NEWS AND NOTES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2818, 2 December 1924, Page 1

NEWS AND NOTES.

Ten years ago busy committees in Chrischurcli commenced their activities for making comforts for .soldiers. Yet never a one of them imagined that the blankets on which they attached their neatly-printed labels would journey for more than nine years before the ease in which t hey were securely packed would disgorge its contents. In the middle of September, 1924, one of these eases, bearing signs of endless journeyings and much dirt, was opened for the first time, and its contents were used —not for soldiers — but for small Serbian children at tin Sanatorium, Koviljatcha Banja. “America is spending between 50 and 60 million dollars on her naval base at San Diego in the Pacific. In addition, the American Naval Department, is vastly improving the harbour of San Pedro, the Navy’s oil base, and the harbour for Los Angeles,” states the Hon. R. D. Meagher, ex-Lord Mayor of Sydney, who has just returned. “As an Australian 1 feel that every dollai the United States Government i> spending there is something by way of an insurance to Australia and New Zealand as well as to the people of the United States.”

A novel attraction was provided by a garage in New Plymouth on Friday evening by awarding free double tickets of admission to tin; pictures to the owners of the first ten cars entering the garage after 7 p.m. In addition the first to enter and the tenth were to receive a new tube and tyre respectively. As to the make of the car eligible for the competition is one of the most popular, it may easily be imagined that a lively scene ensued. After waiting for some time with his car parked close to the crossing, an early comer had no difficulty in securing the first prize, but, the tyre was more difficult to annex, and tine driving judgment was displayed by the driver who eventually secured it. —Tarana k i Herald.

The confession was made by Lord Jcllicoe at the civic farewell in the Town Hall, Wellington, that he is not very partial to cigars, as they made him sick. His reference to the ill-effects which Havanas had upon liis henlth was couched in humorous language, and followed the presentation to him by the Mayor on behalf of the citizens of a handsome cigar cabinet, “charged for action.” Mr Wright had expressed the hope that Lord Jellicoe would enjoy the cigars if he was a strong enough sailor not to become seasick. (Laughter). “Fortunately I can say that I never try to smoke cigars, because whether at home, on land or at sea, they make me sick,” replied Lord Jellicoe, amidst laughter, “so the captain of the Tahiti will not be able to report on his return to you that it was cigars—or His Worship’s cigiyis (laughter)—which culminated in such a disaster in Number Something cabin.” (Loud laughter).

During the past 12* months the State Forestry Department has planted a total area of 10,500 acres while it was estimqffcd that private and local body planting amounted to an equal area. “These are very high figures indeed,” remarked Captain Ellis. Director of Forestry, “and the year’s work, departmental and private and local body planting together, constitutes, I believe, a record for the British Empire.” The Australasian reports that .Mi F. W. Furkert, Under-Secretary of the New Zealand Public Works Department, was selected by the West Australian Government its engineer in chief of the West Australian railways. There were 200 applicants for tin position, the salary of which is £2500 per annum with a vearlv increase of £IOO for live’years. The same paper states that Mr Massey induced Mr Furkert to withdraw his application, the New Zealand Government undertaking to improve It is position.