TOWN AND COUNTRY

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 151, 22 March 1939, Page 6

TOWN AND COUNTRY

Items Of Interest From The Provinces

DEATH IN ACCIDENT

New Zealand Member Of Royal Air Force Dominion Special Service. News of the death of Mr. Hugh Lynn McPhee, of the Royal Air Force, which occurred as the result of an aeroplane accident in Scotland on Saturday, has been received by his grandmother, Mrs. C J. Steed, Napier. Mr. McPhee was a son of Mr. Dugald McPhee, and was born in Onga Onga in 101-1. He later lived with his parents in Puketiritiri and in Napier, where he attended tile Napier Boys’ High School. He represented his school at both Rugby ami cricket, and won the trophy for the most scientific boxer of his year. He went to England in 1931. when he interviewed the Royal Air Force authorities with a view to obtaining an appointment, but it was two years later before he realized his ambition. In the meantime he returned to New Zealand ami joined the staff of Barrami ami Abraham, Ltd., in Marton. Mr. McPhee, it is understood, was due to return to New Zealand next October on leave. A brother, Mr. T. McPhee, lives in Palmerston North. Reference to Mr. McPhee's death was made at the morning assemble of the Napier Boys’ High School on Monday by the principal, Mr. W. T. Foster, the pupils standing in silence as a mark of respect.

No Water for Swimming Baths. Because of the continued dry weather in tlie Woodville district, which lias affected Woodville’s water supply, the authorities have been compelled to discontinue the supply for the municipal swimming baths.

A.A. Officer's Tour. Congratulations on its action in sending its service officer, Mr. H. R. D. Browne, through the South Island in order that members might benefit by the increased knowledge of the travel routes he gained have been received by the Automobile Association (Manawatu) from the manager of a Christchurch firm who is a member of the A.A. (Canterbury). Tlie writer referred in complimentary terms to the service officer. whom he described as very efficient and courteous. The Manawatu association, lie added, was very fortunate in its choice of executive officers, who looked after tlie interests of its touring members so well.

Private Plane From U.S.A. Mr. E. C. Franklin, Porangahau, is importing for his private use a Taylor Cub light aeroplane from the United Slates, and the levelling off of a landing ground and the construction of a hangar on his property are well under way. The machine is expected to arrive in New Zealand about the middle of April. Toward the end of the month a field day is being planned, which will be attended by members of the Central Hawke’s Bay Aero Club.

Wellington Motorist Fined. In the Magistrates’ Court. Hastings, yesterday morning, Kenneth Campbell Allen, 'Wellington, was fined £2, with costs .10/-, by Mr. J. Miller, S.M., for cutting a corner in a motor-car.

Brabant Cup Cricketers. An attempt is being made by the Hawke's Bay Cricket Association to arrange that the Brabant Cup. team from Wellington, which will play in Hastings on Easter Saturday and Monday, shall play a match in Napier on the Tuesday and ’Wednesday following. Mr. A. Mahoney has been appointed manager of the senior and junior teams which will go to Gisborne for the Kirk Cup fixture this weekend.

Service Driver Fined. “It is unusual to catch a service, driver; they are among the. safest drivers I know, and they are also great rear-view mirror drivers,” said the Napier Borough Council’s chief traffic inspector, Mr. A. M. Oliver, in the Magistrates’ Court, Napier, when a service driver was charged with exceeding the speed limit. A fine of £l/10/- with costs was imposed.

Keen Demand for Building Sites. The reserves committee of the Napier Harbour Board, encouraged by the keen demand for building sections on the Marewa Block, is to consider the advisability of placing further sections on tlie market. At Monday’s meeting of the board the chairman, Mr. T. M. Geddis, said tiiat all the freehold sites submitted at auction recently had attracted keen bidding and in moc't cases the amounts received had exceeded the upset value. The board, he thought, would be wise in putting a further group of sections on the market at an early date. The scheme of developing Marewa Block had proved an unqualified success. There was a keen demand for building sites at the moment and he thought the board would be well advised to meet the position.