Notes and Queries?

Otago Witness, Issue 3713, 12 May 1925, Page 44

Notes and Queries?

Questions for reply in coming issue to be ieoeived not later than SATURDAY night. Questions will NOT be replied to through the post.

Questions muEt be accompanied by. the name and address of the writer, but a nom de plum# may be adopted for publication.

Inquirer,” Oturehua, asks what to do to stop the leakage in a lead gutter on a roof? The only reliable advice could be given by a practical plumber, or one having knowledge of roots after an inspection.

A. 13. C.,’’ Oamaru, who has cured some rabbitskins, wishes to know a method for dyeing them. A pre-requisite to the proper dyeing of any material necessitates a wide knowledge of the technical processes of dyeing generally, and it is impossible within reasonable space to enunciate same. There is no simple method that we know of dyeing home-cured skins satisfactorily. Curious,” Enfield, wishes to know (1) If German paper money is of any value in New Zealand? (2) Of what value (if any) is a Reichs banknote for 1,000,000 marks? (3) Where could one get exchange in New Zealand? German paper money is practically of no value in New Zealand. Suggest that you interview the local banker, who will, if you desire it, collect in London the value of the note in question. X. Y. Z.,” Dipton, asks: Is it necessary on a telephone narty line to give one’s own number when ringing for a connec-t-on, as well as the number wanted, say, ‘‘Give me 3m for s w,’’ or just “Give me 3m, please”? If ringing up anyone locally it is sufficient to give the number required, but if outsile 'he district, and toll is paid, it i 9 necessary tc supply your own as well as the number required. Vermin’’ writes: You receive some strange requests, and always find a solution for them, so I make bold to ask you if you would kindly suggest a remedy for the following:—'Several dogs had been chained for a long time in an outhouse (fortunately a good distance from any dwelling), the result being that the place is just alive with fleas. It is not safe to go within yards of the place for fear of being covered by the vermin. I have tried water, but it did not seem to do any good. Perhaps you could suggest a remedy, and, bv doing so, would greatly oblige. A well-kept, well-washed, or regularly brushed dog will seldom be pestered with vermin if the kennel and kennel yard are also kept clean and are suitable. The yard should be of concrete, which can bo swept or hosed thoroughly clean. If it is of gravel or earth it will become impregnated with filth, and vermin will breed therein. There are plenty of violent remedies which will remove vermin and, incidentally, kill the dog. In the fir3t place, remove the dog from the kennel or basket where it sleeps. Then the kenr.el must be drenched with boiling water and painted with spirits of turpentine. Furnish the dog with entirely new bedding, and see that this is changed frequently. Then when washing the dog add a teaspoonful of spirits of turpentine to the water. This ought to remove the pests, but if success is not completely attained at first, repeat the washing with the turpentine solution. A little powdered camphor rubbed into the coat also helps to check these pests. If lice should be seen on a dog wash the dog with paraffin diluted with six timas its bulk of water, or Jeves fluid may be used; but in this, case it must be diluted with GO times its bulk of water. Repeat these washings every three days for a fortnight. If the dog is handled kindly and tactfully from the first he takes his washings if not as a matter of pleasure at anyrate as a matter of course; but if a dog is roughly handled, if its head is thrust beneath the water and held there, you will always find the dog’s bath a difficulty. Talk to it gently, give it an encouraging pat or two, be kind and firm, and you will have little difficulty in keep ing your dog clean and healthy.

Constant Reader,” Maheno.—Thanks for letter. The uddress has been supplied by several correspondents. Paddy,” Orawaia, asks: (1) The pedigree of Martial Dance? (2) Whom bred by? (3) Races entered in and won, etc.? (4) Whom owned by while racing? (5) What horses is Martial Dance related to at present in training? Martial Dance was got by Martian—Twostep. He ia a brother to Mazurka, Martian Princess, and War March, and was bred by Mr lan Duncan. Waikanae stud. Martial Dance ran in about 30 races without winning. Subscriber,” Otara.—The sample of coal you sent for examination was submitted to Professor Park, who has reported that it is good brown coal, banded with shale. The sulphur content is high, but may be expected to diminish at depth. The value of a coal depends on many conditions, among which must be considered the thickness of seam, extent of coal measures, probable market and means of transport. Tractor,” Kelso, asks: What duty (if any) is on a tractor waggon imported from Victoria (Australia) to this country. If made in Australia a motor tractor comes in free; if a trailer, 20 per cent.; if a motor lorry, 10 per cent.