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Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16542, 9 January 1928, Page 6

The ’Matnknoa County Council at its •December meeting received the resignation of its engineer, and decided to take immediate steps to till the vacancy.

Tt is understood that A. Leclcie, featherweight champion,' has offered to meet Lin Robinson, of Gisborne, exchampion of the class, after his fight in Wellington on February 13. The champion has indicated to the Gisborne Boxing Association that for a fight not involving the title, he will require a purse of .£IOO and expenses, while if the match is to be for the title,-lie will not meet Robinson for a. pfirse less than £l5O. The preparation of plans and specifications is at present being made by Messrs. Burr and Mirfield for ,thc erection of new premises, for the Bank of New South Wales at Tokomaru Bay. Tt is intended to move the present wooden building sufficiently to allow the erection in its place of n, twostoreyed brick structure, which is to contain a manager’s residence cm the upper floor. All modern fittings and conveniences will be installed. Sportsmen gathered in considerable numbers yesterday at Gainesville stud. Makaraka, to witness the parade of yearlings arranged by the studmaster, Mr. Gaine Carrington. The yearlings will leave shortly for Napier, en route to Trent'nam for the annual bloodstock sale there this month,, and should bring the names of their respective sires into prominence. The majority of the young stock are by Hunting Song, but the batch includes a handsome filly by Cynic. The yearlings were much admired by those gathered for the parade.

Probably as a result of the relief works in the district nearing a close, and also a number of small jobs (Turing Christmas time terminating, there has been an increase in the number of names on the books of the Labor Department at, Gisborne. There are now men seeking work from the'department,, as against; 13 for the previous week; of the 2d, TO are married. During’the week, 1(1 new applications were made, while one carpenter Vas placed in employment at Waikaromoana.

Broken weathpr has held up road works in the Uawa County during the current season, and the initiation of tar-sealing has been postponed until more settled conditions are available. This class of maintenance can only be proceeded' with in diry weather, for the bitumen- will not penetrate satisfactorily in damp metal, and every small shower means a'delay. The county has a good deal of construction work to undertake, including about two miles of the main highway on'either side Of Tolaga Bay township, where the metal has been down 12 or 15 years, and now requires replacing. The county roads, likewise, require attention, but intermitffent rain has prevented progress in this direction. When the Maroro, an auxiliary schooner operated by a Gisborne syndicate, went ashore at Blackhead, south of Napier, salvage efforts failed by t-lrf merest mischance, and the vessel was abandoned to the insurance company. Later, offered for sale by tender, the schooner was purchased by Mr. F. Goodman, who will undertake the salvage of such portions of the equipment as will pay for removal. The engine, a fine example of the Diesel type, installed in the Maroro shortly before her stranding, should prove well worth salving, and the purchaser of the hulk is now making arrangements for the work to commence. The master of the schooner is now aboard, and Mr. Goodman will visit Blackhead within a few days.

The ladies’ committee of the Te Karaka Bowling Club’s queen carnival candidate had' a very successful euchra party on Friday night, the second of the fortnightly series to be held in support of their candidate. The, attendance was very gratifying, visitors pre : sent from Waipiro, Puha, and Kanakanaia. The first prizes were won by Miss Jean Greggan and Mr.- A.,, Buck: ingham, senr., and - special prizes by Miss I. Somervell and Mr. T. Bennett, At the first of the series Mrs. McGonigai and Mr. W. W. Bridge carried off the first prizes, and Miss L. Ruru and Mr. W. Jones the special prizes. After the euchre Mrs. W. Greggan and a willing hand of helpers handed round supper, and dancing was then enjoyed until midnight.

A commencement will be made this week with the wharf contract recently awarded by the Harbor Board to Mr. F. Goodman. The contractor, who built for the Gisborno municipality the Feel street and Gladstone road bridges, has latterly been engaged on the construction of the pier and wharf at Tolaga Bay, a substantial work in concrete which is now approaching completion. The Kaiti basin wharf contract terms include a provision that tho Harbor Board supplies the concrete piles and other pre-cast concrete members, and this provision has enabled the construction yard to be kept busy during the period consumed by the preparation of specifications and the calling of tenders. The first stage undertaken by the contractor will be the preparation of a timber staging, from which the pile-driver will work. It is understood that the dredging has advanced far enough in the basin to allow the contract for the wharf to proceed.

