LOCAL AND GENERAL

Waipa Post, Volume 38, Issue 2269, 16 February 1929, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

There are about one hundred entries in the pedigree Jersey classes at the Te Awamutu A. and P. Show next Wednesday at Albert Park. The entries include some of the most successful in the whole Waikato, and dairymn are sure to inspect these fine animals with a good deal of interest.

Juveniles who might be interested enough to compete in the special class for boy or girl rider in fancy costume, at the A. and P. Show next Wednesday, should note that the executive has decided to make the class available for post entries. This class has been included in the schedule in view of the success of this class of event at other shows.

The Te Awamutu Borough Council has been appointed to have authority throughout the licensing district of Waitomo for the purposes of the Licensing Act, “to make all necessary appointments and to do all things required for the conduct of elections or taking of a poll of electors and to have the general administration of the Licensing Act within Waitomo licensing district.”

Two beautiful silver cups, donated by the Te Awamutu Jersey Club, will be competed for at the annual A. and P. Show next Wednesday. One is for the champion pedigree Jersey cow, and the second trophy is for the best pedigree yearling heifer, calved since September Ist, 1927. Both trophies were much admired at the meeting of the association’s committee on Thursday evening.

The building programme of the Waikato Hospital Board for the ensuing year includes amongst the capital works the erection of administrative offices and residential quarters for the junior doctors at the hospital at a cost of £15,000, laundry and workshops £3,000, an additional operating theatre to cost £BOO, garage additions £250, steam and heating services £I,OOO, maternity ward equipment £BOO, laundry machinery £3,000, a total proposed expenditure of no less than £23,850. Works proposed, but recommended to be held over include bulk and issue stores, centralisation of dining accomodation, a road round the hospital, male staff quarters and additions to consumptive ward. After consideration of these recommendations, the Board agreed that it was essential to have the whole of the administration centralised at the hospital.

An Oamaru resident recalls an interesting incident that occurred during the period that the late Mr Chas. Haines was serving his apprenticeship to journalism on the staff of the Wairarapa Daily Times in Masterton. In thjose days, when cable charges were very heavy, the cable service to newspapers was condensed as much as possible. A cable message was received, which read as follows: “Premier Gladstone Nice.” The word “ Gladstone ” appears to have become slightly mutilated by the telegraph operator, for the sub-editor (who, by the way, was not Mr Haines) made the message read as follows: “ The Premier of England is suffering from gallstones in the bladder, but is progressing nicely.” The city newspapers had correctly interpreted the message, which was to the effect that Mr Gladstone had gone on a visit to Nice. Which story recalls that twenty odd years ago the words “ Derby Spearmint Picton Troutbeck Church Congress ” appeared in the middle of a cable message received in a southern office. The sub-editor filled in the supposed missing words to make a paragraph read: “The Earl, of Derby, with Messrs Spearmint, Picton, and Troutbeck, members of the Church Congress,” etc. Actually the first four words referred to the famous racing event.

A walking-stick made from the timber of a ship burned off the New Zealand coast a hundred and twenty years ago is in the possession of a local resident, Mr W. Martin, of Teasdale Street. It may be remembered that correspondents in metropolitan newspapers recently made reference to a stick owned by a Manaia (Taranaki) resident, and this has prompted Mr Martin to show us a similar stick. Both were made from timber of the ship Boyd,, burned near Whangaroa (North Auckland) in 1808. Mr Martin’s interesting relic is a beautiful specimen made from the teak decking, with an oval knob prettily inlaid with English honeysuckle, cedar, and oak from the cabin fittings, and inset in the top is a miniature draughts-board made from the Oregon spars. Mr Martin values the stick for its historic associations and also for the fact that it was given him by Mr Reg. Andrews, stroke of a redoubtable rowing crew at Picton sixteen or eighteen years ago. Mrs Andrews’ father worked for Messrs Lane and Sons, the Auckland boatbuilding firm which more or less successfully essayed the task, about thirty years ago, of raising the hull of the Boyd to secure the cargo of hardwood spars, and Mr Andrews, Senr., secured some of the timber from which the walkingstick now owned by Mr Martin was made.

Sheep will be a much more numerous entry at the A. and P. Show next Wednesday than on previous occasions, for Mr E. G. Humphrey reported to the executive committee on Thursday evening that 64 pens are required.

