In Town And Out

Southland Times, Issue 23649, 26 October 1938, Page 6

In Town And Out

Arrival of Power Poles Bringing to an end the delay in securing hardwood poles for the erection of the power line between Dunedin and Gore to link Southland with the Waitaki hydro-electric station, a big shipment of poles arrived at Bluff yesterday by the Waikouaiti from Sydney. The erection of the power line is proceeding steadily from both ends of the section and the link is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Measles in Tapanui

The epidemic of measles has been particularly severe in Tapanui and it has been found necessary to close the District High School for two weeks, as more than 100 pupils have been ill with the complaint. Both the German measles and the more serious _ form have been prevalent, x but the epidemic is now considered to be on the wane. Although the sufferers have been mostly children there have also been several cases among adults. There have been few complications and no deaths.

Shooting of Spotted Shags The shooting of colonies of spotted shags off the cliffs overlooking the sea at Curio Bay has been reported to the Department of Internal Affairs. Tire spotted shag is a protected bird and any person found molesting it in any manner is liable to be prosecuted and fined. Notices are soon to be erected above the cliffs where the birds nest drawing attention to the position.

Trip to Gertrude Saddle An ascent of the Gertrude Saddle was made on Labour Day by 25 young men and women who gained a clear view of Milford Sound from a height of 5400 feet above sea level. There was very little snow on the lower levels and at the Homer Tunnel mouth and the camp, and it was not until the trampers had passed Mount Talbpt and climbed some distance towards the saddle that they reached the snow line. The sun was shining brightly when they reached the top, but rain began to fall about 3 p.m.

Kew Hospital Grounds Good progress has been made with the laying out of the Kew Hospital grounds. The erection of manuka shelter belts has enabled shrubs to be established in the beds flanking the entrance driveway and the plants are doing well. Recently, a great deal, of work has been devoted to the design of flower beds in the area between the two wings of the hospital building and a colour and pattern scheme which should be very attractive during the summer has been followed.

Invercargill Aerodrome The possibility of the new aerodrome at the estuary being ready for use during the summer depends largely upon the drainage work which is to be carried out. The surface of the aerodrome has been levelled and sown in grass, and when it has consolidated it is possible that the work of the erection of buildings will begin. It is expected that a decision about the system of drainage will be made soon. The work, once begun, should not take long to complete.

Scarcity of Fat Cattle The scarcity of fat cattle in Southland continues and at the Lomeville stock sale yesterday there was a further rise in prices, restoring the temporary decrease which occurred last week. Graziers and butchers consider that there is little immediate prospect of a reduction in prices as store cattle as well as fat cattle are scarce in Southland. The approach of warmer weather is likely to lessen the demand for cattle, particularly as fat lambs are becoming more plentiful, but beef values are expected to continue high for some time yet.