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Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16230, 3 January 1927, Page 6

The Customs revenue collected in Napier during 1926 totalld £240599 only £1853 below the amount in 192 b, which was a record year for the port, Vt the Mardi Gras clay bird shooting match at Napier, Mr. F. L. Joblin, of Morere, scored several successes lie also secured the trophy lor the best firstbarrell performance during the. day.

Tho year just closed was the driest on record'in Napier for 150 years. The total rainfall registered was 20.89 m. The previous driest year was 1921, when the fall was 20.95 in. The average for the past 10 years is 32.61 in. Vital'statistics for Christchurch for tho past year, with the figures for the previous years in parenthesis were: Births, 2602 (2548): deaths. 1347 (1210): marriages, 1136 (1092) For December the- births were 212, deaths 108, and marriages 155. —P. A. In 1926 the sum of £1,163,050 was collected in Customs duties . in Christchurch, a decrease of £11,227 on the figures for 1924. There was also a decrease in the beer duty, tho figures for 1926 being £88,746, and for 1925 £90,785, a decrease of £2039. Motorists who traversed tho Gis-borne-Wairoa road during the holidays complain that on tho untarrod portions of Wharerata hill the surface has become rough as a result of tho heavy traffic and the rain the previous week.

From the Gisborne motorists' point of view Morere is within a convenient distance of holiday-making. During tho Now Year holidays many Gisborne residents motored through to tho hot springs, which wore visited also by a largo contingent of Wairoa people". A number of the motorists took the opportunity afforded by the fine weather to camp at Morere.

In the Te Araroa district the Christmas holidays were spoilt by rain. On the afternoon of December 22 the wind veered to the east and was accompanied by occasional light showers. The storm reached it.s height on Christmas Day. Rivers and creeks rose, and all hope of holding the Te Araroa sports on December 27 was abandoned. , The sports were postponed until Thursday last. —(Correspondent.)

Even in the country districts the motor car is ousting the horse-drawn vehicle. This was very evident at the Nahaka Show on Saturday, when there were nearlv 200 cars on the grounds, traps and Luggies being conspicuous by their absence. The advent of the motor ear has resulted in tho attendance at the show of many who otherwise would not be present. Saturday's record crowd included a number of Poverty Bay residents who had motored through for the day.

The harvest of lucerne in North Otago this season will constitute an oasy record. In many cases two cuttings have already been made, and the growth is so prolific that four or five cuttings will be "possible before the end of the autumn. The number of stands is every year increasing, and the problem of winter fodder has been successfully solved. It is now admitted that there are few parts of the district in which lucerne will not grow to advantage. The theory that it will only grow in proximity to a running stream has been exploded, and fine stands may now be seen on the hillsides many feet above the water level. It lias been found that broadcasting is less laborious than sowing in drills, and the latter process is being gradually superseded.

Under the auspice o of the Gisborne City Band a most enjoyable sacred toncert was given at the Opera House last evening before a large and appreciative audience. In addition to the selections rendered by the band, items were* given by Miss Mavis Holms, the talented Gisborne violinist, and by members of "The Private Secretary" company, and the numbers were all so much appreciated that the performers had <o respond to encores. The band's opening number waff 1 a stirring march, "The Outpost" (Shaw), which Mas followed by the hymn, "Nearer My Ood to Thee," and their other selections were "The Bogtoman Polka'' (Rimmer), and "The Bells of Quceley" (J. Ord Hume). _ Miss Holmes' selections were much enjoyed, as were also the items given by the visiting company, whose numbers were: Musical monologue, Miss Herbert; somrs, Miss Carmen Brunette, Miss Avis North, and Messrs. Stanley Wilson, Bruce Allan, and Vivian Grey; monologue, Mr. Neville Jeffreys. At the conclusion of the concert Bandnuioter-Sergt. Coleman expressed thanks to the assisting artists.

