LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 20 July 1929, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Tho Chief Bostmaster (Mr G. W. Hazleton) has received tho following telegram, timed 10.56 a.m., from the Bostmaster, Takaka : “After fairly quiet day und night, two moderate shakes experienced at 6.5 a.m. and 10.17 a.m. this morning. Weather fine.”

Tho Taliuua subsidence shows little change since yesterday.

A general knowledge question in a well-known local girls’ school the other dry produced an answer reflecting on the sanity of politicians (says tho Christchurch ‘Tress”). Tho girls were asked what was No. 10 Downing Street. One girl replied: "A well-known lunatic asylum.”

Writing in the “New Zealand Bailways Magazine,” the General .Manager of Railways (Mr it. H. Sterling) states Bi.it the latest figures in regard to traffic show that in spite of difficulties arising chiefly from adverse weather conditions, railway business has remained buoyant, the operating revenue for the cunent financial year to 25th May showing an improvement of £9561 over that of last year.

“There are numerous improvements now in train for supplying better service to the users of the railways,” writes Mr 11. 11. Sterling, General Manager of Railways, in this month’s issue of the “N.Z. Railway Magazine.” “Among these, a comprehensive programme is now proceeding for the replacement of the present seating accommodation in second-class carriages by a better type of seat. The interiors oi cars are also receiving attention to make their appearance better. Tho quality of service which the Department is able to provide is, of course, limited by financial considerations. A middle course must be struck between what could be supplied were the relation between revenue and expenditure of no moment, and the maintenance of a margin no greater than is necessary to prevent defections of traffic through a standard being maintained insufficiently high to hold popular patronage. Wo want the public to feel always that tho service (lie department provides is invariably the best that can bo secured at the price. The whole of our organisation is planned out with this end in view. The scale of our services is such (hat there is always a margin of transport power available to handle additional traffic, and as the public more and more uses our services, so will we be able to give better value for tho fares ami freights received.”

Last night’s “Sun” has the following (telegraphs “The Mail’s” special correspondent) : “It is understood that an information has been laid by the Christchurch police against a xyellknown Christchurch solicitor and a Christchurch merchant on a charge of attempting to prevent the course of justice. The allegations against botli men arise from recent Supreme Court proceedings.

Owing to the depth of the gutters and the camber on the roads in New Plymouth, it is considered by the executive of the Taranaki Automobile Association that there are considerable difficulties in the way of observing tlie bylaw that cars shall be parked as close to the kerb as possible. A deputation will discuss the matter with the borough council. The subject was raised as a result of a letter from a member who.had been warned by a traffic inspector that his car was parked too far out from the kerb in Devon street. The motorist (according to the “News”) said he appeared to be observing the regulations, but not the by-law.

How the letters “C.T.” caused a domestic dispute was explained by counsel in a case in the ;■ Christchurch Magistrate’s Court (says the “Lyttelton Times”). The wife, who had seen the letters on her (husband's hotel bill, took them to mean “cocktail.” Counsel (to witness): You objected to your husband drinking cocktails?—Yes. Counsel (to tlie Magistrate): The wife saw the letters on the husband’s hotel bill. However, they did not stand for “cock-tail,” but for “commercial traveller.” Her husband received a special hotel tariff rate.

Scathing comment on the conduct of some of tho unemployed who have been engaged on the South Main Trunk railway project is made by a Blenheim resident who spent a day at Wharanui, last week (says tho “Express”). He said that a number of men were engaged along the railway planting marram grass. After luncheon, three of them left the party and, proceeding to a sunny sand-hill lay down and slept peacefully until a. cold wind sprang up about 4 p.m. Then one of them sat up and aroused the others and the trio returned to camp, probably conscious of a good day’s work nobly done! Already tho sound of the hobby calf is to bo heard through Taranaki (says tlie “News”). Tlie number of calves appears to be greater than was the case at this, time last season and tlie milk supply at many of tlie factories is increasing in greater ratio clue lo the cows coming in earlier. There appears to be a fair amount of feed about and stock are coming into profit in good condition. Unless there is a severe cold snap to cause a set-back later in tlie spring the early part of the season should again show an increase in production.

