NEWS OF THE DAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26618, 14 November 1947, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY

Ration Coupons Meat coupon No. 2 will expire on Sunday and No. 3 on November 23. A full row of coupons has the value of 2s Id for adults and Is Id for children, the H coupon being worth lOd and the J coupon 7d. Butter coupons Nos. 1 to 3 in the new book will be available up to November 23. Each butter coupon entitles the purchaser to 6oz. Tea and sugar coupons Nos. 1 to 4 are current, and are available up to November 23. Each sugar coupon entitles the purchaser to 12oz, while the value of each tea coupon is 2oz. A special six-monthly issue of tea coupons is made to persons who have reached the age of 70, and two such coupons, each of Boz, are available for the three-monthly period ending on January 31. Expectant mothers, nursing mothers, and persons who have reached the age of 70 are entitled to an extra Boz of butter a month on production of the appropriate coupon. Roll of Golfers

“The number of players represented by the 286 clubs affiliated to the New Zealand Golf Association is 22,884," said the president, Mr W. A. Kiely, at the association's annual meeting in New Plymouth. “These consist of 14.174 men and 8710 women. Twothirds are in the North Island.” Saving of Meat

“We are not satisfied with the meat savings," said Mrs W. K. Cameron, reporting on behalf of the Women’s Committee, to the weekly meeting ol the Otago Aid for Britain Committee yesterday. Mrs Cameron added that practically all women were wondering whether "every coupon saved represented a saving in the meat used When the committee obtained more evidence on the matter, she added, it would be possible to make a statement to the public. Destruction of Shags Organised shag drives are again being undertaken by the Otago Acclimatisation Society and to date just over 50 birds have been destroyed. From two or three localities which were shot out last year encouraging reports have been received, as very few birds have been shot or observed in the locality. However, as there are several rookeries listed for attention this year which were not shot out last year, it is expected that the tally destroyed will again be large. It is again intended to visit the Waikaia district, which has not been shot by organised parties during the last two years. Fish in Butcher’s Dam

Recently a report was received by the Otago Acclimatisation Society that fish were dying in Butcher’s Dam. near Alexandra, and an immediate investigation was made. As there has been no sign of distressed fish since the first report, it would appear that when the contractors were putting bitumen on the road fpr tar-sealing purposes heavy rain washed considerable quantities of bituminous material into the dam and this would certainly cause death amongst fish in the immediate vicinity. It is not considered likely that the trouble will recur.

Santa Claus, Too To induce Santa Claus to do his indispensable job this year, an Auckland firm has advertised a wage of £7 a week, which is £1 10s more than was paid last year ,and about double the rate of a few years ago. With rising prices and the progessively increasing demands of children to be dealt with tactfully. Santa Claus’s task is apparently recognised by the firm as one of growing responsibility and skill—plus no small measure of endurance. This payment is for pedestrian work only. It is understood that Santa’s customary aerial jaunts behind reindeer and his descents of sooty chimneys will still be “ on the house.” Making Life Easier

Since the end of the war many new labour-saving devices have appeared in shops, and the latest of these to reach the Dominion should be a boon to those who’like extra time in bed. “ Wake with the alarm, and tea’s made,” says a notice on the apparatus, which is an attractive clock. A short time before the alarm rings water is electrically heated, and when the alarm goes the water is boiling. On display alongside the “ clock-heater ” are toasters which toast bread on both sides at once, and which eject the bread as soon as it is sufficiently browned.

Divorce in New Zealand The increase in divorces in New Zealand was discussed at a meeting of the Methodist Synod in Wellington, when members expressed concern at the position. The right of ministers to refuse to remarry the guilty narty in a divorce was emphasised by speakers, and the Dominion conference of the church was asked to give a general direction tn ministers not to conduct the marriaffe of divorced persons without evidence that the person concerned was penitent for his or her part in the failure of the previous marriage. As a further safeguard. it was suggested that failure to complv with an order for the restitution of conjugal rieht.s should not be allowed as a ground for divorce. Passive Resistance

The vigorous enunciation of party policy bv a candidate at an election address in the citv last night was apparently not sufficiently arresting to maintain the interest of one of his audience. For some considerable period the speaker had held the floor when suddenly from a far corner of the hall came innocent competition. The drooping head and the slumped posture told their own story, but unfortunately the somnolent slate was not unaccompanied by noise. For several minutes the battle between platform and back seat raged, to the amusement of the remainder of he audience. Finally, the dormant elector was roused from his slumber and the meeting proceeded without further interruption. An Extremist

In “ dressing for the weather,” youth is generally considered to be entitled to some latitude, but a small boy of two and a-half who was found wandering in the Town Belt near the Roslyn tramwav junction yesterday morning showed a startling inclination towards extremes. He wore only a singlet and sandals. As no other means of locating his home or restoring him to it was available, he was taken in charge by a corporation bus driver and was placed in the care of the constable at the Roslyn station. When he was claimed an hour and ahalf later it was discovered that he had ventured a-auarter of a mile from his home in his unconventionally limited attire. Shoes for European Women

In response to an urgent appeal by the National Council of Churches the Dunedin people in a little over a week have contributed 2500 pairs of shoes to be forwarded to Central Europe, where several thousands of women church workers are bare-footed. The Red Cross Society undertook the receipt of the shoes and a committee of women workers, under the leadership of Mrs W E. Earnshaw. treated them for transport through the tropics, and packed them for despatch. The Dominion secretary of the National Council of Churches states that a splendid response has been made from all parts of the Dominion, and that instead of the 10.000 pairs asked for. nearly 20.000 pairs are being sent. He says:'“No deaconess in Europe will be bare-foot or even poorly shod once these 250 cases arrive.”

For rings, watches and jewellery, try Peter Dick, Jewellers. 30 Princes street, Dunedin. —Advt.