LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 10 January 1931, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The Union Steam Ship Company’s December passenger returns of the ferry service and the intercolonial run show a decrease compared with the figures for December, 1929. The figures for the Wel-lington-Lyttelton ferry service are lower by about 25 per cent., and the intercolonial returns have dropped still lower. It is thought there was also a decrease in the Wellington-Picton figures, but it is not anticipated that the decrease will be as great as in the other two services.

The amount of dairy products used in the manufacture of ice cream in the United States, calculated in terms of whole milk, is almost equal to the amount used in the manufacture of cheese, and is greater than the amount used in the manufacture of condensed and evaporated milk. In 1926, nearly 4,500,0001 b of milk, or its equivalent, were used in the manufacture of ico cream. Ice cream is no longer locked upon in the United States as a confection or a luxury. It lias a definitely established place in the dairy industry and in the food habits of the American people. It is generally aregarded as a food in the American diet.

A Remuera correspondent of the “Star” describes an interesting episode of bird life which he witnessed. In the garden of a house in Royal Terrace he saw a half-grown cuckoo being industriously fed by a tomtit. The cuckoo had evidently left the nest (having literally grown out of its early, home), and it was almost ready to fly away. The tomtit flew here and there for grubs, caterpillars, etc., returning to pop them into the capacious mouth of the cuckoo. “The smaller bird did not seem to tire of working,” said the correspondent; “nor did the bigger one show the least sign of getting tired of eating. It looked like a real non-stop performance.”

In the early days of Wanganui Maori carvings were fairly common. When the late Rev. Richard Taylor lived at Putiki he used to tie his horse up to a finely-carved Maori figure, and, always practical, the rev. gentleman constructed a small shelf in one of the cavities of the figure on which he placed a candle; for use, no doubt, when he went to saddle his horse at night. The carving is now to be seen in the Wanganui Museum (says the “Herald”). It is centuries old, and is recognised as the finest piece of work of its kind in the Museum, having been executed long before the pakeha arrived at these shores. When the Maoris increased in numbers the art of carving declined considerably, the natives becoming over-crowded and being too busy fighting among themselves to devote as much time to their arts as previously.

What is considered as the record work for any hive of bees during a single night (says the Napier ‘Telegraph”) is claimed by a Hastings beekeeper, who on a recent morning found to his astonishment that no less than 281bs of honey had been removed during the night from the brood chamber to the top of the hive.

On the score of economy the Wanganui City Council has decided not to be represented at conferences this year. This includes the Municipal Conference. Councillor Darb.yshire said that seeing the Council was not going to be represented at the Municipal Conference, lie moved that the Council discontinue its membership with the Municipal Association. The motion lapsed for want of a seconder. Beautiful clear complexion, bright eyes, rosy cheeks are not made by artifice or make-uo. Women have discovered real beauty "result- from “internal cleanliness.” The all-important regularity of the bowels is naturally promoted by taking Dr Don’s Granules —small, safe ,and active. 1/6 box.—R. W. Martin, Chemist, Ask for Free Samples.*

Torpid Liver? Take Dr. Don’s Granules Hodgson’s Stores, Wakefield, Motupiko and Murchisop* As alluring as mystery—with a strange charm unknown till now—that’s Petite Bleue Perfume, Godet’s latest creation. W. McKay and Sons, Ltd.* Constipation, the health thief, is positively overcome by taking Lubrolax, a combination of Pure Paraffin and Japanese Seaweed. —Nees, Chemist, Hardy-st.*

The Christchurch City Council was employing about 500 men on relief work before Christmas, but now only about six are engaged and there are no funds to employ any more. The chairman of the Works Committee (Councillor J. W. Beanland) stated that he can see no prospect of any work in'the near future.

