LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 17 July 1929, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The introduction of the Pensions Department's annual report in the House of Representatives yesterday before the Address-in-Reply debate was resumed provoked a remark from Mr A. M. Samuel (Thames) suggesting that the Government was seeking to fill in time (telegraphs "The Mail's" Parliamentary reporter). "Apparently," he said, "the Government are not ready with their legislative programme." The Prime Minister (the .Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward): "Oh, yes, we are." "What an extraordinary thing!" This was the comment of Councillor C. D. Morpeth at the hist meeting of the Wellington City Comicil when it was explained by the Mayor (Mr G. A. Troup) that there were difficulties in the way of the officers of the traffic department getting to learn who was the owner of a particular car through the registered number on the plate. The Mayor - stated that the registration of cars was attended to by the Post and Telegraph Department, and that Department had disposed of the rights in the list to a trading concern, and the council had to obtain a list "from that body when it was ready. Then came the comment from Mr "C. D. Morpeth, who thought it an extraordinary thing for the Department to withhold a list of car registrations from the body (the City Council) which had to administer the bylaws. The matter came up in connection with" the proposal that every carowner's name should bo shown on a card attached to the .steering column. That would at least enable them to ascertain the owner right away, and get him to remove the car if same be parked illegally.

The Hon. H. Atmore has received the following letter from the Town Clerk of Otaki: "As Hon. Secretary and Treasurer of the Otaki Fund for Earthquake Relief I have been requested, on behalf of the residents of this district, to express their sympathy with all those who have been 'bereaved and suffered loss through the earthquake. Would you please convey same to the sufferers in vour district."

According to the insurance companies' representatives who have been inspecting chimneys in Nelson to ascertain the amount of damage caused by the earthquake, a number of chimneys in the business areas were found to be defective.

In order to afford persons in the earthquake area an opportunity to take a holiday, the Railway Department have decided to issue holiday excursion tickets from the earthquake areas to any station on the North or South Island main line and branches from 17th to 27th July, available to 24th August. An advertisement drawing attention to the issue of tickets from the Nelson section appears in to-day's issue.

Some.doubt appears to exist regarding the origin of the proposals put before tho lion. Mr Atmoro on Monday making suggestions for methods to bo adopted in the work of restoration necessitated by earthquake conditions. The. proposals, which were the subject of editorial comment last night, embodied resolutions passed unanimously by the Farmers' Union in conference with representative Murchison district residents. The Minister was aware that they were definite resolutions, and in his reply referred to them as such.

Newman Bros., Ltd., are now running to Heefton and Westport and vice versa via tho Maruia. Last evening passengers and mails from Westport arrived in Nelson in time to connect with the Matangi for Wellington—a good performance considering existing conditions. It is hoped that within a few weeks the slip at the Six Mile south of Murchison will soon be cleared, and passengers will then not have, to change ears. 11l the old days round about Auckland, especially in tho pensioner villages like Otahuhu, a pot of fragrant musk was ono of the commonest sights and scents in the cottages (says tho "Star"). Generally a pot of it, trained up a tiny ladder made of thin sticks, would be placed in a sunny window, between the glass and the muslin curtain. To-day there isn't such a thing in the world, and there is a standing offer of £IOOO for the man who finds a plant. So it was stated at the conference of the Horticulture Institute. A man wrote from Whakatano saying that a noted London horticulturist had written out asking for information, as lie understood the musk grew wild in New Zealand. Mr G. A. Green, the organiser of the institute, said he never saw a plant of musk by the roadside without getting down to smell it, just to see if there was any of the scented variety. Mr llorton, the noted nurseryman, said it was no use looking for it, as thero was not a plant left in tho world. Oddly enough, although it was so common years ago, there wasn't a scented plant to be found to-day. There was wild musk in any quantity in New Zealand, but it had no scent. He mentioned that the "Daily Mail" had a standing offer of £IOOO for anyone who could find a plant that 'gave off the fragrant scent of the old-fashioned kind.

