shortly lie due, and they are now called upon to pay for these themselves. The nurses approached the, matron with regard to the subject, but as the board had given effect to the resolution, she told them that she could do nothing in the matter. The. nurses decided to petition the Hospital Board for redress, and it is understood that a petition will be considered at a special meeting of the board. The community at the Octagon Hall to-morrow will be Ic'd by Mr Marshall Crosby and Mr George Wallace. Mr Leonard Sedgwick, who last winter gave n, series of lectures to young business men at the Y.M.C.A., will deliver another this evening iu the same institution, entitled “Sell Yourself.” A report in yesterday’s issue made it appear that the Publicity Committee had recommended the directors of the New Zealand and South Peas Exhibition Company to expend £IO.(XX) on the publication of a five-folder booklet of 25.000 copies. As a matter of fact the expenditure recommended was £IOOO. The United Starr-Bowkett Building Society is appropriating £IOOO in each of groups 3 and son J uly 10. In_ addition to the £6500 to he disposed of during Julv, the society announces further appropriations totalling £650(1 during August. There are only 300 shares still available in the No. 8 group, and those joining this group now participate in the appropriation of £SOO on July 24 and in the second ballot for £SOO on August 21. The committee of the Children’s Rost Home has some goods which were left over from ns bazaar held recently, and which it proposes disposing of at a jumble sale m the Mutual Stores Building on Fridav. Donations of second-hand clothing books, produce, and articles of furniture would be very acceptable to the committee. Wood’s Great Peppermint Cure for coughs and colds never fails.—Advt. Seek the answer for the perfect bridal gift at Williamsons, the quality jewellers (next to The Bristol Piano C 0.).... A. B. 3. Blakeley, dentiat. Bank of Australasia, comer of Bond and Rattray a tree to meat Telegraph Office). Telephone 1853. Advt. Choice Jewellery: compare our values;' large selection diamond rings, watches, bracelets, silverware, etc.—Peter Dick, jewellers, 490 Moray plana.—-Advt