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Evening Star, Issue 22465, 9 October 1936, Page 8

The tramway manager’s statement of the traffic receipts for the last fortnightly period shows an increase in revenue for the period, as compared with the corresponding period of last year of £630. The total increase in revenue for the period of 26 weeks from April 1 to September 26 amounts to £4,702, or 6.06 per cent. During the last two Saturdays the Saturday night trams and buses carried 1,151 passengers, the revenue amounting to £l6 13s 4d. Seven buses and three trams were employed on the service.

The officers administering the Labour Department’s State placement service do not restrict their activities to the provision of work for adult men. Work lias been found for boys of school-leav-ing age, and for youths of all ages up to 20. The service has proved of considerable help in this particular direction, a number of boys having been placed in situations that offer good prospects for future advancement in trade and industry. Last week, for instance, a Hutt Valley officer arranged for two lads of 15 and 16 and two youths each aged 19 to be to business firms in Lower Hutt and Wellington.

The reports of the consulting engineers on the progress of works in connection with the Waipori pressure tunnel during the past two weeks show during the period a further 200 ft of tunnel was squared out where necessary in readiness for pipes. A further 270 ft of tramway has been laid, and invert concrete placed. The initial length of steel pipe lining has also been placed at No. 1 bend, and tbe section concreted in. The contractors have 18 men employed on the work. After making inquiries in various directions with tho object of obtaining the services of a competent earthenware moulder, a brick and pipe company asked the local State Placement Sea-vice officer to help in the quest. The appeal was relayed to a dozen other State offices in the larger centres. Men with a knowledge of the earth-moulding trade were found to be enrolled in only three districts, and after their qualifications had been investigated, a Dunedin applicant was selected for recommendation to the company. Details were sent to the manager, who telegraphed that he would give the man a trial, paying his fare and other expenses to the company’s works, which are situated about 450 miles from Dunedin, Though the man had been away from his trade for some time, the company’s works manager advises that he is “ favourably impressed with him,” and there is every prospect of the job proving to be a permanent one.

The Works Committee of the City Council recommends that the offer of Mr R. Jenkins to sell to the council, for the total sum of £SOO his property in Kaikorai Valley road, containing an area of one rood 18.1 poles, be accepted. About 13.5 poles of the land will be required for street widening purposes, leaving a balance of approximately one rood 4.6 poles. The new boundary of the street will cut through the existing dwelling on the property.

Two idle pineapple canning plants in Fiji have been acquired by the Colonial Sugar Refining Company Limited, which, it is reported, proposes to reestablish the industry in the colony. This development is regarded optimistically by growers. The Fiji fruit is very suitable for canning, and is attractive in flavour, and the stocks which were available at one time enjoyed a ready market in the Dominion. The survey of the land in the Glen Estate at Mornington, recently presented to the city by the Misses Gellatly for the purposes of public recreation, has been completed, and the title will be transferred to the City Council at an early date. In the meantime arrangements have been made with the donors for the reserves department to take control of the area and to attend to the routine maintenance work, such as the cutting of grass and hedges. Instructions have already been given to make application to the Department of Labour for permission to carry out drainage and levelling works and the formation of a children’s playground on the area.

The railway deviation at Puketeraki is now almost completed, and platelaying is in operation. The district railway engineer (Mr H. P. Morey) said this morning that the new portion of the track would probably be open in about a month’s time.

. Consideration has been given by the General Committee of the City Council to a communication from the Housewives’ Union in which it is proposed that a waiting room and convenience for women and children be provided in the vicinity of Frederick street. In the opinion of the committee the provision of such facilities at the locality mentoned is mot pressing. The central women’s rest rooms in Princes street appear to bo meeting all reaonable requirements for the time being, and there are other conveniences between the Octagon and Frederick street which are available to women ajid children. It is proposed to advise the writers accordingly. A good deal of amusement was caused at yesterday afternoon’s session of the Anglican Synod during a discussion on the advisability of changing the name of the Anglican Orphanages. The discussion had been in progress for some time when a Synodman said that “ Orphan ” was not a name of which to be ashamed. “In Dunedin there is an Orphans’ Club,” he concluded.

