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Evening Star, Issue 23384, 29 September 1939, Page 6

“The view from Signal Hill is not to be compared with the _ view from Flagstaff,” said Mr A. Ellis when advocating the formation of a scenio road from near the water trough to the summit of Flagstaff at the annual meeting last night of the Koslyn and Kaikorai Ratepayers and Householders’ Association. Another member commented that the formation of this road would not be exorbitant _ nor present any engineering difficulties, and it would certainly provide a splendid opportunity for tourists and citizens to take in a full panoramic view of the city. ' Reconstruction work on the fernery at the Botanic Gardens, which was so badly damaged during the snow storm in duly, has been begun by the reserves Department, and as the young ferns are now' beginning to show up, the work is being 'pushed on so that they may get the advantage of the spring growth. One portion of the fernery has already been covered by canvag as a temporary measure, and the work that is being carried out should prove far less costly than might have been anticipated, as the timber used in the reconstruction has been supplied by the reserves department itself. The roof will consist of one complete span from the centre to the edge instead of three as formerly, and much of the glass in the former building is being utilised in the reconstruction work.

The work of walling and pitting and levelling and clearing the area of about four acres in_ Duke street at what will be the main entrance to tho city by the Leith Valley is being carried out by about 60 men. Before tho work of clearing out the muhlenhectkia was begun, native trees showed little signs of life, and the only ones to survive were fuchsias and a few broadleaf, but since the clearing out process was completed the fuchsias hav© been given a new-lens© of life, and groups are now being planted of rata, native beech,, kownai, pobutukawa, while kaka beak is being planted behind tho second wall and a flower border between the two walls. Already, it is not difficult to visualise what an arresting entrance to the city this area will provide with the passage of time.' While it might have been expected that the heavy snow storms that were experienced in Dunedin in July would have bad their effect on trees and shrubs in the various city reserves, tho superintendent of reserves (Mr D. Tannock) stated yesterday that there bad been no detrimental effect and shrubs and deciduous trees stood up to tho snow in the most hardy fashion. Plant-ing-oat of various trees and shrubs on tho city reserves is at present engaging the of the reserves department, and it is hoped to_ complete this work next week Planting is being carried out also in the forests at Flagstaff and Waipori, and bedding plants are being put down in various parts of tho city. Under the will of Mr Alexander Michie Gilmore, sheep farmer, Kilmog, which has been sworn for probate at under £40,000, the following bequests have been made:—Merton Presbyterian Church £2OO, Waitati Presbyterian Church £IOO, Salvation Army £IOO, the Institute for the Blind £IOO, the Cancer Research Fund £IOO, and the Presbyterian Social Service Association £2OO.

In the course of a statement last night the Minister of Supply (Hon. D. G. Sullivan) stated that the oil fuel controller had announced that during October the holders of petrol coupons will be entitled to obtain supplies for coupons numbered four to eight inclusive. This means that those having two-gallon coupons might obtain 10 gallons for the month and motor cyclists live gallons. The question of increasing the allowance for private cars during October was at present under consideration in relation to the national security requirements* 4

Cape Kidnappers is known throughout the Dominion as the homo of the gannets, but the fact that the caves under the cliffs on the mainland are also a popular breeding-ground f for penguins is not so widely know. _ The honorary ranger, Mr D. G. Williams, lias reported that he hadl recently discovered a penguin sitting on eggs in one of the largest caves, and that was by no means an isolated case. This bird is being closely watched, and, if it is possible to do so without disturbing it, he hopes to take several photographs, which should prove of interest to naturalists.

The value attached to humour by Toe II was emphasised by Mr James Stewart, who spoke of the movement at the Rotarv Club at Auckland. In the original I’oc H (Talbot House), a haven for soldiers in the Ypres salient, attention was drawn to the visitors’ book by the following lines: —“ Please leave your name and address. Otherwise how shall wo return your umbrella or get our teaspoons back? ” Another notice, at the entrance to the padre s room, was frowned on officially at first, but though it was taken down in deference to officialdom several times, it always reappeared. Expressing the spirit of Too H, it read: “ All • rank abandon, ye who enter here.” Haile Selassie, es-Emperor of Abyssinia, has spent a fortnight camping in Wales, during August, with 60 students of the Bible College of Wales, Swansea. His nephews, Prince Kassa and Prince Abey Abeba, are students at the college, and on visiting them the Negus was so impressed with the work of the college that he asked if ho could join the camp.. He slept on a camp bed in a small square canvas tent, and, except for a few small details, ho followed the same daily routine as the boys. An appeal made in Christchurch for a battery wireless set for the use of those aboard the examination vessel in Lyttelton Harbour met with a ready response. A Lyttelton matt supplied and installed a set in the vessel the next day.

