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Marlborough Express, Volume LXXVI, Issue 250, 23 October 1942, Page 2

Mrs Colin Campbeil, the yeunger victim of Wednesday night's tragic occurrence, died this morning. The condition of her mother-in-law, Mrs A. B. Campbeil, still remains extremely serious. — Napier P.A. telegram. Yesterday was the best and busiest day yet in the ration-book deiivery department at the Blenheim Post Office. The public turned up in a eonstant stream and when 5 p.m. sounded the cease-fire those who had used the scissors and pens all day had premonitions of writer's cramp — though they still hope that to-day, despite the weather, may break yesterday's record. A total of 1861 and. 322 children's clothing coupons were signed, stamped and delivered. This is about two and ahalf times the best day yet. As next week, the last of the present issue, contains only four and a-half working days, the office will be open from 7 to 8.30 to-night to assist the public. A comprehensive report by Mr A. D. Wilson, British fire service officer, on civil defence in New Zealand, was now in the hands of the Government, stated the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, in replying in Parliament to an urgent question by Mr Lee (Democratic Labour, Grey Lynn) on behalf of Mr Barnard (Democratic Labour, Napier). The Prime Minister said the report dealt extensively with matters of policy, control, personnel, training and equipment in respect of firefighting services for war emergency. It was impossible at this stage to say when a final decision could be given on the report. The importance of civil defence of the Dominion was fully appreciated and it would have attention accordingly, having regard , to other problems relating to the war i effort. "Rates of pay of voluntary aids ; employed by hospital boards have I recently been under review," said the Minister for Health, Mr Nordmeyer, in. a written answer to a question asked by Mr Lee (Democratic Labour, Grey Lynn) , on behalf of Mr Barnard (Democratic Labour, Napier). The Minister added that boards were being recommended to pay not less than £1 10s a week for the first year of service and £1 15s for the second year of service, with an additionai £1 15s a week if the aid lived out. Boards were also being recommended to provide indoor uniforms in ali cases. Most boards already did so, An aid living out usually received a refund of all travelling expenses in excess of 3/- weekly. On any day that her hours of duty overlapped ordinary meal times free meals were provided. A verdict of accidental death through the discharge of a .22 rifie which the youth was carrying, was given in an inquest at Timaru into Ihe death of Ronald Stewart Sydney Edgeler, aged 16, of Timaru. The coroner said that the indications were that Edgeler had either tripped or fallen when getting through a fence. An uncle of the youth, William Hathaway Austin, said that early on the morning of September 25, Edgeler left home to shoot rabbits on land adjoining Austin's property. A police constable said he had interviewed Edgeler on the- day before his death in connection with an alleged offence at Ashburton. Edgeler was in good spirits and did not appear to be unduly worried. The coroner said there was not sufficient ! evidence for any other finding than 3ne of accidental death. j