GENERAL NEWS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18557, 2 May 1930, Page 8

GENERAL NEWS.

The Howard League for Penal Reform has resolved that no one should be admitted to the Police Force who lias not passed the junior civil service examination, or a special examination of at least equal standing.

An aeroplane piloted by Flying-officer Piper passed over Timaru shortly after one o’clock yesterday. The machine, which was proceeding to Dunedin, was flying high, probably on account of the unfavourable weather conditions prevailing at the time.

The civil action which commenced in the Supreme Court in Timaru on Wednesday afternoon, is likely to extend until to-morrow. Up till 5.30 last night, when the Court adjourned, one witness only had been disposed of, the second witness then being under cross-examin-ation. Plaintiff was in the witness box for 62 hours. 52 of which were occupied in a severe cross-examination.

A witness in a case in the Supreme Court in Timaru yesterday was being questioned as to the present day value of motor accessories manufactured prior to the war. One article he valued at £7/10/-, and when pressed to state if he still maintained that this was fair value, he replied: “If anything happened to it it could not be replaced.” Mr C. S. Thomas (Counsel for defence) : “And neither could the Ark.”

When one of the parishioners of St. John’s Anglican Church was asked at last night’s annual meeting, by the Rev. F. C. Lawrence to accept a seat on the Church Council, the member declined, with thanks. “I do not think it out of place to ask the worthy member his reasons for declining,”, said the chairman. “I have a wife . . .” began the nominee. “Excuse,” interrupted the chairman amidst hearty laughter.

The danger that may result when members of a shooting party spread out ,in such a manner as to be facing each other, was shown early yesterday morning at Calder’s Dam, Bluecliffs. Two members of a party strayed from their set places, and at least one can consider himself fortunate. A shot fired by a companion at a sitting duck, ricochetted off the surface of the water, and one pellet grazed the man’s left cheekbone, within an inch of the eye, inflicting a slight gash. Several other pellets could be felt, but these luckily, failed to penetrate the thick clothing and did no damage.

When an article is guaranteed for five years, it must possess the confidence of the manufacturers. Every ‘‘New Improved Acme” wringer has this guarantee, and therefore is entitled to the lull confidence of every purchaser. Apart from its strength, durability and simplicity, the “New Acme” has several unique features, such as the patent reversible drip-board, which will not leak, clamps for use on almost any table, tub, or bench, and a non-break-able frame. England, Mcßae, Ltd., are now showing “Acme” wringers in all useful sizes. Visit the progressive hardware store and take advantage of our competitive prices

I A cable message from London received early this morning announces that the London Bank rate has been reduced to 3 per cent.

The Southland appeal for the Obstetrical fund closed with a total of £B6O. I The total so far in the Otago and Southland area is £5850. considerably above quota.

The customs revenue for the Port of Timaru for last month amounted to £8750/7/9, as compared with £4991/15/2, for the corresponding month of last year.

Probate in the estate of the late Sarah Rothwell, of Timaru, has been granted by His Honour. Mr Justice Adams. Letters of administration have also been granted in the estate of the late J. Turner, of Geraldine.

Seventy-fifive per cent, of the West Coast -timber mills are now to work an average of four days a week. There is only a very limited demand for red and white pine from Australia, and some mills are closing altogether.— (Press Assn. f

Sitting at Wellington, the annual conference of the Howard League for Penal Reform passed a resolution that capital punishment should be abolished. It was also decided to urge that legal aid in both Courts be provided for indigent persons.— (Press Assn.)

When the question of re-insuring the motor-cycle owned by the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society was considered at the April meeting of the Council, it was thought that the machine was not worth another premium. At yesterday’s meeting, the secretary stated that about ten days ago the vehicle had caught fire, and repairs would cost in the vicinity of £6.

The biennial movable conference of the New Zealand branch of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, was continued at Palmerston North yesterday, when the revision of the rules was discussed. It was decided that Past Grand Masters and Past District Grand Masters should be permitted to attend the movable conference at their own expense and take part in the proceedings but with no voting power.

Observations taken at the Christchurch Magnetic Observatory show that the past month was the driest April since 1910, the total rainfall being 71 per cent, below the normal fall for April. The total fall for the month was 0.232 inches and it was raining on seevn days. After a warm dry month, heavy rain at the very end of April brought the Wellington record up to a little over the average, which is 3.90in. Although February and March were very flry,. January was unusually wet, and the total rainfall for the year so far 11.36in., which actually is a shade over the average.

The return of vital statistics for Timaru for last month shows a decrease in births and deaths, as compared with April of last year, but marriages show an increase of eight. The return is as follows, last year’s figures being shown in parentheses:—Births: Males 16 (18), females 11 (18), totals 27 (33). Deaths: Males 7 (7), females 5 (7), totals 12 (14). Last month, 29 marriage licenses were issued, as compared with 21 last April. Three marriages were perform;ed by the Registrar last month, as ■ against one in April 1929. The marriage figures last month were the highest of any single month since 1926. Mr A. E. Gillingham presided over the annual householders’ meeting at Cave, twenty householders being present. The chairman’s report showed that the school had had another successful year. The balance sheet, which showed a credit balance of £34/9/11, was adopted as read. A motion of sympathy was passed with the headteacher, Miss Foster in her illness. Eight nominations were received for a committee for the ensuing year from which the following were elected::—Messrs A. E. Gillingham (chairman), W. Gray, C. Malthus, G. Gitzgerald and W. Brown (secretary). The fortnightly meeting of Loyal Timaru Lodge of Oddfellows was held last Wednesday night when Bro. G. Dobier, N.G., presided over 29 members. Three new members were elected and initiated, and four were proposed for next meeting. Letters of recommendation were accepted in favour of two members from Loyal Napier Lodge, and one from Loyal St. George, Invercargill. A member who is leaving was granted a recommendation to another Lodge. A refund of sick pay advanced was received from an Otago Lodge. Interesting official reports of the Hawke's Bay District and the Taranaki District were laid on the table, that of the Taranaki being specially interesting because of information given regarding the origin and progress of Oddfellowship. The sick report showed five new cases on the benefit funds, and four off, leaving nineteen still on. Reference was made to the position of some of those who failed to join the Friendly Society bed scheme, and who afterwards had to undergo treatment at the Hospital. Reports from the juvenile Lodges were very satisfactory. Bros. E. Lane and P. Hanlin were appointed official visitors to the next meeting of the Boys' Lodge, and P.G.’s, Bros. E. McConachy and C. Fryer to that of the Girls. It was announced that the Friendly Societies annual card tournament would be commenced this month. Appreciation was expressed of the work of the Lodge’s official reporter, and a motion requesting him to continue in office was unanimously carried. A welcome was extended to P.G. Bro. A. Larcombe, a visitor from Loyal Addington Lodge. Accounts amounting to JE3B/9/7 were passed for payment, including two maternity allowanoces. Receipts for the evening amounted to £66/16/11.