GENERAL NEWS

Wanganui Chronicle, 20 July 1950, Page 4

GENERAL NEWS

Goose-beak Whale. A large goose-beak whale, 24 feet long and a tail six feet across, was discovered floundering in shallow tvater offshore at Thornton's Bay, seven miles from Thames on the Thames-Coramandel highway. When the tide receded, the mammal lay stranded on the beach. It had several large holes in the body and appeared to have been attacked by swordfish.— (P.A.). Objection Raised. x Opposition to a suggestion that candidates for college councils should be named with their degrees and academic qualifications was voiced at a meeting of the Wellington Education Board. Victoria College advised that the College Council had recently decided that in all elections by members of the district court of convocation a statement containing all details of candidates slfould be supplied. “Some of us without degrees can administer as well without them. Let us get by our merits and not on a long handle to our names,’’ said Mr. W. J. Wilson. Similar sentiments were expressed by other members.— (Press Association). Buffeting Over After being buffeted by a southerly gale off Wanganui for two and a-half days, the coastal motor-ship Gale crossed the bar at 12.45 a.m. yesterday, inward bound with general cargo from Dunedin direct. The coaster had been at sea for foui - and a-half days, and it was a relief for all hands when the ship tied up at the wharf. She left Dunedin at 2 p.m. last Friday and arrived off Castlckcliff on Sunday, but could not enter port because of heavy seas on the bar and a southerly gale From then till the weather moderated and seas on the bar abated, the vessel cruised up and down the coast, but was in constant touch with the pilot station by radio telephone. Weather Improves For the first time since city and district were swept by a southerly gale extending over a period of three days, Wanganui enjoyed comparatively calm weather yesterday, with a light wind and periods of welcome sunshine. The wind was still from a southerly, quarter and , temperatures were cold. At Castlecliff a moderate swell was running. Barometric pressure was still abnormally high, the reading at 8 a.m. yesterday being 30.82 in. This was the peak reached and is regarded as being unprecedented. A sharp rise started on Monday and at 3 p.m, on Tuesday the reading was 30.72 in. ' From 8 a.m. yesterday, however, the barometer began falling slowly, and at 3 p.m. the reading was 30.78 in.