Town Talk

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 299, 17 December 1937, Page 6

Town Talk

Price of Lamb Reduced. The Wanganui Master Butchers’ Association announce that the price of lamb has been reduced from Is and Is 3d a pound to 1 0d to Is a pound. Helping One Another. “When I was at school we were taught to help one another, but not in the classroom. That was called cheating,” declared Dr. C. E. Beeby at the break-up of the Wanganui Intermediate School last evening. Christinas Pensions. With the exception of certain Imperial pensions aid Australian, all pensions will be payable at the Chief Office next Tuesday. The Christmas bonus for workers on sustenanc? will be paid on Wednesday next between 10 rind 11 ? m. School Picnics. The pupils of the Wanganui Collegiate School journeyed to Hipan&o Park yesterday by the Wanganui River Services steamer for their annual picnic. The pupils of the Marist Brothers’ School also held their picnis yesterday, journeying to Kai Iwi Beach. Pupils of the Technical College will hold their picnic up-river to-day, this taking the place of their breaking-up ceremony. The Marton Road. "Five years ago it was not worth writing about,” said Mr. J. Aylmer at last evening's meeting of the Wanganui Automobile Association when the Marton road was mentioned. It was stated in the course of discussion that five years ago the Marton road was not described on road guides, but it had since been added. The improvements that had been made to this highway were the subject of favourable comment by members.

Swimming Certificates. During the period from November 16 to December 16, Intermediate School pupils have been awarded a total of 221 swimming certificates. Of the certificates issued by the New Zealand Swimming Council 17 were awarded for the half-mile, 42 for 220yds., and 56 for 50yds. School certificates were given to 56 who swam 25yds., and 50 learners who qualified for across-the-baths certificates received them through the Wanganui Swimming Centre. Broken Glass. A patrol officer of the Wanganui Automobile Association, at the monthly meeting of the association held last evening, mentioned the alarming increase in broken glass that was becoming evident on highways. He stated that in one week he had found four bottles lying on the edge of the road. It was mentioned that apparently a number of motorists did not realise that the onus was on them to remove broken glass from road surfaces after accidents. Children Appreciate Address. An unusual but, from the children's point of view, popular type of speech was delivered at the annual break-up of the Wanganui Intermediate School last evening by Dr. C. E. Beeby, director of the New Zealand Council for Educational Research. Comparing the type of education given in his school days with the educational system of to-day, Dr. Beeby spoke in humorous vein and his frequent witticisms kept the large assemblage of pupils in a happy mood. In fact, he proved so entertaining that the children were disappointed when he resumed his seat. Shipment of Coal. A shipment of coal and general ca*f.o from Sydney and Newcastle is to be brought to Castlecliff next month by the Union Steam Ship C.mpany’s steamer Kell, .go, which cleared Wanganui eady this week. Next v cek the same company’s freigLrer Kiv.itea is to discnaige a quantity of Australian hardwood railway sleeppels at Castlecliff end on December 21 the Port Line motor-ship Port Gisborne will anchor in the Wanganui Roadstead to load frozen and general produce for the Home markets. The Port Gisborne will be anchored in the roadstead over the Christmas holidays.

Christmas Shopping. Wednesday and yesterday saw a marked improvement in Christmas shopping in the Avenue, the returns from a number of firms indicating that business will be just about as good as last year. Next week, however, the main volume of Christmas shopping will be done and then it will be possible for a comparison to be made with last year’s returns. The manager of a large retail firm stated yesterday that the indications were that business would be just as good as last year judging by the orders that his firm had met. In common with last year there was a marked demand for the better quality goods, British articles meeting with a good market. Education Facilities.

“The present Administration has assisted pupils in the remote districts to take advantage of the free-place system of post-primary education by providing allowances for . conveyance and for board.” states the annual report of the Wanganui Technical College. “Pupils who cannot make use of the railway are allowed from 6d to 8d per day for travelling expenses if their homes are three to live miles away from the nearest school. Similarly, pupils who must board away from home are allowed 7s 6d per week. The free-place regulations have recently been altered in the ; direction of abolishing the distinction ■ between a junior and senior free • place. A free place is now tenable ■ until the end of the year in which i the holder reaches the age of 19 years, provided that the holder does satisfactory work and attends regularly.”

New Teachnical College In the annual report of the Wanganui Technical College, the principal, Mr I. E. Newton, M.A., referred to the future location of the college. “During the year the board held a special meeting to decide what policy to adopt in regard to the future location of the college, the two sites in question being the present site and the hostel site,” he stated. “At this meeting it was decided to adopt as a policy the acquisition of the 14 acres adjoining the hostel site to serve as the location of the new college. The land in question, which belongs to the City Council, some years ago, was offered to the board on condition that a new Technical College be built within eighteen months. There ts every reason to believe that the City Council will assist in every way possible in turning the land in question into an educational site,” states the report.