A scheme of musical instruction that is something new for Dunedin was instituted this week, when the initial stages of the group method of teaching children will be commenced. This system is in vogue abroad, and is enjoy-' ing much success. It is to be directed uy Mr J. Crossley Clitheroe, principal oi music at the Training College. The fundamental principle of the scheme lies in the teaching of rhythm and the relationship of notation to sound. The children will be engaged in exercises of the eurythmic typo intended to make them understand the keeping of time. The notes will be learned as time goes on in a course that will be a potent factor in the building up of the musical character of the child. The method to be used has been developed along scientific lines. The exercises will include class marching to various times with diversified eurythmic arm exercises so that the child may embark upon the lessons with a knowledge of the elements of music before actually learning the notation. Those who show no aptitude at all will be advised to give up the attempt to learn. According to a Dunedin paper, the course is designed to bring out and develop the latent gifts of children who possess a natural aptitude for playing. It is in no way in opposition to private music teachers, and a system wAI be evolved whereby those children who undertake such a step will be drafted out to private teachers to finish off the tuition.

Under the heading "What Next?" the Auckland "Star" comments: "The Minister of Education has been requested to.introduce Esperanto into our schools, and he has promised to give a fortnight's consideration to the matter. In our opinion, he need not have wasted a single minute over it. There is no conceivable excuse for regarding Esperanto as an educational study. It has no more literary value than shorthand and no more cultural value than typewriting. How anybody could seriously come to contemplate the introduction of this preposterous jargon into an already over-crowded syllabus passes our comprehension, and wo can only assume that nothing but Mr Atmore's sense of courtesy prevented him from giving the proposal the short shrift that it-deserves."

The "Empire Mail" describes a remarkably effective window display in the High Commissioner's office in. the Strand, London, which drew the attention of thousands of people to New Zealand products. On the left was a large "Imperial Bee, Esq.," figure which smiled at the public as it turned its head to the front and lifted up different cards acclaiming the virtues of New Zealand honey. This figure stood upon the counter of a shop owned by "John Bull, New Zealand's largest customer." In the centre, an unfolding panorama of New Zealand dairy scenes was continuous, and in front of it a mechanical cow turned lazily to the people, opened its mouth and "moo-ed" and whisked its tail. On the right ships sailed round the world from New Zealand to Britain, and above their track was a band of words stating that 8,000,000 carcases of New Zealand; mutton and lamb came annually in this, way ti> England. In front were wax replicas of New Zealand lamb carcases. Appropriate wording on neat cards was displayed in different places in the window, the idea being that the mechanical movement should attract, and that people would then road the facts set out regarding N'ew Zealand produce.

Messrs J., and C. Mangos, of Lvell, who returned last week to the loca'lity, found that the hotel of Mr C. Mangos had been visited by thieves since the earthquake, and that liquor, clothing and blankets had been stolen (says a West Coast paper). The loss which was sustained through the earthquake should have rendered the property free from the attention even of those who are ready to thieve, but the despicable visitors who committed the thefts even went so far as to throw tilings about as well as appropriate what they could.

It is often complained that New Zealand made goods are less popular with New Zoalanders than the imported, though they may be better quality—and cheaper, too. Perhaps this prejudice does exist to some extent. If so, it certainly does not extend to toasted tobacco grown and manufactured by the National Tobacco Co., Ltd. (pioneers of the tobacco industry in N.Z.) and as showing the widespread use of this tobacco there is the experience of a Public Hospital patient at Oisborne. Not until confined to the surgical ward did he realise the extent to which the use of the above Company's goods' had grown. From 20 to 30 patients were in (he ward at the time, and most of them rolled their own cigarettes. Only two brands were in evidence. Iliver'head Gold was one, and it was smoked by all with one exception. When our patient was leaving he noticed that the one exception had a newly-purchased tin of Tliverhead Cold by. his bed-side. Other popular brands are "Cavendish" and "Navy Cut" (medium) and "Cut Plug No. 10" (full-strength). All are Toasted.* Spanish Shawls, very smart and useful for evening wear. A line assortment here at Sale prices. Usually 45s to 755. Now 35s to 55s.—McKay's Sale.* Evening Frocks! Smart new garments at Sale prices, including a parcel just arrived by last English mail. Worth 55s to 655. Now 35s.—McKay's Sale.*

