NEWS OF THE DAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26749, 19 April 1948, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY

Olympic Team’s Departure Private advice has been received in Dunedin that the New Zealand Olympic team will now sail for London from Auckland on April 28. The Dunedin representatives will travel north on Saturday. First Teacher’s Whistle The whistle with which Mr Alexander Stewart, the first headmaster of the Old Stone School, used to blow in the playground to call the attention of his pupils is in the possession of Mr W. Rutherford, who is the chairman of the committee organising the present jubilee celebrations of the school. The whistle was given to Mr Rutherford by Mr Peter Stewart, an 'old pupil and former teacher at the school. Bicycles Stolen Bicycle stealing continues to be a major problem for the police in Auckland, one detective being fully engaged on combating this crime alone. More than 400 machines were stolen last year and of this number about 170 were recovered. The worst month was March, when more than 50 thefts were reported. So' far this year, March has again been the most disastrous month for cyclists, over 40 of whom were relieved of their machines. Imports of China In support of their contention that the 1948 allocation of £570,000 for the importation of china, earthenware and glassware is inadequate, representatives of the trade have mentioned to the Government that this allows only about 5s a jhead of population. No general measure of relief is expected before the 1949 licensing ’ schedule is issued, but it has been authoritatively stated that earlier publication of the schedule can be expected this year. Male “ New Look ” Clothing worn by passengers aboard the Marine Phoenix, which called at Auckland recently, suggested that the “ New Look ” in male attire is more highly developed in the United States than in New Zealand. “ Loud,” clashing colours were favoured in ties and shirts, while many men wore variations of the lumber jacket, some in felt or leather and some in dazzling plaids. A few “ zoot-suits ” in which the coats of lounge' suits hung below the knee, were also in evidence. Impromptu Rodeo Horsemanship which might have come straight from a “ wild west ” film was seen at Little River recently. A horse bolted with a gig. narrowly missing several parked cars. Mr J. Robinson, who was riding a horse down the same road, attempted to head off the runaway horse, but when it failed to stop he galloped along beside it and jumped from his horse into the gig. He fell flat, but picked himself up in time to stop the horse before it did any damage. Hospital Board Grants For the year ended March 31, the grants made by the Otago Hospital Board to medical associations totalled £5175. These comprised £3OOO to the University of Otago (dental), £2OOO to the St. John Ambulance Association, £IOO to the Patients and Prisoners' Aid Society, £25 to the Citizens’ Day Nursery, and £SO to the Blood Transfusion Society. The estimates for the year April 1, .1948, to March 31, 1949, provide for similar grants except that in the case of the University of Otago (dental) the estimate is increased to £3SQO. Lord Mayor Status

The question whether, in terms of the wish expressed in a recent Wellington City Council resolution, the dignity of the position of Mayor of Wellington will be raised to that of Lord Mayor, appears to rest with the Government. The Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, was informed of the council s resolution, says the Dominion, and he advised in reply that it would have to be considered in conjunction with the claims of other cities. It appears that if the Government did support the proposal, and his Majesty’s advisers were informed accordingly, the wish of the council would be met. There has been some suggestion that the matter may be raised at the forthcoming municipal conference in Dunedin. Lord Rutherford’s Voice

A gramophone record of the voice of Lord Rutherford was played at Christchurch after a lecture to the Workers’ Educational Association by Dr G. T. P. Tarrant, who worked under Lord Rutherford at the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge. The record was one of eight owned by Dr Tarrant. It was made, he said, during a lecture given by Lord Rutherford in Germany. Dr Tarrant claimed that it was probably the only one of its kind in New Zealand. Similar records had been issued to others who had worked under the great scientist. Slides of Lord Rutherford and of the Cavendish Laboratory were shown after the record had been played. Maoris’ Future

Appealing to Maoris to realise their responsibilities not only as citizens, but as members of a proud race, the chief controller of Maori tribal committees in New Zealand. Mr R. Royal, said in New Plymouth that the education of the children was of the utmost importance. This, together with a good home life, would enable Maori children to work side by side with Europeans, not only as farmers and labourers, but in skilled trades and professional positions such as nursing, teaching, medicine and law. Tribal committees, Mr Royal added, would work in close conUicl with all Government departments in matters pertaining to Maori problems, and it was hoped that before long a noticeable improvement would be seen in the Maori way of living.