Since the war started New Zealanders have been, asked not to hoard food, and measures have been taken to conserve supplies of certain commodities. In the cabled news from Britain, too, similar requests to the people of the Home Country have been noted. However, before the war broke, Britons were urged to lay in stocks of imperishable food. One leaflet sent out by a condensed milk firm contained six lists of provisions which it suggested householders might lay in. A typical list is: A small tin of salmon, a tin, of soup, a quarter-pound of tea, a tin of evaporated milk, a tin of baked beans, a tin of spaghetti, and a tin of corned beef.

“ One of the causes of the rise of Hitler and the Nazis was the abuse of a peace-time monetary system,” Mr R. C. Burgess told the Junior Chamber of Commerce last night. “ Had it not been for the collapse of that system in 1930-33 and the resulting privations throughout Germany, it is very doubtful if Hitlerism would have arisen.”

Authority to establish a separate court for the hearing of workers’ compensation cases is given to the Government by a clause added to the Statutes Amendment Bill in the House. The clause states that the Government may by Order in Council make regulations establishing a court of record to exercise the jurisdiction conferred on the Court of Arbitration by the Workers’ Compensation Act. The regulations may also provide for the appointment of a member or members of the court, and for the fixing of their remuneration and terms or appointment.—Press Association.

Power to postpone local body elections by Order'in Council for a period not exceeding a year is given in the Statutes Amendment Bill. This provision will remain in force until the end of 1940, and is intended as a war emergency measure.—Press Association. The Waikato. Agricultural and Pastoral Association yesterday decided to inform the Government that it is willing to form a committee of experienced farmers to supervise the farms of men wishing to leave their properties to go pn active service. Although the common New Zealand cabbage tree, known botanically as Cordy Tine Australis, is listed) as a native tree suitable for tree planting, the Recent recommendation of the Morrinsville Beautifying Society that cabbage trees be planted in the borough’s mam street at the western entrance to the town has caused a controversy in municipal circles. A majority of members or the Morrinsville Borough Council considered that some more suitable tree might have been chosen. The Main Highways Board’s engineer _ has' written casting doubts on the suitability of cabbage trees for planting in the street which is a main highway through the borough. As a consequence, the Morrinsville Beautifying Society has decided to rescind its motion relating to cabbage trees, but members of the executive are undecided as to what would be a more suitable tree. Some members favour plane trees, others tall Cyprus, and others recommend berrybearing trees The case was concluded in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon in which the owner of three shops in Princes street, Kate Thompson (Amberley) proceeded against George Joseph Errington and Charles H. Tucker and Company claiming damages amounting to £66 16s Bd. The proceedings were the outcome of' a motor car accident in October, 1937, a car owned by Errington mounting the footpath and causing damage to the shops. Tucker and Company’s lorry was turning at the intersection, and it was contended that both vehicles were driven in a reckless and negligent manner, and that the damage was caused by the negligence of one or both of the defendants. The Magistrate (Mr J, R. Bartholomew, S.M.) reserved his decision.

The headquartqrs and Dunedin troops of the Otago Mounted Rifles will hold a church parade on Sunday at First Church, this being the day set aside for prayer throughout the British Empire. The Drum. Trumpet, and Bugle Band will head the parade. At an improvised table in a big grain shed near Christchurch yesterday sat some military officers and others, most of them in mufti (says the ‘Press’). On the table were stacked heaps of bank notes and silver, together with cardindex drawers; and lined up near the table was a long queue of soldiers waiting their turn to receive their pay. Old soldiers these, all former servicemen. Most of them thought they had done with paybooks for ever when they were discharged from the army 21 years ago: but the call for service found a ready response, and once more they are in khaki. As each man stops up to the table he presents his paybook, in which a pay clerk makes an entry. Another clerk pushes his money .across the table to him. Money and book are quickly pocketed, the soldier takes a step to the rear, salutes smartly, turns, ami marches away. His place is taken by the next in line, and so the familiar ritual .proceeds until every man has been paid, the last being the company sergeant-major, who has peon in charge of the pay parade.

Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., presided at a brief sitting of the Port Chalmers Court to-day. James Tclfer, for a breach of his prohibition order, was fined 10s and costs (10s).

The opening of the fishing season was the cause of considerable discussion at the petrol resellers’ annual meeting last night, the reason being that fishermen thought they might not havo a sufficient supply of petrol to take them to their favourite creeks and rivers throughout Otago, The announcement made in the House last night by the Minister of Supply, however, that coupons numbered 4 to 8 would be available for October has relieved the minds of both anglers and resellers, and, in view of the fact that service stations will not be open on Sunday, it has been arranged to keep them open till 6 p.m. on Saturday.

In order to facilitate the smooth running of the large volume of traffic expected to-morrow on the occasion of the Otago-Southland Rugby game at Carisbrook, the City Corporation has made arrangements for its control in the vicinity of the ground. An advertisement notifies that between noon and 5 p.m. certain streets will be closed to vehicular traffic and gives particulars of the streets in which taxis, public vehicles, and private cars ' may be parked.

