Notes and Queries

Otago Witness, Issue 3961, 11 February 1930, Page 46

Notes and Queries

Questions for reply in the coming Issue of the Otago Witness must be received not later than SATURDAY Kight. Questions will NOT be replied to through the post. Questions must be accompanied by the name and address of the writer, but a nom de plume may be •dopted for publication.

(♦Amateur,” Otago, wishes to know the kind of paint to use on an iron roof from which drinking water is “saved.” ——Use Steelite green or Steelite red. * Separator,” Alexandra, asks for the address of the agents in Dunedin (or elsewhere) of the Baltic separator. The Co-operative Dairy Company, of Otago, Castle street, Dunedin. J. M. K., Wellington, says his aged mare scours badly after feeding upon wet grass, and wishes to know the best method to adopt in order to stop it. “Agrieola ” replies: “ Feed the horse some good clean, old. oated chaff before rain, as the trouble is probably dietetic, and her teeth may be troubling her.” •Interested,” Waimate, asks whether Shakespeare or Edison has been of the greatest value to mankind. -This is a matter upon which experts will agree to differ, and admits of no finality, and though probably the younger generation would award the palm to Edison, there are others who would not dismiss Shakespeare from consideration. * Inquirer,” Bruce Bay, wishes to know (1) how to repaint the back of a look-ing-glass, (2) what is the mixture to use, (3) where it can be procured, and (4) what is the cost of same. (1) and (2) This is a job requiring expert treatment. (3) and (4) Messrs Smith and Smith, Ltd.’s glass room, Octagon, undertake this class of work, the cost depending upon the size and condition of the looking-glass. G. S. W., Dunedin, asks: “If a person is born, say, on May 6, can the Pensions Department ignore the balance of that month, and pay pension only from the beginning of June —in other words, not pay for three weeks and four days? ” The Pensions Department pays in accordance with the decision of the magistrate. If your pension was granted during the month of May payment from the 6th onwards would be made to you. R. M., Mosgiel, writes: “In your issue of January-21, I think, there was a photograph on the top of a page of the first test match at Christchurch. In that photograph it showed Mr Blunt batting. Could you please tell me the names of the Englishmen who are at first and second slips in that photograph?” Messrs Woolley and Duleepsinhji respectively are fielding for England in the positions named.

•Amateur.” Timaru, wishes to know the proportionate ingredients (per gallon) in the mixing up of (1) cream paint and (2) Indian red paint for house painting. (1) Mix 281 b of white lead and about 31b patent driers to one gallon of raw linseed oil, and work in “ yellow ochre in oil ” until the desired shade of cream is obtained. (2) The red colour is achieved in a similar manner, •working in “ Indian red in oil ” until you secure the desired results. • Balaclava.” Hastings.—The following information as to how to knit a balaclava cap has kindly been supplied by a correspondent in Waimate: —“ Cast on 140 stitches —three plain, three purl, seven inches. Cast off 20 stitches, 2 inches plain. Cast on 20 stitches and fill gap, three inches plain, and purl decrease every eighth stitch: six rows plain, decrease every eighth stitch; tour rows, decrease every fourth stitch; three rows, decrease every third stitch; two rows, decrease every second stitch; three rows plain, decrease to the end.” 18. A. C., Albury, wishes to know (1) in what part of the pond do frogs live, (2) how to catch them and the best time of day for doing so. and (3) whether they are attracted by baits or caught by hand. (1) Frogs live in natural ponds and marshes. The winter months are passed in a state of hibernation, usually in the mud of ponds, but occasionally in holes and crevices. Heavy toll is levied on the frog ranks by waterfowl, weasels, rats, etc. (2) and (3) Frogs are usually caught by hand, by nets, or by a kind of rake. In France edible frogs are caught by hand by sticking them with steelpointed staffs.

