OVERNIGHT ITEMS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 600, 2 November 1932, Page 4

OVERNIGHT ITEMS.

The question of erecting a new State Fire Insurance Office in Christchurch is still under consideration by the Government. This advice from Sir A. T. Ngata, Minister in charge of the State Fire Insurance Department, was read at the meeting of the Canterbury Builders’ Association last night. The chairman (Mr S. J. Moore) asked whether members thought that the matter should be considered further.

“ We may settle the question if we push it too far,” said the secretary (Mr W. H. Winsor). No action was taken.

“ I believe all signs and notices have been taken off the gate,” said Mr F. W. Freeman, a member of the Heathcote County Council, last evening, referring to the gate which had been used at the Sign of the Kiwi by Mr H. G. Ell for the collection of tolls. Mr Freeman, accompanied by Mr W. W. Scarff, a fellow member of the council, had intended to visit the gate last evening, but the trip was abandoned as it seemthat Mr Ell was abiding by the council's decision that tolls could not .be -eolk&rtetT at the/gate. Mr Freeman added that the usual notice, “Please Shut the Gate,” as seen on stock gates, •would be put up.

Although everything at the new Opihi railway bridge is in readiness for the transfer of the rails from the old bridge to the new, this will not be accomplished for at least another fortnight. The opening is being held in abeyance as one of the three cranes that are to be used is at present' dismantled for repairs. The • recent floods in the river have damaged the temporary, lines, which were thrown badly out of alignment'. The result has been that, to restore the bridge to its fullest efficiency workmen have for the past week been carrying out the necessary repairs.

The Tramway Board gave public notice yesterday that it' intends to apply for. an Order-in-Cbuncil authorising the removal of the tramway track from the junction of Cashel Street and Stanmore Road, north along Stanmore Road to the junction of Shirley and Marshland Roads. If within the next eight weeks 5 per cent of the ratepayers in the Christchurch Tramway District lodge an objection in writing with the board, a poll will be necessary.

A spectacular smash in which a roadster car driven by Albert George, of 91, Manchester Street, and a big cov-ered-in lorry belonging to the Ashburton Transport Co., Ltd., were involved, drew a crowd to the corner of Moorhouse Avenue and Durham Street about half-past six last evening. Though the collision was severe, fortunately no one was injured. At the monthly meeting of the South Brighton Progress League last evening, a letter was received from the New Brighton Borough Council asking the league’s approval of the building of the basement of a band rotunda in Pleasant Point at an estimated cost of £SO, and the league’s £4O 12s lying in the council’s temporary loan account be used for the purpose. Messrs S. J. Grammer, A. Ilulme and F. W. Larcombe were deputed to wait on the council and discuss the matter. The attention of the police is to be drawn to vandalism in the children’s playground in the Pleasant Point Domain.