The Auckland Customs revenue for 1926 exceeded that of 1925 by £58,057, the respective totals being £2,509,841 and £2,451,784. The returns for December amounted to £230,865, against £201,184 for December, 1925.

One of the Gisborne Motor Service Co.'s fleet of cars caught fire in Gladstone road at 2 a.m. on New Year's Day, but the flames were extinguished beiore .any damage had been done. The outbreak is believed to have been caused by a faulty ignition system, the wiring catching tire, but a jug of water was sufficient to quell the flames. Meanwhile the brigade had been summoned, but their services were not required.

Gisborne has n wonderful asset in its beaches, which have been made good use of during the holidays. On New Year's Day, despite the numerous attractions in various parts of the district, the number of people on the Waikanae was large, while tho other beaches also were well patronised. A feature of the holidays this year was the number of camps to be seen on the beaches near Gisborne.

The loud shreiking of a siren caused some conjecture in Gisborne on Friday afternoon, but it was finally learnt that the disturbance was duo to a trial being made in connection with the new powerful electric ,siren installed at the Gisborne tire station. The siren, which will be placed in commission in a, week or two. will Replace the old-fashioned bell, and' will have the effect of making the Gisbornt. station up-to-date in every respect.

Is there any use hinting at an honorarium for Che directors?" asked Mr. W. Ritchie, amid laughter, at the annual meeting of the Wanganui Meat Freezing Co. Mr. Beckett said the Bank of New Zealand, which controlled the company's affairs, had stipulated that no honorarium be paid. The chairman, Mr. E. A. Campbell, said the bank would not even allow travelling expenses, and Mr. Beckett, who came in from Marton, had to pay his own fare. It was no wonder that there were no fresh nominations for directorships.

The fine weather during the weekend wrought a marked improvement on the Mahafti-Rakauroa section of the road between Gisborne and Motu, and although the surface is still very rough, service cars were able to go through yesterday. Many private cars belonging to touring motorists were freighted to Motu bv rail during the past few days, and the Motu township has presented an animated scene for some time. Motor touring appears to be increasingly popular this season, and between 45 and 55 tourists have been stopping at Motu on each of the last few nights on their way further north. The road from -Motu to " Opotiki is in good order. The weather at Motu was excellent over the week-end, but clouded over again to-day.

It is not considered a good policy to look a gift horse in the mouth, but the Mount Eden Borough Council the other evening looked hard at a proffered gift, and wavered! very much in regard to its acceptance (states the Auckland Star). When the executors of the estate of the late Mr J. J. Craig made a straight-out offer of a gift of 2 acres 2 roods 15 perches—the site of a workedout gravel pit—abutting on Mountain road, with the sole stipulation that the area should be used as a scenic reserve, several of the councillors were in favor of immediate acceptance. However, there was considerable opposition, one councillor giving as a reason that there was a cliff 100 ft. high at the back of the quarry, and it was dangerous. Another councillor joined the'opposition, saying that he could not understand anybody giving away something for nothing. After involved discussion, those in favor of acceptance paved the way for victory through a> further amendment, which placated a portion of the opposition sufficiently to win their support, and the offer was accepted.

According to the Marlborough Express, a frost experienced recently varied in intensity from seven degrees in some parts of Blenheim to 10 degrees in others. It played havoc with the gardens, tomatoes, beans, pumpkins, and potatoes being blackened in all directions, while even the young walnuts were affected. Potato growers suffered particularly, for the crops this year looked exceptionally well, and it is stated that some extensive crops have been virtually ruined. The frost was so severe that in some localities, although prudent husbandmen had taken the precaution to cover delicate crops with straw, they were affected just the same. In Islington water troughs were covered with a thick sheet of ice. The farmers on the plains suffered severely, particularly those growing early peas. It is reported that from 600 to 700 acres under peas for an Auckland firm were virtually ruined, and it is feared that whereas crops of 60 bushels might have been expected the growers will now be fortunate to secure 15 bushels. Other growers, of course, suffered correspondingly.

