LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 9 January 1931, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The condition of Leslie Grant, who was brought to the Nelson Hospital a week ago in a serious condition, the result of head injuries, received in a motor cycle accident at Takaka, shows a slight improvement.

At the Magistrate’s Court yesterday Thomas Adam Green pleaded guilty to a charge of vagrancy. Senior Sergeant Butler explained that Green had no work to go to and no means. The Court expressed sympathy with the man in being out of work. He was sentenced to seven day’s imprisonment. . A slight earthquake was felt at 1.18 p.m. to-day.

Councillor G. P. Russell reported at last night’s meeting of the City Council that a number of petty thefts had been committed at the Municipal baths. One boy had lost £1 Is from his clothes. Councillor Russell mentioned that patrons of the baths could leave their valuables with the caretaker.

While travelling on the Culverden. Ilanmer road recently a Nelson representative of an oil company encountered a heavy dust storm blowing down the valley. He was compelled to stop on account of the density of the dust and grit which, blown at high speed, pounded on to the car, chinning the enamel and badly pitting the front and side windscreens. After the storm the glass in the windscreens looked as if it had beep systematically gouged with a diamond cutter.

Permits for five new dwellings valued at £4048 were authorised by the City Engineer during the past month. In addition 18 permits for repairs and alterations, valued at £9lO, were also authorised.

A first offender for drunkenness was convicted and discharged by Mr T. E. Maunsell, S.M, at the Magistrate’s Court this mornirg. Will it surprise anybody to hear that to-day, reckoning Londonls population at 4,400,000, one person in every twenty is living in a home provided by the London County Council? When the scheme now in hand is completed houses for 450,000 will have been provided. The figures are impressive. At a recent meeting the chairman of the Finance Committee told how, the council had spent £34,000,000' oil building houses for the working classes, and was committed to schemes approved to the extent of another £20,000,000. Beyond that it had voted £500,000 for buying other sites, the ultimate development of which would cost from £6,000,000 to £7.000,000. With £11,000,000 spent by the borough councils and £4,000,000 lent on exceedingly favourable terms to owner-occupiers, a grand total of £75,00,000 would have been expended by the time the present programme was finished. Of that sum £65,000,000 would have come directly from the ratepayers .... representing practically £ls per capita of the population disbursed to the end stated. Up to 31st March last tho council had provided houses for 220,000. Under existing commitments that figure would be raised another 200,000 or 250,000 making about 450,000 lin all. An average loss of £l6 7s 5d is incurred on each dwelling, and the tenant is paying two-thirds of the economic rent. , ,

The popularity of the coast road is not diminishing (says the “Westport Times”). An unofficiall tally kept on one day during the holidays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m, showed well over 300 cars 'going through. If to this was added the many cars that use the road before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. the total would be considerably increased. The popularity of this route has bad a serious effect on Reef ton, which has experienced a very quiet Christmas. Few private cars nave passed through the town to the detriment of hotels and garages. It is apparent this trade will not return until the Lewis Pass Road is pushed through. In that event, Greymouth would be the loser, motorists preferring to take the direct route to Christchurch. The coast road is reported to be in a bad condition. especially between Charleston and Fox’s River. The heaw traffic over Christmas has cut the road up and drivers are complaining about the conditions existing.

Referring to the decrease in the exports from Lyttelton the chairman of the Harbour Board (Mr H. T. Armstrong, M.P.) said that it should not be overlooked that owing to the increase in population much of the produce of the country was consumed locally. The decrease did not mean, therefore, that there was less production. Mr Armstrong also reminded the meeting that that trade of the Port had suffered to a considerable extent through the opening of the Otira Tunnel, as a result of which most of the freight which had previously passed through Lyttelton was now carried by train.

Loyal Nelson Lodge. M.U., 1.0.0. F. will hold its fortnightly dance on Sat unlay evening

A Millinery Special at McKay’s tomorrow! Trimmed Model Hats in Exotic Straws and Crinolines 21/- each. (Regular values 29/(1 to 37/o).*

Lubrolax, the new method for remedying chronic constipation, is a combination of pure paraffin and Japanese seaweed. It lubricates the intestinal tract and encourages wave-like motion of bowels. —Nees, Chemist, Hardy-st.* For greater Beauty and skin freshness, use Godet Face Powder and Cream, exquisitely perfumed with Godet’s newest perfume—Forget-me-not.—W. McKay and Sons, Ltd.* Constipation is crippling! Take Dr. Don’s Granules. —Hodgson’s Stores, Wakefield, Motupiko and Murchison.*

Large numbers of people have been disappointed over the last day or two at not seeing the new fire engine on its way to the numerous minor fires. It is explained that the Brigade does not intend to take the new engine out to scrub fires. It is proposed to run the new engine in steadily, and so the old engine will be the first one out to any fire for some time t,o come. However, it is stated that the public can rest assured that in the event of any fire of more serious consequence the engine will be on the scene.

