GENERAL NEWS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18819, 6 March 1931, Page 8

GENERAL NEWS.

On the main Timaru Borough roll there are 9220 names, compared with 8395 in 1929, A cabbage 301 b in weight was a source of considerable interest in a Timaru shop window yesterday. Officials of the South Canterbury Automobile Association recently carried out an inspection of their territory with a view to increasing signposting' throughout the district. The sum of £IOO has been placed on the estimates for this work, and it is anticipated that approximately 100 signs will be erected in due course. A meeting of ex-service members of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles and the Canterbury Regiment was held on Wednesday evening, to consider the question of holding a reunion at an early date. Those present formed themselves into a committee with the object of furthering this project. All ex-members of these two units of New Zealand’s Army during the Great War are to circularised, and a further meeting is to be held to make final arrangements.

It has been compulsory in the past for all aeroplanes crossing Cook Strait to report at both Wellington and Blenheim, so that it will be known that they have not met trouble while over the water. As Blenheim is not directly on the route from Christchurch to Wellington, this means a loss of time, and now it has been arranged that the lighthouse-keeper at Cape Campbell shall report aeroplanes to Wellington. To notify machines that he has seen them the lighthouse-keeper will fire a Verey flare. Eliminating Blenheim will mean a saving of about 20 minutes between Wellington and Christchurch.

A viligant look-out is being kept by the South Canterbury Automobile Association with a view to further prosecution against offenders interfering with road signs. A motorist from the south recently, who had a desire to proceed direct to Cave, followed the direction of a sign in the vicinity of Pareora, and found himself near Maungati. It appears that the sign had been pulled from its foundation, and placed in a position to mislead anyone not familiar with the correct route. Amended regulations to govern the construction of brick buildings were adopted by the Mount Eden Borough Council. They provide that all brick building in the brick area are to be constructed on the pier and beam principle, using reinforced concrete to carry the weight down to the foundations and consolidate the structure. These regulations are to stand until the Dominion regulations proposed by the Government are ready, and in the meantime all plans and specifications must be referred to a special committee of the Council. The original name of Onehunga was Oneunga, which means a landing beach or place where canoes are hauled up. This was the name of the native village to the westward of the basin reserve, and the spelling minus the letter “h” is shown on the first map, dated 1841, by the Government surveyor, Mr Felton Mathews, confirmed by later maps, including that in 1847 by Mr S. C. Brees, engineer and surveyor to the New Zealand Company. However, the name of the town in its accepted form is also correct, for it means friable or loose soil, and this is characteristic of the land in the immediate vicinity. A note on Mr Brees’ map referred *o “volcanic soil of the finest description.” The Akarana Maori Association discussed the point, and agreed that the older name has the better claim to identification.

The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Timaru Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., was held last Wednesday night, when Bro. P. Hanlin, N.G., presided over 25 members. Two members of the boys’ juvenile lodge were promoted to adult membership, Sister Mrytle Kelly acting as conductor, and P.G. Bro. W. Tonkin giving the charge. One candidate was proposed for next meeting. A letter was received from Loyal Makikihi Lodge inviting support at the district meeting to have contributions reduced. A lady member forwarded her resignation, but this cannot be accepted till she has paid her arrears of contributions. Another lady member who had applied for a clearance to the North Island wrote abandoning the claim as her husband had now joined the Unity. The secretary reported further on steps taken to obtain a refund of sick pay advanced a member from another district. The corresponding secretary forwarded a supply of district balance sheets and agenda papers for the district meeting. The secretary announced that medical services amounting to £lB6/17/9 had been paid for in the dying hours of last quarter and that several of the doctors had shown appreciation of the Lodge’s promptness in settling its obligations. The sick report showed eight new cases on the benefits, and three off. Reports from the visitors to the Juvenlie Lodges show that splendid work is being done by the members. A strong committee was appointed to assist in the social work of these Lodges. A minute was ordered to be inscribed in the records showing appreciation of P.P.G.M. Bro T. E. Webb’s gift of a ritual competition shield. For the district meeting at Geraldine the following delegates were elected:—P.P.G.M.'s Bros. E. Foden, A. Goodall, J. Martin, and P.G.’s Bros. A. Dennison, C. Fryer, G. Hayward, and N.G. Bro. P. Hanlin. Accounts amounting to £213/4/11 were passed for payment. Receipts for the evening amounted to £297/5/1.

Five entries were received for the Orari single women’s competition this year. Three competitors, Misses G. South (Winchester), D. Smith (Orari), and A. Wilson (Hastings) presented themselves at the Orari courts on Tuesday afternoon to satisfy the conditions concerning the tennis section. Miss J. de Latour (Orari), who was to adjudicate, was also present. Each competitor played a singles set against Miss B. Earl, and on the style of play and knowledge of the game, marks were assessed. Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., visited Orari last Saturday, and examined the certificates presented by candidates in the competition, and assessed the marks. The essays iai the competition have been judged by Mrs B. H. Low, M.A., Timaru, and returned to the Society. For the physical development section, Drs. Curtis, Hislop and Mail, of Geraldine, acted as judges.

A new tennis ball, which has been received with enthusiasm by leading local players, is now on sale at England, Mcßae’s. This is the new “Spencer Moulton” ball. Tennis players are urged to try the playing and wearing qualities of this excellent ball. England, Mcßae’s also are marketing two new golf balls—the “Penfold” and the “Bromford.” These are claimed to be the last word in golf ball development. They will increase the length of your drive and at the same time will stand up to round after round of play. For all the latest ideas in sports equipment see England, Mcßae’s