In the News

Southland Times, Issue 25514, 7 November 1944, Page 4

In the News

Scarlet Fever Twelve cases of scarlet fever, two of pulmonary tuberculosis and two of hookworm were reported to the District Medical Officer of Health at Invercargill (Dr K. J. Davies) for the week which ended at noon yesterday. There was one death from pulmonary tuberculosis.

Women as Elders A sharp division of opinion on the admission of women as elders occurred at the Presbyterian General Assembly at Hastings on Saturday. There was a spirited debate and the assembly eventually agreed that the matter be referred back to the presbyteries and sessions for further consideration, (P-A.) One Body Recovered

The body of Charles Ernest Cameron, aged 40, a market gardener, of Outram, who, with three other men, was drowned on October 23 in Lake Mahinerangi, was recovered from the lake or Sunday. The other men who also lost their lives when .their boat capsized on the lake, and whose bodies have not yet been recovered, were: James Ewen Anderson, aged 26, market gardener, of Outram; George McGregor Hendry, aged 18, an apprentice at the Hillside Workshops, of Outram; and Herbert John Campbell, aged 39, mill employee, of Mosgiel. Closer Link Forged

“We are taking the opportunity of writing you by the first official air mail service between Dunedin and Invercargill to extend to you and your city our congratulations on this forward step,” states a letter which The Southland Times received yesterday from Mr C. J. Darracott, manager of Electric and Plumbing Supplies Ltd., Dunedin. “The -two provinces have worked together in many forward movements and this further link will serve to draw us yet closer together,” the letter adds. “May the good spirit that has prevailed between Otago and Southland over many years long continue and the future be full of prosperity to us all.” Child’s Burns

An unusual claim for damages was settled by consent before Mr Justice Smith in the Supreme Court, Hamilton. A child of six John Robert Robcke (Mr King), claimed £409 from Harold Warrington Thompson, an Air Force officer (Mr Strang), as compensation for serious bums to the neck, face and body caused through coming into contact with burning coke from the gas-producing plant of the defendant’s car. The defendant had his car parked in Casey Avenue, Claudelands, on April 4, 1943, and was stoking the gas producer when the child suffered the injuries. After a jury of four had been empanelled, Mr Strang said the defendant must accept responsibility for the child’s injuries, and the only question was the quantum of damages, After a brief consultation, counsel asked that judgment be entered for plaintiff for £239, plus £5O costs.

Otago Industries “The wide range of the exhibits at the Industries Fair was a revelation to me. It is evident that Otago is determined to develop a well-balanced economy of primary and secondary industries in order to absorb an increased population,” said Mr F. M. Forde, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, after a specially-arranged visit to the fair at Dunedin. It was plain, Mr Forde continued, that among the leading manufacturers and business men in Dunedin there were men of foresight and ability who were throwing all their weight ip to the development of a wonderfully rich district. New Zealanders were indeed fortunate in possessing spch a heritage and they, as well as tha people of Australia, should remember just how close they came to losing this heritage a few years ago. If Japan, instead of striking at Pearl Harbour, had come south to Australia, both Dominions might have been overwhelmed. Unusual Appeal

The unusual position of a manpower officei 1 appealing for his own release arose before a sitting of the Industrial Manpower Appeal Committee at Nelson. Mr W. F. M. Ott, district manpower officer at Nelson, sought release from his duties to allow him to take up a partnership in an established legal practice in Nelson. He had been actively associated with the practice of law ever since, his admission as a solicitor in 1924 except during the past two and a-half years, when he acted as manpower officer. Before that he was district solicitor in the Public Trust Office, Nelson. No use was being made of his legal qualifications and he felt that the position. should now be filled by a demobilized or returned serviceman. Opposing the appeal on behalf of the National Service Department, Mr E. A. Selman, inspector for the department, said that the work was increasing and the department could ill-afford to lose the services of even one trained officer, particularly when he was in a controlling position. The chairman announced that the appeal would be allowed.