The City Fire Brigade was summoned to tho factory of the New Zealand Wax Vesta Company at 3.10 p.m. yesterday, to subdue an outbreak of nro in a match-making machine. It was only slightly damaged, and tho building was not affected. A justifiable alarm, given for investigation reasons, was received by tho brigade from the billiard parlours at the Stock Exchange Buildings at G. 30 p.m. At 7.51 p.m. the brigade was again called out to a chimney fire at 29 Albany street. A malicious false alarm from George and Hanover streets was responded to at 12.4 this morning, and an automatic false alarm at 11.16 from the Stock Exchange Building.

Under amendments to tho regulations under the Hallways Act, 1920, published in tho ‘ Gazette ’ last night, first division employees in the railways service arc to be granted extra payment for Sunday work at rates ranging from 2s 3d an hour to 4s an hour. Other provisions under the new regulations provide for the payment of travelling expenses, etc.

The statements of the Dunedin Drainage Board’s sinking fund for the year ended March 31 last, as submitted by the sinking fund commissioners and certified by the controller and AuditorGeneral, will be laid on the table for the information of the board at its meeting on Monday night. The total funds, as indicated on the statements, amount to £78,943 16s 3d, The increment for the past year was 4.134 per cent.

The reserves department has granted permission to the tramway department to erect a small waiting room for passengers on the area of ground used as a children’s playground in Bayfield road. The shelter is at present erected on privately owned land on the opposite side of the road, and the tramway department was recently given notice to vacate the site. As there arc now only six men living in the camp for scheme 5 workers at North Taieri, it has boon decided by the City Council’s Water Committee that as soon as the work of pruning and clearing the area of pinus insignis above the North Taieri road shall have been completed the camp be closed and the men distributed amongst the various scheme 5 works nearest to their homes. It is also proposed to discontinue the conveyance of men by truck to the Flagstaff plantation as soon as the work of clearing the gorse in the locality shall have been completed. The men concerned, who arc all North Dunedin residents, will be sent to Logan Park. A draft of the new traffic regulations has been received by the General Committee of the City Council from the Commissioner of Transport for perusal and comment. The regulations break new ground in several respects, and, in particular, include provision for the control of pedestrians and bicycle riders. The committee has advised the Commissioner that it is in accord generally with the draft, subject to a few suggested amendments dealing with (a) the powers of traffic inspectors to remove registration plates, and (b) lighting requirements. For some years it has been customary for the City Council to authorise holders of fishing licenses issued by the Otago Acclimatisation Society to fish in the Southern Reservoir and the Sullivan Dam, under certain prescribed conditions. Licensees were required to first produce their license at the town clerk’s office for endorsement. In accordance with the recent decision of the council, fencing is being erected and locks put on the gates to exclude the public from the Sullivan Dam reserve. This has become necessary owing to the risk of contamination of the water by the large number of people who resort to the reserve, some of them at all hours of the night. The supervision of anglers between the authorised hours —viz., 6 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.—has always imposed an additional duty on the caretaker, but under the new conditions his duties jn admitting anglers and locking up after hours would be much increased, and would be unreasonable to impose on an employee who already has long hours and frequently has to turn out at night to attend to the supply. The same conditions apply to a lesser extent at the Southern_ Reservoir, and after carefully reviewing the whole position the Water Committee is of the opinion, and recommends accordingly, that the issue of permits to fish in the Sullivan Dam and the Southern Reservoir be discontinued.

