NEWS OF THE DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 223, 20 September 1928, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

"A Despicable Act." "It is really a despicable act," said Mr. R. G. Clark at last night's meeting of the One Tree Hill Road Board, referring to the theft of a number of young trees which had been planted along t• Great South Road. He had been informed, lie stated, that quite a number of trees had disappeared lately, but it was impossible to say whether residents of the district or visitors were responsible. City Administration. Very little headway was made when a special committee of the Auckland City Council met yesterday to consider allegations of waste and extravagance made by Mr. W. H. Murray, a member of the council, as the latter has declined to have anything to do with the continuation of the inquiry. The point has now been reached when reports are to be obtained from various officers of the council, and when these come to hand the committee will resume its deliberations. Milford Beach Improvements. A comprehensive scheme for the improvement of Milford Beach is to be carried out during the coming summer. It was stated at last night's meeting of the Takapuna Borough Council that a limited liability company now in process of formation would undertake the work, which is to include the erection of tearooms at the western end, and an up-to-date bathing shed to contain at least 50 cubicles. Chairs will be placed on the beach in positions which will not interfere with the view. The improvements will be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the council, which will ensure the preservation of the natural beauties of this most picturesque beach. A "Crowd" of One. Many persons in Auckland yesterday were of the opinion that the vicinity of the Grand Hotel in Princes Street would be the best position from which to sec the transtasman flyers on their arrival from the south. Consequently it was expected that a large number of persons would gather early in the afternoon. Round about three o'clock one curious person passed the hotel and saw outside one policeman and one decorated motor car. The car befitted the fame of Kingsford Smith, and was decorated with waratah and wattle blossoms, and red, white and blue ribbons. Inside the hotel were many floral tributes awaiting the arrival of the airmen. "Showing Off." "This is a stupid practice, and dangerous to the public. Some young men take a delight in showing off, and we occasionally come across instances of the kind in the city," said SubInspector McCarthy at the Police Court yesterday in regard to a charge of taking hands off a motor cycle's handles, brought against M. Pavlovich. The evidence showed that the offence had been committed while passing a tramcar in Karangahape Road, when there were many people about, whose attention Pavlovich sought to attract by showing off his abilities as a motor cyclist. Mr. Hunt, S.M., agreed that the practice was a dangerous one, and that a machine could not be under proper control when the rider let go the handles. A fine of 10/ was imposed. Outbreaks of Fire. Three minor outbreaks of fire occurred in the suburbs yesterday afternoon and last evening. The Takapuna Brigade shortly before halfpast three was called to a four-roomed house owned and occupied by Mr. W. Blackwell, in Tennyson Avenue, Takapuna. A fire had broken out in an attached washhouse, but was suppressed 1 before more than slight damage had been done to the washhouse and the rear of the building. The Mount Eden Brigade last evening suppressed an outbreak in a three-seater motor car in Mount Eden Road, opposite Grange Road. Only the hood of the car was damaged. The car was owned by Miss Morrison, of St. Leonard's Road. The services of the Avondale branch of the City Brigade were required to deal with a gorse fire at Avondale. Surprise for Farmers. A letter from the Railway Department regarding freights on butter and cheese caused real surprise at the meeting of the Auckland executive of the Farmers' Union last night. The executive had written to the Department pointing out the increase in freignts' during recent years, and asked for a reduction. The rate of 40/10 from Dannevirke to Wellington was quoted as a typical example. In reply, the Railway Department stated that as a result of the executive's protest, the rate between Dannevirke and Wellington had been reduced by 3/. A further letter was forwarded to the Department asking that the reduction should be made general, as was originally requested. The Inquiring Pnblic. . The amount of information on meteorological subjects furnished on request to private individuals and Government Departments, states the annual report of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, shows a marked increase. The Director of Meteorological Services, Dr. Kidson, states that the most urgent need of the meteorological service in New Zealand is the establishment of properly-equipped stations, on permanent sites with satisfactory exposure, and the ensuring of continuity of observations. A beginning could then be made of the collection of homogeneous and reliable data such as are needed in connection with an ever-increasing number of social activities. The accomplishment of this object in a young country where there are few leisured men and where towns are growing rapidly is a difficult matter, which cannot be brought about at once. It will not be possible at all without the interest and assistance of local bodies and individuals. Norfolk "Idle-landers." "A charming people, but spoiled by generations of comparative idleness," was the impression gained by Mr. T. Todd, a Timaru visitor, through contact with th« Norfolk Islanders. The founders of rto colony, transported to Norfolk Island in 1856, found the land cleared, buildings erected, and the soil capable of producing ample foodstuffs without too ?reat an effort on the part of the occupiers. There was no incentive to labour, for tentative efforts to develop an export trade were discouraging. and in any case the islanders had all they needed. For two generations the colony lived in the lap of Nature, a life ideal from one point of view, but ruinous in the long run. Today their lands were not worked as they deserved to be. and the islanders are in danper of becoming beggared. Their principal facility is in the handling of small boats, and at this they are unexcelled, having developed the art in whalechasing, which they regard more as a sport than as an industry. The Eye of an Airman. "We appreciate your youth and beauty," wag a remark made by Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith in acknowledging the warm welcome which he and his associates were being accorded by the people of Auckland at the civic reception yesterday. How keen is the eye of the "birdman" in locating feminine charm was further demonstrated at the function which immediately followed, when he and his comrades were accorded a tumultuous welcome at the Commercial Travellers' Club. "Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen," said the airman, with a long-drawn pause which was as effective as his golden smile in arousing the curiosity of the distinctly masculine gathering. Then someone noticed the bashful presence of a lady librarian in an inconspicuous corner at the far end of the hall. Everybody enjoyed the joke. Not to be outdone by his cocommander, Flight-Lieutenant Ulm commenced his speech with a quip which was rather subtle. The speaker was referring to the elements in which the health of the guests was being toasted. "Gentlemen," he said, "I don't understand why yon spend so much time in partaking of liquid [ refreshment here when you have a library." I Again everybody enjoyed the joke.