The banner competition for teams of four school ponies, at the Te Awamutu A. and P. Show next Wednesday, is sure to be attractive, even though only four teams will be competing. Te Awamutu school has two teams, and Kakepuku and Kihikihi schools one each. The school responsible for the winning team holds the banner for a year.

A correspondent writes: — “I notice that many farmers are cutting ragwort with mowing machines. This means spreading the plant on the mower’s own farm, without sparing his neighbour. The reason for this is that if cut very low a plant shoots up from each fibre, whereas if cut high through the stalk each plant will at least remain single and not multiply. This hint might be useful to farmers who are now engaged in cutting.”

A v6ry interesting competition at the Te Awamutu A. and P. Show next Wednesday is that for the Miller Cup in the Jersey cattle classes. What gives special points to the contest is that Mr F. J. B. Ryburn has twice won the cup, and Messrs Moreland and Son won it last year. If either gains most points this year the trophy becomes the winner’s own property, as the conditions provide that the cup is to be won twice in succession or three years at intervals. Three points are credited for a first prize, two for second, one for highly commended, half a point for commended, and one for a championship award.

Some discussion took place at a meeting'this week of the Council of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce regarding the procedure adopted by Government Departments in the publication of names and prices of accepted tenders. Some departments publish names and prices, others names only, and others again do not make any public notification of accepted or unaccepted tenders. The council decided that a letter be addressed to the Government asking for the reasons for the non-disclosure of particulars regarding the acceptance of these tenders and the names of the unsuccessful tenderers.

Certain officers of the Railway Department are at present engaged in collecting data in connection with the whole question of level crossings in New Zealand. It is understood that the railway crossing warmings, the respective claims of different crossings for equipment with warning signals, methods of reducing danger, and kindred matters will be looked into. There are about three thousand level crossings in New Zealand and wherever fhe Department can do so it is assisting to eliminate the worst places, said the Minister of Railways ,(Hon. W. B. Taverner) in an interview with a Dominion representative. The Minister added that while he was in Christchurch he was taken to see two or three of the crossings in the metropolitan area which it was claimed presented dangerous features.

Quite a 'happy little gathering was held at the local fire station on Thursday evening, when the brigade assembled in the social room, after the usual weekly practice. The occasion was in honour of Deputy-Superin-tendent B. F. Morris’ early marriage. Superintendent Narby voiced the sentiments of all present when he wished Mr Morris many years of prosperity and happy married life. He referred to Mr Morris’ keen interest in the brigade, his six years of service—first as a fireman, then as secretary, and now as deputy-super-intendent— and hoped he would long serve the public on fire brigade work. From the brigade 'he presented Mr Morris and his bride-to-be with a beautiful salad bowl and silver servers, accompanying the gift with all good wishes. After several members of the brigade had amplified the good wishes, Deputy-Superintendent Morris replied in appropriate terms.

A conference of ex-service men will be held at Kawhia on the 23rd of this month. This year’s conference, it is anticipated, will be the largest one ever held on the Coast. Invitations have been sent to representatives of the R.S.A. throughout the North Island. A special invitation has been sent to Major-General Robert Young, Commander-in-Chief of the New Zealand Land Forces. The President of the Auckland R.S.A. has expressed his desire to attend. It is fully realised by the different branches of the R.S.A. throughout New Zealand that the present time is one of great responsibility. Many men, after 10 years of peace, find themselves now suffering from war disabilities, m many cases involving a complete change of occupation. The R.S.A. at the present time is an active and very lively body. This year’s conference at Kawhia will, it is hoped, be the meeting place of representatives frof far and near.—Settler.

During the visit of the Main Highways Board to Kawhia on Wednesday, an application was made by the county chairman for a straight-out grant to improve dangerous corners both on the Kawhia to Kawa and the Lemon Point to Waitomo Caves main highways, at an estimated cost of £2OO. In replying on behalf of the board, Mr MacKenzie said they realised that something must be done immediately for the safety of the travelling public. While the members of the deputation were speaking the board had unanimously decided to place a number of unemployed men. at work to improve the bends. The thrills experienced by the party during, the journey had prompted this decision. The next subject dealt with was an increased maintenance subsidy. Mr Babbage asked that the basis on the Kawhia-Opai’au section be raised from £3 for £1 tp £5 for £l. Last year’s upkeep had cost £lsl per mile, as against £64 per mile in the previous year. This was due to the huge increase in foreign motor traffic. Mr A. E. Jull, the acting chairman, promised sympathetic consideration.

