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Evening Star, Issue 23382, 27 September 1939, Page 8

“ It was anticipated that, with the advent of social security, considerable benefit would come to our association, but, unfortunately, up to the present very little of this is in evidence,” states the annual report of the Presbyterian Social Service Association. “ The majority of the old people in Ross Home are in receipt of the old age pension, but any increase that is granted through the new legislation is more than balanced by the increase in the cost of living. It was hoped that at the children’s homes some help would be received, but, as the majority of our children are motherless orphans for whom there is no benefit, the association’s position has not been helped.”

A Carterton Press Association telegram states that inquiries are being made into the sudden death of Leonard Arthur Bishop, a farmer, aged 54, who died on Monday afternoon. A post mortem was held yesterday of the contents of the stomach, and a report from the Government analyst is awaited. Accusation was levelled by a member of the Albion Cricket Club at the Otago Cricket Association' last night at the annual meeting of the club. He iws nominated as a delegate to the association, but declined to stand because, he said, it was futile to try to do anything for the club, and the association was packed by members of one particular club. His remarks drew a defence of tlie O.C.A. from the Albion Club’s president (Mr F. N. Binney), who' said that the fault was a great deal due to the lack of labours by other clubs in getting and supporting good delegates. It was only natural, he concluded, that the best and most enthusiastic members were the most hoard, whether or not one club had a majority.

Pointing out that just before the accident the defendant was in his wrong position, and ij; was not shown that the plaintiff’s driver was travelling at an excessive speed. Mr J. R. Bartholomew. S.M., gave judgment for the plaintiff for the full amount claimed in the case, concluded in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon, in which William Joseph Bryant, a contractor, proceeded against Clarence William Collie for damages amounting to £9O 16s Cd. The case was the outcome of an accident on the Main South road, near Concord, on January 4, the plaintiff’s truck going over a hank. “ There has been talk in some quarters that the State will take over, our homes. God forbid that that should take place,” sakl the Rev. A. M. Elliffe, at the annual meeting of the Presbyterian Social Service Association last night. The homes had been established with a definite Christian aim, and that aim was being kept to the forefront. “We hope,” said Mr Elliffe, “ that it will remain there in the future.”

Cigarette smokers suddenly decided it was up to them to be “ up and doing ” this morning when it was learned that prices of all brands were due for an increase. Consequently several shops were invaded by purchasers, who, breaking away from their usual habits of buying in single packets, requested a dozen. That these buyers were hoarders was soon demonstrated when they were told that the price had already advanced one penny for a packet of 10, for invariably they gave a resigned sigh, and, cancelling their bulk order, purchased, as formerly, a single packet of 10. One or two protested that there might have been some w-arning given so “a bloke could have got a _ few packets in,” but generally the situation was accepted in the right spirit. He was only 14, but he was proud of that spick-and-span Cadet uniform (.says the Auckland ‘ Star ’). In these days of military activity a soldier of that age, even if he doesn’t belong to the Territorials or the special force “ for service iu the Dominion or overseas,” is proud to be seen in the uniform of his country. In any case, he had it all worked out that if the war lasted four years he would be “ over there ”—and if, as Hitler said the other day, Germany would fight on for six or seven years, he might end up as a major or a colonel. For that reason he kept his nice uniform in the best of trim. The hat was at the right angle, the buttons shone, and everything was neat. His personal pride was.rewarded the other day when he visited a dairy on a household errand. Two little girls who were wmiting at the counter looked him over with interest that gradually deepened into awe. Curiosity evidently got the better of them, and after a muttered consultation the “ spokeswoman ” approached! the lad and said: “Excuse me, hut are you a returned soldier?” Since then the buttons have become shinier and the uniform, if possible, neater.

An opossum that was well known to many who go through North Hagley Park (Christchurch) at night ' has died, suddenly and violently. This opossum often used to be seen among the trees between Harper Avenue and the river; he would squat down near a tree, quite still, looking straight at any persons approaching, allowing them to come fairly near, and then would be gone, scampering quickly to the high branches. However, he used also to go _ adventuring, and was often surprised in Fendalton road, where telegraph poles were his only escape, and at last the slippery bitumen, which gives no grip to his claws, has meant his death. His body lies now in the gutter on Fendalton road, where apparently some motor car had been too quick for him.

