NEWS OF THE DAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25458, 12 February 1944, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY

rnHE chief traffic inspector, in his reI port to the City Council for January, states that the extension of the period for the issue of warrants of fitness for private cars had had its effect at the testing station, 441 vehicles being examined compared with 920. for the previous month. During the month all taxi cabs were called in for the half-yearly inspection. The general appearance of the vehicles was good, but the rejects on steering and spring shackle defects were higher than usual owing, no doubt to the difficulty in obtaining new replacement parts. This matter, the inspector says, is being carefully watched. More Motor Repair*

Inability to secure new cars for old Is causing motorists to keep the garage staffs busy on repairs. Giving evidence before the Armed Forces Appeal Court at Greymouth, the representative of a large establishment said that the staff was unable to cope with the repair work, which was piling up. Of a pre-war staff of sixty-nine, fifty-three had joined the armed services or hart gone to essential industries. The firm had only five mechanics left out of fifteen, and three apprentices out of nine. Improved Water Supply

The Water Committee will report to the City Council on Monday night that authority has been granted the city engineer to lay five chains of 4-ineh main in Hope street, between High street and Stafford street, so as to give a looped supply on both Maori Hill and low level' zones, at an estimated cost of £250. This work has been found necessary owing to consumers in High street complaining of dirty water, this area being on a deadend supply. The work proposed will obviate the trouble.

Anniversary of Cathedral The twenty-fifth anniversary of the consecration of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Dunedin will occur to-day. The original St. Paul’s Church in the city was constructed of bluestone with an interior of Caversham stone. The site on which the church was erected was purchased for £37 10s, this sum being contributed by Mr J. Jones, of Waikouaiti. In 1885 it became necessary to remove the spire, and in 1915 the entire building was demolished. In the same year in which the original church was pulled down, the foundation stone of the cathedral was laid, and on February 12, 1919, the cathedral was consecrated by Bishop Nevill, who at that time was Primate of New Zealand.

Verandah Spoutings A report received from the city engineer, to be submitted to the City Council on Monday night, shows that in the shopping area many verandah roofs are defective, causing water to discharge on to the footways during rain. In most cases the trouble is caused by the neglect to keep the spouting and down pipes clear. The Works Committee points out that the council’s by-laws provide for the owner of the premises to keep the verandah in repair, but the occupier is responsible tor keeping the gutters and downpipes clear. These facts, the committee adds, do not appear to be generally known to the public, and it asks that the attention of owners and occupiers should be drawn to this provision. N.Z. Servicemen’s Courtesy

“I may add something which is not flattery, but just a plain statement of the truth—that of all the Empire boys I have met and talked to and received in my home, there is just something about the New Zealanders that distinguishes them from all the others —a sincerity and depth of character, a courtesy, a something indefinable which seems to be bred in them all. That is no disparagement of the others, bu! somehow among others the New Zealanders are outstanding. They never fail to answer a letter, they never fail to respond to a kindly action, and always with an inbred courtesy which is delightful.” This fine tribute is paid in a letter received in Dunedin from Rotarian Douglas Martin, of London, who acts as a contact man on behalf of the High Cbmmissioners of New Zealand and Australia for colonial prisoners of war. Over 600 prisoners war have been “adopted” by Rotarians who trace relatives and friends and send comforts and cheery letters to the men in enemy hands.

A. Frank Anderson, dentist, will visit Middlemarch, Friday, February 11.—Advt. Do not address business letters to the Editor. They should be sent to the Manager.