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Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16580, 22 February 1928, Page 6

In 1 order to repair a fault in the Norfolk Island-Suva portion of the Pacific cable, the Pacific Cable Board’s steamer, Iris, js to leave Auckland to-morrow morning. The fault in the cable js located about four miles from Suva, and the Iris is expected to be absent from Auckland for about two weeks.—Special. A notice of motion, was tabled at last evening’s meeting of the Borough Council by Cr. H. E. Maude, that plans of all buildings for erection in areas not at present tapped by the water supply should make provision for tankage in respect of drainage. He considered that .the provision of such drainage might be the means of preventing an epidemic. Fair quantities of maize have arrived at Auckland during the week ffbm the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, but as all distributors were short of stock everything sold readily, consignments realising 6s on the wharf. Next week's- arrivals will not have the benefit of coming to a bare market, and the price may weaken a little, especially now that wheat is lower.—Auckland Herald. Under the amended Noxious Weeds, Act, the eradication of noxious weeds within the borough will he the liability of the Borough Council, according to a note in the report of the engineer, Mr. A. Young, to the council at its meeting last evening. Mr. Young advised that it would be necessary for the council to appoint an inspector with the proper authority to administer the Act. —This matter was deferred till the engineer’s return from Wellington, the sanitary inspector in the meantime to attend ‘to the duties suggested. The value of co-operation, not only for the mutual benefit of practising opticians but also for the public welfare, was emphasised by Mr. H. S. Gilberd, of Wellington, in bis presidential address at the opening of the annual conference of the Institute of Optometrists, by a few judicial and common-sense words. Ho said an optician could gain the confidence and goodwill of' the public and dispose of the erroneous impression that those whose duty it was to preserve the eyesight existed for business purposes alone. The important work of the institute would only bo maintained by a close observance of the ethics of the profession. —Special.

The outbreak of fire which occurred in the grass on the Borough p'roperty on Haiti hill on February lt> had the effect o i actuating the engineer, Mr. A. Young, to make provision for combating any future outbreak in the reserve. Reporting to the council at its meeting last evening, Mr. Young stated that immediately on receipt of information of the fire the council’s men were called out to check and control the flames, and fortunately, little damagg was done. In order to be able to corhbat any future outbreak of fire on Ka-i hill, he was arranging for several 80gallon drums of water and some empty sacks to be placed in a handy position. —Tho report was adopted. A reduction in the camping site charges at the Victoria Domain, Childers road, was made, at last evening’s meeting of the Borough. Council. Or. T. Todd considered the present charge of 2s 6d a night too groat for a bare paddock, and with the, sites a long way from water. Cr. Ci. Bradley Smith agreed that with such little convenience at the Victoria Domain the. present charge was too high, but. when more conveniences were provided the proposed reduced charges might be reviewed. It was pointed out that a conference was pending between the A.A.A, tho Waikanae Beach Society, and representatives of the council in respect to camping grounds, Cr. W. Cave urging that some finality should soon he arrived at. It

was deckled to reduce the Victoria Domain charges to Is' per night, and 2s 6d per week.

The noise made by outboard motors on flat-bottomed boats on the river was referred to at last evening’s meeting of the Borough Council by Cr. F. Collin, who stated that, this nuisance was being dealt with at other ports. To those living on the river bank the noise was abominable. There were five of the boats in Gisborne at present, with another eight on order, and when these arrived he wondered what kind of a commotion they would cause. Even' when one was being used on the river the din was considerable, people even as far away as Stanley road being able to bear it. Noisy motor-cycles were prohibited, and he considered that these motor boats should be treated in a like manner.—The deputy-Mayor, Cr. J. Blair, agreed that the noise was objectionable. but as far as the river was tidal it came under the jurisdiction of Iho Harbor Board. Possibly, however, the Police Offences Act might apply in these cases m the matter of the creation of a nuisance. “ You will, certainly want to do something, or they will drive all the people out of Gisborne,” was Or. Collin’s final comment, as the discussion lapsed.