As a result of representations made to the Minister, on behalf of opossum trappers on tho West, Coast, it is probable that the season will be extended to enable them to make up for loss of time due to unfavourable conditions. "Well, look happy about it," advised Councillor Gibbs to the ..Mayor at the end of the executive of the .Relief Committee meeting this morning.—But something heavy still remained on the .Mayor's mind. Between the bad weather and tho epidemics of influenza, chicken-pox, measles, and mumps which are prevalent at present, the attendances at the Blenheim schools have suffered seriously, says tho "Express." The normal attendance at Blenheim, with its complementary Redwoodtown school, is about 600, but yesterday there were fewer than 100 pupils present. The attendance during the last week has been very low, owing to the epidemics, only about 50 per cent, of the children putting in an appearance, but to-day's figures constitute a new low-water mark. .Marlborough College, too, was very sparsely populated yesterday, only 140 out of 500 youngsters answering to the roll-call. Last week the attendance at the College was fairly normal, but on Friday the roll at the junior school began to show signs of the situation, and it has grown steadily worse since. The College and Junior High School were closed for the day at mid-day yesterday.

Judgment was given in the Arbitration Court at Wellington yesterday in the case Inspector of Awards against the Tasman Hay Shipping Co., Nelson, a claim for a penalty for breach of the Marine Cooks and Stewards Award in employing a cook-steward and failing to pay him the award rate of wages. His Honour said the Court had decided that a breach of the award had been committed. The evidence showed thai William M. James was signed on as cook-steward. That was proved by the first entry in the official log of the vessel -—the scow Kohi. The amount of additional pay involved was approximately £SO. If tiie company was prepared to pay the additional wages due, the Court would be inclined, under the circumstances, to settle the matter without imposing a penalty. It. was agreed that tho case should be mentioned again to the Court next day, when formal judgment would be entered.

In conversation with Mr F. C'arrington recentlv a "Taranaki Daily News" representative learned that the first piece of land leased in New Zealand was situated in New Plymouth. This block was situated between King and Dawson streets, and was named Devonport. The locality still bears that name on old maps and title deeds. The sections offered for lease were small, just large enough for a small house and tiny back yard. Early settlers took up the holdings, and it was not long before numerous little homes sprang up. These were for the most part built with pun'ga trees and other bush timber that in those days grew in profusion in the locality. For roofs a thatch was made from the swamp raupo that could easily be procured close by. A feature of these roofs was that when properly put on they withstood the roughest and wettest* weather, and lasted for many years.

iMore rapid service will be offered the community by the Railway Department as a result of tho latest change in departmental methods. The creation of a new type of index for through bookings which has been circulated for the first time this week is hailed by departmental officers as disposing of many old disadvantages. It will now be possible for railway officers to offer prompt service in dispatch of passengers or goods between any two places in the Dominion. Motor, steamer and launch fares are all incorporated along with the railway fares, and railwaymen can even arrange for the booking of steamers and launch passages. A special section of the book is devoted to an elaborate code which covers all conceivable methods of travelling. Another advantage of the new list is that it overcomes an old difficulty of the Department—the frequent changes in steamer and carriers' freight rates which up till now haVe made it difficult to keep through booking lists up to date. The new list is printed with special thumb-screw attachments, and is on a loose-leaf system, so that when changes occur a special page can be printed and the whole book brought into line with altered rates of freight in an easy and rapid manner.

