LOCAL AND GENERAL

Chronicle (Levin), 24 May 1946, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Sea Snake An injured sea snake was washed ap on Ohope Beaeh, Whakatane, at the week-end. The snake was three ieet long and an inch in diameter. Its underside was yellow and its jack almost black. Minor Collision There was a minor collision yesterday when Mr. J. E. Mayljury, of Christchurch, driving south along Oxford Street was unable to avoid hitting a car in front of him which had slowed up suddenly. Little damage resulted from the collision. The leadirig car was driven by Mr. R. C. Jarrett, of Ohau. itat's Nest A Christchurch man on his -way to the Amberley races stopped at the house of a friend en route. While he was inside, a man came running in to say that the car had caught fire. After the fire had been extinguished — without"" doing much damage, it was found that a rat's nest, built 011 top of the engine, had ourst into flames. Apple Tree in Bloom Some consternation has been caused at the Weraroa Boys' Training Centre by the peculiar behaviour of a Rome Beauty variety of apple tree growing there. Although the tree has already blossomed and borne fruit, and some of the fruit still remain on the branches, it has blossomed again. Whether or not it will bear more fruit is a point which has been much discussed at the centre. Goat Meat for Britain For the first time in the Auckland province, goats have been killed at Horotiu works of the Auckland Farmers' Freezing Company thjs week to provide more meat for Britain. Goats have been killed in other parts of New Zealand and in the past 150,0001b. of goat meat has been exported. The present drive in the province was initiated by Mr. F. C. Johnstone, of Te Uku, and the first goats came from his property and the property of neighbours. Only young goats are killed, as old goats are unsuitable for human consumption. A Dying Trade? General concern because there was no blacksmith in Temuka to undertake horse-shoeifig was expressed by members at a meeting of the Temuka branch of Federated Farmers. Members said it was a great inconvenience to farmers,and there was' a particularly good opening. Suggestions of advertising for a blacksmith, and approaching the Temuka Frogress League, were dropped in favour of an approach in the first instance to the National Service Department. Members said that blacksmithing and saddlery appeared, unfortunately, to be dying trades. Coetry Award The 1945 Jessie Mackay Memorial Award for Poetry, conducted by the New Zealand centre of the P.E.N., has been given by the judges, Mrs Isobel Andrews and Mr. O. N. Gillespie, to Miss Mary Stanley, of 137 Grafton Road, Auckland, for her g'roup of three poems "The New Philosopher," "Love- by Candielight," and "To the Atom." The following were highly commended, the names being given in order of merit: Mrs. Ruth France (Christchurch) for three poems submitted; Miss Merval Connelly (Wellington) for her poem "Midas and His Daughter," which had already been placed first in a newspaper competition; Miss F. Alexa Stevens . (Wanganui) for her. poem "Epitaph for the Future." Mascot Returns Having been absent without leave since the end of last week, Bill England, brindle bulldog, ship's mascot of H.M.N.Z.S. Philomel, has returned to his quarters and has been placed under close arrest. Although he has not yet been charged with his offence, which borders on desertion? some of his shipmates have suggested that he will probably be deprived of his regular tots for some time as punishment. He attempted to enlist the sympathy of the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, by lickiiig tas hand when Mr. Jones visited the base as president of the Naval Board. Other members of the party warned the Minister of the mascot's reprehensible record, howeVer, and the party passed on, leaving Bill in disgrace.