Notes and Queries

Otago Witness, Issue 4041, 25 August 1931, Page 44

Notes and Queries

Questions for reply in the coming Issue of the Otago Witness must be received not later than SATURDAY NIGHT.

Questions will NOT be replied to ttfrough the post. Questions must be accompanied by the name and address of the writer, but a nom de plume may be adopted for publication.

“Inquirer," Dunedin, asks: “In what year did the ship Warrior Queen, under Captain Wilson, arrive with the first lot of birds for the Acclimatisation Society in Otago ? ” On January 28, 1868, and on February 4, 1870. “Inquirer,’’ Wyndham, wishes to obtain a book of instructions for use of an Aldridge sewing machine No. B, and also needles to fit same. Write to Messrs D. Forrester and Co., 70 Stuart street, Dunedin, who can supply needles requited, and will endeavour .to procure a book of instruction if desired.

“ Interested,” Mossburn asks: “(1) What amount is spent each year on the importation of drink into New Zealand ? (2) What amount does the Government receive in revenue through the Customs for same ? One or two years’ figures required.” —fl) Value: 1928, £818.597 ; 1929. £914.086i (2) Revenue : 1928, £982.817; 1929, £1.161,745. * Spud,” Napier.-—ln reply to “Spud” in last week’s Otago Witness readers were led to infer from the answer that the sowing of large seed potatoes was not conducive to a crop of table potatoes, but rather encouraged a crop of small ones. This is contrary to fact. lhe larger the seed or sets used in reason the less likelihood there is of there being a disproportionate number of small potatoes in the resultant crop. K. L. A., Otago, asks : “(1) Where would one get particulars of employment on the Campbell Islands ? (2) Is there a Government Aero Club for training pilots ? (3) Where could one apply for a position on a whaling ship ? (1) Communicate with Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co.. Ltd., Dunedin. (2) Yes. at Sockburn. (3) Write to Messrs John Edmond. Ltd., Princes street, Dunedin. ** Subscriber.” Clinton, who has a septic tank, writes : “It got blocked at the connection. We cleaned the four pots out. Please let me know if there is any chemical required to put in the tank to start it again ? If there is any such thing, where can one get it and what is the quantity ? ”■ There is no necessity to add anything as suggested. If fhe' tank is properly constructed there should be.no further difficulty. “Susanne” asks : “(1) Is there any specified size for a ping-pong table to be ? (2) 1 have a pair of brown court shoes which have become very baggy round the tops. Is there anything 1 could get to apply to the affected parts that would shrink them back to normality again?” (1) The standaid size is 9ft by sft, the table being 2ft 6hi high. (2) We are not aware of any method whereby a satisfactory job can be effected on the lines mentioned. J. M., Otautau, asks for some information in respect to a yearling filly which seems too weak in the kidneys or bladder. She is nine months old and always seems to be passing water. The filly is always in good condition. A veterinarian of the Department of Agriculture advises treatment as follows:-— Give half an ounce of sweet spirit of nitre in half a pint of chilled water every other day for 10 days. If there is no improvement, you are advised to have the animal examined by a veterinary surgeon.

“Southland Aviator” asks: “(1) What would be the Customs duty on the parts of an American aeroplane which costs about £lOO in the States, including the engine ? (2) What would be the shipping rates for the above landed at Port Chalmers or Bluff ? ” (1) Aeroplanes and parts thereof, including aeroplane engines, are liable to a duty if of U.S.A, origin at 10 per cent, plus 22-1 per cent, on the duty so payable. In the case of the engines, a Customs declaration is required that the engine will be used in the manufacture or completion of an aeroplane. On -parts as above valued in U.S.A, at £lOO the duty would be £l3 9s 6d. (2) Approximately £3 10s per ton weight or measurement.

“ Inquirer,” Invercargill, writes : “ I wish to sow a quantity of (preferably) burnt crushed lime with superphosphateguano in my manure mixture by mixing it two or three days before sowing. Is there any danger of the burnt lime destroying the contents of the super-phosphate-guano ? ” “Agricola ” rereplies : “ It is quite satisfactory to mix lime and super, and, provided the amount of ammonia in guano is infinitesimal, the guano may be safely mixed with lime if considered advisable. Whether the guano contains ammonia or not may be ascertained bv the purchaser from a perusal of the invoice certificate, which he is entitled to demand from the vendor if the amount of the fertiliser exceeds scwt. Many, if not all, of the guanos on the market contain absolutely no ammonia, and can therefore be used with safety.” “Shorty,” Lovell’s Flat, asks : “(1) What year did the South African football team tour New Zealand ? (2) What were the results of the test matches ? (3) When did the New Zealand football team tour South Africa ? (4) What were the results of the test matches ? (5) How many cities are there in New Zealand ? (6) Is Nelson a city ? I think I read somewhere that Nelson was declared a city on account of the cathedral. Please say if this is correct ? (7) Is there a cathedral of any kind in Invercargill?” (1)

1921. (2) First match, New Zealand won by 13 points to 5: second, South Africa won, 9to 5; third, drawn. (3) 1928. (4) First match. South Africa won by 17 points to nil; second, New Zealand won. 7 to 6: third. South Africa won, 11 to 6; fourth. New Zealand won, 13 to 5. (5) Eight. (6) Yes. The Nelson Provincial Government was established in 1853, and under it the Board of Works, constituted under the Town of Nelson Improvement Act, administered the town’s affaire. Five years afterwards Nelson was created a city. At that date it was decided to form a Diocese of Nelson, and this was effected by letters patent, and the creation of a see. There is an Anglican Cathedral, built in 1851, and consecrated in 1858. But. though Nelson was thus created a city in 1858, and the Municipal Corporations Act gave the city the light ,to govern itself in or about 1867, nevertheless the privilege was not taken advantage of till March 30, 1874. (7) No.