TOWN EDITION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 13393, 29 May 1914, Page 6

TOWN EDITION

"There is no doubt that London is going to lose its position as the principal port oi the United Kingdom," said Mr E. G. Pilcher, speaking at the annual meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. "We have seen Bristol and Hull • coming into prominence, and now we find Southampton becoming the principal port of otir important steamship lines."

Five or six merchants doing business m Napier are to be proceeded against for storing more than the legal amount of dangerous goods on their premises. It is stated that when a certain store, was visited by the inspector recently there was over 300 cases of benzine on tlie premises. The by-laws only permit six oases being stored m one building at any time.

Tho report for the year 1913 of the Minister of Public 'instruction. New South Walss, was submitted to Pariia- ' ment on t!ho.6th April last. In .the course of the report the Chief Inspector states, under the heading, "Scripturif and Morals*" : "Apart from the indirect, but none the less potent, influence of the school atmosphere, definite- mora) instruction, including the reading of authorised Scripture lessons from the Old and New .-Testaments, is' regularly given m all schools. To Vhat is done by the teachers mii'st be. added the work jn' representative's' of -various religious denominations. The number of visits made by these visiting religious . teachers during the year shows a very considerate increase."

Mr C Von der Heyde, secretary of the New Zealand Juvenile Musical Association, was recently m Gisborne, and approached the chairman of the School* Committee , by letter on the subject of the establishment of a fife and drum band m Gisborne. The Association has been formed with the object of promoting a, knowledge of and- love, for music amongst the, young people of the Dominion, and is now firmly established, the latest school to come into co-operation being the West Christchurch school. Napier has also made a start. Tlie aim is to teach boys to read and play music correctly, free of charge. The CQst of 'equipping a fife and drum band is set 'down at £20, which is raised by small public subscriptions collected by the prospective members. The boys themselves are not asked to pay for .anything except their music books, which cost sixpence. • In Auckland the various school committees have granted the free use of class-rooms for practice twice a week. fThe Gisborne School Committee has referred tlie matter to the staff for a report, and the headmaster, Mr Rowley, has intimated' that he- is quite will",! to do what he can. Parents and ; others interested m tho formation of this very valuable artd entertaining adjunct of the school would do well to communicate with the headmaster, Tho chief requisite appears to be someone- with sufficient musical enthusiasm who Avould be prepared to give the lads the necessary instruction. There should be no difficulty about raising funds for the purchase of instruments, for doubtless the project would find hearty public approval. . ;■ :