Retired after 50 years’ active work for the Roman Catholic Church, the Rev. Father Comberholme, of Manchester, arrived at Auckland by the Ulimaroa this week and intends spending the remainder of his days in New Zealand. “Yours is the most English of all the colonies.” he said to a “Star” reporter, “and being English I feel that 1 would like to end my days amongst my own kin.” Father Comberholme, up to six years ago, was one of the most famous growers of orchids in England, and he judged them in many shows, both in the United Kingdom (for the Royal Horticultural Society), and on the Continent. He is also a well known poultry fancier. Accompanying Father Comberholme are Mr and Mrs Norman Brymer and their two children. Mr Brymer, who for some years has played in the Lancashire County Cricket Club’s second eleven, intends to take up farming pursuits in the Dominion.

A fountain pen filler was recently used to feed a babv boy weighing only lib 15oz, who was born at a Twickenham nursing home. The weight of a normal baby varies from 71b to 91b. This child was only lOin long. “In all my experience,” said the matron of the home, “I have never seen such a small baby.” The child was perfectly formed, and was being fed every half-hour wij,Ji one drop of brandy, diluted with water, by means of a pen filler, until it died after only 26 hours. The record for the world’s smallest baby at birth is said to be held by Jean Whiteman, of Elstead, Surrey. She is now nearly two years old, but she weighed only 14oz at birth, and when there weeks old a wedding ring could be passed over her hand and wrist.

The house committee of the Auckland Hospital Board paid a surprise visit to the preliminary school on theii round of rnspection, and saw the young probationer nurses under the direction of the tutor sister, reports the “Star.” Mr W. Wallace, chairman of the board, addressed the young nurses, and wished their, every success as they started on their new oare°v. He was pleased with what he had seen and told them that their highest aim should be to become gold medallists when they passed their final examination. He said the present lady superintendent had been a probationer at the Auckland Hospital, and now she was in control of the nursing staff and their large institution. Nursing was a hard profession, but it was one of the noblest a girl could take up, and nurses were always respected because of the work they did.

Out of a total of 27,917 registrations in the Canterbury district, there are still over 3000 payments of the unemployment levy yet to be made, reports the “Times”. It is probable that many of the number outstanding will come under the exemption clauses. Although about 25,000 payments have been made, it does not necessarily mean that that number of men have paid, as some have made a year’s payment in one sum. Though payments for the first quarter were due on Ist December, up to 31st December, they could be made without liability to pay the additional 6d for each month or part of a month in arrears. A man eligible to pay and who fails to do so from now on is liable to a fine of £5.

Fully two hundred entries have been received from schoolboys for the eeling competition organised by the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society for the purpose of checking the menace to young trout. The present competition closes on 20th January, and a second competition will be in,operation .immediately after. The competitions are open to all boys between the ages of twelve and sixteen years within the defined boundaries of the acclimatisation district and prizes will be awarded. Certain rules have to bo observed, netting being prohibited, and spearing is not permited in the Opihi. “It is almost unnecessary to ’state,” said the ranger curator (Mr F. W. Pellet) “that much interest is being taken in the competitions, and the rivers and creeks are being well fished for eels.” It is considered by fishermen to be a project that should be an annual one in waging war against an ever threatening danger to trout life.

Considering the wild and sparselypopulated nature of the countryside oyer which Mr Guy'Me'nzies, the Australian airman, travelled when he reached New Zealand, it was . remarkable that the news of his arrival should have been so promptly transmitted, comments the Auckland “Star.” Only eight minutes after the ’piano landed the Greymfluth postmaster telegraphed at 3.20 p.m. that an aeroplane had been reported as having landed near Hari Hari, a few minutes previously, and, sixteen minutes later, he transmitted advice from the postmaster at Ross, stating that Okarito (83 miles south of Hokitika) had reported, at 2.45 p.m., that a ’plane had circled the township, and dropped a npte which was not located. At 3.15 p.m. it was reported: “Aeroplane landed near Berry’s property, Hari Hari.” Details were lacking at the moment, but, eleven minutes later, Greymouth transmitted further news from the postmaster at Ross, announcing that the Southern Cross Junior had crashed in a swamp on a Mr A. Walls’ property and that the pilot was unhurt, but that the aeroplane was slightly damaged. At 4.18, Greymouth telegraphed. “Postmaster at Ross, reports, ‘have now been speaking on telephone to Pilot Menzies, who has confirmed previpus report of crash. States he is now at J. Hewer’s residence and intends coming north soon. Possible to make arrangements for repairing machine.” Considering that nobody in New Zealand knew until after midday that tho flight had even started, the prompt dispatch of the news of the arrival reflects the utmost credit on the alertness of the local postal officials and the organisation of the Telegraph Department.

