Duration of Summer-time

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22675, 13 September 1935, Page 8

Duration of Summer-time

A Press Association telegram from Wellington states that the Gazette issued last night announces that summer-time will commence at 2 o'clock, New Zealand standard time, on the morning of Sunday, September 29, and rrfll end at 2 o'clock, New Zealand standard time, on the morning of Sunday, April 26.

Cruelty of Pigeon Shodting The committee of the Wellington Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at its last meeting passed unanimously a motion protesting against the use of pigeons for shooting. Mr R. A, Nicol, the society's inspector, reported on a visit he had made to the Hutt Valley Kennel Club's gun dog trial on August; 31. As soon as the dog pointed, he said, indicating that it had found the pigeon in the trap, the bird was released at a signal from the judge. Two men shot it when it was six to 10 feet in the air, and it fell almost at the feet of the dog. Boy Scouts were noticed assisting in carrying the dead birds back to the heap. Only one bird got away. Another was wounded, and, after being retrieved, had its neck wrung by the judge. "The pigeons did not have a sporting chance," said Mr Nicol. Popular Fallacy Exploded The popular belief that lightning never strikes twice in the same place was exploded by Mr L. B. Hutton during dieussion of a paper by him on the incidence of lightning; which was read at the annual conference of the Electric Supply Authority Engineers' Association in Wellington on Tuesday. Mr Hutton said that investigations by Russian engineers in the Ural Mountains had shown that lightning struck many times in the same place, and they had found that again and again lightning had hit within an area as. email as one chain and that nothing would stop it. In Saxony an engineer had advised against the running of a power line over a certain point because he said that it was a place favoured by lightning strokes. He was laughed at, but time proved that he was right and the line was re-located and was then not harmed. The explanation of the return of lightning thrusts to a particular spot, said Mr Hutton, was due to a variety of reasons, one of which was the degree of radio-activity of the earth at that point. Failure to Plan Ahead An emphatic condemnation of the present system of relief works in New Zealand was made by Mr G. Lawn, lee turer in economics at Canterbury University College, addressing the Economic Society in Christchurch. Mr Lawn was outlining a scheme for the long-ranae planning of public works, and cited the relief system as an example of the effects of a lack of efficient planning. "We have suffered in this country failure to plan public works ahead," he said. "One thinks of the appalling No. 5 scheme, the so-called relief works hurriedly organised, and put into operation under conditions, especially of wages, which destroy the incentive to efficiency, and with equipment so inadequate that costs are high. The net result \is a pet of conditions where certain works are done at an extremely high cost, under most unsatisfactory conditions, and with a demoralising effect on* those who are engaged in them- So we have in operation in New Zealand a scheme—if it can be called such—to alleviate unemployment, which is in every respect an example of how it should not be done. In the light of this failure it should be considered whether long-range planning of public works can be made politically practicable. If it could be proved to be so, it would be a real contribution of this generation to a solution of economic problems." Defence Against Mosquitoes The growth of clover as a means of eliminating attacks on man by mosquitoes was remarked upon by Mr W. J. Phillips in a lecture to the Wellington Philosophical Society. He said it had been established that only the female mosquito bit mankind, and it had been suggested that they did so in order to obtain protein for their eggs. It had been further noted that they did not attack a man in,areas where there was an abundance of clover, from which they could obtain protein. "It would be wonderful if we could stop mosquito attacks by growing fields of clover," said Mr Phillips. " I am a little doubtful if we could, but it is certainly worth following up."

Overseas Mail The Makura, due at Wellington from San Francisco on Monday, has 89 bags of English and American mail and six parcel receptacles for Dunedin. The mail is due at the local office on Tuesday afternoon.

