NEWS OF THE DAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26634, 3 December 1947, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY

Payment of City Rates The last day for the payment of the city rates without the imposition of the penalty is December 18. The city treasurer, Mr J. A. Aitcheson, issued a warning yesterday that those ratepayers who have purchased properties during the year, but have not received a rate demand, should ascertain the position at the City Treasury. The purchaser, on adjustment of rates between the parties, is in most cases credited with a part, making him liable for the full year’s payment, a condition of which he is not always aware until after the imposition of the penalty which, once imposed, cannot be remitted. Substantial Contribution

The takings to date from the showing of the film “ Olympia ” by Ker-ridge-Odeon Theatres amount to £12,531. This sum, which will no doubt be considerably augmented by the time the film has completed its circuit, will be devoted to the Aid to Britain Fund. Fat Collecting

The Navy League, Dunedin branch, asks those in town and country who save tinned fat for distribution* under its auspices in the United Kingdom to hold their supplies until further notice, as the position with regard to the sending of fat is at present under review. All other tinned foods and the “personal” food parcels are being sent continuously and should, as usual, be sent to Mrs J. Sutherland Ross. The fat for Britain collection under Mr Philip Barling’s scheme is continuing as usual. Unusual Request

The system of correspondence between pen friends in different countries produces some unusual requests. One such was contained in a letter from a Bavarian war widow, now in Munich, to a Balclutha woman. In quaint language the widow requested information whether she could find employment in New Zealand as a chambermaid or domestic help, and gave an intimate pen picture of herself and her accomplishments. She stated that she had been employed by the Americans in the occupied zone, and added as a qualification that she was “ a good cook, and know all the doings around a household.” She said she had no wish to remain long in Munich.

Reports of Fire Under the heading “Blaze at Store Traps 50, Girl Leaps—Killed,” the Daily Express, London, devoted 11 inches to the fire at the store of J. Ballantyne and Co. on November 18. A copy of the paper has been received by a Christchurch resident. The report of the fire states that the store was crowded with women and children when the fire occurred. Twelve people were trapped in a lift which had jammed between two floors, and a stampede had taken place at the main entrance. The Daily Telegraph gave less space to the fire, but was more accurate in its report. Hotel Fire Escapes The necessity for stricter police supervision over fire escapes on city hotels was emphasised by Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., at the quarterly meeting of the Dunedin Licensing Committee on Monday. Police approval had been given to the escape systems of several hotels, when members of the committee were of the opposite opinion. Mr Bundle urged the Police Department and the City Corporation inspectors to co*operate in ensuring that all city hotels were provided with satisfactory fire escapes before the annual meeting of the committee next June. Cargo of Bitumen Carrying about 5600 tons of bitumen for New Zealand ports, the Norman Star (4340 tons),’ under the command of Captain R. T. Hales, arrived in Port Chalmers last night to discharge 800 tons of her cargo. During her present voyage the Norman Star has travelled ever 22,000 miles, including the voyage from London to Buenos Aires, where she loaded meat for the British army in Gibraltar and Malta, before taking on her cargo of bitumen at Port Tewfik. Holes in her hull were caused by enemy bombing when in Avonmouth during the war. The Norman Star was launched in 1919, and has only once visited New Zealand previously, about 20 years ago.

The drawing of " I Feel Lucky ” Art Union is to take place at the Board Room, 2nd Floor. Wellington Commercial Travellers’ Association Building, Customhouse quay,’ Wellington, this morning, commenting at 9.25 a.m. hoi rings watches and leweilery. try Peter Dick, lewellers 30 Princes street Dunedin.—Advt