LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18256, 18 February 1931, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

H.M.5. Dunedin left Auckland yesterday on the first’ stage of her voyage to England, where she will undergo an extensive refit. >

The damage caused by the fire which swept from Federal Street to Hobson Street, Auckland, on Monday evening is now estimated at over £IOO,OOO.

A proposal that the end of the year school vacations should be held in February, instead of December, was considered bv llm Otago Education Board, which decided in favour of adhering to the present dates.

A further slight reduction in the dividend of Carlton Brewery, Limited, Melbourne, Ims been made, the rate of the final dividend being 10 per cent, per annum, which with the interim, distribution at the rate of 11 percent!' per annum, makes 10£ per cent, for the year. The previous year’s dividend was 14 per cent.

The tender of W. Parkinson and Company, for £2482, for the inscription and installation of the Roll of Honour in the Hall of Memories at the War Memorial Musenm was accepted at a meeting of the Auckland Provincial Roll of Honour Committee yesterday.

When the Marama arrived at Sydney yesterday from New Zealand detectives went on board and arrested Edward Lewis Schneider, aged 36, on a charge of false pretences at Auckland. Later before the Police Court he was remanded to February 26 awaiting an escort on extradition to New Zealand.

It is stated in circles usually wellinformed regarding political matters that in view of the present financial and economic conditions of the Dominion the Government is seriously considering deferring the elections of local bodies, such as borough and county councils and harbour boards.

It appears as if a good number of State departmental, employees will have to forego their holidays this year, unless relief can be provided without expense to the Government. In accordance with the Government's economy programme it has been decreed that there shall be no extra expediture this year on holidays. The men in country districts will be affected most by the order.

Because he was out on license, after being imprisoned for house breaking, Raymond Trevor Child had no business to be attending the Matamata races on February 7, and as he did so while being a prohibited person he was fined 205., with costs 10s. in the Hamilton Magistrate's Court this morning by Mr Wyvern Wilson. S.M.

Considerable indignation was expressed by a number of the members of the Auckland Hospital Board at the meeting yesterday when it was reported that a boy who had been sent in from Pukekohe for the removal of a button which he had swallowed was sent back by a junior woman doctor of the staff without the complete treatment which the hospital should have been able to give. The house committee reported that it had instructed the medical superintendent to take such steps as would prevent a recurrence of a similar mistake.

Travellers alongside Lake Ellesmere have wondered at the great number of black swans to be seen (says ihe Christchurch Times). For a large bird they are very prolific. A pair that have been for some time in Akaroa Harbour have this season a brood of six cygnets, and the eight birds sailing along in single file and maintaining a regular distance apart affords a pretty sight. Two of the white swans had a brood of three, but unfortunately the male bird killed them.