LOCAL AND GENERAL

Taranaki Daily News, 19 August 1929, Page 8

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Thirty-three cadets, who a« being tra “‘ ed in the arts of seamanshrp are earned by the Federal Line steamer Northumbei land, which arrived at New on Saturday on her trip around New Zea land ports. Bell-toppers have not been plentiful in New Zealand since the last horse cab rat tied into its shed, and now-a-days ex undertakers seem to scorn them. However, a man at a recent dairy companj meeting attended wearing a fine bell-topper which had evidently had considerable use. “If I had my way, I would make, it compulsory for every Australian poi ician to travel over the world and broaden his views before he sat in Parhamen , clared Mr. Stuart Doyle, managing director of Union Theatres, speaking at a luncn eon of the Travel Promotion League m Sydney.

An earnest of the improved water supply for New Plymouth may be seen in Carrington Road, where pipes for the new rains are lying on the side of the road in readiness for placing in position. _ can while the übiquitous boy finds the pipes excellent subjects for essays m tight-rope walking and anxious mothers are wondering how long the temptation will be t ere. General Higgins, the new chief of the Salvation Army, would, all being we , arrive in New Plymouth about the end of February, said Commissioner Hay in New Plymouth last night. The life of. the late General Bramwell Booth had been full o wonderful zeal and devotion to the cause of the Army, and though he was enfeebled during his later days, his great work was appreciated. His successor had by t e grace of God been filled with the spirit to carry on. He was kindly, genial, noble and Christlike in his character, and when he came to New Plymouth they would agree that he had a wonderful smile. ... '■ :

A mechanical defect in an electrical-lo-comotive which drew the early goods train to Lyttleton on Saturday- morning caused a hold-up at an awkward moment. The train stopped in the middle of the tunnel, and it was not till two steam locomotives arrived from Lyttelton and towed the train through that the trouble was overcome.

Somewhere in New Plymouth ie a very crestfallen sneak thief. A resident of the Moturoa district motored into the town on Friday evening to purchase the week-end leg of pork and while at the butcher’s also bought a large parcel of bones for the dog. Placing th# parcels in the.car he went away to make other purchases,- and on his return found that the parcel of pork had fallen on the floor of the car, but the bigger parcel, which was neatly wrapped, had been removed. More Bibles were printed last year than in any year previously, but most of them were being sent to the heathen, said Commissioner Hay in New Plymouth last night. The white people seemed to be turning away from the Bible and now they had the evolution movement being introduced in this Dominion. If that were allowed to progress the final result would be the overthrow of biblical authority. A refractory magic lantern slide depicting the cement works at Tarakohe refused to budge after Mr. G. C. Black, M.P., had given his explanation in his lecture on the West Coast earthquake last night, and the whispered sibilants of the words, “It’s stuck,” could be clearly heard throughout the house.. “Even the slide is trying to give you an idea of what the earthquake was like,” wittily broke in Mr. Black as a particularly fierce shake by the operator jerked the picture suddenly nearly off the screen.

While proceeding along the South Road into New Plymouth early yesterday morning, a coastal resident, driving a Plymouth car, turned the bend near Kitchener Terrace apparently too fast and applied his brakes suddenly without straightening up. The car skidded slightly, the front wheel striking the footpath and causing the car to swing round into the clay bank. The rear right wheel was broken and the running board and top portion of the car and glass were extensively damaged. One passenger was thrown through a side window and sustained a deep cut on the hand, which necessitated medical attention. The driver was detained and will probably appear in court this morning. The anniversary of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Sunday School, New Plymouth, was observed yesterday at the morning and evening services, when the Rev. J. D. Wilson made reference to the good work being done throughout New Zealand by their Sunday Schools, and outlinefl their success in raising money for missions and other objects. The feature of both services was the splendid singing by the children, who were well represented. In the morning special lessons were read by two Bible Class scholars, Graham McKenzie and Roe Dingle, the evening lessons being read by R. Ross. The singing was conducted by Mr. W. G. Reid. So successful were yesterday’s services that the anniversary will probably be specially observed every year.

The fact that the floor of Nelson Harbour had inexplicably risen twice in the berth where the dredge Kaione lies when pumping spoil on to the reclamation was mentioned by the chairman, Mr. H. R. Duncan, at last week’s meeting of the harbour board. On Tuesday morning the Kaione was unable to get to her usual position and an investigation showed that the bottom had risen slightly. This had happened twice. Whether the occurrence was caused by the earthquake or was something to do with the reclamation work Mr. Duncan did not know.

The well-known yacht Carnegie, which is on a world cruise, will arrive in New Zealand early next year, and is due in Lyttelton on January 10. Captain J. P. Ault is in command of the ship, which is being sent out by the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism of the Carnegie Institute. Magnetic surveys and investigations into the nature of the sea floor form the principal part of the work carried out. The Carnegie has twice visited New Zealand in the course of long world cruises. She is unique in having practically no iron or steel in her construction, all heavy metal being nonmagnetic.

