Untitled

Southland Times, Issue 20081, 19 January 1927, Page 4

The Government meteorologist (Mr D. C. Bates) last, night issued the following forecast:—Present indications are for moderate to strong northerly to westerly winds. Expect warm and humid conditions with increasing clouds and haziness. Rain probable soon on the West Coast and southern districts. The barometer has a falling tendency.

In one of his trips around Marlborough Mr C. M. Smith, conservator of forests for Marlborough and Nelson, came across what he thought must be the highest pinus insignia tree in New Zealand. It was growing on Mr Lee’s farm at Ward, and had a diameter at breast height of Bft 2in.

Here is a sample of the remarks that are often heard in New South Wales Assembly. Mr Bavin: Those two men (hon. members Goodin and Gillies) wanted to make an arrangement with me. Mr Murphy: You are a liar! Mr Bavin: That little man himself wanted to make an arrangement. Mr Murphy: Your statement is a deliberate lie! The Speaker did not seem to mind these delicate expressions of opinion. More than one member was called a liar—Mr Lang several times by inference. Mr Cann pointedly and in person. “You know you are the biggest liar in the House,” observed Mr Lane to the Minister of Health.

Consideration is now being given by the Railway Department to the running of a “farmers’ train” from the West Coast to Canterbury on the lines successfully inaugurated last season in the North Island. The idea is that a special train should convey farmers and their wives from the West Coast to a particidar district in Canterbury where the visitors will be billeted by local farmers. Later the Canterbury farmers will be the guests of the West Coast farmers. The interchange of ideas among the farmers should be of great value. On the journey in the train addresses will be given by an officer or officers of the Agricultural Department, and an officer of the Railway Department will talk on the subjects of interest to farmers relating to the railways.—Christchurch correspondent of the Evening Star.

Yesterday was one of the hottest days experienced in Dunedin this summer, the thermometer registering 81 degrees in the shade, according to a Press Association message from Dunedin.

Weasels have been playing havoc with poultry at Kakaramea lately. In one case nut of about 50 ducks only 17 remain, and in other'cases large numbers have disappeared (states the Wanganui Chronicle). One day recently a weasel was found dragging a full-grown fowl through a boxthorn hedge, and it was eventually captured and destroyed.

Brown rot has appeared in the Wairoa orchards, and with disastrous results to the owners (says the Poverty Bay Herald). Early peaches and plums have been badly infected, and in some orchards the whole of the crops have been destroyed. Last year i here was very little brown rot, but this year, with such a large amount of moisture, it appears to have spread over the whole district.

Those interested in angling know that eels prey on trout. Apparently they are not particular as to what comes their way (says the Dannevirke News). Fishing recently in Dore Creek, at Tiratu. Mr R. S. Rcdward, of Palmerston North, had the luck to catch an eel weighing 13Mb. It was nice and plump, and on being opened was found to contain, amongst other things, a weasel 13in in length!

A good story is being told round Geraldine (says the Timaru Herald). A certain business man, who had been persuaded by a hospitable farmer to stop for tea was led into a bathroom which was somewhat dark, to do his toilet. While there the fair dame of the house crept silently in and bestowed a large kiss on his cheek with the words, ‘“Harold dear, we’ve no meat in the house.” We have not yet heard the end of the story.

The English expert in charge of the work of reconstructing the Christchurch Cathedral organ is confident that the instrument will be ready for use by the time of the arrival in the city of the Duke and Duchess of York. The work is a little behindhand now, but the workmen are working against time and are making strong endeavours to have the instrument ready, so that the city may employ the organ in the honouring of the Royal guests.

Our correspondent at Riverton writes: James Burns, a miner employed in the Birchwood coal mine, met with a serious accident while working last Friday. A fairsized piece of stone fell from the roof of the pit and dislodged a prop, which struck Burns heavily on the head. The unfortunate man was removed to the Riverton Hospital, where it was discovered that he was suffering from a fractured skull. His condition at present is critical.

The work of constructing the building to accommodate the Southern Cross Glass Company’s work on the reserve at the rear of the cemetery, which has been suspended for some weeks, will be recommenced almost immediately (reports the Ashburton Guardian), and it is expected that manufacturing will be in progress in five months. The required amount of funds is in sight, and the company is working on a capital of £65,000, of which £15,000 is fully paid up, the remainder being contributing.