For tho quarter ended December 31, 1927, tho total revenue in the Gisborne Post and Telegraph district was £13,275. Tho main items were:— Postages, £5570; telegrams, £3250; tolls, £3570; telephone exchanges, £525. ' l;

As tho result of a meeting between delegates of the Royal Agricultural Society and the Manawatu A. and P. Association at North yesterday,' a motion favoring the holding of the next Royal fixture in Palmerston North in the.autumn of 1929 was carried.

Tho traffic returns of the Gisborne section of the railways, for the fourweekly period ended January 7, were as follow: Passengers, 7569, showing a decrease of 805 on the corresponding period of 1927; stock, 12,523 head, an increase of 2559; timber and other goods, 2896 tons, an increase of 70 tons; revenue, £2790.

During the quarter ended December 31, 1927, the number of telegrams handled by the Telegraph Department in the Gisborne district totalled 125,825, including ordinary telegrams and paid Government telegrams, 40,603; urgent ordinary telegrams, 1551; letter telegrams, 5866; press telegrams, 3031. Toll communications totalled 74,774. The highest gauge reading at the Gisborne waterworks during the past fortnight was 901 b. and the lowest 651 b. The quantity of water that passed through the meter for the weeks ended "February 6 and 15 was 7,920,000 and 7,760,000 gallons respectively, 125,000 gallons having been supplied 1 to the school baths free of charge. .During the fortnight 10 minor leaks in the top lino were attended to.

The matriculation examination in future will be known iis the university entrance examination, so soon as an amendment of the Statute receives the formal consent of the Government. This decision was reached in ,; Christchurch yesterday. Certain irregularities in a degree examination in contracts were discussed in committee. It was resolved that candidates who in that examination reached tho lowest mark accepted be passed. An accident of a somewhat unusual nature occurred' to a motor-car near Mrs. Jobson’s farm at Opoutama recently. Two ladies had parked theft car" (an almost new vehicle) and had gone off blackberrying. Returning a little later, however, they to change the position of the car, but the driver Jost control for a moment, and it nose-dived into the water, being cornpletely submerged. Help was sSon obtained, and the ear was recovered, the upholstery being the chief part to suffer.—Special. The inconvenience caused by unannounced stoppages in the water service was referred to at last evening's meeting of the Borough Council. Ct. W. J. Mac Gibbon referred to the fact that the water was turned off on day as notified, but on Monday it was turned off without notification, causing considerable inconvenience at the Haiti freezing works. The assistant engineer, Mr. Wilson Smith, said they endeavored to notify stoppages where it was possible, but in this case they were unable to give any notification. Cr. F. Collin enquired whether it would be possible, to effect the repairs to the pipe line at night time. The little extra cost for labor would, be immaterial. The assistant engineer said it would be more difficult to effect the repairs at night, as the pressuffi would be higher. No action was taken. .

The proposal to purchase additional land for cemetery purposes does not have the support Of the Gisborne Borough Council, which considers the time premature. A report was submitted to last evening's meeting of the council from the special committee appointed to confer ftith tho Cook County Council in regard to the purchasing of 18 acres additional land adjoining Taruheru cemetery. The report stated: “Your committee met on Friday, February 17, and waited upon the County Council, when the deputy-Mayor stated he thought the purchase would be premature, and that the Public Trustee be notified that consideration of the offer be deferred for a more opportune time, and that the county clerk reply to this effect, which was agreed to.” —The report was adopted. ' . • _

