ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22519, 13 March 1935, Page 6

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

H. S., Balclutlia.—So far as we can ascertain no authentic records for the 12in underhand chop—the fastest time any 12in log has ever been chopped, no logs barredhave been kept. " Constant Subscriber," Lovell's Flat.—An inquiry addressed to the soiling agents would obtain such particulars as they possessed regarding the horse. They would probably put the buyer in touch with the vendor, if it is necessary, or procure further facts concerning the animal. " Curious," Oamaru. —The first moving pictures were shown in Dunedln on November 20, 189 C. Mr J. F. M'Mahon was the director, and the newspaper notices of the timo would suggest that this introduction of the " clnematographo " under his management was its first appearance in New Zealand, though It is possible the invention was shown first in some of the northern cities. "Perplexed."—lf a person signs a sale note with the condition that the article need not be purchased, the agent giving at the time an undertaking that it will be destroyed if the prospective purchaser changes his mind, thero should surely be some circumstances to support the claim. If there exists only the sale note and the statements of the parties to it are in conflict, then it would appear that the sale note is the only tangible evidence of the transaction. The person signing the sale note would bo wise to have Its validity settled before making another purchase. A sale note is a contract to purchase and the terms in which it is expressed determines its effect. "Enquirer," Queenstown.—(l) A husband may make a gift of a value not in excess of £SOO free of gift duty. In the case of Government stock the value would be the Stock Kxchango or market valuo and not the amount expressed in the stock. On a gift of over £SOO and not exceeding £IOOO the gift duty is 21 per cent. (2) A passenger leaving New Zealand for the United Kingdom may take witli him £5 worth of coin. This may consist of the English silver coinage if he is fortunate enough to possess the amount. If New Zealand coinage or note currency is taken it will, of course, be subject to exchange. V., Lawrence. —The apples commonly used for making cider are three kinds—bitter, the sweet, and the sour, but the first are generally preferred, and are specially cultivated in cider orchards. These bitter apples contain a considerable amount of sugar. Late apples afford much better cider than early ones. The apples, after gathering, are loft for some days to mellow. This has the advantage of showing the unsound ones, which are rejected, as they give the whole an incurably musty flavour. The apples are crushed by passing them between fluted rollers or In mills of various kinds. The pulp thus obtained is placed In tubs or vats with or without a little water, and left for a day. During this time fermentation commences, and assists in breaking up the cells of the pulp. The pulp is next placed in coarse canvas bags or a perforated frame for the juice to drain into a tub or vat. The juice is reserved for the best-quality cider. The remaining juice is removed by squeezing the bags and their contents in a press. The greater the pressure the coarser the flavour, due to that of the pips and skins; but, of course, the quantity Is increased by additional pressure. Full fermentation is effected in casks with large bung holes. The casks are filled with juice, much of which froths over, therefore the casks are placed over open tubs, which catch it. Care is necessary to keep the casks full, so that the excesses of yeast may be continually removed, such excess promoting acetic fermentation. This Is continued from three to eight days, according to the alcoholic strength required. It is then racked off Into clean casks and stored in a cellar or other place with cool and equable temperature. In the following spring this Is re-racked, and Is then ready for use. Cider contains from 4 to 10 per cent, of absolute alcohol, according to quality. This depends on the quantity of sugar originally in the juice and the care In fermentation, especially In respect to temperature, which should be 50deg. I'alir. The bottling demands much care, only clear samples being fit for bottling, and they should be at least 12 months old and free from hardness or acidity. "E. Mite."—Unsuitable.

" Heavy Ratepayer."—On making Inquiries we find that the person to whom you refer is a casual worker only. The county does not employ permanent surfacemen.