GENERAL NEWS

Wanganui Chronicle, 26 May 1948, Page 4

GENERAL NEWS

Talk to Accountants. A lecture on the objects and functions of the New Zealand 1 cd. of Accountant Societies was given to members of the Wanganui Accountant Students’ Society this week by the president, Mr. W. D. Veitch. The federation is co-ordinating the activities of student societies and will conduct trial examinations. It is also examining the possibility of intei'-SO-ciety debate. An address on “The Place of the Law in the Community” was given by Mr. J. S. D. Tizard. Wanganui Sunny Centre. Wanganui was the second sunniest centre in New Zealand in April, according to figures published in the latest issue of the New Zealand Gazette. The sun was shining in Wanganui for 192.4 hours during the month, compared with 197.4 hours in Nelson. Other leading centres were Tauranga (192 hours), New Plymouth (1814 hours), Blenheim (173.8 hours) and Wellington (171.3 hours). Wanganui had the fifth lowest rainfall during the month for the North Island, the fall being 2.97 inches. Rivec Road Still Blocked. The Wanganui River Road was still blocked between Pariklno and Pipiriki by slips yesterday. It is hoped that the road will be open today and that a set*, ice car will be able to get through with supplies for up-river settlers. The Makirikiri Valley Road has been blocked by slips in many places and will be closed for several days. Large pine trees on the hill near the Mount View Road turn-off on Anzac Parade have been cut back or cut down, as they had become a menace as the result of several small slips recently. The .Wanganui River was nearly back to its normal level yesterday. National Party Branch. A new branch of the National Party to be known as Wainui-a-rua, was formed when a well attended meeting was held at Koroniti recently. The branch will have combined pakeha and Maori representation, and at its initial meeting was addressed by Mr, E. B. Gordon, M.P. for Rangitikei, and Mr. J. Caithness (Marton). Mr. J. J. Wickham was elected chairman and Mr. Moa Pokiha secretary- The visitors were welcomed by Mr. Rang! Pokiha. An apdlogy was received from Mr. J, Marumaru. It was announced after the meeting that a strong committee of Maori and pakeha members had been formed. Southern Cargo.

After a good passage of 24 hours from Lyttelton direct, the Canterbury Company’s coastal motor-ship, Breeze, arrived at Castlecliff at 2.30 p.m. with general cargo, On completion of discharge she sails for Wellington. Also in port yesterday were the a.rn.v. Hauturu, which brought sugar and general cargo from Onehunga. via New Plymouth, and the Nikau, cement from Tarakohe- Both were to have sailed again last night. Circumstances permitting, the Holmdale is due on Saturday with general cargo from Dunedin and Oamaru, via Wellington. Rising Barometer. After falling very low at the weekend, when Wanganui and district experienced almost continual rain, barometric pressure was rising yesterday, the reading at 3 p.m. being 29.93in5. At 6 am. on Sunday the reading was 29.04in5., which is abnormally low for Wanganui. When the wind changed to a southerly quarter on Sunday, however, the barometer began a [steady rising movement which has since been maintained. The weather yesterday showed a further improvement. The day was warm and cloudy with mild temperatures and a few light showers in the morning- There was a moderate westerly wind and a slight sea at Castlecliff.

Provision for Gatekeepers Two rows of seats in the grandstand will be reserved for gatekeepers at the representative fixture with Taranaki on Spriggens Park on King s Day morning, it was decided at last night’s meeting of the management committee of the Wanganui Rugby Union. It was also resolved to relieve the congestion at the main entrance bj the provision of an extra ticket booth for players and schoolboys, making two booths altogether. The gatekeepers stayed at their posts for as long as half an hour after the start of the match if patronage warranted it, it was stated, and it was felt that some provision should be made for them to see the rest of the match from a vantage spot-