In Town And Out

Southland Times, Issue 23612, 13 September 1938, Page 8

In Town And Out

Motor Spirit Taxation Regret that, in spite of strong representations by the motor unions, the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash) had not seen fit to use all petrol taxation for highways improvements and maintenance, was expressed by the president (Mr D. J. Wesney) at the annual meeting of the Automobile Association (Southland) last evening. “It is quite unreasonable,” he said, “to be borrowing money for highways purposes which will bring a load of overhead to the Main Highways Board for years to come, while all motor spirit taxation is not being used for the purpose for which it was originally levied.” Cobra For Preference

“There are some questions on which it is wise to compromise,” said the president (the Rev. C. J. Tocker) at the annual meeting of the Southland branch of the New Zealand Alliance last night, “but I would sooner compromise with a cobra than I would with the drink traffic. I suspect the bona fides of the, traffic and I suspect the bona fides of everybody who gets up and argues in favour of the traffic. There is always some personal interest somewhere.”

Warship For Bluff? The request of the Bluff Borough Council for a warship to visit Bluff at the time of the Sanders Cup contest next January is to be considered when next year’s itineraries are being prepared. This advice was contained in a letter from the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) which was received at last night’s meeting of the council. One of the ships would be absent from the station for recommissioning, it was stated, but the council’s request would receive consideration.

Shorter Hours and Liquor The claim that the 40-hour week had led to an increase in drunkenness in New Zealand was made by Colonel Burton, commandant of the Salvation Army, in an address at the annual meeting of the Southland branch of the New Zealand Alliance last night. “Since the 40-hour week was instituted,” Colonel Burton said, “the population of Roto Roa Island, where treatment is given to habitual inebriates, has increased in two years from 14 to 75. Every week we hear from the Magistrate’s Court about men who have three or four and up to a dozen convictions for drunkenness, and the Government has approached us on the subject of making increased provision on the island. The 40-hour week is an open door for the fulfilment of the old adage ‘Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do.’ ” Signposting Work in Southland Appreciation of the signposting work done in the province by the Automobile Association (Southland) was expressed by Mr A. H. J. Wyatt at the annual meeting of the association last evening. His remarks were supported by Dr A. F.- Ritchie Crawford, who praised the work of the executive. On the motion of Dr Crawford, a vote of thanks to the executive from the ordinary members, was carried by acclamation. In reply the president (Mr D. J. Wesney) said that in signposting, Southland could hold its own with any other province in New Zealand. “Outside” Referee for Shield Game It is probable that a referee from outside the Southland district will control the Ranfurly Shield match between Southland and. Wellington tomorrow. A request for an “outside” referee was made yesterday to the Southland Rugby Union by the manager of the Wellington team (Mr J. D. King). The matter was discussed by the Southland union last evening and the name of a referee in Dunedin was submitted to the Wellington Rugby Union. No appointment was announced last night.

Distinctive Lights on Lorries A proposal which would be to the benefit of the motorists was mentioned by Mr D. J. Wesney, president of the Automobile Association (Southland) at the annual meeting of the association last, evening. The Transport Department, he said, now had under consideration the framing of a regulation providing for lights which would indicate heavy traffic lorries and the entire overhang of the loads they were carrying.

“Proceeded Quietly” Charged with riding a bicycle on the footpath a defendant in the Magistrate’s Court at Gore yesterday morning stated that he had gone on to the footpath at the library to avoid a motor-car and had proceeded quietly past the police station, intending to turn on to the road'again at the Medway street intersection. “Well, I shall quietly convict you and fine you 5/-, costs 10/-,” remarked the Magistrate with a smile.

New Parking Regulations The Invercargill City Council’s new parking regulations are to come into force either today or tomorrow. The parking of private motor-vehicles in Dee street, from Gala street to Tay street, and in Tay street, from the Dee street intersection to Deveron street, will in future be restricted to 15 minutes during general shopping and business hours. “Head-in” parking will also be abolished in these streets during business hours. The restrictions were decided upon at the last meeting of the City Council, but could not be enforced until the necessary traffic signs had been made and erected. The new signs have now been made and it is expected that they will be erected either today or tomorrow.

Super Southern Musquash Fur Coats with super flank collar and cuffs, our best line of goods usually £47 10/-, now reduced to £35. This is below today’s cost and a wonderful chance to procure the best possible at a very big reduction. We have all sizes at the moment, so get in early.—The Mutual Fur Coy, Kelvin St. Opp. H. &J. Smith’s.— Adyt.