LOCAL AND GENERAL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 109, 21 February 1950, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Flogging Favoured by Grand Jury The introduction of flogging as a deterrent foV sexual offences was recommended by the Grand Jury in the Supreme Court at Gisborne yesterday. Mr Justice Hay said he had no power .in the matter, but promised to pass on the recommendation to the proper authorities. —P.A. Oysters Expected To-day The first oysters for the new season are expected to arrive in Ashburton to-day from the Bluff. Although the quantity will not be great as yet, one local fish merchant stated that according to all reports the season should bo a very successful one. The public demand for this delicacy is expected to be heavy, and over .the last fortnight several inquiries have been received.

Foresters’ Lodge

Bro. H. L. Hampton presided over a good attendance of members at last night’s 1 meeting of the Foresters’ Lodge. Sick pay amounting t <j> £l6 5s was passed for payment in favour of 12 members. It was decided to combine a farewell function in honour of W Bro W. H. Amos with Old Members’ night on March 20. At the close of business a card match was played and supper was served.

N.Z. Frigates for Mediterranean The frigates Taupo and Hawea will leave Auckland on April 3 on their voyage to the Mediterranean for exchange service with the Bay class frigates St. Austell Bay and Veryan Bay. Details of the voyages were announced on Saturday by the Minister of Defence (Mr T, L. Macdonald). It is expected that the ships will _ be about six months in the Mediterranean. The ships are undergoing a brief refit at the Devonport naval base in preparation for the voyage.—P.A.

Hail Damage in Hawke’s Bay It is estimated that fruit worth £70,000 was damaged beyond salvage in the Hawke’s Bay hailstorm of February 11, says a Hastings Press Association message. Two hundred thousand cases of fruit of a probable value of 7s a case were lost. About 800 acres of trees owned by 60 orchardists was affected. Most growers will apply for relief from tlie uneconomic orchard fund, which previously has been used for helping orchardists whose crops had been seriously damaged or destroyed by hail.

Recalling Search Parties An aircraft was sent from Oliakea yesterday to ensure the recall of a party of seven who have still not returned from a search for two missing' trampers in the Taupo-Rangitaiki region. No fears are felt for their safety as they are a well-equipped and competent party. Arrangements were made at the beginning of the search that aircraft would fire Verey lights when the trampers were found. The party still out has a constable in charge, with a Maori guide, bushmen, and one of the original tramp party. —P.A. <

Auckland Harbour Bridge The designer of the Auckland harbour bridge (Sir Ralph Freeman) was making good progress with the preliminary designs,' said Mr N. L. Vickerman, chief engineer of the Auckland Harbour Board, yesterday, according to a Press Association message. Mr Vickerman, who met Sir Ralph Freeman in London recently, said the designer required more 1 information about the harbour bed. The board had started further test bores, which should be finished in about a fortnight. Either Sir Ralph Freeman or a member of his staff would probably examine tlie proposed site before completing the design.

Price of N.Z. Tyres Before making any approach to the Government for cheaper tyres, the North Island Motor Union will discuss prices with representatives of the tyre manufacturing industry in New Zealand. The council of the union decided on this course at a meeting at Wellington yesterday. The chairman (Mr W. H. Brown) reported that he had met representatives of the manufacturing industry before the meeting. From information the council had obtained about differences in the price of tyres in New Zealand and other countries it appeared there was a case to take to the Minister. He had since received information from the trade which the council agreed to discuss in committee. —P.A.

Large Paint Factory A modern paint factory at Panmure, estimated to cost between £130,000 and £200,000, is to be built for the Berger group of 33 companies, which to-day operates 25 factories through,out the British Empire, says an Auckland Press Association message. Eight acres of land have been obtained, and work on the building will begin immediately. Mr W. J. Darby, group managing director of the companies, said that wherever possible New Zealand equipment would be used. Steel would be imported from Australia rather than from England. The policy of the Berger group was not to send Englishmen as executives to the Dominions, and all executive positions at the Panmure factory would be filled by New Zealanders. — P.A.