Shortly after noon on Sunday a threeroomed cottage at Otatara, owned by Mr A. R. Middleton, and occupied by Mrs G. Scandrett, wife of Senior-Sergeant Scandrett, formerly of Invercargill and now of Westport, was totally destroyed by fire. Mrs Scandrett was absent at the time of the outbreak, and returned to find the house burnt to the ground. She was unfortunate enough to lose £26 in notes as well as her furniture and personal effects. The cottage was insured in the Alliance Office for £5O.

“Sport stands high in Australia, and even the visit of the New Zealand Parliamentary delegates did not cause the enthusiasm of the Sydney Press to be curbed,” said Mr W. A. Veitch, M.P., at the reception to the visiting New South Wales tennis players in Wanganui recently. “One paper had the startling heading in black type, ‘Great Empire Conference,’ ‘Windbag Wins.’ For the reputation of our fair Dominion, I was glad I did not speak the previous day, when headings like that were published,” said Mr Veitch amidst laughter.

At a meeting of the Southland Cricket Association last evening, preliminary arrangements in connection with the proposed visit of a representative Melbourne team were discussed. Several committees were set up and the selection committee was instructed to choose a number of players to go into special training for the Southland match. Messages from the New Zealand Cricket Council indicated that there was every possibility of the visitors opening their tour at Invercargill, but until further word is received stating that the team is to land at Bluff nothing definite will be arranged.

“Electricity is cheaper in Melbourne than in any other place in the Southern Hemisphere,” said Mr J. B. Murdoch, of Hawera, to a News representative. Mr Murdoch, who has recently returned from a trip to Australia, explained that the electricity is generated by steam power, coal fuel being used. The plant is built on the coalfields, so that coal is transferred direct from the mines into the furnaces. In this case poor quality coal which Is of no use for household purposes is used. Mr Murdoch stated that the possibilities of the Ohura coalfields for supplying fuel to generate electricity to serve the whole province, and referred to the comparatively cheap cost of building such a plant as compared with the cost of hydro-electric works.

At a rime when the New Zealand Government is still vague in its policy towards deer and goats in the native bush, a glance at what other countries are doing is of interest. According to the superintendent of the Hawaiian forestry organisation, Mr C. S. Judd, the most serious menace to the forests of the Sandwich Islands consists of wild animats. “One of the chief activities of the forestry department in Hawaii is that of keeping wild cattle, hogs and goats out of the forested areas. These animals are highly dangerous to the trees, for the reason that they remove the undergrowth which is so valuable for bolding moisture. In two recent drives about 3500 goats were cleared from the forests. The value of the forests in conserving the water supply has come to be realised by the people of the Islands.”

An instance of the humid conditions prevailing in some of the back portions of the Nelson district this year is the grass growing on the backs of sheep (states the Mail). Some of them when mustered have been as green as the fattening paddocks. Most children have been taught at school to germinate seeds on pieces of wet flannel. Exactly the same process goes on on the sheep’s back. Of course, this sort of thing should never occur when land is properly farmed, for grass should never be allowed to grow so long and rank that the sheep can become covered with the seed. Still, such things do occur, probably through want of knowledge in some instances, and sheer bad luck rn others. Whatever the cause, the sheep certainly present a strange appearance with an abundant growth of grass on their backs.

The opinion that much could be done to improve hotel accommodation for tourists in New Zealand is held by Mr Gouverneur Morris, the American novelist, who is visiting Auckland. The food in New Zealand hotels was excellent, but in other respects changes were necessary. He suggested the Government should send a commission to the United States to see how they were doing things there, not on an extravagant scale, but in the smaller cities. Much could be learned about hotel planning and building. Speaking of the people of New Zealand as he had found them, Mr Morris said they were helpful and obliging. They were more like the English than the Americans, but in another 100 years he thought it would be the other way about. “When I return to my home I will tell people about New Zealand and will encourage them to come here,” he added. “I will probably mention New Zealand in articles I witi write for American in ag azines.”

The hearing of the arson charge against Joseph Henry Trask, aged 47, concluded yesterday afternoon and accused was committed for trial, states an Auckland Press Associxbnr message.