The bitumen sealing work on the main highway through Tahunanui has been commenced at the Nelson boundary. During working hours the road is closed to traffic. ’Bus passengers have to walk past the plant on the Rocks road and are met by buses on the town side.

Indications that farmers in Canterbury are availing themselves of the subsidy on wages provided under the Unemployment Board’s No. 2 scheme is given by the fact- that Mr R. T. Bailey, officer in charge of the Labour Department in Christchurch, has received a number of enquiries from the Ashburton, Rakaia, and Hororata districts from employers who have work they want done. Arrangements have been made to meet their requirements. The Christchurch Musical Society has been presented by Sir Heaton Rhodes with the vocal and orchestral scores of Wagner’s opera, “Tannhauser,” and the body intends to make the opera its first" concert of the 1931 season. The Wellington Choral Union is arranging to borrow the scores, and “Tannhauser” will be the Union’s second concert of the year. The Christchurch performance will not be the first of its kind in New Zealand, as “Tannhauser” was sung at the exhibition held in Dunedin in 1926, when the chief roles were taken by Mr Arthur Jordan (Tannhauser), Mr Walmsley, Miss Kate Campion, of Auckland, and Madame Winnie Fraser, of Oamaru. From an orchestral point of view, it will be the biggest work yet attempted by the Union.

Mr E. W. Parker, in speaking to shareholders of Dalgety and Company, at the annual meeting in London after referring to the financial position in Australia and the necessity for meeting it by a reduction of costs, said that New Zealand was also suffering from a big slump in the prices of its primary products. Wool and dairy produce had shown a great decline, and the situation as regards returns to the clients of the company, was much the same as in Australia, and in most cases their accounts had gone up. Land values still remained on too high a level; this would probably adjust itself with the fall in commodity prices, but, of course, must be a painful process. Luckily the national financial situation was on a much sounder basis than that of Australia at the moment; but the exchange position—in sympathy with Australian exchange—had also become very difficult.

Several large buildings are to be constructed in Wellington this year. The Weir Hostel for Victoria College, to cost approximately £50,000 i.s to be erected with the money left in trust for the purpose (with the Public Trustee) by the late Mr William Weir, of the timber firm of McLeod, Weir, and Hopkirk. The contract has been secured by the Fletcher Construction Company. It will be of three storeys, and is to be erected on the site of the residence of the late Mr Martin Kennedy, in Salamanca road, Kelburn, so that it will be only the length of Kelburn Park away from the college, and nearly every room will command wonderful views of the city and harbour. The Phoenix Assurance, Ltd., has accepted a tender of the Fletcher Construction Company for about £15,000 for a ’ileW three-storey building to be erected next to the Standard Insurance Company’s premises in Feathers ton street. -.An old landmark will disappear from the corner of Cuba and Vivian streets when the premises of D. S. Patrick and ,Co., drapers, are demolished. In their place a much more extensive and up-to-date threestorey building, in brick and concrete, is to be provided at a cost of £13,240.

Towards the cost' of the three seats proposed - to be placed on the Nelson Hospital lawn for the use of the patients, progress is being made with the subscriptions. The estimated cost is about £l2 and over £7 has been received to date. All able and willing to assist are requested to send in thendonations without delay so _ that the seats may be placed in position whilst the warm weather is on. A number of circulars sent out have not as yet 'been responded to and have probably, in the season’s rush, been overlooked. Subscriptions will bo received by Mr R. Sinclair, Anstice’s Buildings, Nelson.

Under the presidency of Mr Robert Parker, C.M.G., of Wellington, the annual conference of the New Zealand Society of Professional Teachers of Music is to open at Canterbury College on Wednesday, 28th January. Included in the business to be dealt with by Conference will be reports on Music Week from all centres, and discussion of future action; report and discussion upon experience of class teaching since the previous Conference. The remits comprise the following From the Otago Division: That Conference discuss steps required to be taken to get local societies recognised by the Government. From the Auckland Division: That all branches ef the Society should inaugurate concerts for the purpose of bringing young performers before a critical public. That this Conference draws attention to the low standard of singing in New Zealand, urging special attention towards its improvement. That all ‘branches should encourage composition among their members and endeavour to secure adequate performances of works that show promise. That Conference deplores the lack of serious musical criticism by the Press. That Conference urgently suggests that the Associated Board should provide maintenance as well as free tuition for New Zealand exhibitioners, since so many are unable to take up their awards owing to lack of funds. Told ,by his doctor that he must, for the present, limit himself to thiee pipes a day, a Timaru man invested in a huge briar holding about a quarter of an ounce. Later he confessed to the trick he had played, remarking that his three big pipes a day had done him no harm because he smoked New Zealand toasted tobacco. Tho doctor agreed The explanation is that while the foreign tobaccos all contain an excess of nicotine, the New Zealand tobacco contains next to none, because it is toasted and the toasting eliminates the poison and makes the baccy safe to smoke to any extent. There arr, by the way, cnly four brands of toasted manufactured: Riverhead Gold, Cavendish, Navy Cut No 3. and Cut Plug No. 10. They vary in strength but are all of them famous for their fine flavour and unrivalled aroma. The success attained by these beautiful tobaccos has had the usual effect—they are being imitated—and smokers will do well to be on their guard when buying. 4 *

