Notes and Queries

Otago Witness, Issue 3775, 20 July 1926, Page 48

Notes and Queries

Questions for reply in coming issue to be refaired not later than SATURDAY night. Questions will NOT be replied to through tho post. Questions must be accompanied by the name »nd address of the writer, but a nom de plume jnay be adopted lor publication. V Constant Reader,” Taieri, asks: "What wages does the P.W.D. pay the horse- , drivers on the works at Balclutha? ' The payment is at the rate of Is Hid per hour. i‘ Interested,” Otautau, wishes to know particulars of the examination for the Associate of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, and asks for a list of the subjects necessary to sit for same. The information will be supplied on application to the secretary, the New Zealand Institute of Architects, 33 Johnston street, Wellington. “A Lover of Music,” Napier, wishes to know the names of the tunes on the Scottish Suite records (Winner) of the Argyll and Southerland Highlanders Band. Some of the tunes are very beautiful, especially the laments and the last tune on part 2. There are three parts—l, 2, and 3. These records comprise a medley of tunes which are not readily recognised, and the details are not furnished to our local agents. “ Ignoramus,” Timaru, writes: “ I have a picture, on the back of which is:/For H. Blank, Esq. Do Achilles Leonari Roma Babuino, 66.’ Can you tell me what this means?” You give one no idea of what is on the front side of the picture, and it is doubtful whether the inscription on the back has been transferred correctly. Achilles, it may be explained, was one of the heroic figures of Greek mythology, who was deified by later generations as transcending the normal powers of humanity. '‘Leghorn” asks: "(1) Is it wise to feed separated milk to fowls? If so, warm or cold? (2) What is the cause and cure for blood spots in eggs? (3) Is roosting on raacracarpa trees prejudicial to egg production? (4) Should hens have warm food in winter in addition to grain?” “Terror” replies: "(1) Yes; either way. (2) Overfeeding and sometimes rupture in oviducts. Cure: Less food, and give oats instead of wheat for a time; easily cured. (3) Yes, if in winter time. Birds in natural conditions do not lay so well as domesticated (housed) birds do. (4) Just as well, but not necessary.” .* Traveller,” Oamaru, writes: “ Could you advise me as to where I might obtain a map of the North Otago district, with the towns, country townships, rivers, and principal roads clearly marked? The motor guides usually published are good as far as they go, but are mostly confined to one route, while the Government survey maps needed are too numerous and expensive. Some 30 years ago some most excellent maps for the use of cyclists were on sale in Dunedin, but by whom I cannot now recollect. I think they would be just about the right thing.” Write to Mr P. H. Power, secretary of the Otago Motor Club, Moray place, Dunedin. “ Ailment ” writes: “ I would be much obliged if you could tell me the cause of a curious ailment from which I have been suffering. My lips and. occasionally, my whole face, especially the eyes, are often swollen when I wake up in the morning. There is no pain, simply the disfiguring swelling. Could you tell me the cause of this, and, if possible, any remedy for it? The back of the throat is usually swollen also, making speech difficult and distorted. supplied are far too vague to allow one to form an opinion, and the cause is impossible to determine in the circumstances. We do not advise on medical questions, and suggest that you see a doctor.” “New Chum,” Invercargill, writes: “I have a cousin in Scotland who wishes to emigrate to New Zealand, and bring his mother with him. (1) Could I nominate them out? (2) How should I proceed about doing so? (3) What would it cost? My cousin is 25 years of age, and his mother is 56.” The best thing for you to do is to write to the Undersecretary for Immigration, P.O. Box 313, Wellington, who will supply you with the desired information, and furnish you with a nomination form to fill in. There are various conditions under which passages may be obtained at reduced rates from the United Kingdom to New Zealand, but our space will not permit of printing them out in this column. •' Farmer,” Riversdale, wishes to know how to cure a sheepskin intended to be used as a floor rug. “ Agricola ” replies : “ See Otago Witness, July 6, for particulars regarding curing skins. I might say that it is necessary when tanning sheepskins with the wool on or off to remove all fat meat from the skin by scraping with a blunt-edged knife, and wash the skin and remove all fleshy matter by scraping. Then wash the hair side with warm water and soap, and rinse thoroughly. Soak the pelt in a bath composed of lib of alum and a quart of salt, with enough water added to cover the pelt. Put the vessel away in a warm place, and turn the skin in the liquid dally. After a week remove the skin and dry It. When partly dry rub and stretch the skin to complete drying. •'Puzzled,” Oamaru, writes: “Would you kindly give me some efficacious remedy for getting rid of house flies? I noticed during war time that the Defence Department must have had some good method, »b one hardly ever saw a fly round either the cookhouse or the latrines. I know they used a certain kind of formalin for disinfecting blankets, etc., but whether used generally I cannot say.” “Agricola” replies: "A small amount of ordinary borax sprinkled dally on places whefe there is garbage of any sort will prevent the breeding of house files. It will not kill the adult fly nor prevent it from laying eggs, but if well used will check the breeding. As a further means of repelling files, you might spray the places where they are most troublesome with commercial formalin (one part to 20 parts water) two or three times a week.” • Sllverhope,” Geraldine.—Your query In last week's Otago Witness with reference to a cure for warts on a cow's teats has brought forth the following information from “ Farmer,” Taieri: —" The following remedy I can guarantee: Dip a feather in acetlo acid, and wet the warts all over. If the cow is in milk put it on after milking; if the cow is not milking apply at any time. Several applications may be necessary, but the warts will gradually disappear. I have known this treatment to remove warts the size of an egg from a horse's leg. One cow had a perfect necklace round her neck, and there must have been dozens, ending in a groat ball like a marble brooch, In front of her neck. The acid destroyed them completely.