An almost complete skeleton of a moa was found at Matamata, near Harakeke, on ihc east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula shortly after a southwest gale, which moved the sand dunes, states a Thames Press Associ.ilion message. Fragments of eggs were also found. The skeleton has been offered to tho Auckland Museum.

A telegram was received in Auckland vrsrurd.’iy afternoon that Mr E. Ellis, of 11 ami Iron, while fishing off Whangaroa, caught a mako shark of the record weight nf 5501b5, states a Press Association messThe heaviest mako captured from a end l.w season was also taken off Whangaroa, the weight being 4341 b.

Motor transport has sprung rapidly into favour in the Wairoa district for the carriage of fat lambs to the freezing works (says the Hawke’s Bay Herald). During the last few weeks lorries from Hawke’s Bay have been making regular trips to Wairoa for both sheep and lambs. The lorries that are now being used are threedeckers capable of holding 150 lambs.

About 100 Maoris are assembled at Ngaruawahia to take part in the tangi being held in connection with the death of the Maori chief, Pokaia Tawhiao, aged 48 years, who died at Aotea Kawhia. The body was brought to Ngaruawahia. Amongst the assembled visitors are prominent chiefs from Tauranga, Taumarunui, and Matamata. The casket is lying in a splendidly-made hut, surrounded with native mats. The decensed was a brother of the late Maori “King” Mahuta, and is, therefore, an uncle of the present head chief, Rata. New Zealand is producing a race of great thinkers, thanks to the “Thinker” School Writing Tablet. Price 6d, all stationers. (advt.) “She never misses or splutters when Pm running on ‘BIG TREE’ MOTOR SPIRIT!” Profit by this driver’s experience!—(Advt.) Having been fortunate enough to get a repeat of the Gift Tweed Line, Thomson & Beattie, Ltd. are once again offering Suits to your measure for the very small sum of £3 17/6. It speaks highly of this Suit in that repeat orders are already coming in. To see Southland’s best Suit Value see this line.—Advt.

There is a well-known and popular beverage called Rava Tea from the Rava Tea Gardens. The quality, liquor and flavour, just all right. Most refreshing. Baxter’s far-famed Rava Tea 2/10 per lb; 2/8 per lb in 51b pkts.—(Advt.)

Here are new and readable 3/6 novels: “Bevil Granville’s Handicap” (Joseph Hocking), never before published; “Ruben and Ivy Sen” (Louise Jordan Miln), a sequel to “Mr and Mrs Sen”; “Keith’s Dark Tower” (Eleanor H. Porter), author of “Pollyana”; "Three Just Men” (Edgar Wallace) ; “The Blithe Sheriff” (F. R. Buckley), quite new; “William the Conqueror” (Richmal Crompton) ; “The Studdingly Stables Mystery” (Ben Strong), obtainable from the N.Z. Book Depot, Esk street. — (Advt.)

Please deliver your Pigs direct or by rail addressed HITCHON’S, C/o Makarewa Freezing Works, MAKAREWA. Prompt Returns and market rates for good pigs. Weights required, 130 lbs to 165 lbs. HITCIION’S Bacon Factory, MILTON.

For this week the Albion Salon are making further reductions in frocks, coats, costumes, etc. Now is the time to buy your requirements. Voile frocks from 8/6, zephyr frocks from 9/6. All better frocks and garments marked at less than cost price. Pay a visit to-day. You will be delighted with the asortment and values. Note adress, Albion Salon, first floor, Albion Buildings, Dee Street. ’Phone 1710. (advt.)

In selecting Diamond Jewellery the purchaser’s protection is the jeweller. Rankin's enviable reputation is founded on years of honest trading. Diamonds sold by us are first quality stones, bought direct, and our stock leaves nothing to be desired for style and price. Select your Diamond Jewellery in the privacy of our Ring Parlour.—T. M. RANKIN, Jeweller, Tay Street. —Advt.

“A dem’d, damp, moist, unpleasant body!” —Dickens, in “Nicholas Nickleby.” Everybody knows what an unpleasant thing a cold is. If you use Baxter’s Lung Preserver frequently, you need not worry about coughs and colds or sore throats. This fine old tested remedy soothes chests and throats, cuts phlegm, and is also an invaluable tonic. Famous for over a half-a century. Obtainable at all chemists and stores. Generous-sized bottle 2s 6d.—Advt.