GENERAL NEWS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18355, 28 August 1929, Page 8

GENERAL NEWS.

A great improvement took place in the unemployment situation in Timaru during the week, and there are now only 33 workless registered at the Unemployment Bureau, as compared with 56 last week. The number Includes 25 labourers, a grocer, a motor-engineer, farm labourer, clerk, wool-classer. salesman, engineer and engine-driver.

There were a large number of passengers travelling on the expresses again yesterday, and the first express south comprised thirteen passenger cars and three vans.

Aeroplanes are still a novelty to the children of Timaru. and many heads were craned upwards yesterday afternoon when the travellers of the skies flew low over Caroline Bay where a large number of children were spending a sunny afternoon of their holidays. Those more mature seemed, too, to be irresistibly attracted to the mechanical birds droning overhead, and no small number of motorists and cyclists were seen failing to keep a proper outlook, having their eyes fixed heavenwards.

A Press message from Wellington says that Sir Maui Pomare received the following radio from Commander Byrd: “Greetings from the Ross Dependency. Throughout the long winter night we have thought of you often, and the courtesies and hospitality you extended to us during our last days in civilisation. We heard every word of the radio pageant broadcasted from Wellington, and it brought back memories of the delightful afternoon spent in your home. We enjoyed the Maori programme beyond measure. All of us here in Antarctica send cordial good wishes to you and family.”

Reporting to the Waimate County Council yesterday, the county engineer (Mr W. P. Black) stated that the necessary permission having been obtained from the Railway Department a large consignment ’of bitumen was now on the ground at St. Andrews. Satisfactory arrangements had been completed with the owners to erect the plant on the foreshore. The Council’s teams, the Guy truck, roller, etc., had all been engaged on the preparation of the Main Highway for the hot mix contract. The plant, which is the largest ever imported into Australasia, is expected to arrive at any time. The erection of this will be undertaken immediately and is expected to occupy at least a month.

The fortnightly meeting of Court Southern Cross, A.0.F., No. 3123, was held last evening, Bro. D. Angus, C.R., presiding over a good attendance of members. The woodwards reported that three members had declared on the funds since last meeting and that one had declared off. One candidate was in attendance, and was duly made a member of the Court and Order, Bro. Griffiths, P.D.C.R., giving the charge, and Bro. Baker, P.D.C.R., acting as marshal. This being first nomination night, the following were nominated to fill various offices:—C.R., Bro. A. Millai*; P.C.R., Bro. Rennie; S.W., Bro. Parfoot; J.W., Bro. Gliddon; P.D.C.R., S.P. Bro. Darling; J. 8., Bro. Kilgour; M.S., Bro. Wakefield, P.C.R.; A.S., Bro. Griffiths, P.D.C.R.

For the second time within three months, the Mackenzie Country has experienced severe snow storms, and it is understood that in some parts considerable losses of stock have occurred. On Friday last there was 18 inches of snow at Clayton Station, but with warmer conditions prevailing, the snow has been thawing rapidly, and yesterday there was but 8 inches. At the Clayton homestead, the ’’Herald” mail car, after delivering the mail to the Clayton boxes, was unable to negotiate the hill, and was obliged to make a detour of several miles in order to complete the Sherwood Downs run. A frost of 26 degrees’ intensity was recorded at Clayton yesterday morning, While at Sawdon Flat, it is understood the thermometer fell below zero. Heavy falls have been experienced in the Lake Tekapo area, but as far as could be ascertained, no loss of stock has occurred.

Entry on Monday, 29th, in the diary of Mrs Gassip. “Visited Martha. On the way saw Mrs Wimple, who has another new hat! Also a new frock. Both expensive-looking affairs. She’ll be the ruin of her husband, that woman.” Entry on Friday, 26th, in diary of Mrs Wimple: “Called this morning at England, McßaeXs, for another packet of Nadco—a shilling as usual—in order to dye my blue frock and the curtains. Also a bottle of “Colorite” to make my winter hat do for spring. Spent an hour on the job. Think I’ll wear the frock and hat on Monday, they look so good. The “Colorite” cost 1/9, and they had it in every colour.”