ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24431, 17 October 1940, Page 6

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

[Questions will not be answered unless accompanied by the name and address of correspondents.] "Anti-Jingo.”—We cannot provide about, two columns of space for a propagandist letter. “ Student."—Dunedin firms are not dealing in scheelite at the present time. For further information, if would be necessary for you to communicate with the Mines Department. Wellington. "London Calling,” Clinton—Applications to send money out of the country must be made on forms that are obtainable at any post office. The amount to be sent would have to be the equivalent ' of 10s in English currency, which would be. 12s 6d in New Zealand currency. “Anxious Mother,” Central Otago.— The name of the person recorded as, the next-of-kin of a soldier is regarded as a matter that concerns only the army authorities and the soldier himself. You can ascertain the name only from your son if he cares’to disclose it. If you disclosed his age to the Base Records Department the result would probably be the opposite of what you desire. "Marion,” Milton. —The formula for the fertiliser to be used on strawberries was a mixture of sulphate of ammonia and nitrate of soda ; with water, but nitrate of soda is not procurable for gardening purposes in New Zealand to-day. Good results may be obtained, however, with a mixture of one tablespoon of sulphate of ammonia to one gallon of water. A. O. K., Otekura—An old method of making charcoal consists of piling billets of wood on their ends so as' to form a conical pile, openings being left at the bottom to admit air, with a central shaft to serve as a flue. The whole pile is covered with turf or moistened soil. The firing is begun at the bottom of the flue and gradually spreads outwards and upwards. The success of the operation depends upon the rate of combustion. The modern method is to carbonise wood in cast-iron retorts. Hard woods are recommended as being suitable for making charcoal, but the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is at present investigating the suitability of various New Zealand timbers for the purpose, and its conclusions have not yet been made public.