More than a thousand members from all parts of the Dominion will attend the Centennial camp of the New Zealand Boys’ Brigade, which will be held at Waikanae, Wellington, from January 5 to January 15 next. After consultation with the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry), the Dominion Executive was in complete agreement with his view that the camp should be held as planned. The executive felt that it would be a valuable aid in cementing national spirit. The site of, the military training camp at Jlapiikura is part of an area taken up'by the late Mr Duncan M’Lennan in 1842 and farmed by himself and his descendants ever since (states the New Zealand ‘Herald’). The pioneer first acquired a section of 220 acres, later adding to it another area of the same size. The price was 10s an acre, but even so there were friends of Mr M‘Lennan in the Auckland settlement who asked him why he had selected land so remote. Actually during the first war troubles Mr M'Lennan had to abandon the place for a time. When Mr McLennan died the farm was divided among his three sons, one of whom, Mr E. D. M'Lonnan, formerly M.P. for Franklin, and two grandsons of the pioneer, now surrender part of the original property for camp purposes. The soldiers who understand what is meant by a family having its roots on a particular soil will find special interest in the camp site, which was farmed by one family for 98 years.

In pursuance of the schemeto bring vocational guidance advico into the classroom, girls of the Dundein North Intermediate School were recently addressed by Mrs H. Sutherland on dressmaking. The lecturer, who illustrdted her remarks with samples of frocks made by girl apprentices, outlined the qualifications and opportunities in the calling. Mr John Simpson spoke to the boys on the building trade, especially emphasising the necessity of a sound education for those aspiring to rise above the ranks. Since the series was started at this school the Dunedin Vocational Guidance Association has introduced numerous speakers, who have dealt with such callings as engineering, industrial work, accountancy, and nursing (the last-named being delivered by the matron of the Dunedin Hospital), while next week’s addresses will be on warehouse work and what prospects it offers to juniors. In view of the success of the series, its extension to other schools nest year is probable^

The Tobacco Trade Council announces that the increased duties and Excise on tobacco and cigarettes make it apparent that prices to the public will be increased immediately by at least Id for 10 cigarettes and 3d for two ounces of tobacco. The council states that an amendment to the fixed retail price list is in course of .preparation for immediate issue to the retail trade.

Again to-day the train service between Outram and Mosgio! did not run. The water on the lino between Gladfield and Riverside occasioned by the week-end Hooding of the Taieri River is falling very slowly, and to-day there was at least a couple of feet still coverr ing the railway track. There seems little prospect of the service running for a day or two. , The trout fishing season will commence on October 1, and anglers will doubtless bo looking forward to the opening day. With the snow and rain that fell in August and September all the streams and dams in the Otago Society’s district are carrying plenty of water, and a good season should be assured. Anglers who had intended to do some of their fishing on the Waipori River and at Lake Mahinerangi are notified that access to the lower reaches of the W'aipori up to the powerhouse is barred, and no fishing is allowed on that stretch of water. Pishing, however, is allowed in the upper Waipori flowing into the dam, also in the upper end of the dam itself. hut not in the lower part. Access to the fish able portion can either be had by the road through Waipori leading past Traouair station or from the Lawrence end, taking the road to the upper portion of the dam. Trenchant criticism of the absence of a progressive civic spirit in Dunedin was made by Mr G. Newey at the annual meeting last night of the Otago Expansion League. “ Dunedin is slipping,” he said, “It was our forefathers whose efforts resulted in the city progressing, certainly not the present citizens, who are not doing anything to improve it. There is not one nrivate building of any size that has been erected in the past few years. One has to go north, even to such small places as Hamilton and Hawera, to see outward signs of prosperity. Life is perhaps too easy for the citizens and they are sitting back on their oars.”

At the meeting of the Naturalists’ Field Club discussion took place regarding the detrimental effect on the insect and bird life caused by the destruction of plants pn the Town Belt. Mr H. S. Tily moved that the club express its disapproval of the action of the reserves department in clearing the Town Belt, and that a sub-com-mittee be appointed to investigate the matter fullv with a view to further action." Miss H. K'. Dalrymple seconded tlio motion, and proposed that the members of the club meet n’ext Saturday at Duke street at 2 to visit the Town Belt. Mr Tily. Mrs Tily Mrs Moore, Mr Howes, Miss H. K. Dalrymple, and Miss Roberts were appointed members of. the suh-com-mittee.

In the Police Court to-day Thomas Hvland (32) and Harold Hugh Hardgrave (45) were charged with stealing a violin and toilet set, valued at £o, the property of some person or persons unknown. On the application of Ghieidetective Holmes, who said that other charges were pending, the magistrate (Mr. J. R. Bartholomew) remanded the accused until October 4. Dunedin’s first military indication that a war is in progress was seen this morning, when 12 officers and seven n c.o.s of the Territorial Army, who have volunteered for service _ in the special military force being raised for service at home or overseas, left for camp. The party was under the command of Major P. W. _G. Spiers, M 8.E., M.C., and will be followed by the main body on various days nest week.