Express Train Delayed Owing to the temporary failure of the electric lighting system .at 11.20 a.m. yesterday, the departure of the express for the north was delayed, and the train for Mosgiel was also detained at the southern platform. dock for 20 minutes. The interlocking ana signalling apparatus in the station yards are controlled by electricity, and when the power failed it was not possible to work the points and signals.- The vans which carry • mails and lugggage at the rear of the north express were in the dock behind the Mosgiel train, and these could not be attached to the express until the side track was clear. The Mosgiel train was despatched at 11.40 a.m., and the'express at 11.47 p.m.—l2 minutes late. Proceeds of Charity Match \ In connection with the Police-Law charity Rugby match to be held at Carisbrook on Saturday next, numerous requests have been received from various charities for a share of the proceeds. Tlie Match Committee, however, working in conjunction with the Rev. Bryan King, itself handles the distribution of the fund. Every precaution is taken to ensure that the maximum of benefit is conferred by the amounts expended, which take the form of orders for necessaries. The committee regrets, therefore, that it cannot entertain any applications from charitable bodies for a share in the profits of the match. An " Irresponsible Complaint " Unusual circumstances attended an application heard before Mr S. L. Paterson, S.M., in the Hamilton Police Court on Monday, when a single man asked that a prohibition order should be issued against a young woman, who was not a relative of his. The complainant made a long statement from the witness box, in which he said the young woman had been indulging excessively in liquor. When counsel for the young woman lose to question the complainant, the magistrate said, " Do not start him off again." Another witness also gave evidence. Without calling on the defence, the magistrate said he had no evidence whatever to justify him in making the order asked for. The witnesses who had given evidence were not reputable, and in his opinion the complainant was not normal. Mr Paterson said he was not sure that something should not be done to confine him in a mental hospital. The application was dismisssed, and the complainant was ordered to pay £3 3s solicitor's fee. The magistrate remarked that he did not want the complainant coming to the court making irresponsible complaints against people. Shortage of Farm Labour In the district around Palmerston North there is at present a pronounced shortage of labour for positions on farms. Employment bureaux in the city have on their books a number of applications—some almost beseechingly made—by farmers who require an employee but cannot be satisfied. The new dairying season now under way has created the usual extra demand, but it is a long while since there was a general difficulty among farmers in obtaining their labour requirements. Many more youths could be placed immediately in farm work under good conditions. There is a suggestion that boys are not inclined to go into the country despite slightly better wages being offered (says the Evening Post). It is understood that the same shortage of labour is being experienced in Hawke's Bay, if one can judge from the number of inquiries for youths being made in Palmerston North from over the range. It was learned that good domestics were also hard to obtain for country service, and it is difficult to understand their objections to going to even good homes*

The Public Library The report of the Library Committee of the City Council, to be presented at Monday night's meeting of the council, states that the attendance at the newspaper and magazine rooms of the library for the month of August was 19,232, and at the reference library 3659, making a total of 22,891, compared with 23,413 for August of last year. The number of books consulted in the reference library was 5577 (7052 in August last year). In the lending library the adult tickets issued to August 31 numbered 12,952 (10,258) and the juvenile tickets 2688 (1740). The number of books issued for home reading was 33,195, at the rate of 1229 per day. The books added during the month numbered 527, bringing the total stock to August 31 to 55,735.

Joynt Scroll Debate A Press Association telegram state* that Otago won Joynt Scroll interuniversity debating contest in Wellington last night, with Auckland second and Victoria third. Miss E. M. Johnston, M.A. (Auckland), was adjudged the best speaker, Mr K. W. Stewart (Utagb) second, and Mr W. J. Meade, BIA. (Otago) third. The judges,said the debate had not reached as high a standard as in previous contests.

Chimney Fire At 9.35 a.m. yesterday the City Fire Brigade attended a chimney fire at 48 Heriot row.

Yacht Building A definite and significant sign of returning prosperity is reflected (says the New Zealand Herald) in ; the boat-build-ing industry of Auckland. A total of £20,000 is an estimate of the amount being spent at present in the construction of new yachts and launches for the pleasure fleet of the Waiteraata. The clatter of hammers, the rip of saws, and the pungent aroma of fresh-cut woods go to. make up the atmosphere in practically every boat builder's yard in the city. The slim hull of a new first-class keel yacht is rapidly taking shape between two large luxury motor cruisers, practically completed. Here is £7OOO represented under the same root. There is similar activity in several .other builders' yards. "It is definitely a record season for boat building in Auckland," said Mr A. Logan, a well-known builder and designer of yachts, who has been interested in the sport for the past 40 years. "I remember as many as nine or ten boats being,built in the one season some years ago, but I can recall noth'ng to compare with the present, activity.''