Notification is made in this issue that nominations for the Waitomo Licensing Committee must be lodged with the returning officer at Te Kuiti before noon on Wednesday, 27th instant. .

Mr G. V. Hudson, of Karori, who keeps a close watcih on the condition of the sun’s surface, reports that a group consisting of three large sunspots was located in the centre of the sun’s disc. The probability of auroras and magnetic disturbances was indicated by the size and position of this group.

“Do you think I sit here making prohibition orders just for the fun of the thing?” asked the magistrate of an offender charged with a breach of a prohibition order, who appeared before him in the Napier Police Court the other morning (reports the Telegraph). “Well, it’s the last time that I’ll be up, sir, as my order expires in two months,” ventured the man in the dock. “And then, of course, you’ll carry on drinking straight away,” was the magisterial comment in giving judgment.

A piece of the original ribbon, 60 years old, that was used when the first train went through the Lyttelton tunnel, has been sent by Mr Clarkson, of Linwood, to the manager of the New Zealand Railways (states an exchange). It is probable that the old piece will be attached to the ribbon that will be used at the ceremony when the first electric train passes through the tunnel.

The popularity of Te Awamutu A., P., and H. Show among breeders is emphasised by the fact that thei’e is again a substantial increase in the number of entries as compared with recent years. The sheep and cattle classes will provide exceptionally strong competition, while the ring events have drawn very large entries. Undoubtedly there will be plenty to engage the attention of the general public at the show, for there are a variety of competitions to be held in the ring.

Superintendent T. Narby, of the Te Awamutu Fire Brigade, leaves on Thursday evening’s express train for Hokitika to attend the annual Dominion conference of fire brigades, and Fireman H. Wilkes, J. Gibson and A. Allen leave during next weekend to join him. The team of four will compete at the monster brigades’ demonstration. They expect to be absent from Te Awamutu about ten days. Prior to leaving they trained diligently, and expect to put up a good showing against the best teams in the Dominion.

At a meeting of the Council of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce this week, gratification was expressed at the announcements by the Prime Minister and various Ministers of the Crown of their sympathy with the Chamber of Commerce in their endeavours to obtain freedom for private enterprise from Government interference. It had recently been intimated by the Prime Minister that the C.O.D. parcels system would receive attention shortly from the Government and the local traders would be protected from unfair competition in this direction. The Council decided to await the detailed proposals of the Government in this matter.

“If the business community considers that the banks have too many holidays it should get together and draw up a scale of holidays for consideration by the Associated Banks,” said Mr T. Grose, chairman of the Associated Banks, at Wellington a few days ago. “In the two years that I have been here I can recollect no expression of opinion by chambers of commerce on this matter. Mr Grose replied to complaints that businessmen had been hampered by the closing of the banks during the past holiday season with the statement that before the holidays were announced the New Zealand Retail Drapers’ As sociation was consulted and raised no objection, and that in addition the private opinion of two of New Zealand’s biggest retailers was taken. In addition, states the bank’s chairman, special facilities were provided for late lodgment of deposits by any customers who desired to make them.

A novel device has been invented by Mr L. C. Keen, of Waiuta, West Coast (says an exchange). The invention takes the form of an automatic danger signalling, device for railway crossings. The device does not depend on electricity to do its work, therefore any danger of using of the wires or stoppage of electrical power is out of the question. The signal, it it claimed, works automatically by means of the engine attached to the train when it is within a quarter of a mile of the device. Instantly two signals are set working at right an cRs and also diagonally to the mossing. At the sam,e time the devme shows lights, rings bells, and waves a danger flag. When the engine pisses over the crossing it comes in contact w.ch another portion of the device, ref.r.r ing it to normal. o n apparatus, it is said, will wo/* 2'J lines wide at the oame time regard of the hne c the direction the trains are trnvdlir £■

“It is not known definitely if the incidence of cancer in New Zealand is above the average in other civilised countries in temperate latitudes, but there is no doubt that this disease in its protean forms holds a prominent place in the bills of mortality in the Dominion” (states the New Zealand Medical Journal). “Our country may not be doing as much as she should do to attack the scourge of cancer, and at the forthcoming medical conference in Wellington the subject is to be discussed in its various aspects, and Mr Sampson Handley, of Middlesex Hospital, will open the discussion. It is not too sanguine to express the hope that the forthcoming conference in Wellington will mark the advance of a great forward movement in the attack of cancer in New Zealand. There is no problem of the present day like cancer for the medical profession. There is reason to hope that in time this problem will be certainly solved. As Kipling says, man is the natural quarrv of the seven deadly sins, but the altar of an inextinguishable hope.”

