Local and General

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 184, 10 July 1940, Page 4

Local and General

Auckland-Rotorua Timetable. In this i'ssue the N.ZR. Road Services advertises particulars of the new service operating between Auckland and Rotorua. Feeding the Soil. In appealing to farmers to increase the productivity of their farms, Mr A. H. Cockayne, DirectorGeneral of the Department of Agriculture, dealt in his annual report with the question of top-dressing "If a more intensive top-dressing programme is carried out, the re-f sources of manufacturers will b<s taxed to capacity,"' he states. "The problem of increasing supplies js being studied by the Department and the National Council of Pro-t duction, and farmers may be assured that the greatest possible volume of fertiliser will be available for them. Fortunately, there arc inexhaustible supplies of lime avail able, and greater quantities of lime could be used in New Zealand with advantage. In some parts of the} Dominion liquid manure from the cowsheds is being used as a topdressing. This practice might well be extended in all dairying districts. The greater the amount of topdressing carried out, the more certain will be the increase in production.'

The Big Question. A lot could be done by setting up district committees, said Mr R. W. Dunning at last Friday's meeting of farmers when referring to the proposed establishment of small bodies in each district to lea)d the effort for increased production. Mr Dunning pointed out, though, that the first thing the committees would ask about would be money and he asked Mr A. J. Murdoch, member of the Dairy Board, whether the authority would be forthcoming as the lack of iinance would seriously cramp the committees. Mr Murdoch said that the matter would be discussed in Wellington this week. Farmers and Petrol. The need for farmers being allowed sufficient petrol far their business and marketing activities was expressed at a meeting of the Waikato sub-provincial executive of the Farmers' Union. The folFowing remit was carried: "If further petrol restrictions become necessary, the authorities be requested lo adjust rural petrol licenses to permit of the farming community being placed in at least as favourable .» position as town dwellers in regard to business and marketing facilities." A similar opinion was expressed by Mr W. A- MaCrackeri at the last meeting of the Eastern Bay of Plenty District Council on Primary Production.

Borough Water. The Medical Officer of Health, reported on samples of the Borough's water supply examined and said that as Avith previous samples these were very satisfactory. Councillors agreed that it was pleasing to know that the Borough's water supply was well up to standard. A Pat on the Back. . Written on behalf of the Minister of Internal Affairs, a letter received by the Borough Council on Monday night congratulated the Town Clerk, Mr D. V. Saunders, on the compilation of the Emergency Precautions Scheme for Whakatane. "From a perusal of the scheme it is apparent that it was developed with forethought and the person responsible should be congratulated," ran the letter. Hard Work Ahead. One defendant in the Magistrate's Court yesterday evidently had some hard work ahead. That is the only reason suggested for his appearance in Court in his shirt sleeves. The charge was read and defendant pleaded guilty. The Traffic Inspector detailed his evidence and then the Magistrate asked, "Haven't you got a coat?" Defendant admitted: that he did possess one. "Well, you should put it on before' you come into Court/' said the Magistrate. Long Distance Shooting. Good long distance shooting" was registered by Mr Maurice Prendergast, of Tauranga, a few days ago. A pheasant broke cover at a distance normally considered well outside range. However, being the last day of the season, the bird was given a parting shot, and to the amazement of the onlookers, it dropped dead. When measured from point to point with two lines, the distance proved tov.be 116 yards. 0n examination the bird was found to have been struck only by the chip of one pellet that penetrated near the top of the head. Billeting School Footballers. At the monthly meeting of the Borough Council a letter was. received from the Whakatane School Sports Association asking for assistance in billeting the 95 school boys who will be visiting Whakatane between August 19 and 23 to particir pate in the football tournament for the Tai Mitchell Challenge Shield. It was decided that it was not a matter for the Council and a reply to this effect will be made, pointing out, however, that a ready response would be forthcoming from residents if an Association appeal were made.