Auckland now enjoys the enviable position of having tlie highest revenue per ear-mile of any tramway undertaking in New Zealand. In the financial year ended 31st .March last, the revenue was increased from 24.09 d to 25.47 c!, and at the same time tlie operating expenses were reduced from 18.01 d to 17.62 d. The latest returns issued by tlie Government Statistician show that tlie Auckland revenue is .37d above that of the Wellington tramway system in the 1927-28 year. Wellington had for some years set the pace for the Dominion as regards tramway revenue, and in 192425 the supremacy over Auckland was shown by receipts of 28.09 d per carmile, compared with 25.69 d. As regards operating expenses, the improvement in favour of Auckland has. been equally marked. In Auckland the figure has been progressively reduced Trom 20.81 d in 1926-27 to (he present amount of 17.62 ii, which is slightlv below Wellington'/ cost of 1927-28 (17.76 d). The indirect benefit to health accruing from a smartly-fitting suit of clothes was emphasised in a lecture on physical culture delivered by .Air W. Norman Kerr before tlie Auckland Advertising flub. Remarking that no time was allotted in modern life for deportment and the acquisition of grace in physical movement, he pointed out that a smart tunic often had a heller effect than a steel truss in lifling and expanding the chest. An upright carriage, lie added, meant health and vitalitv.

The Nelson Provincial Export Conference will he held in the Foresters’ Hail. Collingwood street, Nelson, on Friday, 16th August at 10 a.m.

In tlip Supreme Court at Wellington on the loth inst., probate of the will of Olivo Mary Parker was granted by His Honour Mr Justice McGregor upon the application of Mr Glasgow, to Philip Rossell Parker, the sole executor named >n the will.

The wool position seems to be precarious, and further decline In the value of the raw material will lie a serious matter for wool growers, and will be reflected in the economic conditions of both New Zealand and Australia, comments the “Otago Daily Times.” In the Commonwealth the new wool season will open with sales in Sydney next month. Crossbred wool is not so badly affected as merinos, and as our wool season does not begin until mid-November the position then may he a good deal more encouraging than it is at present. That is the utmost that can he said, and future developments in the trade will be watched with keen interest.

At Inangahua Junction the booming noise can be heard constantly, but is not accompanied by earthquakes, says the “Westport News.”

The inevitable effect of the? Murchison earthquake has already made itself felt in Sydney (states a correspondent there). Several tourist bookings have been cancelled, and it is likely that next season’s tradic' will he considerably less. Thousands of pounds will be lost 1o tin* Dominion, as it will take Australians years to forget the recent shocks in the South Island. It was hard enough to convince the average Australian that New Zealand had not almost disappeared beneath the waves on several occasions. The harm that cabled reports of the quake lias done cannot yet be estimated.

Miss Lorna Max, daughter of Mr Albert E. Max, of Hope, is lying at her home unconscious and in a very critical condition. Miss Max went out riding yesterday afternoon and was found about 3 o’clock lying on the roadside unconscious. 81ie was taken to her home and medical assistance at once summoned. She was found to have a fracture at the base of the skull. Miss Max was still unconscious this afternoon. It is thought that her horse swerved and threw her so that she struck her head against a gate post near where she was found lying.

Most of the Corbyvale settlers are intending to leave lor other parts of the Dominion, visiting friends or relatives, and also looking out for such employment as may offer until they know what the position is to be with regard to Corbyvale. One of the settlers, interviewed by a Westport "News representative, thought the best thing to do would be for the Government to take over the land, compensate the settlers and put all the land up, in one or two blocks. While it can no longer be of use for dairying purposes as there is no road access, it could, by means of tracks, be used for grazing sheep and dry stock. To-morrow is the eighteenth anniversary of the consecration of Bishop Sadlier as Bishop of Nelson. In a special appeal drawn up by the Cathedral chaplain and the archdeacons, and which was read last Sunday in all the Anglican churches of the diocese, church people are invited to observe to-morrow as a day of remembrance, prayer, and thanks-, giving for the blessings vouchsafed to them during the bishop’s episcopate. After highly eulogising the good work of the bishop the special appeal is to make to-morrow the occasion for a free-will thankoffering in aid of those parishes and districts which have suffered so very severely, in the recent disastrous earthquake. In Westport alone, it is estimated that £7OO will be required for restoration, and Murchison, Cobden, Greymouth, Takaka and Collingwood will nil need immediate assistance in the work of restoration. The appeal says: “Let us remember that in the Body of Christ, when one member suffers,' all the members suffer with it, and that is how we stand in relation to our suffering brethren. This is a God-given opportunity to show our love and our loyalty to our Saviour, to His Church, to our bishop, and to our brethren, and mav God bless our united efforts.”