“Berkshire Lad,” Central Otago, asks: “(1) Can a case of apples be despatched to a friend at Home through the Fruit Board in the same way as lamb can be through the Meat Board? (2) Where would one apply for this to be done? (3) How many pounds of apples would be in a case? (4) "What would be the approximate cost? (5) What is the address of the publication department of the United Party Organisation? ” (1) Yes. (2) New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation, Ltd., Box 882, Wellington, the official shipping agents of the New Zealand Fruit Export Control Board. (3) Approximately 401 b net. (4) A moderate charge covers the cost of a bushel case of the finest grade New Zealand apples delivered to any address in the Old Country, full details being supplied on application to the above address. (5) Mr O. A. Moeller, P.O. Box 589, Wellington. 0. M. S.. South Canterbury, submits a series of over a dozen questions ranging from the proclivities of frogs to the

finer points of aeroplanes. Needless to say, our space is limited, and we cannot undertake to answer queries necessitating, in some instances, over a column of matter. In regard to buying a second-hand motor bicycle, you are advised to pay particular attention to the wearing parts and consult with an expert. The value of a motor cycle will depend upon ita state of preservation and the number and condition of spare parts, etc. In respect to the conditions appertaining to instruction in “ flying,” your best plan would be to communicate with the secretary of an aero club. The conditions regarding the using of patent devices will depend upon arrangement between the parties interested and local circumstances. Salaries in connection with the vocations mentioned will depend upon whether there is an arbitration award or an arrangement between employer and employee. Inquiry at the Labour Department should furnish you with the desired information.

“New Chum Gardener,” Timaru, wishes to know how to grow celery. Celery plants should by now be growing on well in trenches, but something might still be attempted if suitable plants are obtainable. This vegetable will not grow in very dry ground. It is almost impossible to give too much water or too much manure. Planting in trenches is better than surface planting, and it is more economical to grow two rows in a trench than one. A single row enables larger heads to be grown. For a single row the trench may be as narrow as a spade will dig it, while for two rows a little more than the width of the spade is necessary. Dig out a good spit, say, Ift deep, and shovel out the loose soil, and work in plenty of well-rotted stable manure, if necessary throwing out another spit of . soil. After ample manure has been worked in. the soil last thrown out is returned, care being taken that the manure has been firmly trodden down before being covered. It is a good plan to well water the trench a day or two before planting. After planting give a good watering, and shade the plants if the weather be bright until they are started. Mould up with earth as they grow, and keep them constantly growing with plenty of moisture.

LAW QUERIES.

[Answered by a solicitor o' the Supreme Court of New Zealand. Letters and Telegrams must be addressed to " LEX,” c/o Editor, Otago Witness, Dunedin.]

A. J. S. asks: “A person applies for shares in a company just formed, paying the application money only. Can such person for financial reasons withdraw the application, or must the allotment and all future calls be paid? ” The applicant can withdraw his application at any time before he has been notified of the allotment of the shares to him. Until such notification the application may be withdrawn. F. N. asks: “A wife wishes to obtain a divorce from her husband. (1) If there has been a mutual agreement for separation, for what period will they have to live apart before the wife can apply for a divorce? (2) Can the wife claim custody of her child? (3) What time must elapse after obtaining divorce before either party can marry? (4) What is the approximate cost of a divorce proceeding? ” (1) Three years. . (2) Yes. (3) At any time after obtaining a decree absolute in divorce. (4) About £3O. Anxious” asks: “(1) I have a stray bullock on my property. What steps do I have to take to find the rightful owner? (2) If I advertise and no one answers, to whom does the animal belong? (3) If I find the owner, for how long back can I claim for grazing and damages, etc.? (4) Can my neighbour also claim for grazing the animal during the time it wandered on his property prior to coming on to my place? ” 7 (1) and (2) Your proper course is to take the animal to the nearest accessible pound. The poundkeeper will then advertise the sale of the animal in accordance with the provisions of the Impounding Act. (3) Two days, and you can also claim driving rates to the pound. (4) No. “Rose of Picardy” asks: “(1) Is there a special department for wills in connection with Chancery estates? (2) What fee is required for copy of will from Somerset House? (3) Could one get such a copy, the legatee knowing only the surname and approximate year of decease? (4) Has an executor a legal obligation to assist where such money was left legatee when still an infant to be obtainable on attaining her majority, together with other money that would have gone to deceased in the ordinarv course of events ? ” (1) Yes. (2) You wil 1 require to obtain information as to fees from the Registrar of Somerset House. (3) The legatee would require to give precise information as to the name, description, and date of decease. (4) The executor must cavrv out the duties imposed upon him under the will.

Stated by the police to have gone to St. Clair beach and thrown herself in the water, a young woman was charged before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., in the City Police Court on Thursday with attempted suicide. On the application of Senior Sergeant Quartermain, who explained that the defendant was at present in the Hospital, she was remanded for a week.