Progress of Union Airways Two of the de Havilland express air liners purchased by Union Airways of "New Zealand, Ltd., for its trunk air service between Palmerston North-Blen-heim-Christchurch-Dunedin are , being shipped by the Rotorua on September 25, and the vessel is due in the Dominion about the middle of November.. The third machine will be shipped on the Rangitata on October 16, and is due in Auckland about November 20. The assembling of the three machines will .be carried . out at the Wigram aerodrome under the supervision of mechanics of the Defence Department. Ade Havilland expert engineer will accompany the machines shipped by the Rotorua, and mechanics employed by Union Airwnys will also be present at the assembling. It is expected that tenders will shortly be called by Union Airways for the construction of hangers at Dunedin and Palmerston North, and a et/ong effort is being made to start the service before the end of the year. A full staff of pilots and ground engineers has already.been engaged. ■ ». - . V' '

A Precious Trophy v How the soaring price of gold has made a trophy so valuable that, instead of gracing the dining room or drawing-room of the winner each year, it remains locked from view in a vault of a bank, was related at the annual meeting of the Franklin Agricultural and Pastoral Society. As its memorial to Mr W. F. Massey, who represented Franklin in Parliament for nearly 30 years, the society had a magnificent gold cup made, with the; late Prime Minister's profile in relief;: pn'.the bowl. It is presented to the winner of the champion hunter event at its annual show each year to l.old until the next show. The winner is required to insure it before taking it from the show ground. The secretary, Mr G. R. Basham, explained at the meeting that the cup cost £lO5, but was now valued at £2OO. Full insurance had accordingly risen from £3 10s to £7. Winners in late years had been content to leave the cup with the society, taking only the £2O prize money and the miniature of the cup that became their own property. Recently, when a winner -wished to have a photograph taken of his horse with all the trophies it had won, arrangements made for the cup to be sent from the bank in which it is kept to a bank in the nearest town to be handed to the winner and returned to the bank refore it closed for the day. The winner was required to give a written undertaking to be responsible for it during the time it was out of the bank's hands. In this way the insurance fee was saved.

A Ridiculous Charge The Wellington City Aerodrome has one feature which, so far as his experience goes, is singular, said Mr Harold Gatty during a talk to members of the Wellington Aero Club on Monday night. It is that the Wellington City Council charges the public a shilling to enter the aerodrome gates, thereby keeping people outside and discouraging, instead of encouraging, their interest in flying activities. "I knew nothing about it till I arrived back in Wellington from a flight on Sunday," he said. "My small boy came out to meet me and he told me that it had cost him a shilling to get in. Well, lie was surprised, and you could have knocked me down with a, feather. It is the most ridiculous and petty thing I. have heard of for a long time. You have to encourage aviation and not keep pepple out by charging them a shilling when, by putting their heads over the fence, they can see just about as much anyhow. It was something new to me—still, one lives and learns. Another thing, I never heard of visiting planes being charged landing fees. Municipalities can get their money back from hangar and-other fees, but Why discourage visitors? "

Arrangements are • being made for the celebration of the fiftieth jubilee of the Athletic Rugby Football Club; Oamaru, at Oamaru, about Easter, 1936. The club was founded in 1886, and ex-members and supporters are requested to communicate without delay with the secretary, Mr V. E. Doran, 24 Humber street, Oamaru. Be wise—see to your eyes. See Sturmer. —W. V. v Sturmer, Optician, 2 Octagon, Dunedin. Consulting Opticians: W. V Stunner, F. 1.0., N.Z.: A. R. Watson. F. 1.0., 5.D.0., N.Z.—Advt.

A. E J. Blakeley and W. E. Bagley, dentists, Bank of Australasia, corner of Bond and Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office). Telephone 12-359.—Advt. Who is Peter Dick? The leading firm for optical and jewellery service. Peter Dick, jewellers and opticians, 490 Moray place. Dunedin—Advt