It was almost at the end of a long voyage across tho Pacific from San Francisco; the crew on the Wairuna were all a little tired of the continuous watery outlook; they bad sighted neither sail nor smoke during the passage. One of the men had taken it. into his head to grow a moustache and whiskers, which had become very long and very dark, and provided a constant source of caustic merriment at the mess table. But, despite this chaffing, the whiskers had "stayed on" and were in their full glory when Christmas Day arrived. When the crew sat down to dinner, everyone was bright and cheery, but all were somewhat surprised when the commander announced that he had a presentation to make before the sumptuous repast was commenced. After a neat speech, the master produced a hulky-looking parcel, which he handed to the bewhiskered member of the ship's company. With the opening of the parcel came a roar from the crew, for it contained a giant wooden razor, made by tho ship's carpenter, a shaving brush of hemp, and an advertisement for a popular make of shaving cream. An hour later the whiskers were no more.

I Mention of the fact that King Fuad ; of Egypt opened a new town tho other day. just opposite Port Said, has particular interest for New Zealanders of the. Mounted Rifles who were camped for many days at various times on the banks of "the Canal, and who knew Port Said well as one of the places where they used to spend their infrequent leaves. All the land thereabouts is as bare as a New Zealand clay road, but irrigate it and it blossoms as the garden. To set this water, they had to make a canal all the way from tho Nile. As there is no fresh water on the east side of the canal, it means they will have to lay pipes under the canal as there are no bridges to cany them. At Kantara. further down the canal, there is a bridge of boats, but a permanent bridge would be out of question owing to tbe busystream of vessels passing up and down this famous waterway. When Port Fuad. as Port Said's"new neighbour is called, settles down, there is no doubt it will be made the southern terminus of the Palestine railway. At present it ends at Kantara, which is the old spot where the Egypt-Syria caravans crossed the desert, but Kantara i<j an inconvenient spot between Ismailia and Port Said, and Port Fuad would be much more convenient,

One of tho biggest crowds yet seen y at the Foxton beach collected there on T Monday, tho number being estimated | at about 3000.

A water-softening plant recently installed in tho Christchurch Hospital has effected a great saying in the amount of soap used. The. plant was in use in November, and the following comparison is made: —September, cost of soap used in laundry, £36 17s 4d; November, cost of £l9 6s 7d. The enterprise shown by a Wanganui motoring firm in hiring out cars for holiday "uso has met with great results. So. great has been the demand for the hired private vehicle that tho firm now has a .waiting list which will keep the cars in service fully engaged during the next week at least.

Despite delays that have been experienced owing to boisterous weather and floods, splendid progress is being made with the construction of the bridge across the Mokau river, which links the Taranaki and Auckland p«k vinces and removes the final bugbear to traffic ou the Main North Road, the much maligned, out-of-date ferry: Work has been m progress since May, 1926, and it is expected, the bridge will be ready for traffic within six months. Portions of the paddocks of wheat, oats and grass-seed on the heavier land in Noi-lii Canterbury have been weighed down by the constant rain (say© a Christchurch exchange). The ripe oats have not been damaged, but the long green crops out in ear have been levelled in places. Fortunately the rain was not accompanied by strong winds, and there is every liklihood that warm weather will restore the laid crops to the perpendicular. Reference to what he termed the inhuman method of use of the strap for any and every offence was made by Mr J. Caughey, retiring Director of Education, in replying to presentations from the Education Department in Welhngtob. Mr. Caughey said he was entirely opposed to the idea of corporal punishment, and mentioned schools where this was abolished and which had accomplished a high degree of efficiency. He recalled a case where an irate parent had approachr ed the school teacher concerning a thrashing his boy had received. The teacher asked whether the father had: ever hit the boy, to which the father replied: "No, never, except in self-de-fence."