Mr D. G. Sullivan (Avon) asked the Prime Minister in the House of Representatives yesterday (telegraphs "The Mail's" Parliamentary reporter) whether lie had yet been able to come to a decision in the matter of the request put to him by the Mayors of the four centres, and others as to whether he could see his way to pay. a £ for £ i subsidy on all local expenditure in con'nection with unemployment relief. In replying, the Prime Minister (the Right Hon'. Sir Joseph Ward) said he had fully considered the matter, and had reluctantly come to the conclusion that he must adhere to the former decision. The subsidy offered by the Government was £25,000 each to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, and the request was that it should be paid on a £ for £ basis. Mr Sullivan: "On wages only.' 1 Sir Joseph said that the demands made* on the resources of the country were very heavy at present, and he was not warranted in reaching out in the direction asked. "It takes me all my time, as Finance Minister, to comply with the demands that are coming in and that have already been made."

In reference to the cables and wireless merger and the setting up of an Imperial Communications Advisory Committee, which will consist of oiie person to be appointed by each of the partner Governments in the Pacific cable, and one person to be appointed to represent the colonies and protectorates concerned, the Prime Minister has announced the appointment of Mr M. B. Esson, Second Assistant Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department, as New Zealand's representative on the Advisory Committee. Mr Esson entered the service of the Post and Telegnph Department at Picton in 1889. After performing telegraph duties at Napier, Blenheim, and Wellington, he was, in 1895, transferred to the cable station at Wakapuaka, and remained there for tm years, 'gaining valuable experience in cable matters. Later, Mr Esson was promoted to the position of senior telegraphist Thames. As an executive telegraph officer, he served at Auckland, Christchurch, and Timaru; and, in 1919, held the position of Senior Supervisor of the Telegraph Branch, Christchurch. In 1920, he was selected for the position of Staff Inspector, Head Office; and, in the following year was promoted to the position of Senior Inspector. Furthei promotion to the rank of Chief Inspector followed in 1925; and, in 1926,'Mr Esson was appointed to The Administrative Division in the capacity of Second Assistant Secretary. During Mr McNamara's absence abroad, Mr Esson is acting as First Assistant Secretary. As an administrative officer, he has been actively connected with telegraph and wireless matters, and is thoroughly familiar with all the circumstances leading up to the merger of cable and wireless interests. Mr Esson will retire from the Post and Telegraph Department on completing forty years' service, and will probably leave for England in November next.

Dancers are reminded of the Old-time Dance to be held in the Velma to-night. At McKay's Sale! Fresh bargains daily in all departments.*

Passengers carried on the Christchurch tramways for the year ended 31st March, 1929, totalled 24,088,063, a decrease of 007,582 (.4 per cent.) on the previous year. Car mileage was decreased by .5.2 per cent. The grcus earnings, £265,563, were £BI9B less thtttl tile previous year, a decrease oi 2 per cent. This was offset by a reduetion of £10,230 in operating expenses. The nei earnings for the year were £82,101, or £2312 more than in ibe previous year. Notwithstanding a drop in revenue as the result alsoi ot actuarial investigation justifying a drop in appropriation tor renewals, the year closed with a tram surplus of £12,843, as against a deficiency of £3171 in the previous year. These figures are quoted lrom the Tramway Board's annual bal-ance-sheet, which was released for publication this week. The earnings of the omnibuses were £11,125, or £230 less than the previous year, while operating expenses went up from £11,416 to £13,626. The principal contributing causes were the increase in petrol cost and repairs. After making debits for depreciation the year closed with a deficiency of £5084, which is met by the surplus in tho tramway account. Repairs were an exceptionally heavy item. The Town Clerk, Mr G. A. Edmonds, acknowledges the receipt, on behalf of the Chinese Famine Fund, of the following amounts: Baptist Church (Nelson) £6 2s 9d; Church of Christ (Bamham) £5.