In the News

Southland Times, Issue 24822, 14 August 1942, Page 4

In the News

High Priced Cartridges What was claimed might be a record price for a box of cartridges was mentioned by a member at a meeting of the council of the Southland Acclimatization Society last night. He said that at a recent auction one box of cartridges brought 28/-, another 27/- and four boxes were sold for 25/- each. Another member said that the four boxes at 25/- were sold to a man who wanted to shoot shags. The man had told him that he feared that unless he shot the shags there would be no fishing in his .district next season, and he was therefore determined to procure cartridges at any cost. Vegetable Prices Fixed The Price Tribunal has fixed “ceiling” •wholesale and retail prices for certain lines of vegetables. During the period of the operation of the “ceiling” prices—the period to be determined by circumstances —the prescribed prices must not be exceeded. The ’ maximum retail prices must not be exceeded. The maximum retail prices for the North Island are: Carrots, 3|d per lb; parsnips, 3Jd; pumpkins, 4d; kumeras, 5Jd; turnips, 2d; swedes, 2d. For elsewhere than the North Island they are: Carrots, 3d; parsnips, 3d; pumpkins, 4d; kumeras, s|d; turnips, lid; swedes, l|d. —P.A. Timaru Mayoralty The position of the mayoralty of Timaru has been further complicated by the opinion of the borough solicitors, who state that the Mayor has already lost his seat. In view of this opinion and a confidential opinion forwarded to the council recently by the Municipal Association concerning another local body, the Timaru Borough Council last night decided to ask the member of Parliament for Timaru to secure the opinion of the Crown Law Office on the position. The Mayor, Major W. G. Tweedy, who is Red Cross Commissioner overseas, was granted six months’ leave, but on the expiry of the term the council declined to grant an extension. —P.A. Rope Saids Restricted A notice in last night’s Gazette prohibits the sale, transfer or disposal of any cordage or fibre without the consent of the Factory Controller. The Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, explained that this notice had been brought down to ensure that all cordage would be used for only the most vital and essential national needs. The term cordage embraced twine, rope or cable manufactured from any fibre. The Minister added that special attention had been given in framing the notice to the needs of farmers and foundries, factories and contractors.— P-A. Challenge to Sportsmen In forwarding a donation of £5 to the Southland Acclimatization Society towards the fund for the destruction of rats on Herokopare Island, Mr Gordon Macauley, of Mossbum, wrote: “If 10 members of your society will each give £lO I will send you another tenner. Now, what about it? Surely you have 10 ‘sports' on the society.”

Day of Prayer The Governor-General has received the following message from the private secretary to the King:—“The King has appointed Thursday, September 3, to.be a national day of prayer and dedication in the United Kingdom.” The Gover-nor-General hopes this day may also be observed as a national day of prayer and dedication in New Zealand, and with this in view he is inviting the co-operation of the churches throughout the Dominion.—P.A. Bid For Liberty

' A dramatic dash was made by a prisoner in the Supreme Court at Auckland yesterday five minutes after, he had been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for a series of 21 offences, including escaping from custoday at Whakatane. The escapee, Clifford Douglas Keene, aged 27, a labourer, made a sudden dash as he was being put in the prisoners’ van at the back of the Court. Closely pursued by officers in the van, he rushed down Anzac Avenue, doubled back into side streets and momentarily eluded his pursuers, but an organized drive resulted in his recapture near the police, station within half an hour.—P.A. Fruit Board Suggested

The chairman of the Fruit Advisory Committee, Mr H. E. Stephens, suggested to the fruit-growers’ conference at Wellington yesterday that the_ fruit industry should set un a board similar to the Wheat Board. There dipst be scope for adjustment between the grower’s 5/3 a case and the market price of 15/-, he said. There were too many brokers and too many shops handling fruit. He advocated an extension of the powers of the Internal Marketing Department and the opening of depots to supply fruit direct to re-Z tailers. Brokers should be compelled to organize so that fair competition should prevail. Growers would have to have certain guarantees and Government assistance. The conference approved the demand of the pear growers for sixpence a case more than the price received for apples and also agreed to a proposal for a separate pool for pears.— P.A. Safebreakers at Work

Safe-breakers entered three premises in Wellington street, Auckland, on Wednesday night. They blew open the safe of the Auckland Meat Company and stole about £lOO in cash. In premises opposite they blew the safe and found 7/-. In the third building they moved the safe to the top of the stairs, but were evidently disturbed and departed.—P.A.