NEWS OF THE DAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26793, 9 June 1948, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY

National Theatre Though the Prime Minister,' Mr Fraser, had given an undertaking that a national theatre would be established in New Zealand, there was no evidence so far of the Government’s intention. said the president of the New Zealand Drama Council, Mr George Swan, in an interview in Timaru. Though he hoped that an early decision would be reached, he expected that the Government would first call a conference of interested parties. The professional theatre. Mr Swan said, could never be satisfactorily replaced by the amateur because it was a full-time job like any other occupation. The New Zealand Council envisaged the appointment of a director who would probably have to be obtained from overseas, while players would be drawn • from the ranks of existing amateurs who would make the theatre their career. In the past the most talented young players had had to go overseas. If there were a professional theatre they would be retained in New Zealand. Tribute from Council The executive of the Centennial Association is to be invited to meet the City Council for morning tea in the near future, on which occasion the opportunity would be taken to congratulate the Centennial Association on its excellent work. A decision to this effect was made at last evening’s meeting of the City Council. Death*of Charles Dickens Charles Dickens died at Gad’s Hill 78 years ago to-day. By means of frequent reprints, films, and radio plays, his works probably now reach a wider circle than ever. Interesting material, including letters, and books from his library, are on view this month in the Dunedin Public Library. Visit by Councillors A further step in the City Council’s plans to visit factories and other commercial buildings in the city to acquaint themselves • with Dunedin’s manufactures was taken last night. The council accepted the offer of New Zealand Breweries to visit Speight’s branch and view the brewing process, among others, during the week beginning on June 21. New Pedestrian Crossing Cr E. J. Anderson asked the chairman of the General Committee of the City Council, Cr Smith, last night when a pedestrian crossing would be laid down across Cumberland street to the railway bus terminal. He was told that the chief traffic inspector, Mr E. H. Barrett, had been instructed to have the crossing marked, and this would be-done as soon as possible. Edinburgh’s Gift ' The relinquary presented to Dunedin on behalf of Edinburgh by Sir John Falconer, a former Lord Provost of the Scottish capital, was standing in the middle of the council table at’last evening's meeting of the City Council, the Mayor, Mr Cameron, mentioning that it was intended the relinquary should be thus placed at each council meeting. Severe Frosts A heavy frost, registering 12.5 degrees, was experienced in the city yesterday morning, while in Central Otago the average frost was 15 degrees, and on the Taieri Plain 14 degrees. Many areas in the city bore a thick white coating and motorists arid pedestrians had to be careful on slippery surfaces. Early in the morning lorries from the City Corporation Works Department spread quantities of fine gravel in the worst places. Last night there were indications of another frost. Motorists Thanked At the monthly meeting of the Automobile Association (Otago) last night, the chairman, Mr G. T. Anderson, said he had been asked by the president, Mr G. W. Ferens, who had been called north, to move a motion expressing appreciation of the work done by motorists during the recent transport strike in Dunedin. The motion, which referred to the assistance given elderly people and children, in particular, was carried unanimously. Several members stressed that the public appeared to be most appreciative of the assistance given by motorists. Air Service 1 Cancellations In future the probable cancellations of flights to and from Taieri aerodrome will be about 5 per cent., as a result of the stricter enforcement of the air safety code by the air control authorities. This information has been received by the Dunedin Development Council. It is expected that new equipment and instruments which will materially improve the position will not be installed for several years. The expected percentage of cancelled flights is rather higher than has been the case in the past. Municipal Organ Recital The city organist, Dr V. E, Galway, will give an after-church recital in the Town Hall on Sunday evening when the following programme will be presented:—Allegro Giocoso (Handel), Adagio from the Trio Sonata in E flat (Bach), Chorale Prelude, “My heart is filled with longing” (Bach), Fugue in G major (Mendelssohn), Suite Gothique (Boellmann), “We wandered once, we two together” (Brahms), and “ Epithalamium ” (Wagner). Dr Galway will be assisted by the Lyric Choir under the conductorship of Mr John T. Leech. The choir will sing “Ave Verum ” (Mozart), the “Gloria” from the Messe Solenelle (Gounod), and the “ Kyrie ” from the Mass in A flat (Mercadante). There will be no charge for admission.

Dirty Milk Bottles When complaints about dirty milk were being considered at a meeting of the dairy section of Federated Farmers yesterday, the chairman, Mr N. M. Wright, of Palmerston, expressed the opinion that th.e responsibility for dirty bottles rested with the Milk Board’s treatment station and that it could not be placed on the vendors. The board advised that the legal responsibility rested with the vendor. It was explained that, with the brown bottles that were being used, it could not be discovered whether the bottles were dirty or not till they were empty, and the vendors could not break the seals. The vendors merely had the handling of the bottles. It was decided to write to the board, stating that the meeting considered the onus was on the board to see that the bottles were clean, and that only clean articles were delivered to the vendors.

For rings, watches and jewellery, try Peter Dick. Jeweller, 36 Princes street, Dunedin.—Advt.