A CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 109, 12 January 1940, Page 4

A CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTION

Mother of Invention. With one recent experience of petrol restrictions, and with another period of curtailed supplies threatened, the appearance of substitutes for motor spirit was to be expected. One garage attendant in Rotorua was surprised a few days ago when a motorist drew up and asked for water. It was not for the radiator or for the batteries, but for use in connection with the coal-gas plant which was contained in a cabinet about twice the size of a luggage box on the back of the car. Coalgas generated there was used r.s the motive power.

In order to overcome the necessity of canvassing the town for subscriptions for the entertainment of volunteers who are about to leave the district, such as was necessary prior to the holidays it has been suggested that a fund be created from a weekly "shop" in the main street. The organisation responsible could be the existing "Soldiers Farewell Committee" assisted by prominent ladies of the Red Cross- In this way steady finance could be provided which would obviate the perpetual call for donations.

Water Shortage at Ohope. The spell of dry weather experienced over the last few weeks has made it necessary for residents and campers at Ohope Bcaeh to conserve their fast disappearing water supplies. There is a big crowd at the beach and a heavy demand on fresh water. All of the cottages rely on roof tanks for catchment and storage and the absence of rain has reduced the quantities held. It is unfortunate that such a dry spell should be experienced at a time when the population at tlie beach is so large.