HERE AND THERE IN NEW ZEALAND

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 310, 16 December 1936, Page 7

HERE AND THERE IN NEW ZEALAND

GLEANINGS OF DOMINION NEWS.

Stud Sheep For Export. Another valuable consignment of New Zealand stud sheep for South America left Auckland by the Pakeha — 45 Corriedale and five Merino ram hoggets having been sold to buyers in Chile and the Argentine. New Fire Station Site. No objections have been received by the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board to its proposal to apply to the Local Government Loans Board for sanction to borrow £30,000 for the purchase ot a -site at the corner of Grey’s Avenue and Pitt Street for the proposed new central fire station (states the “New Zealand Herald”). The board decided on this site when it;, was found that it would not be possible to acquire the old windmill property in Symonds Street and public notice was given of its intention to raise a loan of £30,000 for the acquisition of the land and buildings. Opportunity was given to persons opposed to the scheme ’to loilge objections in writing, and the time for the lodging of such objections has now expired.

Bigger Houses. Commenting on the big improvement shown in the building industry, the monthly Abstract of Statistics makes particular reference to the type of dwellings erected. “It is interesting to note,” it say’s, “the much greater increase in five-roomed dwellings than in those of four rooms. This is no doubt largely a further reflex of the improved economic conditions responsible for the substantial increase in building generally.” Death At 91 Years. The death occurred at Maungakaramea last week* of Mrs Isabella Roy Crawford, in her ninety-second year. Mrs Crawford, who was said to be the oldest resident in 'the Maungakaramea district, was the wife of the late Mr John CrAwford. She was one of the best-known figures in that district, in which she had resided for over 60 years. She was born in Perthshire and came to New Zealand in 1875 in the ship Ocean Mail, to join her sister at Maungakaramea.

Grandfathers At School “Many people are still unaware that adults can attend evening classes and are surprised to hear that a proportion of our students are well into middle life,” said the principal, Dr D. E. Flansen, at the prize-giving of the Christchurch Technical High School. “I personally' know that some of them have attained the dignity of grandfathers and grandmothers. This should be an answer to the argument put up by some persons, perhaps in their 'teens or early twenties, that they are t(V’ old to attend classes.” Need For Pioneering Spirit, “Nowadays there are so many people who are looking for soft jobs, who are leaning on others, who want the way made easy for them. It is a sign of weakness, of the lack of that spirit which makes strong characters and worthy citizens,” said the Rev Adam Begg, wheA speaking at. the pioneer service at the Temuka Presbyterian Church. “More of the pioneer spirit is needed in the world to-day; in* the community’; in the church; in the tasks and problems of lifo; in the building up of a prosperous and contented people who will co-operate with other peoples in the making of a peaceful, progressive company of nations. We lose much when a. spirit of suspicion creeps in. Anything that keeps us from cooperating with others for the common good is fatal to the highest progress, both in church and State.”

New Air liners. The three Lockhead Electra passenger aeroplanes to be put into service by Union Airways between Auckland and Wellington about the middle of next year will have the regist rail ion letters ZK-AFC, ZK-AFD and ZKAFE respectively, states an exchange, As with the company’s machines in the- Palmers.on NorthDunedin service, the new aeroplanes will be given native bird mimes. Officials of Union Airway's visited Mangere aerodrome this week to discuss arrangenients in connection with ground facilities fur the machines. Dunedin’s “Hiking” Seal. The second seal which has made its appearance in Dunedin does not appreciate ihe efforts of people who would direct it back to the sea, and snarls ■ ferociously at such interference. On two occasions it. has held up the tram service through being on the track, but one of its exploits in the South Dunedin district deserves special mention. The blubbery visitor decided to make a call at a hotel, and, failing to succeed in gainng entrance per the front swing doors, retired to a nearby private garden to have a sleep, it is staled that residents in the neighbourhood did not. feel at all happy at the presence of ithe seal.

i “Wonderful Harbours.” New Zealand's natural harbours I drew forth a word or two of praise I from the-Hon George Colville at the I ’ Wellington Travel Club reception, j ‘Your harbours are my envy,” he j said. “They really are the most I wonderful land-locked harbours I , have ever set n in my life. My hobb.v lis boa.i sailing, and I wish I had a harbour like Wellington or Auckland ' in which to pursue it.” I inspiring School Grounds. ■ A tribute to the work done by the I headmaster, Mr E. Wilson, in beau tifyiiie the Hamilton High School grounds was paid by Sir James Parr at the annual prizegiving. Sir James said that when he laid the founda- | (ion stone of the school 26 years ago i the area surrounding the building [ was a rough, treeless piece of ground. I He now found the school one of the I most important in the Dominion, and I the grounds among the most heauti--1 ful. In all his travels he had never seen a. better environment for a school, Sir James said. It resembled a nobleman’s park, “Panic-Scare Of Parents.” Comment on the fact that a number of junior girls were leaving school to take up positions in shops and offices was made at the prizegiving ceremony of the Avonside Girls’ High School by the headmistress, Miss M. Samucjl (states the Christchurch “Star-Sun”). “It seems to me,” she said, “that this increase in the number of junior girls leaving is not due to any demand from the employers, but rather to a panicscare on the pari of the parents.” in the last term alone, continued Miss Samuel, -II girls left, of whom 30 were junior pupils and 25 were under 16 years of age. Some had taken good positions, but others had gone to temporary work or to positions which offered them no opportunity’ for advancement. ' “The parents fear that the recent legislation may make it difficult for their children to obtain work if they do not seize the first chance that offers,” said the headmistress. “It cannot be too often stressed that, when financial circumstances permit, girls should avail themselves of a sound general education, no matter what kind of employment they intend to seek after leaving school.”