One cow bought last year had some nearly an inch long on her teats, and was horrible to milk. We applied the acid, and this year she has not one wart, which proves that the acid is a cure.

'* Constant Reader,” Albert Town, wishes to know how to set down an asphalt cricket pitch, and asks for (1) the depth of the foundation before laying asphalt, the thickness of asphalt required. He asks how to mix asphalt, and what proportion of gravel, tar, top dressing, etc., to use. Mr H. M. Davey, consulting engineer, replies: “ The whole if well and properly laid by an experienced worker should be about sin to 61n thick. First, about 3in of gravel, or more if the ground is soft, or, what is worse, soft in places, should be well rolled or beaten In, and then at least 2in of asphalt treated in a similar manner. Finish to the shape of the required surface—that is, either flat or with a slight rise, say, in the middle, etc. Use about 16gal of tar from the gasworks to the cubic yard of gravel; the top dressing to be fine stuff mixed in a similar manner, and the top subsequently tarred and sanded. I let you know this through the courtesy of Mr E. C. Holmes, asphalter of St. David street, Dunedin, who could supply any of the needful material if you communicated with him.” ‘‘Subscriber,” Athol, writes: “I am the owner of a sluicing claim, and have a water-race six miles long coming on to it The water is not much good in a dry season. I have done only 100 hours’ sluicing for the last three months. Of course, it is all right in a wet season, when there is water to spare, but the seasons are changing. The claim is situated 200 ft above the river level, and the face I am sluicing is 250 ft high. The river I’m referring to is the Mataura. I have never gauged its current. Do you think it would be possible with a paddle wheel floated on pontoons on the river to get power enough to pump water up to the top of the claim, say, roughly, 500 ft? A 9in pipe line should do, because, if I could fill it, it would keep me sluicing 12 out of the 24 hours. I could get plenty of water by putting in a syphon, but it would be too costly. The river runs right at the foot of the claim, and from the river to the top of the claim is all rock face. Can one obtain a pump capable of putting it up 500 ft and keeping a 9in line full? Or, better still, could you suggest a way of putting up the water? What would it cost to get an engineer up from Dunedin to have a look at it?” Mr H. M. Davey, consulting engineer, replies: “If you placed all the needful information, such as the speed of the river, the length of the pipe line, the quantity of water you would want In order to lift the whole to the 500 ft, and where the water thus lifted would go to (such as to the nozzles or storage), a better reply could be given. But you may as well be warned that in all probability it would be exceedingly expensive, both for first cost and upkeep. I may say that with the size of pipes you mention, only about one and a-half to a possible one and three-quarters Government heads should be attempted to be pumped. Then what about the syphon you speak of? Why should that be more expensive than a dredge, a set of pumps, a pipe line, and all the contingencies connected with these articles? Can you not give more information, as what is given is quite insufficient?”