An InvercargUl resident who recently spent some weeks in the North Island, chiefly in the Manawatu, Wanganui, and Taranaki districts, stated to a Southland News reporter that the. number of swaggers to be seen on the roads was re- - markable. They were to be seen at frequent intervals, travelling singly, in two's, and three's, tramping with swag on back, resting by the roadside or making for a farmhouse for a meal or a shake-down, or both. The majority of these men were honestly in search, of work, and many had travelled on foe* long distances without success. Inflated land values and the decline in the price of dairy produce have severely hit those parts of the Dominion, and shopkeepers there complain that business is very dull. -.- r kti-

That there is always opportunity for a smart man to earn an honest shilling was brought home to some motorists travelling to Tiraaru from the South on Sunday, says the Timaru Herald., In the vicinity of the Pareora bridge the travellers encountered an imposing looking stream flowing across the road, and doubts were expressed as to possibility of the car getting through the water under its own power. A man'with a horse and ropes, obviously - standing-by, suggested the presence of a good Samaritan, until, .Upon, making enquiries, it was gathered that, he was there strictly on business. That there was also very little sentiment in his business was gathered fact that his charges were 5s for a pnll through, and £1 if the motorist-attempted it himself and got stuck.

" While it is difficult foria sound impressions on a first visit to a district, I can say I was favorably impressed with the country, particularly in theVMalborough portion.near Blenheim," remarked the Hon. K. S. Williams, Minister of Public Works, when asked his views regarding the route of the South Island Main Trunk line, which he had traversed. The Minister considered thai the hill country was carrying splendid feed for stock, but as he got down to the Clarence river he began to be impressed with the difficulty likely to be encountered by the railway engineers in their efforts to find a good route to connect the existing lines. He mentioned that surveys are still going oil, with a view to ultimately submitting to him a complete report on the position, with a close estimate of the cost.

Mr. Bruce Levy, agrostologist to the Department of Agriculture, is convinced that he has discovered a natural enemy to tho obnoxious blackberry. Writing in tbe journal of the Department, he declares that paspalnm is of value not only for the control of bracken fern, hard fern, water-fern, manuka, tall fescue, etc., but also is most promising for the control o§ blackberry. Blackberry will not,thrive with a tight turf of grass about its crown, nor can it spread by layering in a close turf such as paspalum can make. The writer feels certain that on the bettejr-quality soils at least, or where top-dressing can be systematically carried out, the establishment of paspalum among any blackberry that may be there is one of this means by which this troublesome secondary growth can be suppressed.

In the West Australian Legislative Council, on a Loan Bill, Sir William Lathlain said that an act had been passed some time ago forbidding further expenditure on State trading concerns, yet an immense sum was asked for under the Bill. The State sawmills were now advertising corrugated iron and joSiery for sale, and Parliament was asked to permit the Ministry to borrow an additional £50,000 to help the sawmills carryon. An amount of £25,000 was sought for the State implement works, although that concern already had £78,750 worth of stock. Were it an ordinary'business undertaking, the manager would be told to tako the amount needed fronvrthe sale of stock. He suspected thai that value was fictitious. The State brickworks also desired to borrow £50,000, although it had very large stocks. ' He thought that such borrowing for State concerns was grossly immoral.

Although eitfht years have elapsed since the signing of the Armistice it is only now that action has been taken to dispose of the hutments at Feathcrston military camp. A few buildings have been used for other purposes from time to time, but llie main features and landmarks of the ramp proper have altered little since the days when some 9000 soldiers were in the making at one time. Notable exceptions, of course, are the non-existent social halls, canteen buildings, and the rows of shops. Seventyfive buildings of 15 different types are ivailable for disposal, but of this number probably twelve will he retained for use by * the Defence Department. , Thirty-six of the buildings now destined for other purposes are the well-remem- J bered soldiers' hutments, each 120 ft. / long by 20ft. wide. It is understood Ai that the Defence Department will civeHf other Government Departments the first ™ refusal of the purchase of the buildings, after which the remainder or all will be * advertised for sale by tender,