LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 May 1920, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Christchureh and Gisbome brandies of the P. and T. Association last night passed resolutions similar to those adopted in other towns last week.

Speaking at the meeting of the Borough Council last night, the engineer stated that, while bitumen might be better than tar, it must he remembered that it was much more expensive, and no council could afford to go in wholly for bitumen. They might use bitumen in places, but the bulk of the roads would have to be tar-sealed for some years to come.

There were two very proud men in New Plymouth yesterday. After the Mayor and Mayoress had taken leave of the Prince on th« platform of his carriage, two raihvaymen dived forward and grasped the Koyal hand, which they shook vigorously. The train was gaining speed, but the raihvaymen alighted with safety, quite satisfied with having had the privilege of shaking hands with Royalty.

Praise of the beauties of Pukekura Park and the surroundings of the sports ground, was on the lips of all the visitors who accompanied the Prince of Wales on his visit to New Plymouth yesterday. Without exception they were charmed with the place, and many expressed the opinion that no finer ground for the purposes of sports or spectacular demonstration* could be wished for.

An evidence of the sobriety and good behavior of the people of New Plymouth yesterday was shown by the fact that the police had a particularly easy time in keeping order. One elderly man in a somewhat helpless state of drunkenness was arrested in Po.vderham Street last evening, and owing to his having a defective leg, it took two constables to help him to the police station.

So far as could be ascertained last evening, yesterday's proceedings in New Plymouth passed off without any serious mishap, the only accident reported being that to a little girl named Copeland, who was knocked down by a motor just outside the railway station after the departure of the Prince's train. She received some slight injury to her face, but, after receiving surgical attention, was able to proceed to her home. Referring to the uncertainty of obtaining an adequate supply of tar just when required, the Borough engineer stated at the meeting of the Council last night that they now had storage for 15,000 gallons of tar, and as in the season about 1900 gallons represented an average day's consumption, this only gave them about seven days' supply. In the new loan, provision was made for storing an additional 24,000 gallons.

At last night's meeting of the Borough Council, Mr. Bellringer said tliat he would like to express his thanks to the borough officials for their work in connection with the visit of the Prince. He mentioned especially Mr. Bay, who was extremely energetic, and had put in a tremendous amount of work. Cr. Hayden, in moving a vote of appreciation, said that Mr. Day deserved the highest commendation. This was seconded by Cr. Parkin, and carried. The Council also expressed its thanks to the ladies for Ihoir splendid work, and to all who helped to make the function such a distinct success.

''Hold's on a bit there, Prince!" A Maori returned soldier had taken out his kodak and was endeavoring to get a snap of the Prince just prior to leaving Pukekura Park yesterday. The Prince smiled, and awaited the pleasure of the Maori, who seemed to be taking a long time over the business, when the Prince saw that something was amiss, and told the Maori that he had the camera upside down! But the Maori took his time, and got what may be hoped was a good picture. The Maori grew quite friendly, and plied question after question, to tvhich the Prince graciously replied.

The sight of sick or wounded soldiers lias excited the interest and sympathy of the Prince of Wales wherever he has (jone. Yesterday, at Pukekura Park, this personal interest of the Prince in men who showed signs of disablement greatly pleased the public. Several cars were on the grounds with such patients from the hospital, and the Prince approached these and conversed with the unfortunate occupants. In one case he shook hands and spoke to one man, saying he was "sorry to see him on his back so long after the war." The man was overcome at the sympathy shown, and could only blush his thanks; and the Prince hud.passed on 'ere he could be told that the accident by which he injured his back had happened at Opunake a fortnight ago.

The Melbourne, Ltd., has a full stock of Le Roy's famous oily canvas coats. These conts are absolutely without parallel for withstanding rain and hard usage, and will out-wear three ordinary oilskins. Price for best quality, doublelined, Si 19s 6d.