The joke of the day in Sydney' (says the correspondent of the" Melbourne Argus) in surreptitiously to slip into the lapel of the coat of a friend a fragment of white paper. Any man with a piece of white paper thus displayed is identifiable as one who is opposed to the high price of potatoes. Miss Portia Geach, the energetic president of the Progressive Housewives’ Association, issued a manifesto calling upon all men who supported a boycott to stand fast with their wives in counteracting the machinations of the potato wholesalers by displaying evidence of sympathy. She knew that it would be easy to tear off the margin of the morning paper and place it in the coat lapel, and she proclaimed that that would be sufficient for the purpose. The potato war has disposed of the rival housewives’ association. It considered that Miss Geach was bringing housewives into contempt by driving through the streets showing a placard intimating her association’s sentiments towards potatoes and potato vendors, and it gave strong expression to the thought, but there was a rallying to Miss Geach’s standard. The war brightened up at once. “Eat turnips, carrots and dried beans and peas” is the order. It is said that many are obedient. Satisfaction at the reduction in the bounty for kea beaks from 5s to 2s 6d is expressed by the latest report of the New Zealand Native Bird Protection Society. “Ic has long been known,” states the report, “that this parrot is a much-maligned bird, and although it cannot be disputed that some of them do at times molest sheep, still it was being used as a medium of making easy money in the districts where sheep are non-existent. The executive therefore appealed to some of our members to state the case of the kea' and against. The result was a very instructive and interesting controversy, and the verdict plainly shown was that the bird molested sheep on some stations, and would not interfere with those on an immediately adjoining sheep station. This fact appeared to demonstrate that the bird was taught a bad habit by offal and sheep skins being carelessly exposed. Owing to its sociable and very intelligent habits the kea is a great favourite, and the Alpine Club took a leading part in the discussion. The lessened sum payable for beaks will make kea hunting less profitable, and the executive express appreciation to the man; members who stated the case without fear or favour.” The percentage of men wearing factorymade clothing is very much smaller in the men wo call successful than in the men who are not. It may be argued that it is quite natural seeing that they have more money to buy dearer clothing. But we must remember first that a good appearance is half the battle, and secondly that 1 Beriey’s measured clothing costs no more.

A suggestion that the Manawatu Gorge be planted with trees was made by Mr. H. Cottrell, of Napier, when speaking at the Palmerston North Rotary Club luncheon. “Each time I come over the Manawatu George road I am impressed with the beauty of the gorge,” said Mr. Cottrell. “However, it needs the hand of a scenic artist, and trees could be planted on the hill spurs with advantage. With a little careful handling and planting, the gorge could be made a splendid scenic attraction. One can easily visualise its beauty before it was swept by fire.” Two Wanganui Council employees had a startling experience at the rubbish tip. They were burning rubbish when two loud explosions occurred in a fire some distance from where they were working. Debris was shot up in all directions, but fortunately neither of the men sustained any injuries. A suburban resident who was working, in his garden about a quarter of a mile from the tip head heard the reports and was amazed to see a gas container whizz through the air and partially bury itself in the ground. It was very jagged in appearance. It is believed that two of these containers were embedded in some rubbish that had been carted to the tip, thus accounting for the two explosions. This incident shows the great danger of putting explosive materials in rubbish tins.

According to Mr. R. McGillivray, Fields Superintendent of the Department of Agriculture, the dairying industry is again flourishing in the Murchison district (states the Christchurch Press). Mr. McGullivray, who returned to Christchurch yesterday from the West Coast and Nelson, stated that the dairy factory at Murchison was being kept busy. The settlers in the Upper Maruia Valley had a grievance, however. Prior to the earthquake some of them had accepted road widening contracts, in respect of which they had expended capital on tools, which on their return they found had been taken away. Furniture and stores had also disappeared from houses during the refugees’ absence. While business in Greyinouth had improved after a bad spell, the loss of tourist traffic was being severely felt. Since the earthquake disaster there had been few week-end bookings, and there had been a cancellation of advance bookings for October and November.

An anglers’ information bureau is to be established by the Department of Internal Affairs at Taupo for the convenience of sportsmen and tourists from overseas. It will provide complete information concerning the best fishing streams, camp and hotel accommodation, the most suitable kind of fishing gear, rail and service car routes, fares and til --tables, and other information. An experienced angler , will be in charge of the bureau,-which is being erected near the wharf, on the department’s reserve. The building will stand in pleasant surroundings, the grounds being planted with native shrubs, and tastefully laid out.

Mr. Theo. Tresize, who has been engaged to produce “Miss Hook of Holland” for the New Plymouth Amateur Operatic Society, visited New Plymouth during the week-end. He took a special rehearsal of the principals during the week-end and will hear the chorus this evening. By advertisement in this issue the Farmers’ Union draws attention to a public meeting to be held in the Workers’ Social Hall, New Plymouth, at 1.30 to-day, to consider the proposed taxation amendments and to appoint delegates to a National Convention of the union to be held in Wellington. Representatives of all farming interests are invited to attend.

The popularity of the lumber jacket and lumber suit for present wear is increasing by leaps and bounds. The garments are smart and practical, while the cost is within the reach of all. The Melbourne Ltd. have opened up new Spring styles in these goods, which are very attractive.

In this issue L. A. Nolan & Co. advertise for sale by auction two quarter-acre sections in Powderhain Street. They fact? north, are level, and will cut’ into four eighths. The reserve is a low one, as it is desired to sell to close an estate.

Among the many bargains to be had at Broome’s Corner are men’s holeproof working trousers at 7/11; men’s dark grey suits 37/6; boys’ jerseys in navy, brown and dark grey, sizes I’e to B’s, at 4/6; men’s English saddle tweed trousers at 9/6; men’s odd coats 17/9; men’s odd vests 7/9; boys’ brushed cotton singlets 1/6 to be obtained only at W. H. Broome’s, Taranaki’s finest price store, Devon Street, New Plymouth.

Wintry weather is likely to continue for some time yet, but the problem of how to meet this weather will be solved if you buy now at McGruer’s Winter

Big savings for you at The Hustlers’ Drapery Store in New Plymouth, and you know from experience the worth of an announcement like this coming from The Home of Good Values.”