“I’ll get out when I’m burned out,” was the reply of an old man when the fire which broke out in the plantations at Burwood this week was nearing his backyard at the end of Racecourse road (states the Christchurch “Times”). He had lived alone in the house among the lupins for forty years and showed not the slightest inclination to budge, stating that tho fire was feeble and could not burn, although it did have a nor’wester behind it. Apparently a fatalist, he engaged it: washing up with the flames fifty yards away and took in some sticks to keep the fire in his stove going. Witli smoke swirling round the house, a traffic inspector suggested to the old man that he should go along the road out of the smoke. From the depths of a chair in his darkened sitting-room the occupant laconically replied: “There’s no smoke in here.” Further suggestions that he should let helpers remove his goods and chattels met with the remark that “they would burn if the fire reached them, and that was that.” The flames wandered into a potato patch at the rear of the house and then by a sudden change of wind were turned off to the south, and the old man’s optimism was justified.

Patrons are advised that owing to the dried-up condition of the turf it will be necessary to clone the Y.M.C.A. golf course as from to day.

The Post Office flag was flying at halfmast to-day on the occasion of the funeral of the Princess Royal, which takes place at Windsor to-day.

After a fine day yesterday fairly heavy rain fell last night. However, to-day was fine and sunny. The Cawthron Institute recorded ,37in. of rain last night. “With the level of Lake Coleridge still approximately nine feet below the overflow mark and two months of the rainy season past, there is still urgent need for economy in the use of power,” said Mr R. H. \Vebb, a member of the Vigilance Committee established by the Christchurch Manufacturers’ Association and the Chamber of Commerce, reports the “Times.” “There will be a heavy demand for the freezing works from now on and the position is still serious.”

While spending the holidays on his uncle’s farm at Pukekapia, John Bryant, aged 17, only son of Mr U. Bryant, of Huntly, fell between haystacks and received an injury, the seriousness of which were not at first appreciated reports tlie Auckland “Star.” He and other boys were rollicking around the farm, and were trying to jump from one haystack to another, but the hoy in doing so slipped and fell with his feet resting upwards against the side of the haystack and his head on the ground. He rode into Huntley the same evening (Friday), and on reaching home became ill. Since that (says the “Star’s” Huntly correspondent) he has suffered periods of delirium, and on Monday evening became unconscious. A doctor ordered that he he conveyed to the Waikato Hospital at Hamilton so that an X-ray evaniination could be made.

Mr G. C. Black, M.P., has been advised by the Hon. if. Atmore, Minister for Education, that a grant has been approved for drainage at the Motueka High School.

A hitherto unknown Maori burial cave was discovered by a party of anglers on the reach of the Waikato River below Atianiuri during the Christmas holidays. This part of the river is little known owing to its inaccessibility. The fisherman has also neglected this reach on account of the banks being so overgrown as to make fly-fishing difficult, while the strong current militates against the use of boats. The cave, which contained six skulls, was a small natural one, enlargely slightly and carefully wajled over in front. The history of the cave is unknown to the local Maoris and their legends make no mention of it.

Since New Zealand was linked with Australia by wireless telephone many additional European countries have been brought within the scope of the system. According to Mr E. T. Fisk, managing director of Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia), Ltd., it is now possible for an Australian to arrange to be connected with almost any of the 40,000,000 telphones that are in operation outside the Commonwealth.

The Regimental Band will give a sacred concert in the Botanical Reserve on Sunday evening commencing at 8.15. At the Richmond Baptist Church tomorrow the Rev. E. T. Jones, of Greendale, who was for a number of years pastor of the church, will be preaching in the morning, and the Rev. John Takle in the evening.