Under the will of Mrs H. H. Beetham the amount of £5OO is bequeathed for a church to be erected in the Brancepeth district at some future date (reports a Press Association telegram from Masterton). The money for the time being will be held by’ the testator’s trustees. There is another bequest of £3OO to St. Matthew’s Church, Masterton, for building or improvement.

At the monthly meeting of the Otago Swimming Centre last week the president (Mr J. L. MTndoe) referred to the courtesy extended by the staff of the Dunedin Railway Station to the members of the team which travelled to Greymouth. The arrangements made so that the team should travel in comfort, said Mr MTndoe, left nothing to be desired, and every official with whom they had come in contact had spared no pains to make the journey from Dunedin to Greymouth a pleasant one. It was decided to write to the Railways Magazine, the official organ of the Railways Department, complimenting the staff of the Dunedin Railway Station on the efficiency and courtesy displayed in the transport of the Otago team to the championship meeting.

“In 10 years’ time the centennial anniversary of New Zealand will be observed, and I am going to move that a Centennial Exhibition be held in Wellington,” said the Mayor (Mr G. A. Troup)” at a meeting of the City Council on Wednes day evening (reports our special correspondent). “It is a long time off I know,” Mr Troup added, “ but it is wise to get in and let the rest of New Zealand know that Wellington has made its claim for the Centennial Exhitibion. No one else will be able to jump our claim.” The Mayor moved that a meeting of representatives of the City Council, Chamber of Commerce, and all business interests be called during April, 1930, to discuss the proposal for a Centennial Exhibition on a large scale in 1940.” The motion was carried amidst laughter, the Mayor remarking that there was nothing like having a big, long vision. “ I am not a cigar-smoker, but I have smoked New Zealand tobacco, and I believe there is a great future before it, if it is worked in the right way,” declared Lord Craigavon, in acknowledging a presentation to him, on behalf of the Ulster Association of New Zealand, of a handsome inlaid casket of native timbers filled with cigars and cigarettes made from New Zealand tobacco (says the Wellington Post). “In the right hands, New Zealand’s tobacco may become as famous as its butter and lamb.” In making the presentation, Mr Howard Elliott said that in Belfast there was the largest tobacco factory in the world. “ I will recommend New Zealand tobacco to them,” he added, “ and see whether Ulster and New Zealand cannot unite in producing the finest tobacco in the world.” — (Applause.)

While members of the Labour Party in Christchurch declare that their activity in regard to the selection of candidates is not an indication that they expect an early general election, there is a growing feeling that such an event is well within the bounds of possibility (states the Christchurch Times). At any rate, the Labour Party is determined to be ready for an appeal to the country this year, and this fact may have an influence on the attitude of the Parliamentary Labour Party after the session is opened. The official opening of the new hall and school of the Caversham Presbyterian Church took place on Sunday afternoon, when there was an excellent attendance of members of the congregation, as well as a large number of visitors. The Rev R. Ferguson Fish, minister of the church, who opened the doors and declared the hall open, was made the recipient of a golden key from Messrs Mandeno and Fraser, the architects, which was presented by Mr Fraser. This ceremony was followed by the opening service, conducted by Mr Fish, the minister, who announced that the main hall would be known as the Sidey Hall, in honour of Sir Thomas K. Sidey, and the adjoining hall had been named the Dutton Hall, as a mark of respect to the Rev. D. Dutton, who for so many years had been the minister of the church. Sir Thomas Sidey, in reply, thanked the congregation for honouring him by attaching his name to the hall, and Mr Dutton also addressed the gathering, expressing the hope that they would all profit by the addition of this new building in a manner that would reflect credit upon themselves and upon those who had previously worked in less inspiring surroundings. Both speakers congratulated the congregation on having acquired so magnificent an addition to the church.

It is announced (states our Wellington correspondent) that the Government will be represented at the civic reception to the Wellington aviator, Captain Chichester, by the Minister of Railways (Mr W. B. Taverner). “ I have been very greatly impressed with your fine newspapers in New Zealand,” stated Mr R. B. Teakle (general manager of Canadian National Steamships) to a Wellington Post representative the other day. “ They are run so much on English lines; and that is always to the good. Ido not care for scare crossheads and sensationalism.”

