Local and General

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 200, 7 January 1942, Page 4

Local and General

'Beacon' Welcome in Fiji Writing to his parents from Fiji, wnere he is now stationed, Lieut H. G. Cutler, of Whakatane, states in a cheery letter that the BEACON is a most welcome reminder of home. The paper, he states is well read by all local men who find' an interest in all the district activities reported'. Lieut Cutler adds that the weather i!s very sultry and 1 to add to the oppressive heat

the men have been detailed off to do a considerable amount of excavation and tunnelling' work. Ma|ny of them are losing a lot of 'superfluous' a result. Fruit Settling Well Though most gardens could do with a good drenching at the present time, we are informed that fruit trees throughout the district are bearing well, and there is every indication of a record return for the coming season. Christmas plums and peaches were in rather limited supply but the main fruit crop for the Eastern Bay of Plenty at any rate should be excellent.

Bright Planet Brightest of the heavenly bodies at present is the planet Venus, which has been increasing in brightness for the past few month's. Within the last few days it has attained its maximum brightness, and last week was more than 100 times brighter than a first magnitude star. It is clearly visible in the western skjy.

Half Dozen Tents The effect of the petrol restrictions upon the holidaying public is nowhere better demonstrated than at Ohope, where instead of the usual spread of canvass in the camping grounds there are but a half dozen tents, where previously there were hundreds. Storekeepers.have felt the result of reduced trade to a very marked degree, one man stating that on the day last year that he took £70 over his counter, this year he took less than a quarter of that figure. The most unfortunate aspect is the fact that Ohope stores naturally catered for something approaching the usual Christmas and holiday rush. To-day they are left with the great bulk of their stock on their hands.

rfationail Savings Record 1

A splendid record for National savings has been achieved through the efforts of the various branches of the Native Department staff in Rotorua and district. Since January 31 last to December 31, 1941, £1288 9s has been paid into the National Savings fund by employees. There are 528 contributors to the scheme. Carrageen Moss Stewart Islanders have reaped a great harvest from the gathering of carrageen moss, and up to date about 400 sacks have been sent away. These average about £5 10s a sack, so that the revenue has been considerable. The difference between the green and dried articles is about four sacks to one.

Subsidies Likely for E.P.S The granting of substantial subsidies to local bodies for E.P.S. and emergency protective work is reported to be pending and regulations are expected shortly. Action j contemplated is likely to include power to call upon the owners or occupiers (in general, the beneficiaries), of buildings to provide adequate air raid shelter, part of the expense to be borne by them, and part by the local bodies, with the aid of the Government subsidy. There has been to date no specific allocation of financial responsibility in the provision of shelters, and action on the lines indicated will clarity the situation. Maize Crops Retarded l The unseasonable weather during the past two months has retarded the growth of maize crops throughout the country, including the Bay of Plenty, so that crops are not nearly as advancecd as at this time last year. On Matakana Island at the entrance to the Tauranga Harbour, the Maoris have again planted a large crop estimated at between 1250 and 1500 acres. This is in response to the appeal to farmers to grow more maize as a result of which the Native Department throughout the Bay of Plenty last year organised the planting of about 2500 acres.