GENERAL NEWS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXV, Issue 18913, 26 June 1931, Page 8

GENERAL NEWS.

Again yesterday the ferry steamer did not reach Lyttelton in time to connect with the south express. After a very rough trip the Wahine berthed at 9.55 a.m.

The Commissioner of Police, in a Gazette notice, authorises that ammunition ordinarily used for sporting rifles may be procured or delivered without a permit in any part of the Dominion.

By a two to one majority, members of the Miners’ Unions on the West Coast have decided not to pay the unemployment levy, a further instalment of which has fallen due this month. The decision was arrived at through a secret ballot taken during the week.

When St. John’s Cathedral, Napier, and all it contained was destroyed in the earthquake on 3rd February, one of the most serious losses was undoubtedly the fine three-manual organ, which was installed in 1907, The vestry has purchased the fine three-manual Lewis organ at present in Knox Church, Dunedin.

In courts of law, motorists almost invariably say, “I was travelling at 15 miles an hour.” Such evidence probably actuated Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., in commenting on speed at an inquest held in Auckland. A witness told the old, old story that he was travelling at 15 miles an hour. “That seems to be the conventional speed of every motor cyclist and every other motorist," sceptically remarked the coroner.

Employees in all branches of the Auckland Electric Power Board’s service are to have their wages reduced from Ist July next. At a meeting of the board in committee on Monday it was decided to apply the 10 per cent, “cut” to all salaries and wages, but to exempt the first £2 of wages and the first £IOO of salaries from its provisions. It is proposed by the Board to pass on to its consumers the amount saved by the reduction in wages.

The returning officer of the Meat Producers Board has received the following nominations for the three vacancies for producers’ representatives on the New Zealand Meat Producers Board: —H. D. Acland, Christchurch (sitting, member); James Carr, Methven; J. O. Coop, Ataahua, Little River; J. S. Jessep, Wairoa (sitting member) ; Wm. Perry, Masterton (sitting member). The election will take place on 27th August.

High rents in Napier and Hastings, particularly in the latter town, since the earthquake in February last, have caused a good deal of feeling. The following letter has been received by the Mayor of Hastings (Mr G. F. Roach) from the Hon. R. Masters: “As promised in my letter of 27th ult.. I had pleasure in making representations to the Hon. the Minister of Labour in regard to the restrictions of rents in Hastings. My colleague now informs me that regulations under the Hawke’s Bay Earthquake Act, 1931, are in the course of preparation, and it is hoped they will be gazetted in the near future.”

The fortnightly meeting of the United Ancient Order of Druids was held on Tuesday evening, there being a large attendance of members in spite of the bad weather. The A.D., Bro. Lattimer, presided. A large amount of inward and outward correspondence was dealt with. Sick pay accounts totalling £2l 19s 5d were passed for payment. The sick bards reported on progress of sick brethren, and three brethren were declared fit for work. Two maternity claims were passed for payment. P.G.P. Bro. Chittock reported on the monetary assistance forwarded to the Grand Secretary’s Benefit Fund, and the Earthquake Fund. A report was given by the Grand President on Grand Lodge work. The social committee recommended sth of August as the date for the anniversary social. At the conclusion of Lodge business, cards and dancing were indulged in.

It is reported that the emergency proposals in connection with the unemployment levy, to be submitted to Parliament to-day involve a general increase in the unemployment levy for the remainder of the year. There will be no graduation, as the proposals are regarded purely as an emergency measure to meet the extraordinary expenditure during the crisis of the problem. As provided at present, the levy payments to be made on September Ist and December Ist would be 7/6. This was based on the assumption that the board’s weekly limit of expenditure would be £24,000, but to-day the weekly outgoing is £60,000. The temporary rise in the quarterly levy for the remainder of the year is expected to be about five shillings. Those who paid the levies in advance will be required to pay the difference on the due dates.

The fortnightly meeting of Loyal Timaru Lodge of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, was held on Wednesday night, when Bro. Robert Murray, N.G., presided over 37 members. Five new members were initiated, four of them being ladies. Three juvenile sisters who had reached the age limit were promoted to adult membership. Two letters of recommendation in favour of members from other parts were accepted. Details of the card match with the Hibernian Lodge for the Friendly Society’s Challenge Cup were finalised. The sick report showed considerable improvement, only five cases having declared on the funds during the term, and nine off. Juvenile work was shown to be progressing favourably. Several matters regarding the medical agreement were explained, particular attention being drawn to a clause whereby , a member is forbidden to transfer to another doctor’s list before discharging his financial obligations. Several misapprehensions regarding the bed scheme were satisfactorily cleared up, the secretary stating that the membership was steadily increasing. It was resolved that the half-yearly balance sheet should be discussed at next meeting. P.P.G.M. Bro. E. Foden, on behalf of the Lodge, presented P.G. Bro. George Dobier with a Past Grand’s jewel for services rendered. Bro. Dobier suitably replied. Accounts amounting to £9B Us 9d were passed for payment. Receipts for the evening amounted to £SB 10s 7d.