GENERAL NEWS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 11 May 1925, Page 8

GENERAL NEWS.

Ovev 103,000 motor cam and motor cycles have been registered in the Dominion to-date.

“The most important feature of tlio open-air school is that there is no barrier between the child and nature, ’ said Professor Shelley at Waimatc on Friday night.

During an address at Waimate on the advantages of open-air schools, Professor Shelley said that in Derbyshire (England) they made a garden and planted classrooms in it.

The ravages of wild pigs in the bade blocks have frequently been mentioned in the Press during the past few years (says the “Wanganui Herald”), but it is doubtful if town dwellers realise tho damage done by these animals on bush farms. Since the Government agreed to pay a royalty of Is. per snout for wild pigs in the Whangamomona district, it is stated that over 10,000 tnouts have been brought in.

Passing through many tracts of country not served bv the cream collector, or on farms lying elf this route, even in many cases awaiting his arrival, the traveller is struck by the number of cans of cream lying exposed to tlio bent of tho blazing sun (says tho “Manawatn Times”). If the butter control will insist upon such stands being well covered they will at least have effected one far-reaching though siniplo improvement.

A paragraph was recently reprinted from a Hawke’s Bay paper recording tho birth of what was stated to bo “probably the first lamb of the season” a week or two ago. We are informed that Mr J. It. McCully has on his farm at Seadown ono lamb born on the 7th April last, and one born on the 20lh April. Both lambs arc the progeny of Mr McCully’s recently imported purebred Dorset Horned sheep, and are strong sturdy youngsters.

A meeting of the Social Committee in connection with tlio South School was held on Saturday evening, when there wore present —Messrs P. Iv.ik, F. Chittock, S, Houston, J. Phillips, A. F. Strothers. R. Cairns. R. Walker, J. A. Hay, D. McXnb. W. J. Bust on, .1. M. Counland. P. Downward, and W. Gibb. Mr Gibb was elected chairman, J. A. Hay .secretary, and .T. M. Counland treasurer. It was decided to bold n scries of socials during the winter months, these to take place on the first and third Saturdavs, _ tho programme to consist of dancing, cards, and musical items, and that the proceeds of the socials be handed to the School Committee at Ho close of the reason to ho used in the interest's of tho children of tho school.

“If you go round the schools of Auckland,” said *ur it. Harrison, headmaster of the BoUnont sebooi, in addressing the houselioluers of the district, “you will lind that the schools u.wi the poorest tone are those that have the poorest play-grounds, and \> Here iuiasi intortist ir> uuuju m g&nwss.

The annual maintenance of the Auckland .Municipal band costs £2OOO, recording to a .statement made by Sir J,unos Munson at tiie meeting of the Auckland Citv (Jouiica. lie said the ovpc-ndit ure on tim band was more than iusvilicd, as the baud had proved a decided draw at Die Zoo, and was responsible ior much of tlie revenue, in addition, the citizens hud the benefit of free band performances at Albert Lark and elsewhere.

“The system of slow motor traffio, even round corners, lias been abolished,”' remarked Mr J. King, of Palmerston North, speaking to a reporter or Ids visit to [Sydney, “and as soon as the policeman says ‘go one has to go for his life.” He explained that it liad been found that slow traffic caused too much congestion, and probably more accidents, than fast traffic, provided that it was controlled at certain points. “One-way traffic has had to bo adopted in some streets,” ho continued, “and there were some amusing incidents when country visitors to the show started along a one-way street in the wrong direction. They were scon caught up.’t

A garden party, under the auspices of tlio Chalmers Church P.W.M.U., was held at Mrs A. Grant’s, “Aigantighe,” Wai-iti lload, in aid of the annual effort for missionary purposes, the setting for this function was ideal, the grounds being a picture with lawns, trees and shrubs: in the background the snow-covered mountains, and in the foreground the sea, and over all a hot May sun. The ladies at tho different stalls vied with each other in supplying the needs of customers, and afternoon tea served to the visitors was a most enjoyable feature. During the afternoon golf and croquet competitions were held, and provided considerable entertainment. The function was opened by the Rev. P. Gladstone Hughes, who thanked Mrs Grant for her kindness in lending her grpunds.

A very successful sale of work, organised by the St. Peter’s Radies’' Guild, was held on Saturday afternoon. The weather was perfect and there was a very largo attendance. The stalls, which were heavily laden with many useful and attractive articles, did excellent business, and it was gratifying to the wo-kers that their effort was crowned with success. The Hall and stalls were tastefully decorated. The following were in charge of the different stalls :—"Work stall,, Mesdames Thoreau, Bcotli, Wall, and Williams; fancy stall, Mrs"Allsup, Misses Hall, Rix, and Moffatt; swoet stall, Mrs Vucetich and Mrs Green; soft drinks, Misses Hall and Brown'; produce stall, Ah-S'Hall and Mrs Neale; tea rooms, Mesdames Davev. Moffatt, Barker, and Miss Davey. The following competit;ons were won during the afternoon : Teapot. Miss Ella Brown; cake, Miss T'-eno Vucetich; hand-worked oamisn'e, Mrs Rodeers; box of soap. Mrs McLaren; bantams. Mrs Shipman. The Guild wish to thank all donors of gifts and also those who assisted.