A large party of Cambridge bowlers is visiting Te Awamutu this afternoon for an inter-club match.

Mr Joseph Holmes, recently postmaster at Waipukurau and now postmaster at Te Awamutu, is expected to arrive here in a week or ten days’ time to take up his new duties.

At last meeting of the Te Awamutu Fire Brigade, Fireman A. Loomb was appointed assistant secretary, in view of the large amount of work involved by the holding of the monster fire-fighting demonstration and tournament at Albert Park on Easter Saturday, March 28th., and the annual “smoko” concert and prizegiving in the evening.

There are now 128 public slot telephones in use in the Auckland metropolitan area. At the end of the last financial year, March 31, 1928, Auckland city and suburbs had only 97 slot telephones, but nrovision was made then for the installation of 31 additional telephones. These have now been completed and the whole of the metropolitan area is well served.

Work on the Cambridge road, just outside Te Awamutu borough boundary, is to be commenced on Tuesday morning, weather permitting, and to permit of an uninterrupted task the road will be closed for traffic for about a fortnight. Traffic will be diverted via Te Rahu road, past the cemetery, rejoining the main road at Hairini.

Altogether six records were broken during the recent swimming championships at Wellington. W. Cameron (Wellington) knocked 1 3-ssec off the 100yds record previously held by the Wanganui swimmer, Dowsett. A. Strokes (Canterbury) reduced the record held by L. L. Kronfeld (Auckland) for the men’s 220yds by 3-ssec. Another Canterbury swimmer, L. J. Moorhouse, put up new figures for the 150yds backstroke, knocking 2-5 sec off the record previously held by L. Fairgray (Auckland)

An entertainment party of Hamiltonians journeyed out to the Waikeria Borstal Institute on Tuesday night under the auspices of* the Howard League of Penal Reform. A varied programme was provided for the inmates, the following items being given:— Pianoforte solo, Miss B. Higgott; readings, Mrs Sinclair Arthur; recitation, F. A. de la Mare; song, Mrs Arthur; talk, Miss A. D. Bright, books; song, Mrs Arthur (Ramona); pianoforte solo, Mrs Higgott; reading, Mrs Arthur; song, Mrs Arthur (Adelaide); community sing song.

Mr W. Bayne informs us that the Indian wrestler, M. A. Sunni, who holds the Dominion heavy-weight championship, has accepted his challenge t]o a match for the title, with a substantial side stake. Questioned as to the return match with C. Pollard, the local man stated that this might eventuate before his contest with the Indian. It would almost certainly be staged in Te Awamutu, and representations were being made to the New Zealand Wrestling Association to secure the Bayne v. Sunni contest at Te Awamutu also.

“ Yes, we intend to close on Wednesday for the show,” said a local business man yesterday, “ but _it is interesting to note that the closing is ostensibly to enable the staff to attend the show.” He smiled, and then went on: “I am willing to bet that some of our staff do not go to the show —yet that is what the holiday is for. I wonder what they would say if we made it a condition that they either attended the show or came back to business.”

Encouraged by the success of the farmers’ excursion trips which it organised last year, the Railway Department is planning to extend its operations during the present year. The largest enterprise so far as the South Island is concerned (says the Lyttelton Times) will be an excursion to the North Island, embracing a visit to the Waikato Winter Show at Hamilton. This tour will take place about the end of May, and in addition to visiting the Waikato Winter Show, the farmers will be shown a good deal of the North Island. A proposal is also under consideration to conduct a North Island farmers’ excursion to the South Island in order that the farmers of the North Island should have an opportunity of seeing the conditions of farming in this part of the Dominion. It is felt that these tours do a great deal of good in the direction of creating a better feeling between the two islands. Another tour which is in contemplation is a Canterbury farmers’ tour of Marlborough, Nelson, and the northern half of Westland. It is proposed that this should take place early in April, when harvesting operations are completed. The tenative itinerary, which is subject to approval by the Marlborough farmers’ organisations, embraces visvisits to Blenheim, Picton, Nelson, and the West Coast, the return trip being made through the Otira tunnel. The tour is expected to last about eight days, and the programme of visits and entertainments should prove attractive.