Local and General News

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21574, 9 February 1940, Page 6

Local and General News

Adviser Rather Than Prosecutor

That the Labour Department wished to figure in the role of adviser rather than that of prosecutor, was emphasised during the hearing of a case in the Magistrate's Court, Taihape, by the inspector of awards, Mr H. A. Gatward. Mr Watson, S.M.. said he was glad the inspector had spoken in that strain, and he hoped his remarks would receive publicity.

How Times Change

“I am still on the pay list of the army. I get 6d a day,” said Mr J. A. Lee, M.P.. speaking at the recruiting rally in the Town Hall, Dunedin, on Wednesday. “I discovered that when I went to Burnham to other day. But Burnham isn’t the place it used to be,” he mused sadly, amid laughter of those who realised the significance of his remark.

A Tactful Reference

A choice example of tact in the delicate manner of women’s age was given by the Rev. Angus Mcßean on Saturday afternoon when, in dedicating a new hall at Pitt Street Methodist Church, Auckland, he referred to his early association with the congregation many years ago. “I can see before me many of the men who were in Pitt Street Church in those days,” he said, "but most of the women were not born then." The point was pot lost on the audience.

Politics as a Career

An appeal to young men not to neglect politics and public life as a career W’as made by the Rt. Hon. R. G. Casey, Australian Minister-designate to Washington, in an address at a semi-official State luncheon held in his honour In Auckland. Mr Casey said that in Australia, and perhaps in New Zealand, there was too much of a tendency to regard politics as a “dirty game” that could be left for older men. He believed that this was a mistaken outlook, and felt that young men should be encouraged to fit themselves for public life as a high field of endeavour.

Bringing Native Birds to Towns

“I am not surprised at the report from Auckland about large numbers of native birds nesting in trees and thickets in the suburbs,” says Captain Sanderson, president of the Forest and Bird Protection Society. "Reports received by the Society from many parts of the Dominion show that the planting of suitable trees and shrubs, which yield nectar or sweet berries, is certainly winning the melodious gratitude of tuis and bellbirds. Those plantations are also offering suitable conditions for fantails and grey warblers. It cannot be said too often that the people of New Zealand have it within their own power to attract delightful native birds to their towns or villages.”

Risk of Erosion

A member of the Forest and Bird Protection Society mentions the case of a financial institution which showed no knowledge of the danger of erosion when it was making a certain Investment. "It had a mortgage on a low-lying farm property of which the value was necessarily dependent on the saving of a protective forest on the upper watershed,” the member states. "The institution made a loan to the man who owned that forest to enable him to cut it. Thus, the institution, through overlooking the matter of erosion, used its money in a manner which could react very seriously against itself. It took the risk of destruction of the more valuable security—the lower farm land.”

Shooting of Godwits

Again the Godwits, about to begin their long flight to Siberia where they nest, have been under licensed fire. "It has to be said to tlie credit of the Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs, that he has caused the killing season to be limited to a fortnight, but his action does not go far enough,” comments Captain Sanderson, president of the Forest and Bird Protection Society. "During many years pleas have been made by many New Zealanders that the Godwit deserves absolute protection. It is well known that the pot-hunter type of shootist who lacks the principle of a decent sportsman, maims many birds by firing into flocks. It is held by many critics that the slaughter of Godwits is really a disgrace to New Zealand.”

New Type of Bridge

A new type of bridge designed by a New Zealand civil engineer, Mr A. M. Hamilton, has been approved by the British War Office and the Ministry of Transport. It is a nine-piece bridge which at a moment’s notice can be thrown over rivers and canals in any part of the country if regular bridges are destroyed by bombing. Gangs of men who have undergone training in the construction of these emergency bridges have reached the final stages after a fortnight's work. From nine galvanised steel parts they have built a bridge of 140 feet span capable of taking loads of 100 tons. Under pressure, and working day and night shifts, one of these bridges can be built in about a week. The bridge is constructed on runners on one bank of the river, and Is slowly nosed across, counter-weights being built until the whole span reaches the opposite side.

Timaru Trades Council

At the monthly meeting of the Tlmaru Trades Council, Mr J. Drummond, who presided, gave a report on the functions of the Technical College and the duties of its Governors. He appealed to the Council to give as much assistance as possible. It was decided to circularise the affiliations. Delegates to the combined Centennial and Campaign Committee reported very favourably on the activities and stated that the Hon. H. T. Armstrong (Minister of Housing) and Mr Blazey of the Labour Department, were present at their first meeting. It had been decided to endeavour to arrange a monster picnic in the Timaru Gardens on March 2. Messrs N. Charteris and W. Tutton were appointed chairman and secretary of the executive to arrange the function. An interesting debate on the various aspects of an “annual holiday with pay” took place, most delegates contributing to the discussion.