The unsanitary condition of the Kopauwhakapata creek, *Kaiti, was brought under the notice of tho Gisborne Borough Council at its meeting last evening by a letter from the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. W. R. Mercer, who stated that on a recent visit to Gisborne his attention was draw# to the unsanitary state of the creek, especially at the-lower end, as could be seen from the bridge in Hirini street. He would like to know what steps the borough engineer proposed to take to remedy the existing nuisance, which, so far as he could ascertain from a cursory survey, was largely’ Aue to the obstruction caused,.by the new road recently formed by the Harbor Board, and the fact that’ the. three-channel culvert constructed for the waters of this creek was two to three feet higher than the level of the bottom of the creek. The stagnant lagoon now formed was, if not actually at the present moment, likely to become a serious menace to the health of the., residents in tho neighborhood. He would recommend the council to take conjoint action with the Harbor Board to abate the existing nuisance as quickly as pos* sible. The deputy-Mayor, Cr. J. Blair, suggesting that the. engineer should report, said it appeared as though the compliant was the result of the manner in which the concrete culvert had been constructed by the Harboar Board.—The engineer was asked to report, tho Health Department to bo advised accordingly. “Before leaving Gisborne, I would like to thank you on behalf of the officers and ship’s company of H.M.S. Diomede for the watm welcome you have accorded us, and for the trouble you and the city councillors have taken to make our stay in Gisborne so enjoyable, ” stated Captain L. V. Wells, of H.M.S. Diomede,, in a letter read at last evening’s meeting of the Borough Council. Captain Wells asked that their silkiere thanks and appreciation should be conveyed to all those who so kindly, extended hospitality and provided entertainment l’or the ship, expressing their regret at being so unfortunately prevented from returning sonio of the hospitality. Officers and men were all looking forward to their next visit to Gisborne, and were truly sorry to be leaving, and he, personally, anticipated with pleasure tho possibility of his paying a further visit to the port next year. “I think we put on record;” remarked the deptity ; Mayor, Cr. ,T. Blair, “our sense of appreciation of the action of the Union Co. for carrying the children free, and also those local organisations and individuals who helped to entertain the men.” Among those organisations which, ho mentioned, had helped, were the Navy League, the picture houses, Women’s National Reserve, Swimming Club, Athletic Association, Beach Society, Turf Club,* and Cricket Association. A motion on the lines suggested was carried. , . .

The Ayrshire Cattle Breeders’ Council at Palmerston North yesterday awarded the 1928 South Island championship to the Dunedin Show, and the North Island championship to the Hamilton Show.

It was announced in Auckland to-day that Mr. Trevor Stringer, station director at IYA, had been relieved of his duties. Mr. S. Hayden, who was formerly in charge, will take over from him within a month. Station IYA has lost its two chief officials, the engineer and director. —P.A. *

It is understood that a petition is being prepared with a view to prevailing upon the Government to commence the construction of the Gisborne-Wairoa railway via the coastal route without delay. It is thought by the supporters of the movement that a fair amount of support will be forthcoming from business people.

Stating that when the Hen. K. S. Williams was iri. Gisborne recently, the council did not have an opportunity of meeting him, Cr. H. E. Maude, at last evening’s meeting of-the Borough Council suggested that the should be asked to notify the- council of his next visit to Gisborne. \ The Riverton sawmills have started operations again, but none has reached the high pressure mark yet as orders are still scarce (says the Riverton cones-; pondent of the Southland Times). If an improvement in this direction does not soon take place more than one firm will be obliged to cease work again.

“Auckland has not been in a worse condition for the last 30 years,” said the "Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, speaking at the annual conference of the Institute of Optometrists. “There is enough water to drink, hut absolutely none to waste. Baths can be taken "now and again. ** Fortunately there is still sufficient water to put with it. (Laughter).—Special. The smallest swordfish evei* seen on Mercury Bay • grounds was hooked by Mr. S. McCullough, but after leaping Several times it then threw ,the hook and escaped. Jts weight was estimated at 751bs. Immediately the small swordfish got free a large fish darted at the same bait, but this fish also escaped.— Special.

