NEWS IN BRIEF

Southland Times, Issue 24533, 6 September 1941, Page 8

NEWS IN BRIEF

AMERICAN MINISTER’S VISIT: Formerly United States Ambassador to China, Mr Nelson T. Johnson, is a through passenger on the Monterey at Auckland to become United States Minister to Australia, relieving Mr Clarence E. Gauss, who has gone to China. Mr Johnson is accompanied by his wife and two children. They are spending today on a visit to Rotorua “We are anxious to see how your famous Rotorua lines up with Yellowstone Park,” he said.—Press Association

SHIP UNDER ARREST: The Greekowned vessel on which the crew struck at Auckland on Wednesday because of a dispute over wages, was placed under arrest yesterday by the Marshal of the Admiralty on a warrant issued by the Supreme Court in Admiralty jurisdiction. The writ was first tied to the main mast and the captain’s attention drawn to it. It was then replaced by a copy and the Supreme Court proceedings continued.—Press Association. SUCCESS OF WAR LOAN.—Commenting at Wellington upon the war loan, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr S. G. Holland) said last night that over-subscription of the loan would be a source of very real satisfaction to many subscribers and all who were helping the war effort by participating in the National Savings scheme and in various other ways. “Over-subscrip-tion of the loan indicates that the public will voluntarily and willingly respond to whatever financial requirements are shown to be necessary for the prosecution of the war,” said Mr Holland, “and I am sure that our men overseas will be pleased to have news of the result of the present loan and to know that every effort will be made to provide them with the sinews of war.” —Press Association.

AIR SCOUTS.— A new department in world-wide scouting, that of air scouts, has been established. It is proposed to develop this department in New Zealand on cautious lines. The suggestion is made in the annual report of the Dominion Council of the Boy Scouts Association that one troop be formed for every airport in the Dominion. It might be found later, states the report, that the number could be increased. There would be more boys wanting to be air scouts than could be taken.— (P-A.) MEDICINAL PLANTS TO BE GROWN.— Medicinal plants for war purposes are to be cultivated in Hastings, 26 acres having been provided for in the initial scheme, which may be extended if it proves a success. The operations will be carried on for the duration of the war and for a year or two after, and a permanent industry may result. The Government is installing a drying shed costing £3OOO. The proposal is to plant 20 acres in digitalis purpurea and two acres each in atropa belladonna, hyoscyamus niger and datura stramonium.—(P.A.).