Whitebait is in fairly good supply in the local shops, the chief source of supply being the Invercargill district, with smaller consignments coming to hand from the Clutha district. Whitebait is priced at Is a glass. New season’s groper is . making its appearance, but it is still fairly highly paced. Blue cod of nice quality is reasonable in price, and crayfish is in good supply. Being reasonably priced and of very good quality, lb is in ready demand. Tho oyster season closes to-morrow night.

For the week ended to-day one case of pulmonary tuberculosis from Otago was notified to the District Health Office. There was one case of erysipelas from Otago and one from Southland, and one case of scarlet fever from Otago.

The will of John M'Lean, of Dunedin, retired farmer, has been sworn for probate at under £22,000. The following resolution was passed by the Wairarapa College Board of Governors, a copy of same to be sent to the Minister of Education: —“ That this board protests against the action of the military authorities in accepting members of the teaching profession, particularly married men with families, for military duties of an administrative nature within New Zealand to the sacrifice of the educational requirements of the children. We therefore recommend you to urge the military authorities to avoid as far as possible the disruption of the educational system in this respect.”—Press Association.

Additional donations to the Sir Truby King memorial fund are: —Mr and Mrs B. R. Nees £1 Is, Anonymous 3s, J.V.T. 2s 6d.

Lovers of spring flowers will be well repaid by a visit to the Botanic Gardens. In the upper gardens, acres of daffodils are already a vivid mass of bloom, and next week they should be at their best. In the lower gardens features are the polyanthus primroses and violas while there is a fine show in the greenhouse of primulas of various kinds and also of froesias.

At the monthly meeting of the Harbour Board last night the following resolution was passed:—“That the members of this hoard fully recognise the responsibility cast upon each unit of the British Empire in this time of war, and heartily approve the assurances given the Mother Country by the New Zealand Government. Further, that, as a body, the Otago Harbour Board will, should the exigencies - of the war demand, shoulder its responsibilities to the limit of its abilities.

The City Fire Brigade was called out at 2.29 a.m. to-day to a fire in an Austin delivery van in King street. No damage was done. At 7.25 a.m. the brigade was called to a chimney fire in tho Main road at Green Island. His Honour Mr Justice Northcroft has granted probate in the estates of William Nelson, retired farmer, Clinton; John Henry Hay, company secretary, Kaitangata; Sidney Charles Faohe, mining engineer Archibald M'Coll, retired farmer, Brighton; Isabella Allison Ness, widow; Alexander Michio Gilmore, sheep farmer, Kilmog; John M'Lean, retired farmer; and William Cook, retired.

The Postmaster-General, the Hon. F. Jones, announced to-day that there would be a little delay m placing on sale the new health stamps. It was originally intended that the stamps should be placed on sale on Monday next, but a postponement was rendered necessary by the change in the postage rates. The new date of sale will be announced as early as possible,—Press Association.

It seems high time that the name of the Museum Reserve ground was changed to Litter Reserve or something akin to that. It does not matter when one passes this reserve, the general aspect is nearly always the same, a hideous area of sheets of newspaper and other paper used as a wrapping for lunches. This ground is fairly popular with north end workers and with nearby school children who take their lunches with them, and as there are no rubbish receptacles of any nature the diners appear to consider that the responsibility of disposing of papers is therefore out of their hands, and content themselves with throwing the pieces anywhere at all. The varying winds then carry the pieces in all directions, against the fences surrounding, the walls of the Museum, and eveu into the branches of the many trees. This morning the ground was perhaps a shade loss untidy than usual, but it still looked as if a large-scale picnic party had recently evacuated. Certainly when it was seen to-day the lunch hour had not arrived, so possibly this afternoon it once again was more like a rubbish tip than a decent reserve. Apart from paper, pieces of bread are also freely scattered about, and one is led to the conclusion that there is at least one popular fish and chip shop somewhere in the vicinity, for the person who walks upon the grass without liftin with his shoes stale chips or part slices of fish is indeed fortunate. Possibly the erection of a receptacle for rubbish would improve the position, and this is a matter the reserves department could look into. Dunedin’s Public Hospital benefited by over £4O to-day, that being the amount collected at the midday sing in the Strand Theatre in response to an appeal for an earphone fund. Nurses from the Hospital were present, and Nurse Waldie sang * Land of Hope and Glory ’ and ‘ My Curly Headed Baby,’ while Nurse E. Strachan rendered ‘ Charming Cliloe ’ and ‘ Shepherd Song.’ Mr J. Dove, chairman of the Hospital Board, thanked the audience for their donations, which included an anonymous gift of £o. The leaders— Messrs H. P. Desmoulins. J. F. Himburg. and A. Pettitt (pianist)—introduced 1 Beer Barrel Polka,’ while old and new favourites w<»re enjoyed. Further donations for the fund will be accepted by the sing secretary, Mr HimJnirg, <