In the News

Southland Times, Issue 24874, 14 October 1942, Page 4

In the News

Tin Hats Patriotic workers were busy selling miniature tin hats to the crowd at ths show grounds yesterday during ths open air concert of the band of tha Royal New Zealand Air Force. A patriotic official explained the significance of the emblem by saying that tin hats were worn fop protection against shell and bomb splinters. During this week’s effort the badges would be regarded as a symbol of protection for war prisoners against starvation. Those who bought badges would be helping ta provide that protection for soldiers in the hands of the enemy.

Home Guard Director A meeting of Home Guardsmen and other residents was held in Winton on Monday night to say farewell to Lieu-tenant-Colonel W. Bell, who has resigned his position of Group Director of the Home Guard. The Mayor, Mr N. Metzger, presided. The following resolution was carried unanimously: “That this meeting of citizens of Winton and the surrounding districts, interested in the Home Guard, sincerely regrets that Lieutenant-Colonel Bell has found it necessary to ask to be-reliev-ed of his position of Group Director of No. 12 Area, and wishes to place on record its appreciation of the efficient manner in which he organized and built up the Home Guard in this area. During the two years he has been in charge, he has placed the whole of his time at the disposal of the Home Guard, and has given his best efforts without any thought of reward. This is appreciated, and knowing that we have the wholehearted support of the Winton Battalion of the Home Guard, we sincerely hope that it may be possible to retain his services.” The Training of Youth The need for older people to guide and help the youth of today was the theme of a talk given to the Invercargill Rotary Club yesterday by FlightLieutenant H. Gladstone Hill, conductor of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band. “In. the past we have ignored our responsibility for looking after our young men,” said FlightLieutenant Hill, “and we are reaping the whirlwind today.” He emphasized that music was one of the finest means of training youth. Music knew no race, colour or creed; it appealed to all; and it was able to exert a tremendous influence. Flight-Lieutenant Hill referred to the work of the R.N.Z.A.F. band among the schools, and he commended the Air Training Corps as an organization for the training of youth in war-time. Faked Petrol Coupons When the need for a greater allocation of petrol to motorists was being advocated at the annual meeting of the Automobile Association (Canterbury), Mr J. S. Hawkes, who is a member of the Christchurch Oil Fuel Committee, said he was mystified at the number of cars on the road in spite of the restrictions. He did not know how they did it. There were a certain number of faked coupons on the market, he added, and the committee was anxious to know where they came from. 80 Hours a Week Five appeals against the general service of James Henry Raphael Egan, accountant and manager, were adjourned sine die by the Gisborne Armed Forces Appeal Board. The appellants were Hair Brothers, F. Collin, Limited, Economic Butchery Company, Egan and James, and the Whangara Blocks, Incorporated. Appearing in support of the first four appeals, Mr Parker said Egan was a married man with four children, and in addition to his work for the appellant firms he ran a small farm of 90 acres at Kaiti. Mr Parker added that the reservist had been working up to 80 hours a week recently and this would have to be increased as the busy period was approaching. The reservist was a partner in the firm of Egan and James. One partner was in camp, and another would be going into camp shortly. The reservist supervised the meat distribution of F. Collin, Limited, and the Economic Butchery, and attended to all the secretarial work of Hair Brothers, Limited. The reservist is to serve in the Home Guard. Fining of Ex-Soldier The fining of a returned soldier of the last war for refusing to obey the direction of a man-power officer in Auckland is to be investigated by the Christchurch Returned Services Association. At a meeting of the executive of the association, a Press Association message reporting that Edward Scott, in receipt of a military pension • for life, was fined £4 for declining to work for Reid Rubber Mills, was read by the chairman, Mr C. Miln. The defendant worked at a hotel and was allowed to sit down, it was stated, but at the rubber mill he would not be able to do so. “There is one law for miners and another for returned soldiers,” commented Mr E. Orchard. It was decided to ask the Auckland R.S.A. for information on the case. Metal Articles Controlled Food safes, bowls and buckets are among the principal articles added last week to the list of controlled non-fer-rous metal items under the factory emergency regulations. The principal notice, issued last May, brought under control such fabricated goods as architectural metalwork, ornamental fittings, including many items of furniture and builders’ hardware.