General News

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 245, 15 October 1937, Page 6

General News

The Boot Industry. AFhpugh one or two factors oper* ate to create a different position in the boot and shoe manufacturing industry in Wellington from that which obtains in Auckland, there is evidence of a restriction of output just as serious to those concerned. Workers nave been put off and others are working short time. In addiiion, one or two manufacturers have decided to enter the retail business as the only means of clearing their output. Profits of Banks. The net profits for 1936-37 of the 11 ordinary banks trading in New Zealand and Australia were £3,023,830, against £2,799,088 for the previous year. The aggregate paid-up capital as at June 30 was £45,464,487, a figure which has stood for several years. Total liabilities to the public at the same date were £421,651,685, a net increase of £14,125,736 for the past year. Increased Drinking. A conviction that there has recenHr been a decided increase of excess; •> drinking among young men was voiced by several members of the Auckland Presbytery last night. The Rev. W. Bower Black said he did not think there was any doubt that recent legislation had led to increased drinkinj‘l in a way that was proving a real 1 poignant social problem and was ing very definitely to the the licensing laws. The discussion continued in committee and uln-* mately the Public Questions Committee was asked to investigate the position and report. Marching to Music. The hope that recent innovations at the St. Albans School, Christchurch, would not be regarded as a “publicity stunt,” was expressed by the headmaster, Mr. C. A. Caigou. It was reported recently that route-marching to the music of a harmonica band would be introduced at the school, as part of a general scheme for co-ordin-ating the outdoor activities of the children. Mr. Caigou, however, disclaims any pretence to novelty in his plans—which include boys’ and girls’ chiors and dramatic work—and sta:,es that the route-marching is to the ordinary school drill. There arc adequate grounds at the school for the marching, so that it will not be necessary to take the children on the streets.

New Zealand Speech. “It is refreshing to one’s ear to hear English somewhat decently spoken, and the absence of the Australian accent also charms us,” was the remark remark made by Mr. Peter Bousfield, an English landscape painter, who is visiting Christchurch. “Throughout New Zealand one gets a much purer accent than in England itself,” added Mr. Bousfield. “No Cockney English is spoken here—the reverse is the case in the Old Country—and, indeed, you New Zealanders speak better English than is heard in England.”

Whale’s Eye as Lamp An unusual memento of the last Antarctic whaling expedition of the C. A. Larsen is in the possession of Mr J. Colbran. of Invercargill. It is an ornamental electric table lamp made from the eye of a whale. The eye, which is in its natural state, except for a light coat of varnish, is circuW* lar, about five inches in diameter, an-T the colour is amber, with a darker ring at the centre corresponding to the pupil. Composed of a hard horny substance, it is highly translucent, and the small electric bulb fitted underneath it gives a pleasing golden glow. The lamp is handsomely mounted on an oval base of polished wood and on either side of it is set a whale’s tooth. The two teeth are t-beautifully-matched pair, as large as a small Shorthorn bullock’s horns and similarly shaped. They are of a creamy ivory colour. A finely-finished piece of craftsmanship, the lamp was made during his spare time by Captain Anderson, captain of one of the C. A. Larsen’s chasers, and wa« sent to Mr Colbran as a gift.