NEWS ITEMS

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 83, 19 August 1953, Page 1

NEWS ITEMS

Petty Shop Thefts Recent police investigation in Taupo resulted in the detection of a group of children who had been responsible for an epidemic of pefcty thieving from shops in Taupo. Several bicycles had also been removed from the A.C. Baths and Majestic Theatre. The loot included fruit taken from a fruit shop, and several jars of sweets from the counter of a milk bar. Emterprise worthy of a better cause was shown in the removal from the back of a shop of numbers of bottles which were taken to the front and sold to the owner at the ruling price. In similar fashion, bottles of soft drinks removed from a counter were sold back when emptied. ★ New Hospital Wing The Waikato Hospital Board at its meeting on Monday, August 10, discussed whether there should be an official opening of the recently completed new wing at the Taupo Hospital. Mr C. S. Andrews, member representing .. the Taupo district, stated that considering the amount spent in making a major addition an opening should be held in order to make people aware of what the Board was doing to improve hospital services. Board members agreed and it was decided to leave arrangements to Mr Andrews. It was announced that an electrical and oil-burning heating system was to be installed | and a garage built for the vehicles of the nursing staff. ★ Violent Wind On Thursday evening of last week a sudden and violet storm occurred in Taupo about 7.30 p.m. The northerly wind experienced during the day suddenly increased in strength and fierce gusts shook many houses. Trees were uprooted in several places, branches torn from others, a garage partly unroofed, while a lofty pine tree in the Ministry of Works Camp crashed across a fortunately unoccupied hut, temporarily cutting off the camp lighting. Several hatch-covers were blown off launches in the river, and the upper part of a chimney was demolished. About eight o'clock the gale eased as quickly as it had arisen. No major damage has been reported. ★

Rotorua Hospital Matron Miss P. Goodwin, late matron of the Taumarunui Hospital, has been appointed matron at the Rotorua Hospital. Miss Goodwin was sister at the diet kitchen at Rotorua in 193839. From then until 1949 she was employed at the Waikato Hospital, and for the last six years of that period was senior tutor sister at the nursing school. She has been matron at Taumarunui Hospital since January. 1950. 1 ★

Gum Trees With Dry Rot An unexpeeted discovery was made last week during the work of removing stumps and trees from the northern portion of the Recreation Ground adjoiliing Tongariro Street. A blue-gum tree which was to be cut down was roped, to ensure its falling safely, and though the rope was not tightened up it pulled the tree over. It was found that the collapse was due to extensive dry rot in the roots and interior of the trunk, and its condition indicated that it might easily have fallen across the road. Other trees cut down previously in course of clearing the ground had also been found to be affected with internal dry rot, and one only of those removed was sound. A tree still remaining at the end of last week is thought to be similarly affected. ★ Ambulance Call The Taupo St. John Ambulance Brigade received one call last week, when a sick patient had to be taken to Rotorua Hospital. The ambulance was manned by Mr J. Kellett, driver, and Miss F. C. Dent, attendant.