The headquarters and Dunedin troops of the Otago Mounted Rifles will attend a church parade at the First Church <Jf Otago on Sunday morning. The unit will assemble at the intersection of Rattray and Cumberland streets at 10.30 a.m. in service dress and march to the church.

The first reaction of the public when increases in the prices of any articles are known to be a certainty is to make as extensive purchases as possible of those things most likely to be affected. It is now known that postage rates will be increased from October 1, but that is a matter in which the public may “protect” themselves only by the posting of letters before the date of increased postage. However, one business man saw more to it than that, and on being told this morning that rates were to be advanced he at once issued the instructions for the purchase of large quantities of stamps, his reason being that “we had better buy the stamps before they go up.” It, took quite a lot of explaining, too, before he was made to see it was not a question of paying 2d for a Id stamp, but of putting two Id stamps instead of one on a letter, and even then ho seemed to he under the impression that it should be possible to save money somehow or-other by buying stamps in bulk before October 1.

There is an adage which says that when a dog bites a man it is not news, but when the reverse happens it is. In that event what is the situation when the two things happen almost together? Yesterday evening a suburban gardener was making the most of the additional half-hour of daylight given him at the week-end by bedding out sweet pea plants. His operations were to some extent hindered by the playfulness of a spaniel puppy which saw in the bent figure of the man a subject quite to its liking. The gardener adopted the usual methods of attempting to “ shoo ” the dog away, but no well-developed puppy is going to be deprived of its amusement by mere “ shoos.” At last the man made a swipe at the animal and overbalanced, falling across his plants. Sweet peas object to this sort of treatment, and, putting up no sort of opposition at all, they collapsed under the man’s weight, becoming what the Customs Department term “ n.c.v.” But the puppy considered this all part of the proceedings and yapped joyously in the man's face, giving a friendly bite, thereby tempting Fate too far. For the man suddenly snapped back, and his teeth closed on the puppy’s ear. With a startled yelp the spaniel (led to the gate, stared back for a moment in supreme disgust at a man who hadn’t any fun in his make-up. and, with a well-defined sneer, waddled along the footpath looking for someone less viciousness.

The spirit of the British Commonwealth in general and of New Zealand in particular will bo shown in Wellington on Sunday evening, October 8, in the concluding performance of recreation week at the Town Hall. Fourteen bands will accompany the “ community sing ” of the famous hymn ‘ Abide With Me ’ and ‘ God Save the King.’ Another national feature will be the singing of Thomas Bracken’s _ hymn ‘ God Defend New Zealand,’ which has been adopted by . the National Centennial Council as the National Anthem of the Dominion.

Two substantial legacies were acknowledged at the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association last night. Advice was received that the late Mr G. C. Proudioot, who had always taken a keen interest in the work of the association, had bequeathed the sum of £SOO to the association, to be applied at the discretion of the Executive Committee for the purpose of alleviating distress amongst returned soldiers or their dependents. The other legacy was one of £3OB 6s Dd from the estate of Mr W. Rendall for the use of blind soldiers. The president (Mr J. M. White) expressed appreciation of the legacies, which, he said, would be of great assistance to the association in carrying on its work. The monthly meeting of the Musselburgh School Committee was held last night, Mr W. M. Caddie (chairman) presiding. Notification of two appointments to the teaching staff were re-, ceived. Miss Sheppard has already taken up her duties, and Miss Riddell is to commence at the school on November 1. The head master’s report disclosed that attendances were being well maintained and that, in addition to the successes attained by the basketball teams, the A grade football team wore premiers for the season in its grade.

A large and appreciative audience' was present at the Mayfair Theatre today, when the last of the weekly community sings arranged by the South Dunedin Business Men’s Association was held. The season proper will close on Saturday night, when a “ Leader’s Night ” will be staged in the Concert Chamber. To-day’s sin", as usual, was' under the control of Mr “ Whang ” M'Kenzio. Dr Noel North, and Mrs E. Cameron (as pianist), and at the conclusion of the entertaiment the audience sang Auld Lang Syne ’ with feeling. An interlude in the proceedings was presented when Miss Muriel Caddie rendered a bracket of numbers on the piano-accordion. The collection totalled £l2. On Saturday night the fourth distribution of takings will he made to various charitable organisations, and 10 different societies will participate in this allocation. A chimney fire hr Ipswich street shortl.v before 7.30 this morning was attended by the City Brigade,.