The threatened destruction of Longbush, which is-a favorite spot for Gisborne picnic parties, was mentioned at last evening’s meeting of, the Gisborne Borough Council, when Qr. W. Cave asked if the council intended to do anything in the matter. The people, he said, did not appear to patronise Grey’s bush. Gr. Todd considered it hopeless to endeavor to obtain the public support for the purchase of Longbush.—The meeting agreed to defer the matter until there was some public agitation. “From what I can see in Gisborne, as soon as a man puts in 'machinery the people think he is doing a man "out of employment- and they wjll not patronise him, was the remark of a bankrupt bootmaker, John Patrick Maloney, at his meeting of creditors to-day. He mentioned that he had installed special plant, but after that trade dwindled away. He also cited a well-known local firm which had installed elaborate machinery, which had later to he almost given away oh account of there being no use for it.

Fares collected py the Gisborne tramways during the fortnight ended February 11 totalled £217 11s, of which £147 6s 7d was taken on- the Gladstone road route and £7O 5s 3d on the Whataupoko side, 15,505 and 7120 passengers being carried, respectively. The. fares per car mile for the period averaged 15.56 d for the Gladstone road route, and 16.46 d for the Ormond road route. During the same period the municipal, buses collected £192 15s 8d in fares,’ the buses carrying 10,154 passengers, and the fares per bus mile averaging 13.34 d.

In connection with the letter read at I last eveuiug’s meeting, of the Borough Council complaining of the competition of municipal bilges with private buses for the transport of picnic parties, it is pointed out on belialt of the council that the borough buses, are not in direct competition with the 'country services, and in catering for picnic parties the municipal fleet carries only townsfolk. It is pointed out also that the council had abandoned the country services on account of the fact that it should cater mainly for the townspeople. With regard to the Wsfinui regular service, the council has haH no competition for some time. * ’ The Gisborne Borough Council's appeal to the various organisations in the town to support the fund for the widows* of the missing New Zealand aviators, Lieut. Moncrieff and C'apt. -Hood, has met with -a ready and pleasing response from all quarters. At last evening’s meeting of the council it was stated that the local newspapers, local bodies, sports associations and clubs, social clubs, including the Gisborne ~ Women’s Club, various mercantile firms and associations, the British Medical Association, and the Gisborne Law Society had agreed to open subscription lists for the fund. '

The allegedly unsatisfactory condition of the road round Kaiti beach giving access to the houses there was the subject of a letter to the Borough Council at its meeting last evening from Mr. A. W. Hampton.- The writer drew the council’s attention to the fact that as the toad was of loose shingle, no woman could take a pram through it. The footpath between the freezing works and the Cook monument was half cut away to make room for the new road, tho level of which was higher than the footpath, and this meant that the path could not be used in wet weather, as a shiall lake was formed between the road and the hill. Mr. Hampton asked that something should be done to relieve the inconvenience of those people who lived at Kaiti beach, and had to walk to and from town. He added also, that several people at the beach were neglecting to cut the fennel on their sections; unless this were cut soon, the seed Would be blown about and spread on the Sections of those who had kept it cut back. The letter was referred to the engineer, with the suggestion that the loose shingle should be sprayed with bitumen. ’

The fact that the Gisborne Borough Council refused to renew the license for a certain Gisborne taxi-car.evidently has not deterred the owner of the car from, plying for hire. Reporting to the council at its meeting last evening the engineer, Mr. A. Young, stated that the traffio inspector reported that in connection with the taxi referred to the council had issued a provisional license which" expired on February 7. The car was now plying for hire ‘without- a license, and as the matter had'been before the council on a number of occasions, the council’s instructions were awaited. A letter from the proprietor of the taxi stated that he had made improvements as suggested by the traffic inspector, and he applied for a license for a further term. A letter from the garage certified that the.- repairs had been effected. —Cr. H. E - . Maude maintained that if the defects had been remedied the man had a right to further apply for a licence. There was now a considerable amount of unemployment- and if this main were refused a licence it would put another in the ranks of the workless.— Tho deputy mayor, Cr. J. Blair, thought there was a general condemnation of the car on account of its age. The matter was further- referred to the traffic inspector for a report,