LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 20188, 13 December 1937, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Karaka Bathing Pool. The bathing pool at the Karaka was heavily patronised at the week-end from early morning until evening. The popularity of tin’s bathing spot is such that more facilities such as sheds, etc., will be needed in the near future.

Donation to Jockey Club. Through the courtesy of Mr. J. W. Harvey, of the Hotel Imperial, Messrs. Campbell and Ehrenfricd have donated a. handsome tea and coffee service to the Thames Jockey Club, which will be presented to the owner of the winner of the Thames Hack Cup event at tli club’s forthcoming race meeting.

Heavy Onion Crop. On a piece of ground measuring approximately 24ft x 16ft a bumper crop of onions has just been harvested in a Thames garden. This is probably the earliest crop grown in the town, and demonstrates the fertility of Thames soil for general gardening purposes. Economic Excavation. An interesting point in the programme of the new dragline dredge purchased by the Thames Valley Drainage Board, is the fact that in an undertaking recently, 4000 yards of spoil were removed at a cost of 4d per yard. In this operation the oil fuel or the Diesel engine cost only £2. Coast Cottages. A strong inquiry has set in from outside, towns, for vacant beaches and cottages, at the Thames Gkmst. The popularity of the Coast as a holiday resort is increasing at a ( rapid rate, and people, living in inland towns, especially, are becoming more eager than ever to use it for holiday purposes. Big Shopping Issue. During this week the “Thames Star” will publish its annual big shopping number. This year’s issue contains some extraordinary Christmas gift bargains, and residents should make it their shopping guide. The business section of the community has strongly supported this big issue, realising from actual experience that the “Star” is the dependable medium for all advertising messages.

Still Untidy. Several times comment has been

made in reference to the vacant piece of land near the Dental Clinic in Mary Street. Two seats are placed in the midst of a tangle of long grass, and an air of untidiness prevails. It would have created a good impression with holiday visitors if this plot was cleaned up. It is such a small piece of ground that a day’s work would easily put it in order.

Payment of Pensions. Pensioners are reminded that the payment of the January, 1938, instalment of all New Zealand pensions, family and veteran allowances, ordinarily payable on the 23rd, 25th and 31st December respectively, will be made on ,and after December 21. This will give those entitled to payments under the several heads ample opportunity to receive them before Christmas Day.

Suicide Too Popular. Suicides in America appear to be of such frequency as to give insurance companies in that country much concern. At a recent gathering in Sydney Mr. A. W. Sneddon, general manager of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, said that in the United States .in recent years there had been such an increase in the number of suicides among highly insured lives that many companies had had to amend their policy conditions. A Dog By-Law. “The first cases under the by-laws regarding the straying of dogs in the streets Avere brought under the Tauranga. Borough hv-laws before Mr. 13. U. Walton, S.M., on Wednesday. In both eases defendants Avere ordered to pay costs 10/-,” says the Bay of Plenty Press. Thames could, perhaps, take a leaf out of Tauranga's by-la av book Avith good results, according to statements by business men Avho endeavour to keep the fronts of their premises clean.

Picking the Winner! The number of horses which are sure to win tho Cup at Christmas at Ellerslie is amazing. Thames pickers have them sorted out, and someone is sure to he right, as practically every horse in the race is mentioned. Willie Win. who ran avcll in the Melbourne Cup. lias come in for a great deal of favourable mention. Pirst Oraki Tenant. No time Avas lost by the first tenant of the Orakei State houses, Auckland, in moving in after tho contract Avas signed Avith the State Advances Corporation. Assisted by carriers, he arrived in Coates Avenue almost unnoticed and Avas soon established in his ucav home. Well-known as the physical drill instructor to the Young Men’s Christian Association in Auckland, he was Mr. .T. C. Bonham, avlio, accompanied by Mrs. Bonham and tAvo young children, has taken a four-roomed house.