LOCAL AND GENERAL

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20892, 25 August 1939, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

London Bank Rate Increased The London bank rate has been increased lo 4 per cent. It had remained unchanged at 2 per cent since June 30, 1932. Seal’s New Home The seal which folined an attachment for Napier a few weeks ago, is still a frequent visitor to the beach ai the site oi" the new wharf where he basks or swims for hours. Hotel Boycott A meeting representative of workers' unions held in Whanigarei decided last night lo boycott hotels and refrain from drinking until the price of beer is reduced to sixpence an Imperial pint.—Press Association. Small Schnapper Taken Fishing trawlers arc reported to be working close inshore in Mataora Bay, near Waihi, where it is alleged they are taking large numbers of undersized schnapper which although returned to the sea are in a more or less lifeless condition, and comparatively few survive. Slight Delays Speed restrictions, which are still in force on parts of the main line damaged earlier this week, caused slight delay to trains coming to Frankton from the south today. The limited express arrived at the junction 20 minutes late, and the express due in from Wellington at 4.30 a.m. was 19 minutes late. Freezing Workers’ Beer A decision not to patronise hotels as long as the higher beer prices ruled was made at a meeting of freezing works employees at Westfield yesterday. The resolution was as follows: "That we refuse to patronise hotels until publicans revert to selling the Imperial pint at a price within the reach of the ordinary worker; also that all freezing workers be informed of our decision and that all affiliations be likewise informed.” “ Tickling ” Prohibited The taking of any llsh “ by an unsportsmanlike method not involving the use of any device or by any means other than rod and line, together with a landing net or gaff used to land fish taken with a rod and line,” is prohibited by an amendment to the Fresh Water Fisheries Regulations, 1930, issued with this week’s Gazette. In brief, it is explained, this prohibits the taking of fish by the method known as “ tickling.” Size of Parliament A reduction in the size of Parliament as a means of cutting down the country's expenses was advocated by Mr S. G. Holland (Opposition—■ Christchurch North) during the debate on the Finance Bill in the House of Representatives last n.jglit. "It is utterly ridiculous to have 120 men running the affairs of the country,” said Mr Holland. "If the number were reduced New‘Zealand would be none the poorer.” Female Labour Shortage A reply to fears expressed by the Auckland Bureau of Importers that the •shortage of female operatives in the footwear and clothing trades will result in a serious shortage of supplies and a rise in prices has been received from the acting-Minister of Customs, the Hon. 11. G. R. Mason. The Minister states that an inquiry will be made into the reported shortage of female labour and into the necessity for the issue of import licences. Work For Miners The finding of work for the men recently dismissed from the Martha mine was the subject of a special report by the works committee of the Waihi Borough Council, which reported that it had advised the employment division of the Social Security Department that the council could take ten additional men, provided they were from among those put off from the mine. Replying to a question, the Mayor, Mr W. M. Wallnutt, said only five men turned up. Air Force Machines Six more Airspeed Oxford aeroplanes ordered for the Royal New Zealand Air Force are expected to be delivered from England about November 6, according to a statement made yesterday by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones. The Minister said he had not yet been advised by what boat the machines were being shipped. The Airspeed Oxford is a popular training machine for teaching pilots to handle twin-engined craft. Pilots will be trained on the Oxfords before being transferred to the much larger Vickers Wellington bombers, of which 30 are on order for New Zealand. Three Cars In Accident Three cars were involved in an accident near Hie corner of Bridge and Victoria Streets last night, when the vehicle that was responsible for the crash failed to stop. There was a long line of traffic proceeding across the bridge and up Victoria Street when one car pulled out of line and attempted to overtake the others. It collided with a car approaching from the opposite direction and severely damaged the side of the car, then rebounded back on to the car it was overtaking. This also was damaged about the front and both cars that were struck stopped. The offending motorist speeded up, turned round into Knox Street and disappeared. Sale of Patent Medicines General approval was accorded by the Legislative Council when discussion was resumed yesterday of a motion submitted by the Hon. Y. A. Ward 'Wellington) that the Government should be urged to set up a Parliamentary committee of inquiry to investigate the sale of patent medicines and advertisements relating to them and to report what amendments in the law were necessary or desirable. The motion was carried without dissent. The Leader of the Council, the /Hon. D. Wilson, said it was improper that in some instances profits of between 700 and 800 per cent should be made.