NEWS OF THE DAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27499, 20 September 1950, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY

Continental Cars For the first time since before the war, various types of Continental cars are expected to come on to the market in New Zealand in the near future. The first will be French types which are partially manufactured under licence in Britain. In Australia, however, a wide range of Continental cars is now available and it is understood that various dealers in this country are investigating the possibility of bringing similar cars on to the New Zealand market. Departmental Reports The departmental reports prepared by the City of Dunedin each year are now in the process of being formulated for the financial year 1949-50. The reports, which cover statistics and statements of activities during the year by departmental managers, are usually issued about October. Bodies Not Found

The bodies of James McKenzie and Roy Waller, both fishermen of Taieri Mouth, who were drowned at the mouth of the river last Sunday, have not yet been found. Police carried out dragging operations yesterday, and attempts to find the bodies will be continued today. Still At Large

Thomas O’Connor, aged 53, who escaped from his police escort by jumping from the Christchurch-Dun-edin express on the Waireka gradient on Monday, has not yet been arrested. O'Connor was travelling from Oamaru on remand to appear at Dunedin when he escaped. O'Connor has a prominent scar on the upper lip. Dog On Motor Cycle

The sight of a woman riding a motor cycle in Dunedin is rare enough, but a woman motor cyclist riding up George street yesterday afternoon with a dog perched on the tank of the machine occasioned many curious stares. The dog appeared to be quite used to this unusual method of transport. Short Shrift

The longest incoming letter got the shortest shrift at a meeting of the executive of the Dunedin Returned Services’ Association last night. It came from a society which is anxious to ban the atomic bomb. The president, Mr K. W. Stewart, held the sheaf of papers inquiringly in front of members. “ Received ” and “ ditch it ” were the immediate cries. The letter was accordingly officially received—and left unread. City Water Supply

The council of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce decided yesterday to send a letter to the Mayoi - , Sir. Donald Cameron, and the members of the City Council commending them on their decision to augment the city water supply. The president, Mr C. T. Haberfield, said that the chamber was not competent as a body to comment on the source of the supply, but it was pleased that an effort had been made to improve the supply. The secretary, Mr J. D. Hanning, said that the chamber had advocated a move of this nature for a number of years. Farmers’ Costs

Mention of the high wool prices at a meeting of the executive of Federated Farmers of Otago yesterday prompted lively and illuminating comments from those present regarding the less publicised increases in costs which farmers have to 'meet. Some of the items mentioned were: A crawler tractor costing £B6B in 1940 is now priced at more than £1500: a grain drill worth £BO-£IOO in 1938-39 now costs £3OO and is not so well equipped; a poultry feed-mixer, with motor, has risen in price from about £4O, pre-war days to £92 10s; fencing posts have increased .from £5-£7 a 100 to £3O-£4O a 100; and fencing wire has risen from £ls to £52 a ton. Australian Invitation

An invitation has been extended by the Australian Government, through its Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, for Dominion manufacturers to visit the capital cities of the Commonwealth in order to study the latest developments and techniques in use. The Otago-Southland Manufacturers’ Association hopes that, when further particulars have been received about the proposed visit, which is timed for early next year, a party may be made up to join delegations from other parts of the country on the trip. The Australian Government has indicated its willingness to arrange itineraries which will make it possible for visitors to study the industries in which they are particularly interested.