Although only 24 years of age, a New Zealander, Constable Joseph Henry Jackson, of No. 3 Police Zone, Sydney, has distinguished himself by his bravery while on duty (says the Dominion). Constable Jackson, who arrived by the Ulnnaroa from Sydney, en route to Greymouth, where he will spend his leave with his people, was actively concerned in the “ cleaning-up ” of the biggest of the Darlinghurst shooting affrays. One night while on duty he had occasion to apprehend three notorious gunmen—Gaffney (since murdered), Francis Green, and Archer. Gaffney held him up at the point of a revolver while Jackson, who was wearing a heavy coat, prepared for action with his own revolver, which was in his pocket. He kept Gaffney talking, when suddenly the latter fired, but the shot went wide. Jackson returned the fire, but his shot also missed, but a second shot hit the man’s shoulder. However, Gaffney managed to escape, Archer and Green then fired at Jackson, but their shots, too, went wide. J ackson took another shot at Archer and although the latter was grazed on the temple, he managed to make his escape. Jackson’s action, which was warmly commended by the commissioner and other officers of the Police Force, was the means of linking up important clues which, after Gaffney’s murder, led to the arrest of the gangsters in Surrey Hills and Woolloomooloo, who had hitherto baffled the police. Jackson is also regarded as one of the best police witnesses in the State. He will return to Australia on March 14.

A new form of tramway concession ticket has been introduced by the Auckland Transport Board, an all-day ticket costing Is 6d. The passenger pays his Is 6d and the ticket is punched to notify the day of issue. It is then available on all lines and over all distances until the last car. The average man would scarcely spend so much on car fares at ordinary rates in one day, but in wet weather a man about town would probably get full value and message boys certainly would. In this latter regard it may be mentioned that a recently instituted small parcel delivery and message system in Auckland finds the all-day ticket a very satisfactory solution of the quick and cheap transport problem. It would seem, from a reckoning up of an average day’s tramming to and from work and about town that a shilling all-day ticket would still return the tramway management a fair return, for at twopence per section the average man is inclined to walk, so that the two pence is missed altogether, but the day’s travelling as a shilling might be attractive enough to bring in a certain amount more revenue.

Mr A. Kavanagh, of Hastings, has been awarded the bat presented by Mr C. Louisson, of Napier, for the best allround performance for Hawke's Bay in the cricket match against the English team in Napier. Mr Kavanagh took eight wickets for 134 runs when England was batting, including the hat trick, and made 11 and 32 not out with the bit. The bat which he has been awarded in recognition of his performance is autographed by’ all the members of the English team.

The Auckland Navy League reviews with grave concern the continued alarming weakening of the Royal Navy, and it is its considered opinion that the security of British subjects, particularly in the outlying dominions, is being seriously imperilled by this action, which also endangers the peace of the world. A resolution expressing that opinion was passed at a meeting of the executive recently. A first consignment—about two tons — of Australian frozen whole liquid egg recently reached London. It is being tested by’ cake and biscuit manufacturers with the view of reporting on its quality as compared with the supplies of this commodity, representing a value of £3,000,000 a year, at present being imported from China. It is hoped to divert this trade to the dominions.

The Manawatu A. and P. Society has decided to request the Government to prohibit the importation of cattle, sheep, and swine from the United States. The question arose (says a Press Association telegram from Palmerston North) out of a discussion on the foot-and-mouth disease, speakers averring that importations from the Channel Islands were forbidden, but cattle from those places reached New Zealand through America, thus compelling the farmers here to pay extra. One angler, fishing solo on the river near the Spa at Taupo, has caught over 400 fish to date. He gives a few away’ as opportunity occurs, but nearly all are wasted. It seems a pity (say’s a Napier paper) that such delicate and delicious food cannot be collected and sent to the hospitals. Those at Napier, Hamilton and Rotorua are all within a few hours. The food at the hospital at Rotorua has been adversely criticised by patients, and trout wmild be a treat for sick people. On Saturday Herbert Lloyd Denton, aged 18, was sentenced at Hamilton to two years in the Borstal Institute at In vercargill for the theft of a gramophone and seven records from the Mangateparu School and the theft of a camera from a bus at Te Aroha. The accused had been twice previously convicted of theft, and was at present on probation for theft at New Plymouth. He was described by the police as being a little weak mentally. At Alexandra on Thursday David Thompson, an orchardist, was charged before Mr H. J. Dixon, S.M., with carnally knowing a girl over ’l2 and under 16 years of age. Detective-sergeant H. Nuttall, of Dunedin, conducted the prosecution, and Mr W. A. Bodkin appeared for the accused, who was committed to the Dunedin Supreme Court for trial, bail being allowed in the sums of £2OO (self) and one surety of £2OO.