The third anniversary of the death of the late Mr H. E. Holland was recognised yesterday by a gathering at the graveside in Bolton Street Cemetery, Wellington. Over 50 members of the Legislature were present, including Ministers, though the Prime Minister, owing to deputation appointments, was unable to attend. In his absence Mr Fraser (Minister of Education) gave a short address on the inspiring work of Labour’s late leader, who, even in defeat, either on the industrial or political field, always regarded it as a stop on the road towards Labour’s ultimate victory. Tho late Mr Holland was a rallying point in the movement, and his work would not be forgotten in to-day’s triumph. Mr Fraser announced that the memorial to be erected over Mr Holland’s grave would be completed in time for the unveiling ceremony during the next Easter conference of the Labour Party.—Parliamentary correspondent.

It has been suggested to the Works Committee of the City Council by the secretary of the General Labourers’ Union that the general labourers employed in the city works and water departments should have half an hour for lunch instead of three-quarters of an horn:, as at present. The Drainage Board labourers have half an hour for lunch. The matter has been considered and the committee recommends that the hours of work for general labourers in the city works and water departments, as well as the Drainage oßard, be 7.45 a.m. to 11.45 a.ra., and 12.15 p.m. to 4.15 p.m. each day, and that these hours be observed also by scheme 5 workers who at present commence at 8 a.m. The proposal will not apply to quarries, the asphalt plant, and pumping station garage, which come under the Factories Act, nor to horse drivers and street sweepers.

Visitors to the opening of the Ideal Homes Exhibition at Littlebourno House to-morrow afternoon will be astonished at the transformation that has been wrought by the hands of painters and decorators during the last few weeks. Scores of men have been engaged, both inside the house and in the grounds, to ensure that no stone is left unturned to make the exhibition a great success. The grounds should bo seen in the afternoon, as it is only by daylight that the munificence of the gift to the city of the fine property can be realised. At this time of the year the gardens are in their most attractive condition, and in themselves they are worthy of a visit. To those who have never seen the native bush on the property it will be a revelation. But the night view' is also unique, the brilliant lighting arranged by the City Council staff and the illuminated flagpole being sights that should not be missed.

The postal authorities advise that the Makura, due at Wellington on Monday, has 140 bags of English and American mails for Dunedin, which should reach the local office on Tuesday afternoon. the Singapore-London air mail, despatched from Dunedin on September 16, reached London last Tuesday.

The school signs erected in the vicinity of the Kensington School are to be removed to locations where they will be more readily seen by motorists. This will involve the moving of one board to a point in Anderson’s Bay road, opposite Grosvenor street, and the removal of a second board to a point in Bridgman street, at tho bend of the road near Messrs Foote and Company s premises. The new positions will serve to give an earlier and better warning to motorists of the near proximity of a school.

For the position of attendant-cleaner at the tepid baths 58 applications have been received. * A sub-commitee has been set up to make a selection of six names and submit them to the City Council.

The Dunedin Horticultural Society wishes to thank all those who contributed to the success of its spring show, which concluded yesterday, and which was regarded as one of the finest in its history. The society is especially grateful to those who removed from their glasshouses large displays of blooms, which added greatly to the general beauty of the show. These included Lady Sidey, Miss F, M. Cargill, Mr C. W. Rattray, and Mr E. E. F. Young. Special thanks are also due to tho secretary and staff of the Early Settlers’ Association for their courte'sy and help in arranging the display in tho association’s hall.

Business on the local fruit and produce market during the week has been quite satisfactory. Some very fine consignments of Delicious and Sturmer apples, ex the cool store, have been received, as well as Winter Cole pears, values showing an increase for most lines. Transhipments ex the ’Frisco steamer next week consist of lemons, grapefruit, and grapes, also Rarotongan bananas and tomatoes. Ripe bananas have an excellent inquiry. Most lines of spring vegetables are sufficient for requirements. Cauliflowers, however, are not equal to the demand, and are bringing higher prices. Rhubarb and lettuce arc in larger supply, hut values remain satisfactory. Increased consignments of tomatoes, asparagus, and green peas are now arriving. Table potatoes are difficult to clear. Heavy consignments came to hand during the week, and lower values have to be accepted to clear. Seed potatoes are in excess of requirements, and onions are also in over-supply with further large shipments of Canadians received during the week. Egg prices were unchanged, while poultry values showed an advance. *

An application for the establishment of a stand for taxi cars in Moray Place, fronting First Church, has been declined by the City Council’s General Committee, which is of tho opinion that the location is not suitable, having due regard to the traffic requirements of the locality, and that, generally,- it is not desirable that the number of stands in the city area should be increased.

