LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 February 1921, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Another steamer is coming direct to New Plymouth from San Francisco with cargo of case oil, and she is due here about the middle of March. The quantity of o'l and the name of the vessel are not known yet. Colonel Melvill, C. 8., C.M.G., D. 5.0., officer commanding the Wellington Military District, will present the Weekly Press Challenge Shield to the New Plymouth High School Senior Cadets (winners of the recent competition) at the High School grounds tomorrow (Friday), at 3 p.m. In discussing the stringency of the money market and the effect of .the wool market upon it, a Manawatu farmer said that for eight years past the proceeds of his clip averaged £7OOO per annum, which sum he regularly invested on mortgage. This year so far nothing is available.

The Waitoa dried milk factory, the erection of which was commenced about eighteen months ago, is now being fitted with the necessary plant and machinery. It is intended to have the factory in working order for the next dairying season, and a very large output of dried milk is practically Assured. The guard of the Wanganui train informed a passenger that the consign'ment of six Maoris on stretchers and two on crutches that landed at Ratana’s siding on Saturday was quite a common occurrence. “Curiously enough,” he remarked, “we seldom bring back a bed or a crutch.” “The continued scarcity of skilled tradesmen is. retarding the progress of the work,” stated the report of the architects for the nurses’ home, read at yesterday’s meeting of the Taranaki Hospital Board. “From enquiries made in the centres (the report stated) there seems little prospect of inducing men to come here, without an assurance that homes are available for them, and with the housing question as acute as ever, this assurance cannot be given.” A man named George Inman Blacker (or Blacher), arrested on warrant by Detective-Sergeant Cooney, was brought before Mr. H. R. Cattley, J.P., yesterday on a charge of fraudulently failing to account for a sum of money received on behalf of his employer (Mr. L. T. Cresswell). Tt is alleged that the accused, who is an assistant in the “P. 8.5. received £7 12s from E. Whittle in January 26 and converted it to his own use. A remand until to-day was granted.

Referring to the financial position of the corporation, the Mayor of Wellington, Ajr. J. P. Luke, stated at the last meeting of the council that £BO,OOO had been raised at 5i per cent. (10 years) for the loan redemption loan, but they had not been successful in raising many hundreds for the 20 years’ works loan of £250,000 at 5% per cent. He was very much afraid they would not have much success unless the Government altered the conditions. Mr. Luke warned the council that the overdraft was increasing. The sea-bird life at the mouth of the Waiwakaiho river, Fitzroy, has increased wonderfully during the past two years. When the tide recedes it is quite a common sight to see 500 or 600 birds grouped on a recently formed sandbank near the river’s mouth. Tn addition to the ordinary sea gulls, there are terns, molly-hawks, gannets, etc. Occasionally a pair of blue herrons may be seen walking up and down the tide mark picking up crabs and other Crustacea that the waves leave stranded. Some of the sea-birds, particularly the molly-hawks, are large as full-sized geese. Notice to move a resolution in favor of establishing a maternity hospital at New Plymouth was recently given at a meeting of the Taranaki Hospital Board, by Mr. E. R. Gilmour. When the time for consideration of the proposal came up at yesterday’s meeting of the Board, Mr. Gilmour stated that he had felt strongly that the Board should move in the direction indicated, but in view of the stringency of the money market, and the excessive rate of interest which the Board would probably have to pay, he did not feel justified in pushing the matter further at present. He would therefore withdraw the motion.

The New Plymouth beaches are being visited this week by two large parties from inland districts. Yesterday between four and five hundred school children and adults from Midhirst were at the East End, and, the day being pleasant, the outing was a very enjoyable one. Extra carriages were provided on the morning and afternoon trains (inward and outward) to accommodate tire picnickers. To-day the annual Stratford excursion to the breakwater will take place, and two special trains will he required, as it is anticipated that close on 2000 people will wish to journey from the inland town to spend the dav by the sea. Our readers are doubtless familiar with the question whether tomafoes are fruit or vegetable. It is interesting to note that the New Plymouth Horticultural Society in its schedule for the autumn show to be held next week has classed tomatoes among the fruits. Entries are now being received, and close on Monday next. The Bon Marche, Eltham and Kaponga, announce further reductions at the Sale of Sales, and invite patrons to write for price list. Note the guarantee. —Money returned if purchase not satisfactory.

Webster Bros, advertise a big sale of 1000 boxes choice assorted fresh fruits. Many of the stone fruits are fast coming to the end of their season. Peaches, nectarines and plums in particular will not last much longer.