Local and General

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 283, Issue 283, 14 March 1941, Page 4

Local and General

Women's Auxiliary Air Force. A number of local young ladies have shown an interest in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and we understand made application for membership. Many Bicycles. To see the m&ny bicycles parked in the main street yesterday morning would practically have made one think he was in Christchurch or Palmerston North, which cities are frequently referred to as "Towns on Wheels." The reason for the bike stands being filled and any other parking space also was that a large number of school children were attending the theatre. Hundreds of Starlings. f Flocks of starlings many hundred strong are to be seen and heard in country districts at tTie present time. Towards evening the starlings assemble in the branches of shelter trees with a great twittering, and make periodic flights in mass formation, with descents on to the pastures. Starlings do valuable work in keeping down such pests as tha grass grub.

Air Crew far Camp. Three local men have left for training in air crew work at Levin air base being Messrs B. B. Goodall (air pilot), W. R. Drent and R. W. Stewart (air gunners). Fish Caught (And Fed). Members of local bodies who attended the picnic held on Wednesday reported the day out as a most enjoyable one. Those who spent the day on the launch state that the fishing conditions were not particularly good, although a considerable number of schnapper and kaliawai were obtained. Others reported that other conditions were not so good either—but tlicy meant the swell on the water to which they rapidly succumbed after leaving the Heads.i

Air Force Examinations. Oh Tuesday of this week a number of R.N.Z.A.F. trainees sat for an examination at Whakatane, having completed their educational course. "Sons of the Diggers."" 1 The marching song, "Sons of the Diggers," the words and music oi which were the composition of Mr E. Armstrong, of Whakatane, will be heard from Station IZB at 4 p.m. on Sunday next. The number will be played on the Civic Theatre Organ by Mr Howard Moody. Special Film Screening. Over 800 children from the local and district schools attended a special screening of the film "For Freedom" at the Regent Theatre yesterday morning. The management of the theatre in conjunction with school teachers made it possible for the children to enjoy this educational release. Hillcrest Footpath. At this week's meeting of the Borough Council, the foreman-en-gineer, submitted a scheme and estimates of cost for the construction of a concrete footpath and steps to Hillcrest at the rear of Messrs Hamill Bros' premises. The estimated cost was £80 with alternative prices for the hand-rail of £55, £51 and £38. It was decided that the woric be proceeded with, but the foreman asked to devise a a cheaper construction of the handrail. Payment of Councillors. A remit suggesting that payment be made to Borough Councillors lor their services was before the Municipal Association's conference held at Auckland last week and when reporting that the remit was thrown out, His Worship the Mayor, at Monday's meeting of the Whakatane Borough Council stated that he was opposed to the suggestion. "If payment was made it jvoultl give elections an element of 'pot-i hunting,' whereas now with services given free men who really have the interests of the town at heart offer their services."