ITEMS OF INTEREST

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 4, 3 September 1943, Page 3

ITEMS OF INTEREST

Pensioners' Radio Fees A suggestion for reduced radio licence fees for old age pensioners was made by a questioner at Miss Mabel Howard's Christchurch East campaign opening. The Minister of Supply and Munitions (the Hon. I). G. Sullivan), who spoke at tin* meeting, replied thai he did. not think the proposal had been made before, but it did not sound a bad one to him, and he would be glad to discuss, it with llic Minister in charge of Broadcasting. Mason Bee's Industry The industry of the mason bee in building its nest Avas illustrated in Palmerslon North. A resident, after enjoying a smoke ii> tlie morning, left his empty P>P e in a rack in the wash-house., and Avlien he returned at night was surprised to find one of these bees had almost tilled the bowl of the pipe with mud, and was still busy. This species of bee gets its name from its habit «f. constructing nests of hardened. u»ud and sand. Information Wanted' When quoting examples of curious requests for information that had been made to the Army Education Service, before members, of the New Zealand Educational Institute in Christchurch, the Director of Army Education (Lieutenant-Colonel D. G. Ball)., said one soldier had written as'king for a course of angelology. "We eventually found that there Avas a Bible Institute, in Auckland which provided, such a course," lie said, "so we were able, after some difficulty, to supply him with his requirements." Another soldier Avanted a course in home brewing. He Avas advised to apply for a transfer through headquarters to Oamaru. A Maori soldier Avanted to take advantage of his university passes. But Avhen inquiries were made no record Avas found of his univc.rsity record. On the matter being referred to him again, he replied. that lie had studied under a