LOCAL AND GENERAL

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21185, 7 August 1940, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Urewera Road Blocked Several slips yesterday at Ruatahuna, on the Rotorua-Waikaremoana Road blocked the Urewera scenic road, which is not expected to be cleared for several days. Year’s Dividend Doubled The directors of K.D.V. Boxes, Limited, have recommended a final dividend of 4 per cent, making 6 per cent for the year ended June 30. The year’s distribution compares with 3 per cent in 1939 and 2b per cent in 1938. “There Will Always Be an England” When conducting a service recently in one of the Taranaki country districts the Rev. H. Ford asked children present the name of their favourite hymn. “There Will Always Be an England,” was the quick retort. “Too right,” replied the speaker. “There will always be an England!” Clover Seed Plentiful New records have been established in the production of white clover seed in Hawke’s Bay this season. So far, 153,1311 b of seed has been entered for certification, against 92,733 lb for the whole of last season. These figures reflect the good season and the high prices that have been ruling for the past year. Women Inspectors Replacing Men Johannesburg’s first 42 women traffic inspectors took up their duty for the first time last month. In pairs they patrolled the city’s main school control points an hour before the schools opened in the morning and another hour after school closing time.

Reserved Occupations The recent action of the Australian Government in reserving skilled workers over the age of 35 years in the goldmining industry has been followed in Canada. The Canadian Metals Controller has announced that gold miners can contribute more to Canada’s war effort by remaining in the industry than by enlisting in the active service forces.

Bobby Calf Prices Owing to a sharp decline from 17d per lb to lOd per lb in values for calf skins, the price paid to farmers for bobby calves this month is lower than in previous months, says a message from Whangarei. August is one of the peak months for bobby calves in Northland. Firms operating in the Whangarei district are reducing their payments for calves by about an average of Is 6d a head. Train Without Engine All was ready for the departure of the Limited express from Auckland last night, the warning Dell had rung and last farewells had been taken, when it was discovered that there was no engine on the train. It had been derailed shortly before when proceeding slowly from the locomotive sheds to the head of the train. It was 7.45 p.m., half an hour after the usual departure time, before the express left, drawn by a relief engine. Auxiliary Reserve The Waikato Returned Soldiers’ Association has made two nominations to the Government for the post of area leader in Hamilton of the new Auxiliary Reserve, which is being formed by the National Service Department. The object of the reserve is to provide for defence of areas in which members live and the contiguous districts. The names of the two Waikato nominees have not been announced. First Sign of Rain The succession of frosts was continued this morning, when the recording at the Ruakura Farm of Instruction was 8.6 degrees. In Hamilton 4 degrees was the reading. At about 5 o’clock last evening rain threatened from the north, but failed to materialise beyond a sprinkling and the sky was clear till a late hour. This morning’s sun, however, was obscured by a dense fog, and conditions remained hazy till shortly after 10 o’clock, when a light drizzle set in. It was the first sign of rain in Hamilton for nearly a fortnight. Dividends in Australia Dividends paid by Australian companies in the year ended June 30 have, in the majority of cases, been maintained. Of 716 ordinary dividend announcements by companies engaged in all classes of industry, other than mining, 466 have been unchanged, 96 higher, 100 lower, 32 omitted, 18 resumed, 4 deferred. Pastoral companies and wool selling houses benefited by the excellent season, and good prices for most primary products. Nearly all companies in this group paid higher dividends. Several banks announced higher interim dividends in February. Production Loans The Government’s plans to finance the increase of primary production by loans through the State Advances Corporation has aroused considerable interest among farmers, and several applications are in from the Waikato. It has been explained by the Corporation that the loans will not take priority over first mortgages on a farm but will rank with them pari passu. Dairy companies borrowing money from the State Advances Corporation at £3 12s 6d per cent interest are enabled to re-lend to suppliers at not more than £4 2s 6d per cent. Shortage of Miners Coalmining in Australia is threatened in the near future with a seriout shortage of skilled miners, according to evidence given before the Royal Commission on Pensions for Coal Miners by Mr James Harle, a deputy, of Cessnock. This situation, he said, was being created by the employment of miners over 60 years of age, because of the absence of a pension scheme. The result was that young men were not getting the experience they should. If a pension scheme existed and men 60 years and over had to retire, youth would be absorbed in the industry and would gain experience, which would make for greater efficiency.

Hurry now for last week bargains at Hooker and Kingston’s Grand Winter Sale. Tattoo, Innoxa and Boyer cosmetics to be cleared for less than half price. Hand painted lampshades 1/11 each. Velvet Umbrellas worth 19/6 for 7/6. Winter Millinery at silly prices. Evening silks specially grouped, many at half price and less. Woven Bath or Bedroom Mats. Usually 6/11 for 4/6. Art silk and satin Bedspreads. All colours at half price. Blousettes, woll and velvet scarves marked down to ridiculous prices. Hundreds of other bargains but don’t delay. H. & I-C.’a selct definitely closes Saturday! August 10.***