THE Hauraki Plains Gazette. With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto Public Service. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, & FRIDAY. MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1927. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5168, 22 August 1927, Page 2

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette. With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto Public Service. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, & FRIDAY. MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1927. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

There are 79,000' State servants in New Zealand, drawing £18,000,000 annually in wages'.

A petition from Dr. R. M. Beattie, medical practitioner, Auckland, presented to Parliament recently, alleges that the present administration of the Mental Hospitals Department is not in the interests of the patients, is .extravagant in many ways, and is a matter of deep public concern. It is also alleged that a projected mental hospital at Drury is likely to prove unsuitable. The petitioner prays Parliament to order the setting up of a commission of inquiry into the administration of the mental hospitals.

An indication of the revival of faith in the future of the Hauraki Plains engendered by the present bright prospects for the coming season is afforded by the statement made by the chairman, of the Hauraki Plains Co-operative Dairy Co., Ltd., to the effect that a mercantile auctioneering company hqd decided to extend fifty per cent more credit than in the immediate past.

The practice of stealing petrol from motor-cars is growing in Christchurch (states the “Sun”). Several motorists complain that their tanks have been emptied, preference being shown for cars with the vacuum feed. The tank at the rear is more accessible. Tackling the tank of the grav-ity-fed engine means lifting the bonnet. Has the time arrived when some form of lock must be provided for tank-caps ?

A Government officia.l who was recently journeying through Wanganui’s hinterland had the misfortune to lose a bag containing over £l5O in notes. He was crossing a stream in a “chair”—one of those conveyances which hang in mid-air from a wire cable and which settlers in the back country use for transporting goods across unbridged streams —when the bag slipped fom his back into the turbulent waters oft he stredm below him. Every effort was made to recover the valuable cha.rge, but the river was in flood and attempts proved futile. It is understood (says the Wanganui Chronicle) that the money has not yet been recovered.

Wet and cold weather conditions obtained locally over the week-end. Heavy rain fell on Saturday morning, but the afternoon was fine with a failwesterly breeze. Light showers fell during yesterday, and the atmosphere Was raw and cold. Last night a. stiff* nor’-easterly wind prevailed, and torrential rain fell for about an hour. Conditions this morning were brighter, but there does not appear to be any immediate indications of having a spell of settled weather.

With a view to saving time at meetings of the Hauraki United Drainage Board, the board on Friday last passed ?! resolution urging ratepayers who desired to lay matters before members to do so by letter instead of coming as a deputation. It was explained that if a request was made in writing about a fortnight before the meeting the matter ■ could be investigated prior to being brought up for consideration.

The next concert to be given by the Turua Concert Party will take place in the Turua Town Hall on (Thursday next, August 25.

During the course of repairing the storm-water drainage at the Paeroa Domain it was found necessary to remove a stately 'old weeping willow tree from the corner of the croquet green. This fine old tree, which has provided restful shelter and beauty in that part of the domain, will be much missed this summer. The domain superintendent (Mr W. Hamilton) has replaced the willow with two fine Texiodium (umbrella trees), ijnd these are growing well. These trees when they reach their full height provide a splendid shade, and the broad leaves give off a delicate perfume during the hot weather.

The Hauraki Plains County Council advertises for sale in lots to suit purchasers several tons of 301 b rails at. £6 per ton.