GENERAL NEWS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 18763, 30 December 1930, Page 8

GENERAL NEWS

«-phe Timaru Herald ” will not be published on Thursday (New Years Day).

It is reported that for six days in succession the maximum shac. 3 temperature in Gisborne has exceeded 90deg. The highest registration was 98.

The weather yesterday, although beautifully fine, was not as hot as the preceding two days, the maximum temperature being only 69.2 degrees. In the late afternoon conditions changed suddenly, a southerly wind springing up and bringing with it light rain. The fall was very light, however, and did not last long.

The new concrete cycling track at the Caledonian Grounds, while it provided a very fast surface, proved to have the disadvantages of being slippery when walked on, and imposed a strain on riders’ eyes. These troubles have been overcome by painting the track with bitumen, and it is expected that it will be faster than for very many years.

As a measure of protection against the spread of grass fires, the Ashburton County Council has commenced the work of ploughing fire breaks along the east and west sides of the railway line on the railway reserves fronting county plantations between the Ashburton racecourse corner and Chertsey for a distance of about ten miles. The Railway Department will commence the same work to protect its reserves. The Council has carried out similar work along the railway in places in the vicinity of Ealing.

The Timaru Post Office returns, so far as telegraphic matter was concerned, from December 20th to 24th, show that 3340 ordinary .messages were sent, and 1040 Christmas greetings. The telegrams received in Timaru including Christmas greetings, totalled 3629, and the transmissions numbered 2490. Last year, at this period, 3663 ordinary and 997 greetings messages were despatched from the Timaru Office, and 3100 were received, while the transmissions totalled 2739.

The railway passenger traffic from Timaru from December 15th to 28th inclusive, and taking in Sunday traffic, was not much below that of 1929 at the same period. The ordinary bookings totalled 1368, and those who travelled under excursion rates 1430. Last year the ordinary bookings were 1487, and excursion tickets 1801. Although the returns from a revenue standpoint were not available yesterday, it is understood that the figures for this year will compare very favourably with those for the same period in 1929.

Some time ago the Timaru Harbour Board, found it necessary to issue a warning to the public who were in the habit of fishing off the wharves that they would be prohibited from doing so if the practice of cutting up bait on the ropes, and that of leaving bait lying on the wharves, was not discontinued. Apparently the practice is again prevalent, for it was reported yesterday that one of the Board’s big ropes, which had cost approximately £6O, had been practically ruined on account of the outer cover having been cut through. One of the Board’s officials informed a representative of the “Herald” yesterday that it was not desired to deprive fishermen of their sport, but if the practice did not stop, drastic action would have to be taken.

Some surprise has been expressed in cash athletic circles at the official records on the Athletic Union’s books for jumping events, particularly the high jump and hop, step and jump. The figures are much below some which have been recorded at Caledonian sports meetings in Timaru in the past, and it appears that “record” performances have been given official sanction merely because better ones have not been sent forward for recognition. The high jump record, it is understood, is sft lOin, standing in the name of G. Campbell. Campbell on two or three occasions cleared 6ft at Timaru sports, and more than one other jumper exceeded sft lOin on the same ground. At a Temuka meeting, D. Horgan was credited with a fraction over six feet. The hop, step and jump record is credited to W. Kelly, with an effort of less than 43ft. This distance has been exceeded many times by considerable margins. It has been suggested that record-breaking conditions should be compiled with at this year’s sports, in which case it is confidently anticipated that A. A. Cameron, of Oamaru, who hoisted 46ft in the hop, step and jump, and 22ft 2in in the long jump at St. Andrews on rough ground, will displace the official records.

When on a camping holiday a good tent is the prime consideration —a tent which will keep out rain, which gives ample room and yet is easily erected and takes up little space. England, Mcßae’s specialise in tents, and can recommend the “Trail Blazer” (centre pole design), the “Bungalow” (nice and roomy), and the “Marquette.” Special lines of ridge pole tents and flies are also offered at attractive prices. In addition you can obtain from England, Mcßae’s “Kamp Kook” stoves, billy holders, camp stretchers, folding fry pans, outing jugs, folding tables and chairs, and all handy camping requirements. Pay a visit to England, Mcßae’s when preparing for your trip.