In a letter to old boys of Nelson College, acknowledging their messages of sympathy with the College in- connection with the earthquake damage, Mr C. H. Broad, 8.A., the Principal, says:—“l know you will all be pleased to*hear that the damage was not so great as was at first expected. So far no reports by experts are to hand, but 1 gather the main damage is to the tower and tjie building on either side of the tower. The eastern and western wings, the Assembly Hall block, the dining room and the kitchen are apparently sound. What lias increased our difficulties enormously since the earthquake has been the weather. We have had almost incessant rain for three w(*eks. We have much, however, to be thankful for.”

The Marlborough Aero Club suffered its first mishap during training operations shortly before 8 o'clock on Thursday morning (reports the “Express”). Mir IV. T. Churchward, one of the trainees, had been on a solo flight in the Moth N'ZAX and, on returning to the club’s aerodrome, made an error of judgment in landing. He opened up his engine in an attempt to get clear again, but- the machine struck the top of a iiedge and crashed into the adjacent paddock. Mr Churchward emerged with a few cuts and suffering rather severely from shock. The machine was damaged to some extent.

“That this board is of opinion that lhe manufacture of dual desks should cease and in all cases where pew schools and new equipment are being provided there should be single flat tables and chairs; that the board’s architect be-in-structed to submit models of a suitable type as a standard for adoption by the board, and that this resolution be lor-' warded to the department in order to secure its views on the subject,” was .1 resolution passed at a meeting of tne Taranaki Education Board in New Plymouth this week (says the “News”. Dr. W. M. Thompson, in moving the motion said every senior teacher he had consulted. had enthusiastically supported the use of tables and chairs instead of desks. He contended their adoption would aid considerably in maintaining discipline and would obviate the possibility of a youngster with a strong character sitting next to a weaker one. The tables also made for greater ease in cleaning rooms and in the illustrations the now syllabus were shown.’The senior inspector, Mr N. R. McKenzie, said in I is American rambles be had seen only one school with double desks. The majority had tables with adjustable scats.’ The seating was a vital question arid should he gone into scientifically, and lie suggested the architect should go into ti’.c question of providing a small adjustable seat.

Due in some regard to tho shock brought on their nervous systems lathe recent earthquake, quite a number of residents and workers in the mine have I**ll for oust 11 res new and many others contemplate following within a* week or two reports the Dcnniston correspondent ol the Westport “News.” In mans' instances, families are leaving, several for Australia. This exodus is unfortunate for (lie district, because it will no doubt create a very doubtful feeling with regard to this’ portion of the Coast and must materially affect the credit of the district-.

A “Mother Goose Market" will he hold on Tuesday next at 7 p.m. in All Saints’ Schoolroom. Cinderella and her friends are having a party and will also have on sale various dainties. Members of the Nelson Operatic Society are notified that there will be a rehearsal for everyone to-night at 7.15.

"Competition by motor vehicles in the form of motor cars and motor buses is a' problem that is troubling tramway authorities the world over, ’ states the Government Statistician, It is added that' the population served by trams in New | Zealand has increased by over 40 per; cent, since 1911, and that as far as the recent competition is concerned the growth of bus services synchronises with the fall in the volume ot tram traffic. The indication is that the principal cause of the decrease lies in this direction. The great strides made in the development of hydro-electric power have reacted to the advantage ot the tramway systems, the review continues, j Hydro-electric schemes are row serving the four cities, and power is available ■ at comparatively cheap rates. Welling-] ton and Auckland have only recently; become linked up with their present! sources of power, and are us yet a disadvantage in regard to the average tost of power when a comparison is nude witii Christchurch and Dunedin. According to the latest figures, tram power in Christchurch cost .62d per unit, in Dunedin .76(1, in Wellington .83d, and 1.20 d for Auckland.