The postal authorities advise that th® steamer Maunganui, which is due at Wellington to-day from Sydney’, is bringing 45 bags of Australian mail and 23 parcel receptacles for Dunedin. The mail is expected to reach the General Post Office on Wednesday afternoon, and the parcel portion on Thursday.

The naval minesweeper Wakakura left Dunedin on Saturday afternoon for Akaroa with the third and final party of Royal Naval Volunteer Reservists. The men will undergo training and exercise® this week. The Wakakura will return on Friday afternoon, and is scheduled to sail on Saturday for Lyttelton.

Representatives of a Dunedin shipping firm, when conversing with a Daily Times reporter on Saturday, drew attention to the fact that there was no telephone communication with the lighthouse at Moeraki. The reporter was present when the representatives were anxious to learn the whereabouts of the Byrd Antarctic expedition supply ship Eleanor Bolling. A call was first sent through to the Awarua wireless station, and the operator replied that communication had been established with the Eleanor Bolling on Saturday night, but her exact position was not known. The next call was to Cape Saunders lighthouse, and the light keeper replied that the ship had not been sighted. The same reply was received from the light keeper at the Nuggets, who reported that he could see a long distance in all directions. It was thought that the captain of the Eleanor Bolling was making an offing at Moeraki, and had the lighthouse there been connected by telephone, it is possible that tidings of the ship would have been available. Just as the task of attempting to find the whereabouts of the Eleanor Bolling was being abandoned, a message came through from Taiaroa Heads that the ship had come into view from a south-easterly direction. It was pointed out by the shipping representatives that if Moeraki lighthouse were linked up by telephone it would result in a big saving of time and expense to most of the companies. Being in touch with Moeraki would mean that the position of a vessel could be learned, and this would give the shipping agents a good idea of the exact hour waterside labour should be engaged. At the present time the companies have to take a chance when engaging labour, as the appearance of a vessel is not known until she is reported from the Heads. It is the practice of shipmasters of large vessels, however, to notify the owners or agents of the time of arrival by wireless. It was pointed out that the Moeraki township is linked up by telephone, and that the expense of extending the line to the lighthouse, which is only’ a mile or two distant, would not be heavy.

Ihe sum of £l6O was secured by’ burglars in the Majestic Theatre, Napier, between Friday night and Saturday morning, representing the cash takings at the evening performance of “ Rio Rita.” The burglars failed to open the office door, but gained an entrance through an overhead window from another part of the building, proving that they either had plenty of time or knew the building well. The door of the safe readily yielded, being only secured by a Yale lock. The bag used by the management for taking the cash to the bank was used by the thieves to remove the booty.

The little church at Waiho Gorge, to serve the residents and tourists visiting the Franz Josef Glacier, will shortly be erected (says the Church News). The timber has been cut and the beautiful site, overlooking the glacier, is being cleared of bush preparatory to the laying of the foundations. The design of the church is based on the Chapel of St. John's College, Auckland, in the characteristic Bishop Selwyn manner. The facilities for religious services at the Gorge are not sufficient to make a special building super, fluous, and there are few churchgoers who would not feel that worship in the midst of that wonderful place would be the more inspiring in a “ proper ” church. The extra cost of the building, in fact, is due to the need to provide seating accommodation for tourists.

Recently a settler on the Moera Estate, Hutt Valley, was digging in his garden when he came upon the hull of an old Maori canoe at a depth of six feet below the surface (states a Press Association message from Wellington). It proved to be 60 feet long and six feet wide, but had never been finished. The authorities of the Dominion Museum have been negotiating for its purchase, but on a more complete investigation being made the relic was discovered to be in such a decayed condition that it would not be worth removal. Interesting speculations have arisen as to how such a large canoe came to be left on what is now part of the Moera settlement. None of the presentday Maori inhabitants of the Hutt Valley can remember a canoe being buried there, nor can they shed any light on the mystery.

On his visit to Australia the Chief Scout (Lord Baden-Powell) will depart from Britain some time in February, 1931, Travelling by way of the Panama Canal, he will reach New Zealand about the middle of March, and after a tour of the North and South Islands he will go to Tasmania three weeks later. After four or five days in Tasmania he will go to Melbourne, where he will arrive early in April. From Victoria his itinerary will take him through the northern States, back to Victoria, and on to South Australia and Western Australia. He will leave Perth late in June. The Chief Scout will be accompanied by the new overseas commissioner (Lieut.-colonel Granville Walton).