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Evening Star, Issue 23698, 4 October 1940, Page 4

Well-based confidence in the security afforded by the ships of tho Royal Navy is shown by one British firm, some of whoso products have just arrived in Auckland. Tho firm has prepared a stencil, which is apparently painted on everything packed for export, reading: ‘ Safely convoyed by tho British Navy.” When normal conditions return Fiji will undoubtedly become a popular winter holiday' resort for Now Zealand motorists, according to the annual report of the Automobile Association (Auckland). A patrol was sent to Fiji this year as usual, and, in addition to his general services, erected many signposts, gave school lectures, and adjusted car headlamps. • Tho Fiji membership of the association stands at 424. A discovery of hpuos of tho largest North Island species of moa, Dinqrnis gigantieus, was made by Mr F. Simpson, of Parenga. Tho bones, which were found on a sand dune, have been identified b.v Mr Frost, of Parenga. Many of them had to be left, but it is thought they will be recovered. The tibia, one of the. bones now on displayin Kaitaia, as Klin long and has a circumference at the smallest point of approximately 6iii. Tho femur is Klin long, with a circumference of Din. Although remains of the smaller species of moa have been found at Tom Bowling’s Bay, this is the first time traces of the large species have been found there. A large kingfish was hooked and landed by members of the crew of Messrs l)cut Brothers’ launch Selma, off the hapnka grounds on tho seaward side of Whale Island (says the Auckland ‘Star’). A hapuka line was baited and thrown out, a terakihi taking the bait. As the line was being pulled in an attempt was made by a barraconta to take the terakihi. The live bait was allowed to drop back in the hope of hooking tho barraconta. No sooner had the line commenced to sink again when, with a flash through tho water, a sft 6in kingfish swallowed the terakihi, hook and all. Tho large fish, weighing just on 1001 b, took about 20 minutes to bring aboard. Somewhat of a tangle was caused among the lines over the side, but those on board forgot such details in view of the record catch. The collection of several thousand lamp caps was reported by the chairman, Mr S. J. Harbutt, at a meeting of tho Auckland Electric Power Board. A letter was received from the secretary of the New Zealand Lighting Service Bureau stating that tho lamp manufacturing firm which would handle tho caps had already forwarded £25 to the Patriotic Fund, and would increase tho amount according to the quantities of caps received. It was emphasised that glass globes could not be used again, only tho metal caps being required. The cases of two shells which played an important part in the last war will servo a useful purpose in the present one, having been given b.v a Hastings resident to the collection of scrap metal for tho war effort. They are the original cases of shells fired from H.M.A.S. Sydney in her famous engagement which resulted in the sinking of "the German raider F.mclcn. After being presented to Mrs T. H. Lowry, of Hastings, the shell cases were given to Mrs A. Halstead, who parted with them when the call came for metal. Record time for tho westbound trip was made by tho Tasman Empire Airways flying boat Awarua on her flight from Auckland yesterday. Commanded by Captain Burgess, tho Awarua covered tho distance to Sydney- in / h 55min. She carried 15 passengers, 4001 b of mail, and 2001 b of freight. Unusually tall arum lilies were brought into the city this morning by Mrs Ttoy M'Kinnon, of Portobollo, who grows the plants against a brick chimncy place. From the bottom of the stalk to tho tip of the flower the tallest bloom was no less than oOin high, and there were others between 3-1 in and .loin. The plants wore all in good condition. The onlv cases ol inlccticus disease of which the district medical officer (Dr T. MTvibhin) has been notified tins week are three of pulmonary tuberculosis. two in the Otago district and one in Southland Tho Pan-American Clipper leit Auckland at S o’clock this morning for Noumea and San Francisco witii 14 passengers.—Press Association. The Railway Department advertises in this issue particulars of special trains beI tween Dunedin and Mosgiel on Sunday, October 6.