Dih'ing their tour of the. East Coast on behalf of the cottage hospital for Ngaruawahia, the Maori concert party headed by Princess Puia is believed to have raised £SOO. The cottage hospital project at Ngaruawahia is intended to bring right up-to-date the model pa there, on which Dr. Buck expended much time and thought. This pa represents a striking example of modernity in health matters, though in its development the ancient customs and characteristics were closely studied. The result has been that Europeans entering the settlement are struck with tho. orderliness of the-pa, which, however, has escaped ,the gaudiness which afflicts many settlements where money has been spent, without intelligent direction. The enthusiasm of .the East Coast Maoris for rational acceptance of .the pakeha methods of business and medicine gave the Ngaruawahia project a keen appeal for them, and handsome donations have been made to the concert party'’s warchest.

Some excellent suggestions for the improvement of tho motorists’ 'camping sites at Waikanae beach are offered by a well-known Palmerston North architect, who is encamped there, and who informed a Herald reporter on Saturday that ho regarded Waikanae beach as easily the best camping ground he had yet visited in the North Island, lie commented upon the ideal situation, hut pointed out that some of the sites were rather uneven, and offered the suggestion that in places tbo sites should ho levelled off, and a little clay mixed with the sand to form a fairly solid Door. The motorist also pat forward an interesting proposal in connection with lighting and heating arrangements, mentioning that in Tauranga electric lines had been run into the camping ground and along the avenues between the camping sites. Upon arrival, a camper merely made application to the caretaker, and his camp was connected to the power lines, while for a nominal rental the authorities would instal an electric stove in his tent. He considered it would be an excellent scheme if the Poverty Bay Power Board at some later date undertook to supply electric stoves to campers at a small rental. It should not be a difficult proposition in view of the fant that the beach was now lighted electrically, and in addition t 0 making motor camping more enjoyable, it would be gq excellent boost for electrical service.

At the. inquest in Hamilton on Saturday on the holly of Henry Charles Austin, a middle-aged man, who was admitted to the Waikato Hospital on Friday night and died 20 minutes afterwards, a verdict was returned of suicide by poison. The estimated Chinese population of Christchurch and suburbs is 200 (states fho Sun). There are only four Chinese with wives and families, the rest being old and young single men. Most of them are laundrymen, fruiterers, gardeners, boarding housekeepers, and merchants.

Tho danger of passing over the Waitaki River bridge at night was again emphasised during the holidays. A motor-car containing Oaniaru residents had just driven on to tho bridge when a goods train came from behind. It was by the narrowest of margins that a soriout accident was averted.

A well-known Lepperton farmer for the second year in succession has taken his annual week’s holiday at the seaside, New Plymouth (says the News). Un each occasion he has brought his herd of 28 cows with him, and, judging by the factory returns - they appear to have benefited by the change also. A resident of Timaru had an exciting experience when attempting to tip a load of rubbish into a pit the other day (states the Post). When backing the dray to the edge of the pit the ground suddenly gave way and horse and dray were carried into the pit. After much trouble horse and dray were extricated, neither suffering any apparent damage! A motor lorry of considerable size, owned by a firm of wool and skin buyers, left the road near Nuhaka on Thursday night, and went over a rather steep bank. Several passengers were aboard at the time, but beyond a severe shaking none was , hurt. The lorry, was damaged, hut to what-'extent fs hbt known. It was lying upturned when seen on Friday.

Such a rare coin in circulation is the sovereign that it is alleged a lady clerk at one of the ticket windows in the totalisator house at-'fthe Stratford races on being tendered a golden piece in payment for a ticket, immediately asked the manager if it should be accepted (says an .exchange). “Gertainly,” was the reply, but the coin was soon reposing in the oliicial’s pocket and a pound note was passed oyer in exchange.

The first car to make the journey via tho new road through the Waipoua State Forest, travelled on Christinas Day from Dargaville to Opononi on the Hokianga Barbour (says an exchange). Jt was driven by Mr A. J. Flench, of Dargaville, and there were three others in the party. The opinioii of the tray; etlers is that the road is easily negotiable by light cars, but it is not yet ready for big and 'heavy machines.