With the exception of scarlet fever, cases of which are slightly in excess of recent weeks, there was very little infectious disease in Otago and Southland reported for the week ended today. During the week six cases of scarlet fever were recorded in Otago and one in Southland, while Otago has not had any cases of pneumonic influenza, and Southland only one. Pulmonary tuberculosis cases in Otago are five and in Southland three. There is also one case of erysipelas in Otago.

The dredge Otakou went to the Heads this morning to try out her newly-fitted sand pump. The dredge has been equipped with the sand pumping plant to deal with the entrance to the harbour, where the wave movement from outside renders the use of tho bucket dredging plant impracticable.

South Australian oranges, it is reported, are now unprocurable from wholesalers, and for the last shipment for the season, arriving about October 20, bookings are heavy.

A proposal to change the name of the South Island Motor Union to make it clear than the body is a federation of automobile associations was rejected by the executive of the union last evening. It was decided to recommend to the member associations that the word “ incorporating the A as of the South Island ’ lie printed below the title on all documents headed S.I.M.U. The change of name was opposed on the ground that it might have an adverse effect on the union’s insurance scheme.

The community sing held in the Strand Theatre this afternoon was up to the standard that patrons have become accustomed to. Under the leadership of Mr H. P. Desmoulins, and accompanied by Mr Alf. Pettitt, a large crowd spent a thoroughly enjoyable time. Many old and new favourites were included in the programme. Miss Dorothy Sligo (soprano) contributed two songs and was accorded an ovation. Mr W. Shepherd was present to fulfil his promise to contribute Is for every £1 collected ■on the Scottish day last week, and he expressed the hope that some good Irishman would make a similar offer for tho Irish day next week. Mr J. J. Marlow, who was present, said there were quite as good Irishmen as Scots. The collection to-day amounted to £l7.

The mayor acknowledges receipt of the sum of £2 from Messrs Millers (Dunedin) Ltd. towards the fund for the relief of distress.

The Committee of Inquiry into various aspects of the of abortion in New Zealand has held sis meetings, and has heard evidence from a number of medical men as to the medical aspect of the question, and from the Dominion Federation of Women’s Institutes. the Women’s Service Guild, the Society for the Health of Women and Children, and the Obstetrical Society. The committee meets in Dunedin on October 14, at Auckland on October 22, and at Christchurch on October 29. —Wellington Press Association telegram.

The principal varieties of flowers being received on the local market are tulips, freesias, and anemones, and for these there is a satisfactory demand. The coming summer has provided the customary revival in local dressmaking establishments, and during the last two days the Vocational Guidance Association lias had inquiries for six dressmakers’ apprentices. During September 18 apprentices were supplied to these establishments.

Dunedin residents have been treated frequently during the past month to interesting and diversified fancy dress costumes, some strikingly original and others more commonplace, but seldom before has such incongruous garb been seen as that of the firemen who manned the brigade which was called out at four minutes past 12 this morning. A fancy dress dance was being held, and the men were hustled off in short skirts, bridal garments, and bare logs, to the amusement of the gathering, which thronged the windows and applauded vigorously.

Eye strain—for eye comfort, for better vision, consult Stumer and Watson Ltd., opticians, 2 Octagon, Dunedin. —fAdvt.]

The Railway Department advertises in this issue train arrangements in connection with tho Dunedin Races at Wingatui tomorrow.