LAW QUERIES.

[Answered by a solicitor of the Supreme Court §f New Zealand. Letters and Telegrams must be addressed to " T EX,” c/o Editor, Otago Witness, Dunedin.] “ Inquirer,” Taieri, asks: “My boy worked for a farmer, and when he left his employment there was £23 in wages owing. Twelve months has elapsed, and no payment has been made.” If he sued would he still be entitled to recover the full amount ? Yes. “ Cockle ” asks: “ A’s bull wanders into B’s paddock, which contains a mixed lot of cattle, and later B notices one of his cows’ legs broken, but has no proof as to whether A.’s bull caused it or not. Is A responsible? ” Before A could be made responsible for the special damage proof would be required. If B’s paddock is properly fenced A is liable to a special trespass rate not exceeding £lO in respect of the trespass. "Farmer,” Alma.—(l) The Public Trustee, unfortunately, has the legal right to turn the widowed mother out into the street. (2) The mother cannot prevent the Public Trustee from selling the house. (3) The Public Trustee must take action in the - court to eject the mother. (4) The while the patient is in the mental hospital the Public Trustee has full control over his estate. (5) In the event of his death without making a will one-third of his estate goes to his wife, and two-thirds to his son. (6) While the patient is alive the mother has no claim to the estate. " Hawea Flat” asks: “(1) If a public domain board is required to publish a balance sheet?' (2) How often is a committee elected? (3) In order to elect a committee must a public meeting be held? (4) If a member of the Domain Board dies or leaves the district can the members of the board fill the vacancy without the matter being referred to the public? ” (1) The board must prepare and submit at each annual meeting a report of its proceedings for the previous year ending on March 31, together with a statement of Its receipts and expenditure for that year. (2) and (3) The Governor by Order-In-Council appoints persons to be a domain board. (4) The Governor-in-Council also appoints persons to fill up any vacancy on the board.

Following on the Prime Minister s decision that nothing could be done in regard to the demolition of the old post office in the meantime, Mr H. L. Tapley, M.P., approached him with a view to ascer. taining the exact position regarding the situation. As a result of the i iterview, Mr Tapley has wired informing the chairman of the Unemployment Committee (Mr W. B. Taverner, Deputy Mayor) that he had gone fully into the matter with tne Prime Minister and the Minister of Publio Works (the Hon. K. S. Williams). Desirable as the scheme might appear from the unemployed point of view Mr Tapley stated, advice from the department’s engineers showed the impractability of starting the immediate demolition of the old post office. This work, it was pointed out, would absorb only 20 men, who would require to be skilled workers, otherwise tfcc.s would be a grave risk of accident. Further, the nine departments for whom outside office accommodation would be required, would entail 11,000 feet of floor space, the rental for which would be approximately £250 monthly. The telegram also stated that the plans for the new buildings which the Government had now decided on would not be ready for six months, when tenders would be called. These buildings would be six storeys high and would house all the Government departments in Dunedin. As the demolition of the old buildings would take only two months, it would obviously be wasteful to demolish them now and incur outside rentals. In conclusion, Mr Tapley stated that he had been promised that the work of demolishing the old post office would begin in January, and that the erec. tion of the new building would be commenced when the site was cleared. A large contingent of new settlers reached Wellington by the steamer Tainui. on Saturday morning from Southampton. After the North Island quota had disembarked the Tainui proceeded to Lyttelton, where she arrived on Sunday morning, and the passengers booked for Otago and Southland reached Dunedin yesterday afternoon. Passengers’ baggage will be forwarded by the Holmdale, due here on Wednesday from Wellington. “Mr Hurst Seagar has made a special study of memorials the world over, and we may count on his suggesting a monument that will worthily commemorate a man who guided the Dominion safely through one of the most critical periods in its history” (says the Christchurch Sun in referring to the commissioning of Mr Hurst Seager to design the Massey memorial). “We l..ve already in New Zealand a plethora of obelisks and cairns, for the most part as uninspiring &9 Christmas puddings. Here is our opportunity to emulate the magnificent efforts of older lands in this direction.”