The Maori people have a song which makes reference to the round house of Tigilau, and the origin of the song miy have come from the same source as the first designers of the Samoan house obtained their idea,” said Dr. H. P. Buck, in the course of a lecture to the members of the Samoa Society (reports ah exchange). Dr. Buck said that in the song of Tigilau there was a person call-, ed Kai, who was the same person as the Samoan Ai, associated with the song. *

Captain Malcolm Campbell, noted English, automobile driver, the Daily Mail says, will compete in the international speed contests at Daytona Beach, Fla., in February, Ho will ttsd an engine of the type which won the Schneider seaplane trophy for England at Venice last September, modified so that it .will lit a * riiotqr car chassis. The construction of the engine is the secret of the Air Ministry, which, however, has given Captain * Campbell permission to use it at Daytona. ' ■'

Heading has been a large item in the activities of all local bodies airound Auckland in recent years, and the 80 miles of concrete roads provided at a cost of almost £900,000 are an indication of the investment that has been made to secure immunity from expensive maintenance (reports the Star). Although no definite assurance can be given by the experts as to the life of a concrete pavement, it is hoped with some justification, that the roads recently laid down will be still standing up to the traffic after the lapse of 33 years. ■ '

A resident of Canterbury who has been touring the North Island expresses tho opinion in a Christchurch paper that very few breeding ewes will be brought south from the North Island this year, owing to the increased demand for this class of stock.in tho North, due in the first place to the necessity for repairing losses caused by last year’s drought, and secondly, to the increased carrying capacity of the land as the result of the topdressing of pastures. Canterbury has also drawn from Southland in the past, but there also top-dressing is causing an absorption of their own surplus.— Special. South Westland is enjoying a “boom’’ time at present and, unlike many such periods of prosperity elsewhere, the progress seems destined not only to be permanent, but to increase with the ■ succeeding years , (says the Greymduth Star). It is doubtful if any other part of\ the Dominion is in quite so happy a position. Tourists and holiday makers are at last realising the scenic marvels and beauties South Westland possesses, and Mr. Amery’s recent commendations have helped to emphasise the glad tidings. dice upon a time —and that not so long ago—a motoring.'trip to Walho was something of an adventure. Unbridged rivers and creeks, not too-well-cared-for roads and indifferent hotel accommodation had to be placed on tho debit side against the marvellous beauties with which Nature endowed South Westland and the more timid of the travellers decided to seek less attractive hut “safer" places. All those drawbacks are things of the past. To-day, tho beautise of South Westland oiler, no obstacle to the visitor. The rivers and creeks aro bridged, the roads are good from Greymouth to Waiho, and oven beyond. ■ • v ' f •' “

A visit paid by Senior-Sergeant Mac Lean and Sergeant Dempsey,to the. Tatapouri hotel on Saturday evening resulted in four men, Stanley Lister, Erastus William Leader, George \Villiam Stokes, and Nortaan William Balcombe, being charged befbtn Mr. E. C. Lowry, S.M., in the Police Court this morning with being on licensed premises after hours., Mr. G. W. Willock represented Leader, who did not appear, all four defendants admitting the offertce. The seniotsergeant explained that when he and Sergeant Dempsey visited the hotel they found the men partaking of liquor in the sitting-room. Mr. Willock explained that Leader was a visitor to the district, and it had been suggested to him that ho should go for a drive along the coast. He had only one drink at the hotel, and hgd no intention of spending the night there. It. was more the holiday spjrit than anything olse that prompted him to cement their friendship in the old style. “We went for a drive to fill up the eveuing, ” explained Baleombe. ‘ Only the evening?” queried 'the magistrate. Each defendant was fined 10s. Mr. Willock’s application to have Leader’s ngrac suppressed was refused*

For d fish weighing oyer half a cwt. to be landed is a’ big enough feat> hut when it is done on a cod line, one would be inclined to regard it as one of the usual “fishy” stories the Waimate Advertiser). However, Mr. W. Bean had the good fortune to capture a groper weighing 58flb on the Hook beach recently,' and using only a cod line at that.

Canterbury, is the home of the black currant growing industry. The spring gave promise Of phenomenal crops,-but the present weather conditions have changed the prospects, and growers generally report that, the crops are below the average. Around Papanui all labor has been recruited to pick the berries, which have ripened rapidly. The crop which gave such promise will only be small and the season short.

The hay harvest in Waikato this year is 'up to expectations, and tho favorable weather experienced lately* has eroated the best maturing conditions. The dry spell has been most opportune for farmers whose fodder crops are gobd. The hay is in excellent condition. While the yield is reported generally to be light, the hay has been well saved. Harvesting is' still in progress in many districts, but the major part of the work is over. At Ruakura State Experimental Farm there were 70 acres of hay to be cropped. The yield has been heavy*, and all the hay is in fine condition.