A loaded cattle truck jumped the. points in To Awanmtu station yard last night, and a truck overturned on the main line. The south-hound Limited had just, gone through, hut slight delay was occasioned the second express until the truck was removed from the main line.— Press Association.

The, fact that no money given to earthquake relief funds will be used for expenses of administration was announced by the Mayor, Mr G. Baildon, when presiding at Mr G. C. Black’s meeting in the Auckland Town Hall this week. "Every shilling that is collected toward earthquake* relief will be administered for the benefit of sufferers,” said Mr Baildon. "That has been definitely laid down i by the central committee. It has been arranged that the whole of the work done in connection with the administration of the fund is to be voluntary.”

In spite of the frequent visitation of shakes, work is being pursued with commendable fortitude, and when it is considered that in the main this is being done under ground considerable credit is due to those who are accepting the risk reports the Denniston correspondent of the Westport "News.” A remark made by the Mayor of Christchurch (the Rev. J. K. Archer), in the course of a sermon which he delivered at the Colombo Street Baptist Church recently ou the war book, "All Quiet oil the Western Front,” that “in the British Empire and in New Zealand there are more men in military training now than in 1913,” has drawn a reply front Brigadier M. M. Gard’ner, Officer Commanding the Southern Military Command. 31 r Archer stated subsequently that Brigadier Gard’ner, in his letter,, claims that in 1913 New Zealand had seventeen battalions in training, with each battalion somewhat over full strength and each man doing seven years’ training, while now there are only twelve battalions at about half strength, with each man doing about two-sevenths of the training previously doqe. With regard to the Empire, Brigadier Gard’ner claims that it has taken a very decided step towards disarmament, which should at least get credit among our own people. When asked if lie wished to comment on the letter, Mr Archer said that he preferred to say nothing about it. The statement whicli Brigadier Gard’ncr had quoted from his sermon was essentially what he had said. The death took place at Hokitika this week of Mr Henry John James. Deceased, who was well known in Reefion in the 80 s and 90's was a printer by trade and was for a number of years foreman in the Inangahua “Times” Office, and later at the Inangaluin “Herald” Office, and he and Mrs James took a keen interest in local matters, and ior some years the football clubs played for a banner presented by them. Mr James was also a member of the Reofto Band. On leaving Reefton he lived in Nelson for a time, and of late years was at Ahaura, where be was proprietor of James’s Hotel. The late Mr James was a native of Essex, England, and was 73 years of age. ’ Yesterday afternoon at tin* Marsden Church Hall, a number of Murchison ladies were entertained at afternoon tea by the combined branches of the Wakapuaka and Nelson Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. The object of the gathering was for the Women’s Division to meet the women from the earthquake area and ascertain the best means of showing practical sympathy when they should return to their homes. There were about 60 present. Mrs Whitwell, provincial president welcomed the visitors and Mrs Corder briefly explained the work and aims of the Division. Mrs Hill gave a recitation and Miss East contributed musical items. Afternoon tea was provided and an enjoyable afternoon spent by all. On behalf of the Murchison ladies present, Mrs Hopley thanked the Women’s Division for their entertainment and kindly sympathy. Mrs Ilopley spoke appreciatively of the hospitality and kindness extended to earthquake sufferers by the Nelson people as a whole. Three cheers for the Women’s Division brought a most enjoyable afternoon to a close.

Great interest is being shown in the earthquake relief concert to- be held on Saturday, 27th July. The visiting performers include Miss Sawyer (soprano), Mr Hickmott (baritone), Wellington, Mr G. Gray (tenor) Blenheim. The Nelson performers are Mrs Porter (violin). Mrs Kirk (elocutionist), Miss Martin (mezzosoprano), Miss Sims (pianist). In the Supreme Court at Wellington or, the 18th instant, on the application of Mr E. B. Moore, his Honour, Mr Justice MacGregor, granted probate of the will and codicil thereto of Adelaide Constance Stafford, late of Nelson, to Frederica Mary Oinvtor, of Wakefield, William Dnivd Stonev Johnston, of Nelson, and Philip Moore, of Nelson, the executors named iri the said will and codicil.

The Holm Company’s steamer Progress arrived from Waikato Heads, via Motuoka, this morning wilit a cargo of manure.