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Evening Star, Issue 23371, 14 September 1939, Page 10

An automatic false alarm called the City Fire Brigade to Irvine and Stevenson’s premises, Filleul street, late yesterday afternoon. There was a dean sheet at the Police Court to-day.

On several occasion during tho session indignant members have called tho attention of the Government to extreme and subversive statements issued in the propaganda of certain organisations, suggesting that official action bo taken. When a case of this kind was brought to tho notice of tho Minister of Defence in the House, the Acting Prime Minister asked if members. Instead of making statements in public in Parliament, would privately submit them to tho authorities, because. as he pointed out, the object of the offenders was achieved through the nation-wide publicity obtained when a question was asked in Parliament. “ But their object would bo defeated, he added. “ by giving them as little publicity as possible—that is, apart from the fact that it may be necessary to take action.” The question asked was one bv Mr Poison whether the' Minister’s attention had been drawn to the Communist Party manifesto criticising tho British and land Governments, and also it the Oovernment proposed to take any action in tho matter.— Parliamentary reporter.

Tho Local Bills Committee of the House of Representatives has disentangled the complication caused by the introduction of three Bills relating to Lower Clutha River improvement. It has incorporated m one Bill all the operative provisions excepting some which are already provided for in existing legislation. The River Trust is authorised to levy and collect three consolidated special rates to service loans raised respectively in Inch Clutha, Otanomomo, and Matau River Board areas, the land classification hitherto in force being the basis of making the collection. The committee has included within the jurisdiction of the board tho portion of the Clutha River bed within its district and also the islands therein. —Parliamentary reporter. Pat sheep opened with a drop of 3s a head on wethers and 2s a head oil ewes, and maintained these rates until the finish at the Burnside stock sales yesterday. Extra prime heavy wethers made to 42s 9d; prime, 33s to 37s 9d; medium, 28s to 30s 3d; light, from 255; extra prime heavy ewes, to 37s 9d; prime heavy, 29s to 31s 3d j medium, 24s 6d to 27s 9d ; and light, from 15s. Fat cattle values were from £1 10s to £2 a head cheaper, according to quality. Extra prime heavy bullocks made to £23 2s Gd ; prime, £l6 2s 6d to £lB 17s 6d: medium, £l2 17s 6d to £ls 2s Cd ; light and unfinished, from £lO 2s Gd- extra prime cows and heifers, to £l6 17s 6d ; prime, £l2 2s 6d to £l4 12s 6d; medium, £8 2s 6d to £9, Its 6d; and light, from £6 17s 6d. Ajax defied the lightning and became immortal, but what is that to the feat of a man who can claim to have complete and absolute control of electricity at any rate, in New Zealand? This man is-Mr F, T. M. Kissel, formerly chief electrical engineer, now known as the electricity controller, and under tho new regulations he has the first and last word regarding the generation, transmission, distribution, sale, and use of electric energy throughout the Dominion, either by publicly owned or privately owned plants. Further, Mr Kissel has absolute authority to remove or appoint persons or committees, boards, managers, engineers, and certain .others connected with the industry ,and to substitute any other method of control he may think fit. This, of course, is a war measure, brought into force for the protection of a very essential element; but it means that Mr Kissel has, literally, the power to throw light upon many important things or to keep ns in His name should be included in ‘ What’s Watt?’

A highly attractive dispjay of handcraft by members of the 15 branches of the Otago Home Economics Association was opened this afternoon in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall. There were seven separate displays .of work, comprising art and craft work of every description, with special displays of wholemeal cookery and homemade toys. A particularly interesting exhibit is that in which are shown a large number of toys, cushions, serviette rings, even silhouettes, all made from old felt hats by Mrs F. A. Leary. The exhibition will bo open again this evening, when there will be entertainment features in tho form of a children’s manikin parade and selections by the Opoho Ladies’ Choir. The proceeds of this year's display are to be devoted to providing soldiers’ comforts as approved by the mayoress (Mrs A. H. Allen). Emergency training for all those who have joined the Voluntary Aid Division is the basis of a scheme propounded by the Director-General of Health (Dr M. 11. Watt), who has circulated hospital hoards in the Dominion to this effect. A local committee is to be formed in Dunedin, and how best to put the plan outlined into operation will be discussed with tho hospital authorities, for it is in the public hospital that emergency instructions and training will be given. Those constituting tho committee, it is suggested, will consist of tha chairman of the hospital hoard, the superintendent of the hospital, the matron, and representatives of St. John and tho Red Cross. How best to provide for CO hours’ practical instruction each year will be the chief matter for discussion.

To-day is celebrated by Jews thro'ughout the world as New Year’s Day, Anno Mundi, 5700, and services held in the synagogues mark the beginning of devotional and religious services extending over a lengthy period. The Jewish calendar numbers the years from the creation of the world, according to Biblical chronology, and the Jewish day commences not at midnight, but at sundown, so that the New Year’s Day being celebrated to-day commenced not at midnight, but at sundown yesterday. The date is fixed by the thin crescent of the new moon, hence it varies, but it is usually in September. Consumers of petrol, especially private car owners, are somewhat reassured with the announcement that supplies will be made available to them. However, while the loosening of the restrictions on supply is welcome, the motor car trade generally is not over jubilant. Tho rapid enforcement of petrol conservation regulation at the immediate commencement of war was an act which has deterred would-be purchasers of motor cars from buying, and the trade reports a very dull week. In fact, in a number of instances, there have been staff retrenchments, these effecting salesman in both the new and used car fields. However, repair garages are keeping going, and it is hoped that the granting of additional supplies of petrol will also assist to maintain staffs at normal.

An Association telegram from Palmerston North states that a goods train from Woodville to Wairarapa ran into a slip between Mangatainoka and Pabiatna before 7 this morning. No serious damage is reported. The WoodvilleWellington railcar was held back, and arrangements were made to tranship mail train passengers. It was expected that the lino would be clear by 5 o’clock. A special general meeting of the Dunedin Working Men’s Social Club is advertised for Monday, September 25.