Chronic Constipation, Rheumatism and poor blood circulation troubled a resident of Lyttelton for many years until a friend told him about Dr. Don’s Granules—a physician’s prescription for purifying the poisoned blood system. 1/6 box.—R, W. Martin, Chemist. Ask for Free Samples.* Another lot of Frocks bought cheap by McKay’s! There are models in Floral Satin, Art Silk, Voile and CeUineeo Marocain and worth 75/- to 05/-. Special W r epk End Price 45/-. See Windows 3 and 4.*

There is no doubt that the popularity of the beach at Tahuna is increasing by leaps and bounds. On Wednesday morning last, the beach presented a wonderful sight with bathers in the water all the way from the chains to the sandspit at the far end of the beach. There was an unusually high tide with a good surf and a hot sunshine, contributing to one of the most animated scenes witnessed there for some time. The attendance at the dressing sheds forms a good guide to the increased popularity of sea bathing. The week containing the Christmas holidays constituted a record for the shed in the matter of attendance and receipts, to be beaten again by the week including the New Year holidays. Some 1500 bathers used the sheds during this latter week, comprising 1280 adults and the balance children. The Tahuna Sands Association has recently had built some 20 extra lockers in the men’s department, and the necessity of these has been proved' by the fact that on four days running every locker key was in use at the same time. There are now 92 lockers in all. Several small improvements are in evidence this season at the dressing sheds. In the ladies’ department curtains have been provided in the compartments, making for a much-welcomed degree of privacy. A new drainage system has been put in with excellent results. The sheds have received a coat of paint in attractive colours with a green roof, while the new parking area just behind the sheds is being very freely made use of. Although the season has not been a good one for bathing from a weather point of view, last year’s figures have already been left behind, and the indications are that the best of the summer weather for bathers is still to come. -

At last night’s meeting of the City Council Councillor F. W. Huggins stated that the new fire engine was already returning a dividend to the city in that it had been decided to hold the United Fire Brigades’ Conference in Nelson in March next. “The Brigade could not have asked for the conference here if it had not a new engine; they would have ,been too ashamed of the old plant,” he ‘said.

So strong was the north-westerly wind on top of the Paekakariki Hill at about .10 o’clock on Wednesday morning (reports the “Post”) that motor vehicles, motor-cycles, had some difficulty in reaching the summit. The wind blew through some of the cuttings near the top of the hill with terrific force. At the cutting two or three hundred yards from the summit three motor-cycles were brought to a standstill by an exceptionally strong gust. A motor-car, which was following close behind, was also pulled up, and, in fact, was forced back by the strength of the wind. The engine stalled, and it was necessary to put the foot brake and hand brake hard on to stop the car. When the car eventually got through the three motor-cyclists took shelter behind it, and remained there until Paekakariki was reached. Besides having to struggle against the wind, motorists had to contend with a dense fog, which necessitated all vehicles having their head lights on.

Having motored more than 30,000 miles in the United States Canada ana Mexico, Mr R. Joughin of Waihi, has had ample opportunity to observe methods of traffic control. “The Americans pay great attention to it,” he said. “There were two separate lines of traffic —fast-moving and slow. You were compelled to observe a- speed of not iless than 45 miles per hour, and if you did not observe this hard and fast rule, a traffic officer would glide up alongside and order you to move into the line of the slow-moving vehicles, lorries, etc ’ In a copy of a recent Devonshire paper the following paragraph appeared,; “Devonshire farm butter.was offered at a shilling a pound retail at the market to-day, the lowest price since pre war days. Large quantities remained unsold. Tlie price last" October was two shillings and threepence. A splendid crop of .rrass, decrease of visitors, and low purchasing power of the unemployed are responsible for the fall in price. New Zealand butter was about the same price at that time.

“I have switched quite a number of boys into secondary schools who would otherwise have begun work as messenger boys or office hoys,” Mr G. M. Keys secretary to the Vocational Guidance Department of the Christchurch y.M.C.A. told a “Press” reporter this week. “I haven’t the slightest doubt that for the average boy secondary school training in these times is invaluable,” he continued. “For a hoy with ambition some secondary schooling is almost a necessity. What is more, it is always easier to find positions for such boys.”

Although crops of all sorts are looking very well at present throughout Canterbury, rain would he welcomed, savs the “Times.” The hot. dry weather and heavy winds that have prevailed for the last three weks have already had the effect of making the land very dry, especially in the lighter parts. Oats have suffered to some extent from the wind, as most of them are now ripe. The damage is reported to be not great, but there has been a certain amount. Wheat has not yet suffered. The crops are well forward, and although rain would undoubtedly help-filling out, it is not urgently neded yet. Farmers are not yet seriously affected by the dry weather, but if the present hot gales continue for another week or ten days without rain, the crops may suffer.