With the instincts of an amateur apiarist, a Scot on the North Shore recently watched a large swarm of bees flying high in the air, and seemingly* coming from a long distance across the harbor (says the Auckland Star). The swarm hovered for a while above his three-eighths of an' acre, circled gracefully, and Anally settled on one of the largest . trees ; in ,his back garden) ; His \ delight* d‘t the' black' mass' pendant from one of the branches was only equalled when he went out the following day and looked wife amiable interest upon the preparations for setting up a hive. Within a Week, he says, a start has been made to; gather honey from ’surrounding back gardens, the event being something in the nature of-a New Pear windfall.,

“The silk industry in France is bigger than ever it was,” said M. J. D’Anon, a silk manufacturer from Lyons, who has. arrived at Auckland. M. D’Anon has come to New Zealand to appoint'agents for his firm, fie has been trading, with Australia, for some years, and- now hopes to do business with the Dominion. “The . depression which prevailed in France has almost gone,” ha said to a reporter. “Industry is recovering, and is now on a good tooting. France’s export trade is growing, and is now larger than her imports. The silk trade is growing larger every year. Opr woolen mills are a2so developing very. largely, and New Zealand wool is much in demand.G. jy D’Anon said’that'the'New Zealanders are still fondly remembered in France, inhere they created such a wonderful impression during the war. There is a queer psychology about crowds, and- it is a case of different countries haying different ways. Oh various occasions it has been remarked that a New Zealand crowd cannot cheer ifl the hearty British way, even when the occasion demands it, and, as for applause at art entertainment, even when the plot is of the blood-curdling kind, with murders at frequent- intervals, applause is iisualfy of ..the perfunctory kind. Auckland’s cricket crowds at the Plunket Shield game, Auckland v. Otago, have been moved to mild approval on rare occasions, and they have sat through dull', depressing sequences of stonewall play with phlegmatic indifference. Even ;» run an over, and a batsman getting two runs in half-an-hour has left them lulinoved. - Play of that kind would move a Sydney crowd to mingled wrath, irony, and blasphemy, but' the Auckland spectator sits silently and mildly "hopeful. It may be a patience that is peculiar to Aucklanders, and an innate politeness that is not as widely understood as it should be. —Auckland Star.

The approach of the harvest- hat found indication in the fact that during the week orders for binder twines and bags have boon filled by merchants. These, however, have been eh a small scale to meet requirements ill respect to early oats, some of which arc nearing the reaping stage. As to wheat it will be some weeks before any crops are ready for harvesting (states the Oamaru Mail.) Sotne early fields are now in ear, and others in the short blade, but tho greater part of the crops of both this cereal and oats is backward, and it may be near thi> end of February before the -harvest will become general. As to what the harvest will be like none can venture an opinion, but there is a general agreement that; the outlook was never brighter or more full of promise than at present, and that if all goes well until the grain is safely, in the bags the average yield for the whole-of North Otago will be a high one, for the . crops are looking well, and there should be many very weighty individual, yields.

Whether scooping up plants from a box of soil and then scooping up- a handful of sweets fO i sale was detrimental to health was a question raised at the Florists’ and NurseTymeti’s Dominion Conference in Wellingtbn by Mr. G. A. Green, organising secretary. Speakers expressed apprehension at the growing practice of fruiterers, grocers and confectioners in selling plants in competition against the legitimate trade. Rigid registration and inspection were advocated. Mt. Campbell, Director of Horticulture, said ‘that hitherto the Minister had been unable to stiffen the restriction, because it seemed that would unduly hamper freedom of trade. There might be people who, from the nurserymen’s point of view,, ought not to dabble in plant selling, but the Mimster must consider other aspects. Mr. Buxton (Christchurch) suggested an appeal to the Health Department! Mr. Hale (Mast'erton) said their whole object was to eliminate unprofessional competitors; why beat'about the bush? The conference appointed a committee to interview the Government.

The shrill little hell under the steeple at Nelson street School, which, during the past half-century, lias summoned thousands of young .Aucklanders to their days work, sounded the death knell of the old school .recently, and the ex-pupil who pulled on the rope was the first to ring that self-same bell when the school was opened, 48 years ago (says the Star). “Forty-eight years ago, is, since the bell first rang. I remember the day quite well,” said Mr. F. Oallot. ” “I came up from the old private school in Union street, when Nelson street School was established, and, being one of headmaster’s old pupils, 1 was selected to call my school-fellows to their work. On the first day I rang the bell—the same old bell!—there were less than 200 children, if I remember aright. Since then I have heard the bell ring thousands of times, as my work is handy, and it will seem strange to hear it no" longer." As the first and last of ' the bell-ringers relinquished his tolling at the rope, there fell a little silence. The cheering stopped, the cries dropped to a murmur, and died. Then, in the silence, ’’ the old: bell tinkled twice or thrice as if reluctant to be stilled, and, finally settled down to its Jong wet.