General News

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 123, 28 May 1941, Page 4

General News

Drivers’ Licences. The Wanganui City Council, since May 20, has issued 838 licences to motor drivers, compared with 1469 for the same period last year. Bananas Plentiful. '■Bananas, which have been almost unprocurable for several weeks past, are now plentiful,” stated a Wanganui fruiterer yesterday. "But,” ho said, ’’the price is still sixpence a pound," Impressment of Rifles Under the Impressment Act. approximately 630 .303 rifles have been handed in in the Wanganui police district, and some 260 in the Wanganui sub-district, which extends from Wangaehu to Kai Iwi and up-river to Kakatahi and Koriniti.

Rugby Referees. Mr. E. Wahlstrom has been ap pointed referee for the representative match between Wanganui and Taranaki. to be played on Spriggens Park on Monday t King's Day). The B game between Wanganui and Rangitikei will be refereed by Mr. L. ]c Com pt o. Afternoon Teas

In support of lhe Air Force Queen in the Wanganui Patriotic Queen Carnival, which opens to-day, the AitForce Relations' Committee has arranged to provide morning and afternoon teas in the old post office building, Queen Margaret's headquarters. Many of those who desire to help the cause can patronise this department.

Air Force Queen Headquailers. The lower floor of the old post I office, which is to be used as headquarters for the Air Force Queen, ■ was the-scene of activity yesterday.; A nunfoer of well-known business' men worked like Trojans at their own particular line of work, while some were seen plying scrubbing. brushes to good effect.

Called for Service at 75. A well-known Wanganui man, who has been retired for many years and in his younger days was prominent in volunteer military circles, was highly amused when he saw his name in a recent ballot of men required for military service. His age is now 75. He stated that he had not been “called up” yet.

Mud Geyser Erupts. Hof mud was thrown to a height of 50ft when a mud geyser erupted at Whakarewarewa early on Thursday morning last. After playing for two hours it subsided, leaving an area of about four chains covered with sticky mud, with a crater in the centre. The outburst occurred in a vacant section.

Taranaki Rugby Team llio Taranaki Rugby team, which plays Wanganui on Monday (King's Day) will arrive by the express that day and will return after the game by rail-ear. It was decided at last night's meeting of the Wanganui Rugby Union that all complimentary tickets will be suspended for the game.

Queen Carnival At last night's meeting of the Wanganui Rugby Union it was decided to invite the Wanganui Patriotic Commit lee to make arrangements to open the Queen Carnival campaign on Spriggens Park, on the afternoon of King's Day (Monday, June 2), when Wanganui will meet Taranaki in the annual Rugby match.

New Organisation. A new organisation, to be known as the New Zealand Retail Motor Trade Association, and incorporating garage proprietors, petrol resellers, tyic resellers, automotive engineers, automotive electricians and batterydealers, ami body builders, has been formed following a recent reorganisation Ol the retail motor trade. II Is expected that the new organisalLn will bring added strength to lhe motor industry throughout New Zealand.

Shell Rock Supplies. "Fairly regular supplies of shell rock have been obtained from the quarries and is being used for repairing the base of the South Mole, or the basin wall,” reported the engineer, Mr. R. R. Dawson,-r;t the monthlymeeting this week -of the Wanganui Harbour Board. He added that the basin wall was considered the most urgent work at present, and was taking precedence when weather conditions were favourable.

Port of Wanganui. Eighteen vessels, representing a gross tonnage of 21,420, arrived at the Port of Wanganui last month, stated the harbourmaster, Captain R. D. Stewart, in his monthly report, received at a meeting of the Wanganui Harbour Board recently. The maximum deptli (high water, ordinary spring tide) recorded at the entrance during the month was 21ft. Sin. Other depths at high water were 21ft. and 20ft 3in. One vessel berthed at Castlecliff was drawing 16ft. 3in. and 16ft. "in. on arrival, and the draught of another vessel was 14ft. and 15ft. "in. New Industry For Wanganui Most of the machinery has been installed in the old Casein Works at Aramoho, for the tannery works which is to commence production at an early date. The object of the company is to go beyond the manufacture of leather only, and it is hoped to turn out finished articles, such as gloves, etc. The manufacture of the finest leathers is to be aimed at to supply the boot and shoe trade of the Dominion, which has been affected by the import restrictions. When' the factory is in full swing it is hoped to provide employment for about 30 hands. City Accidents When he was thrown from his motor-cycle at the foot of Porta! Street late yesterday afternoon, Mr. John Blentworth, Durie Hill, a railway employee, received severe concussion. He was admitted to th" Wanganui Public Hospital and his condition last night was reported to be fairly satisfactory. Mr. Blentworth's overcoat became entangled in the back wheel of the motor-cycle, causing the machine to swerve. A schoolboy. Leonard Patton, Gerse Street, Wanganui East, fell from his cycle near the Dublin Street Bridge late in the afternoon and was taken to hospital by the Free Ambulance. After being treated as an out-patient, however, he was able to go home.