NEWS OF THE DAY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 134, 3 December 1938, Page 8

NEWS OF THE DAY

Dunedin Tramways Loss.

The Dunedin City > Corporation's tramways receipts from April 1 to November 19 (33 weeks), compared with the corresponding period of last year, reveal a loss in revenue of £979, says "The Post's" Dunedin correspondent. The tramways position is £8773 worse than in November last year. The actual debit balance shown at October 12 was £5088. Increased Railway Charges. A Gazette notice has been issued detailing the alterations in the scale of charges upon the railways recently announced by the Minister of Railways (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan). The higher freight rates and fares come into force on December 11. Protecting- Albatrosses. To prevent persecution of albatrosses which tried to nest at Otago Heads, several public-spirited citizens of Dunedin arranged for the erection of a man-proof fence to guard the breed-ing-place. They put about £100 as well as much time and work into their effort, and now ask other naturelovers to share in the cost. The Forest and Bird Protection Society, which will receive subscriptions, appeals to others to come to their assistance. A Big Black Shag. , A party visiting the lakes at Heaton Park, Marton, recently, secured a large number of shags, including one of extraordinary size, states "The Post's" representative. The wing spread was 55 inches, and from bill to tail it measured 35 inches. The stomach was found to contain a whole carp 10km long and weighing Hlb. This black shag was taken on Heaton Park Lake, which is well stocked with rainbow trout. Heavy Railway Bookings. One of the busiest places in Wellington this morning was the central railway booking office. It is understood that purchases of tickets for use during the holiday period have been heavy since the announcement that tickets purchased after December 10 will be subject to a ten per cent, increase in cost. Highland Units. Evidence of the interest of Great Britain in New Zealand's Scottish activities is contained in a recent issue of the London "Sunday Mail" on the proposed formation of Highland Territorial units in New Zealand, says the "Evening Star," Dunedin. The report, although brief, is well displayed, and surmises that Colonel L. D. Henderson, ex-Seaforth Highlanders, and officer commanding the London Scottish, Scotland's crack London regiment, who is expected in New Zealand shortly, is connected with the scheme. The promoters of the movement, which originated in this city, have not heard -of Colonel Henderson, but any assistance he could render they would welcome.

Thermal Activity.

As a result of the heavy rains of the previous two days, increased geyser activity was particularly noticeable in the Whakarewarewa thermal area on Wednesday, states a Rotorua correspondent. Waikite geyser, which until very recently had been quiescent for many months, sent up some spectacular shots, while Waikorohihi was also very active during the day. As yet there is no sign of Pohutu geyser breaking its long spell of inactivity, but the Cauldron was boiling violently and created considerable attention among visitors to the reserve.

Experimental Farms.

At a meeting of the Southland executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union a resolution was passed urging that the Government be asked to carry out its promise to establish a fully equipped experimental farm for Otago and Southland, states "The Post's" Dunedin correspondent. Inquiries revealed that following representations made by various farming organisations in Otago and Southland the Minister of Agriculture gave a definite promise, when speaking at the opening of the Winter Show at Dunedin in June, 1937, that the Government would establish such a farm. It would complete a chain of major experimental farms established from Auckland to Lincoln College, in Canterbury. No fewer than 12 to 14 experimental farms and institutions have been established in the North Island, but apart from Lincoln College and the work being carried out at the Cawthron Institute, Nelson, no major experimental farms have been establishied in the South Island.

Increased Production.

"The Government is appealing for increased production and I am sure that in their own interests farmers are more than willing to co-operate to the fullest extent with the authorities in order to obtain this desirable objective," said Mr. T. Currie, chairman of directors, at the annual meeting of shareholders of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-op. Distributing Co., Ltd., yesterday, states "The Post's" Palmerston North representative. Mr. Currie said, however, that means must be adopted to find outlets for any such increase \n production and he was of opinion trlat the trade agreements now being entered into between England and foreign countries, when in full operation, must have a beneficial effect on the primary producing units of the Empire. He felt sure New Zealand may look forward with confidence to improved and increased trade relations with those countries with which Great Britain may make agreements, the United States in particular.