LOCAL AND GENERAL

Chronicle (Levin), 2 July 1946, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

0 Shooting Mishap As the result of a mishap while out shooting with a party of friends at Tiritea over the week-end A.C.2 G. E. Bendall, of the R.N.Z.A.F. station at Ohakea, received a hullet wound in his right arm. He was removed to the Palmerston North Public Hospital where his condition last evening was reported satisfactory. The party were deerstalking. Six-Monthly Warrants of Fitness Inquiries made by the Chief City Traffic Inspector at Christchurch (Mr. C. S. Nicholson)- during a recent visit to Wellington suggest that the Transport Department proposes at an early date to revert to six-monthly warrants of fitness for all motor vehicles. During the war the period of currency of the warrant for cars usea oniy for private purposes was extended to 12 months. H.M.S. Beltona Repjaces Diadem H.M.N.Z.S. Gambla, which is in the United Kingdom reverting to the Royal- Navy, will . now be replaced by H.M.S. Bellona, also of the improved Dido class, and not H.M.S. Diadem as originally announced. This decision has been taken after discussions with the Admiralty and is due to the fact that H.M.S. Diadem i's equipped with certain non-standard machinery which might give rise to difficulties in maintenance and the supply of spare parts in New Zealand. Taupo Fishing An increase of £466 is shown in the saies of fishing licenses for Taupo during the year ended March 31, said the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. W. E. Parry, yesterday. Figures for the last two seasons were £3650 and £3184 and the increase, said Mr. Parry, was gratifying as it indicated appreciation by angling enthusiasts of the good sport available in the Taupo district. He added that as the sport was becoming increasingly popular, the Government was expanding its work to increase the trout population. Hospital Amal^amation Until the Parliamentary Select Committee's recommendations in regard to hospital rating have been considered by Parl)amen.t, the Whangarei Hospital' • ;Boaf'd will refer its decision on proposals put f orward by the Minister of Health; Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer, for the amalgamation of the six Northland Hospital Boards. A resolutjon to this effect was passed at a special meeting of the Whangarei Board. An amendment that the Board should reject the Minister's proposals in general, was defeated by five votes to three. New Coalfield A new coalfield will be available at Garvey's Creek, seven milesfrom Reefton, as soon as access by road with the main prospecting drive is available. The coal is said to be equal to the best mined on the Coast and samples tried in open fireplaces and kitchen ranges burned well. The field is situated on the banks of the Inangahua River, and is within easy reach of the Reefton station. Officials emphasise that it will be some time before there is any prospect of work , for a large number of men in the district. Mining experts have known of the field for many years, but the area which is being investigated will be worked as a virgin field of coal. Intloor Sports Hall The provision of a hall in Levin suitable for such indoor activities as boxing, gymnastics, ■ badminton, basketball, football, physical training and kindred sports has recently been considered by the Levin Boxing Club. Plans and specifications of a suggested hall, estimat.ed to cost £1500, havq been prepared, while the club has secured an option over an ideal section in Stanley Street. A meeting is shortly to be called to which sports bodies that would find the hall a useful amenity to their fuftctions will be invited to send delegates. Meanwhile, those interested in hearing more of the prpject may communicate with the club's president (Mr. J. W. Rimmer), or Mr. C, Larsen.

National Dancin?^ Classes In furtherance of its policy of fostering Scottish arts and customs, the Horowhenua Scottish Society is forming a library of Scottish literature, and the loan or donation of suitable books would be much appreciated. Arrangements have also been made to commence classes in national dancing, and the services of Miss L. Hepworth, of Palmerston North, will be available if sufficient pupils are offering. Parents are requested to send the names of intending pupils to the jecretary of the society (Mr. J. A. Goodwin) or to any menlber of the committee immediately. Ascent of New Zealand Mountains In New Zealand there were 1/ mountains more than 10,000 feet high, but nobody had yet been suceessful in- climbing them . all, although one man had climbed 16 of them, said Mr. A. •Awderson, in an address to the Rangiora High School Parent-Teacher Association. Mount Sefton had been climbed only five times from the Canterbury'side, and seven from the West Goast, he said. The first ascent of Mount Cook had been made by three New Zealanders, one ffiiember of the party being only 17 years of age. The day the party completed the ascent, an English climber with a Swiss guide had arrived at Timaru, bent on being the first to conquer the mountain, added Mr. Anderson. ;