The Bay Of Plenty Beacon Published Tuesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, DEC. 8, 1944

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 31, 8 December 1944, Page 4

The Bay Of Plenty Beacon Published Tuesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, DEC. 8, 1944

Local and General

No Police Cases For the lirst time in many years there, were no police cases to be heard at the Whakatane sitting of the Magistrate's Court last Tuesday. Singular surprise was expressed by those attending and it was jocularly hinted that the Magistrate should be presented with the traditional pair of white gloves. Sodium Chlorate Supply The County Council has decided that where warranted, it will extend tlie amount of sodium now on ration to ratepayers (251hs) in order to permit them to grapple with large stands of ragwort. The matter will be left, with the County Inspector, Mr A. Carling, to decide, and on his recommendation greater supplies will be. released. Cricket Association Patron A particularly pleasing and noteworthy appointment took place at tlie recent annual meeting of the Hay of Plenty Cricket Association. This was the election to the office of Patron of the. Association of Mr Fred Burt of Matata. In his younger days Mr Burt was a player of some account and now f although no longer able to play, lie continues to show the same enthusiasm for and interest in the game as he was accustomed to do as a young man. His attendance at the annual meeting of the Association speaks for Itself and was appreciated by the large number of delegates present. V Half-crown School Appeal The special appeal which was in-> stituted in the interests of the School Improvement Fund and which was circularised amongst parents fixing the sum required at 2/6 has apparently not been meeting with conspicuous success and parents are reminded that their contributions in this direction will be making possible school amenities for their children, which will be of lasting benefit to them and to future pupils at the school. The appeal is not seeking large donations, and it is thought that the sum of lialf-a-crown should not be beyond any person of normal means. Too Big a Breakfast A shag, attracted by a number of fish in tlie Te Aro baths Wellington dived into the water and came ■J up with a fish in its beak. Repeating this several times the shag satisfied its hunger and then made a number of unsuccessful attempts to fly over the retaining wall. Starting at the shore side of the baths, it tried desperately to gain height, but the weight of the. fish it had swalllowed made the task difficult. Resting for a few minutes on a crossbar of the baths, it flew from corner U/ corner and finally succeeding m achieving its aim and applause from .swimmers who had noticed its predicament. Effort of Ohope Tlie shop day held by Ohope recently in aid of the. Red Cross, realised a total sum of £05—a splendid effort. Details of competition winners are as under: Dinner Mrs MeKenzie (Awakeri); outfit, Mrs C. L. Jordan; doll's bed Mrs McCowan; ham Mrs O. J. M. Clarke; doll, Mrs Wiggins; handbag, A. E. Rivett: tray cloth, Mrs Allan. The thanks of the' committee are extended to all those, who lent their help to the project and also to tlie many, generous donors of articles and produce, who made the very successful day possible. Proceeds will be devoted to tlie. Red Cross Soldiers' Comforts Fund.

Judgment Summons Judgment was, entered lor A. G. Judd si gainst Wynyard Lawson for £15 Is lOd in the Magistrate's Court last .Tuesday. Defendant was ordered to pay at tlie rate of £1. a month, in default 15 days. Excessive Speed In the Whakatane Ma gist rate's Court last Tuesday j before Mr E. I>. Walton, S.M., the County Traffic Inspector proceeded against Dennis Law ford who was charged with driving a car at an excessive speed at Awakcri on October 12 last. A second charge, of having now warrant of fitness was also preferred. Inspector Carling said he had checked defendant's speed at 40 m.p.h. Fined £3 and costs 31s. On the second charge, defendant was fined 10s and costs 20s 6d. Record Theatre Season The final screening in Whakatane of the classic story "Gone With The. Wind" took place last Wednesday evening before a limit audience. The picture, entirely in technicolour, drew record audiences for this district over the three clays evening and matinee screenings. On Wednesday evening there were, approximately 150 persons who were unable to gain access to the show in the Regent on account of the accommodation being fully taken. As a result the management decided to throw open the Grand where the overllow was. accommodated in comfort. A .shuttle service between- the two theatres enabled each spool as it was run off to be carried to the Grand and re-screened. The l'act that there, was perceptible delay at either theatre speaks well for the manner in Avhich this emergency measure was carried out. When it is realised that there were no fewer than thirteen spools entailing 20 000 feet of film the timely gesture of the management to the public of this, town will be warmly appreciated.