Town Talk

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 115, 18 May 1931, Page 6

Town Talk

Fattening Stock It is reported that Mr («. V. Pearce, of Waitotara, has staled that in his 50 years on the west coast he has nevei known a better season for fattening stock. Fire in Park. Shortly after midday yes'.erdav the Central J’ire Brigade was called out tu a. bush fire in Alatino I’r.rk, Aramoho. J 1 nc I,'a.ro was mastered with beaters. Not much damage w;is done. Canoe to be Exhibited Some lime ago a small Maori canoe was presented to the Museum. The canoe has been overhauled aud renovated, and will be, exhibited above the big’ canoe at present in the Museum ie t % • course of a few weeks. j Flying Kites Apparently demonstrating that Wan ganui well and truly lias the “aii sense,’’ many kites have made then appearance over the city of late, juvenile enthusiasm running wild over the varied flights of these multi-coloured creations. No Serious Falls. It is generally accepted that there will be several falls during hurdle or steeplechase events at a co meeting, but considering the number of horses in the various events falls are surprisingly few. At rhe Wanganui Jockey Club’s races last week there were three events over hurdles and two over the steeplechase course, but falls were fortunately few. In no instance was a jockey seriously injured as a result of his mount falling. Optimistic Youth Although taking the general average, the frocks and the dressing at the Wanganui races followed, the present times, being more of a sombre t»one than has been the case at other meetings. .It was noticeable that when the younger people came on the course, their garb was of a brighter and gayer sue. Colour was provided in the beret, while scarves to match provided a further opportunity for a brighter and more light-hearted air. Frost-bitten Visions of wealth were held by some visitors to Castlecliff recently, only to be rudely shattered. They had been told that, frost-fish were worth thoii weight in gold and might be picked up on the beach after a heavy frost. Nothing daunted by the “nip” in the air they sallied forth early one morn ing and rewarded by a splendid specimen. Joyfully carrying it to the city, they learned to their chagrin that -what they thought was a frost-fish was only a conger eel. King’s Birthday Rugby Rugby had a Jet-up in Wanganui over the past week-end. but cup games will be renewed with a stimulation of vigour next Saturday. The first repre sentative match of the season takes place on June 3 (King’s birthday), against Taranaki and already there are speculations us to the talent the Wanganui side will include. There is to be a trial match between Rangitikei and Taihape at Murton on May 27 when the sole selector (Mr J. D. Crowley) will be in attenauncc. Farmers’ Conference There are many important problems awaiting discussion al the inter-pro vincial conference of the Wanganui. Manawatu, Wellington Central and Wairarapa Farmers’ Unions, which opens at Palmerston North on Wednesday. It is expected that the lead offered by the Dominion .Executive to wards urging for stable government in this time of crisis will be followed. It is probable also that views will be aired regarding the value of the Arbitration Court.

High Barometer Readings After being high for the last two or three weeks, Wanganui barometers registered higher over the week-end than they have for some years. One Wanganui lady yesterday told a “Chronicle” reporter that when Kings ford Smith, was m Wanganui the baro meter was unusually lp&h ai, d she then left the marking pointer at that level. On Saturday the indicator rose to three points above that mark, never havingreached the same stationary indicator since the airman’s visit. Yesterday the indicator slipped buck half a point, but was then utill abnormally high. Excellent Service. “You have an excellent system of providing first aid in the event of accidents,” remarked a visitor to a pressman at the Wanganui races last week. ■‘l have never before seuu such splendid service as that provided by the St. John Ambulance Brigade at Wanganui, and it is something uf which Wanganui cun well be prouu. ’ At intervals round the track, which is a mile in circumference, details of uniformed aud expert first-aid workers are stationed, and a motor ambulance is ready to pick up any cases requiring medical attention and convey them to the casualty room. Mishap to Motor Vessel. The Northern Company’s motor ship Hauturu, which left Onehuuga last Tuesday afternoon for New Plymouth, returned at .10.30 p.m. with engine trouble, which developed when she got as far as Pupongu, about 12 milts from Onehuuga wharf. It was decided to beach the vessel for repairs, and she was refloated and dispatched for New Plymouth on Wednesday. The Hauturu is a steel vessel of 284 tons gross, of similar design to the wooden auxiliary schooners in the Northern Company’s coastal trade. She was built at Greenock in 1927, and vame to New Zealand under her own power. The Hauturu is now at Wanganui. “Why I am Learning to Fly” There is a high degree of enthusiasm among members of the Wanganui Aero Club and within a day ?,r so ** is expected that several more of teem, thanks to the instruction being imparted by Flying Officer Keith. will hold certificates to fly solo. A city resident who, hitherto, has been of apathetic mind towards matters aerial questioned a budding pilot as to the why and the, wherefore of his enthu siasm. * Where is it all going to lead to?" he as' rd. “What will be. the outcome of your learning to fly?’ “Don’t you read the papers,” was the unexpected reply. “If you did you would h.ivr ‘-(Mi: that the fifth battle ruiser uiimdion has been scrapped.” And there tin mutter ended. The apa Iheiic one wa* l; ii to pon-L r what connection the (:fil battle ci liner squad roil has with •«•••. .ng tn th at Vv.i’u-