The Putaruru Press PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY. OFFICE: OXFORD PLACE. Telephone 28. Post Office Box 44. THURSDAY, JULY 10, 1947. LOCAL AND GENERAL

Putaruru Press, Volume XXI, Issue 1238, 10 July 1947, Page 4

The Putaruru Press PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY. OFFICE: OXFORD PLACE. Telephone 28. Post Office Box 44. THURSDAY, JULY 10, 1947. LOCAL AND GENERAL

The total rainfall for the month of Jane, as recorded by Mr. K. S. Cos's gauge at “ The Crossing,” Lichfield, was 9.53 inches. There were 20 wet days, the heaviest fall, 1.18 inches, being on the 18tli. The mouth began with hard frosts and fine days. Nine frosts were recorded. It was very wet towards the end of the month, and four thunder and lightning storms were experienced. The total rainfall for the six months of the year is 24.40 inches.

The increased numbers of exservicemen looking for homes, and the difficulties of housing conditions, were stressed by Mr. A. S. Sutherland (Hauraki) in notice of a question to the Minister in charge of the State Advances Corporation (Mr. Nash). Mr. Sutherland said an increased allocation of State houses was most necessary, and he asked the Minister to consider increasing the present allocation to ex-servicemen from 50 per cent, to 75 per cent.

-Would the Minister of External Affairs inform the House why it was considered necessary to wait three years before giving the public of New Zealand, through the press, any information as to the activities of the New Zealand Minister in Moscow ? asked Mr. A. S. Sutherland (National, Hauraki) in notice of a question in the House of Representatives. “ It is reported in the press that the principal works of the Legation during the past three years have been confined mainly to the mutual exchange of books and films,” added Mr. Sutherland.

The Australian Army Water Transport vessel the Crusader is up for sale, and she is described as the world's most-fantastic ship. She has all the appearance of a maze of scaffolding used for the construction of mul.i-storeyed buildings, while from the rear her stern, which is sheer to the waterline, takes on the facade of a block of flats. Built in Australia in accordance with Australian Army designs, the ship, of 1000 tons, was used for transport of tanks. She has four rudders, six propellers and unusual derrick riggings. Her derricks have a 27-ton lift. The Crusader played an important role in the “ clean-up ” of island depots, returning to the mainland from Lae, Rabaul, Torokina and Aitape with surplus war cargo that might otherwise have had to be left in the jungle. Her speed is eight knots, draught 12 feet, and she can carryenough fuel to stay at sea for 30 days.