NEWS OF THE DAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24630, 11 June 1941, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY

AT midnight on Monday the baro- ■£*■ meter in Dunedin recorded a pressure of 30.7 inches. In the following c 24 hours, the pressure fell steeply to the abnormally, low level of 28.65 inches, which easily eclipsed the lowest recording of 1940, 28.75 inches. In January, 1938, which provided another period of phenomenally low pressure, the reading was 28.40 inches. On this occasion, however, the pressure dropped steadily over 36 hours from 29.50 inches. Fire Brigade Calls The City Fire Brigade turned out to two chimney fires yesterday, the first call being at 9.30 a.m. to 46 Crosby street, and the second at 6.32 p.m. to the Main South road, Green Island. Secret Session A secret session of the House of Representatives will be held this afternoon to enable members to hear and discuss the latest developments in connection with the war situation. The original intention (says our special correspondent) was to begin the secret session last night, but an alteration in the order of business was annouced following a caucus of the Parliamentary Labour Party yesterday morning. Gasmask Spectacles

Hundreds of pairs of gasmask spectacles have been issued free to Expeditionary Force soldiers since the beginning of this year. They are made of the finest nickel obtainable, and the side pieces or temples are so flexible that they yield to the fit of the gasmask and do not, as would ordinary civilian frames, leave gas entry spaces on each side.' The issue of these spectacles is part of a service which was initiated at the beginning of the year by the army authorities, and given full support and assistance by the Institute of Opticians. The service has resulted in a very considerable improvement in eye examinations for the army, and it is estimated that the country is being saved thousands of pounds in the attention or pensions that otherwise would have to be given through allowing men to enter the army who have not the required standard of, vision. Need for Patience

" The old adage, 'No news is good news,' is one which applies to the army," declared Mr W. Grieve, chairman' of tho Invercargill Metropolitan Patriotic Committee, at a meeting of the committee. Mr Grieve was discussing the despatch of cablegrams to army authorities overseas by relatives of soldiers who had had no news of their welfare. A great number of these .had been sent within recent weeks, he said. The consequence was that the strain on the cable services had been too great. Reporting on the Dominion conference of representatives of Provincial Patriotic Councils, which was held in Wellington last week, Mr Grieve said the conference wanted to make it clear that it was no use sending such cablegrams until a certain time had elapsed after largescale actions. He had been informed that during the last war it was generally a fortnight to three weeks after major battles before news came through-about individual soldiers. Although the cable services were being carried on now under greater difficulties than in the last war, he considered that a better and a quicker job was being done. Closing of Mine Imminent The cessation of production by the Blackball Coal Mines Proprietary, Ltd., at Blackball, one of the oldest operating mining plants on the West Coast, is-imminent because of the high overhead cost of production. The company's original workings were worked out some years ago, and a new development plan was adopted on. an adjoining area at considerable cost to the company. A ,drive was put in and a new area opened up, but ever, since the i seam was struck the greatest difficulty has been experienced m keeping the workings clear of water, necessitating incessant pumping at a high cost, while only a minimum Quantity of coal, about 100 tons a day, could be produced. The peak production of the old mine was as high as 1000 tons daily. More than 70 men will be thrown out of employment in the event of no further development after the company's decision to close the mine permanently. The Elackball Company has been operating in this field for the last 47 years, and during that time has produced more than 4.500,000 tons of bituminous coal. The closing .down of the mine will have a most serious effect on the township of Blackball and the district generally. The only possibility of its continuing in operation, it ,is stated, would be oy a State enterprise.

A special train at cheap excursion fares will be run from Invercargill, stopping at Balclutha. Stirling and Milton, on Sunday, returning the same day. Coffee for breakfast. Order from your grocer a tin of "Bourbon," the coffee of quality. Instructions in every tin. Prepared by Durie's, coffee specialists, 32 Octagon, Dunedin.—Advt. For rings, watches, and jewellery, try Peter Dick, jewellers. 59 Princes street, Dunedin.—Advt.