LOCAL AND GENERAL

Chronicle (Levin), 20 March 1946, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Poor Swimming Season • The takings at the Levin Coronation Baths so far this season amount to £34 17s 5d. There have been 5040 admissions and 48 season tickets have been taken out. In ccmparison, last year's figur.es show that there were 8640 admissions, while 68 season tickets were soid. The weather this year has been unfavourable to the sport and the season has been a poor one in consequence. School Environment "Teachers and school committees richly merit commendation for their effarts to raise and maintain the environments of their schools. With very few exceptions the grounds were kept in excellent order and the fact', that 106 environment certifieates and nine letters of commendation were issued to schools, is an indication of the high standard reached." — Extract from the annual report of Mr. E. H. Lange, instruetor in agriculture, to the Wanganui Education Board.

Improved Mail Service Representations made to have the 8.20 a.m. train from Levin to Palmerston North carry mail each day were detailed to this month's meeting of the Levin Borough Council by the Mayor (Mr. H. B. Burdekin), who commented that he had hopes of it soon being instituted. Mr. Burdekin said that at present it took two and a-half days for mail to reach Hastings or TalarlUki " because it lay in Palmerston North for a day waiting the connection. If mail was carried by the 8.20 a.m. ' train that time would be halved. Ice Cream in Theatres The New Zealand Ice Cream Manufacturers' Association has written to the Levin Borough Council suggesting that the council oppose the adoption of a standard by-law to nationally prohibit the consumption of ice cream in theatres. The council decided that its delegates to the forthcoming municipal conference oppbse the • by-law. "There is quite a bit to be said for the proposal," remarked the Mayor (Mr. H. B. Burdekin), "but whether it is practicable or not is another thing." Native Flora Corner A scheme to provide a native flora and fern corner in the Public Gardens was outlined to a meeting of the Levin Borough Council this week by its reserves committee. The committee reported that the Levin Native Flora Club had expressed a wish to carry out the planting work, the council to undertake the preparation of the ground. Qn the committee's recommendation the council approved the scheme, which will be spread over a period of two or three years, and authorised its gardener to proceed with it in conjunction with the club. Appreciation was expressed of the club's offer. More Temltes Arrive Concern at the introduction of termites into New Zealand was expressed in a report received by the Auckland City Council from the city engineer, Mr. A. J. Dickson. He dealt with the landing in Auckland last month of a shipmeiit of termiteinfested railway sleepers, which were the subject of a previous report, and said a further shipment of termite-infested timber had arrived by the ship Port Tauranga. The second cargo was poles for the Tararua Electric Power Board. which were being unloaded at King's Wharf. After one day's" unloading a.bout 200 poles were examined and a number showed signs of infestation, five giving evidence of termite activity during the voyage. Hawke's Bay Pastures Recover The benefits of over two inches of rain which has fallen over widespread areas this month are making themselves evident in Hawke's Bay in green pastures and the -:efreshed appearance of growth generally. A survey of conditions, however, indicated that there is nnt likely to be sufflcient growth before the frosts to provide feed for cattle, although it seems likely it will be nossible to carry on sheep through the winter. The Heretaunga Plains, which a fortnight ago were brown and parched, are now showing definite signs of recovery. The hill country, however, is slower in reacting to the rain and it is probable its recovery will be a couple of weeks behind that of the flats. ,