Arriving at his home at New Brighton on Tuesday last after a fruitless search in the city for work, the man whose wife had the misfortune to lose her purse containing the wages he was paid for relief work last week, found that instead ot his luck being really out. as he thought, it was in again (reports the Lyttelton Times. During the day several benevolent citizens who had read in the Star the report of his bad luck communicated with the Government Labour Bureau in order that they could render timely b to the man and his family. The result wa9 that oarcels of meat and. groceries were delivered at their home* during the lay, and several gifts of money were also received. When the man reached his home he found a bright fire burning in grate and an appetising meal awaiting him, his wife greeting him with a happy smile. There is being forwarded to Samoa what has been pronounced by the GovernorGeneral as an extraordinarily fine shield for competition among the native schools. At a gathering of about a dozen officers and ex-officers of the territorials and old volunteers, when Sir George Richardson was in New Zealand in January, he told them the story of his work in Samoa. One officer suggested that those present would be willing to donate a shield on the principle, of the old artillery efficiency shields if General Richardson thought it would be of any assistance to him. He accepted the offer, as he thought it was an excellent idea. He thought it would help him in hi 9 work, and also that it would impress the Samoan_ population very much to know that the people of New Zealand took an interest of this kind in their welfare. The matters of the design and the purpose to which the shield would be put were left to Sir George Richardson, who at a later date notified that he would use the shield for competition among the boys and that he had invited the schools to submit designs. As a result he selected a design, or group of designs, which appears on the shield. The shield wa3 executed by Mr W. R. Bock from 22 designs submitted from the native schools. The run of quinnat salmon in the East Coast rivers of the South Island this season has been the largest on record. Mr L. F. Ayson (chief inspector of fisheries’ said on Wednesday that the Marine Department had met with much success in Electing eggs from these fish in the tributaries of the Waitaki, and in usihg them for stocking the Wairau River in Marlborough. “The salmon liberated in the Wairau River are now finding their way across Cook Strait into some of the rivers on the south end of the North Island,” Mr Ayson explained, “and they have been found in tho Lower Wairarapa Lake, in a river flowing into Palliser Bay, and in tributaries of the Manawatu. This is an expected development because of the set of tidal currents northward across Cook Strait.” Mr Ayson said that all salmon had their latitude or temperature range, and it was not expected that these fish would find their way further north on the East Coast than Hawke’s Bay. “You find them this year anything from 101 b to 42i1b,” said Mr Ayson. “Of course, specimens beyond 42Jlb have been caught in the spawning season, but these weights are the maximum and minimum weights caught by anglers and netters for market in the Waimokariri River.” No fewer than 27 bankruptcies were notified in last week’s issue of the New Zealand Gazette. Seventeen of the number were in the North Island;

From something approaching a menace, the large numbers of red and fallow deer in New Zealand may become a fairly profitable side-line for hunters and take their place among exports of the Dominion (states the Evening Post). The sole right of export of red and fallow deer from New Zealand has been granted to Mr R. Philp, of Wellington. Mr Philp already has orders for the export of 10" carcases of venison each month to Amerioa. It is his intention to arrange for parties in each district to shoot for him, making payment for each carcase. Little trouble will arise for the hunters in the various localities with regard to the transport of the venison, as arrangements have been made with the different frezing works for the men to send the deer to them, to be afterwards forwarded and exported.