LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 January 1922, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A telegram from Oamaru states that since Friday 2.2 U inches of rain Jias been recorded in Oamaru, doing inestimable good to the wheat ■ and root crops. The weather is now fine and prospects are good for a record harvest.

Tn acknowledging a Tetter from the New Plymouth Borough Council regarding the question of a site for an observatory for taking meteorological records. at New Plymouth, the Dominion Meteorologist (Mr. D. C. Bates) intimated that he hopes to bp able to come to New . Plymouth next month.

Replying to Mr. A. S. Malcolm (Cluthaj in the House last night, Mr. Massey said he did not favour divided councils in Empire affairs, and therefore he would not agree with proposals to let the Dominions contract themselves out of Imperial agreements. He would in all probability in the course of a few days let the British Premier know what his views were, as representing the people of New Zealand, on this subject.— [Presa Asssk

Mr. Massey stated in the House last night that when he received the official report of the Washington Conference proceedings from Sir John Salmond its contents be given to the public so far as it was advisable to do so.—-Press Assn.

So far as the Home butter market Is concerned, cabled advice has been received in Wellington to the effect that the market is steady with a good demand, and if prices are not advanced unduly the demand would continue good, stocks will gradually clear, and prices will probably advance later on.

Indications are that both the Troys’ and Girls’ High Schools at New Plymouth will open with a full complement of pupils next term. The secretary (Mr. E. Lash) intimated to the Board of Governors at last night’s meeting that the J 5 vacancies at the girls’ boarding school, caused by girls leaving last year, had already been filled, whilst a number of applications for boarding accommodation had had to be refused. Judging by the inquiry for prospectuses the boys’ roll number will also be as great as the total for the past year. A letter received at last night’s meeting of the New Plymouth Borough Council protested against the public swimming baths being devoted entirely to mixed bathing, except in the very early morning. The writer (a woman) said the practice meant that those parents who objected to it for their young people had to stop their bathing altogether. “It seems a most unfair arrangement,” the letter concluded, “and others besides myself and husband strongly object.” The inspector (Mr. R. Day) reported that the alteration had been made at the request of a number of people for the holidays only and proved very popular. The old timetable, however, had now been reverted to.

At the monthly meeting of the Eltham County Council on Saturday several of the councillors complained of the small amount' of work which was being done by some of the roadmen. One councillor remarked that some of the men were doing about six hours’ work instead of eight, and another councillor considered that they used to get better work out of the men when they found their own means of getting to their jobs than they did now when the council had to find the means of conveyance. Or. Campbell said that the men working on the Fraser Road were doing exceptionally good work, and he feund no cause for complaint. The recommendation of the general manager (Mr. F. T. Bellringer) that applications for electric lighting should again be considered was adopted by the Nqw Plymouth Borough Council at last night’s meeting. The resolution of June last to the effect that no lurtner applications should be entertained was rescinded. In speaking to this motion the Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson), said there was now a certain amount of power available for hotases. The only drawback was that perhaps on Friday and. Saturday evenings it might be necessary to place some restrictions on street lighting, but having regard to the benefit which would be gained by householders lie thought the council could concur with the recommendation. There are 350 houses awaiting connection, and they will be dealt with in the order of their receipt.

The housing of the preparatory department of the New Plymouth Girls’ High School in a separate building, and not under the main roof as at present, was a subject touched upon at last night’s meeting of the Board of Governors. It was pointed out that the board was under an obligation to the Education Department to effect this change as soon as possible. Mr. Webster, basing his remarks upon the success of the boys’ preparatory school, spoke strongly in favour of the girls being put on a similar footing. The girls’ preparatory department was paying its way, and there was no reason why an extended system should not be put into operation to meet the growth of the town. Mr. Trimble expressed himself dubious as to the financial aspect of the scheme, though he did not wish to “throw cold water” on the project. The general consensus of opinion was that a simple two-roomed building, which would be in keeping with the rest of the school, but without unnecessary architectural embellishments, was what was required to meet the question of accommodation, and the finance committee of the board was appointed to prepare a report for the consideration of the board at its next meeting.

The financial meeting of the Loyal Egmont Lodge, M.TJ.1.0.0.F., New Plymouth, was held last evening, the N.G., Bro. G. Whitcombe, presiding. The annual balance-sheet and returns for the year ending December 31, were submitted by Bro. S. Bollon, the secretary of the lodge. During the year £293 Is 8d was received in contributions to the sick and funeral fund, and interest amounted to £375 15s. Refunds totalled £l2O, and other receipts £175. Sick pay to the amount of £485 and funeral benefits £l6O were disbursed, ana district levies to the atoount of £l3O were paid, leaving a credit balance of £8490. The secretary was warmly congratulated on the able and prompt manner in which the balance-sheets and returns were prepared, and on the very satisfactory report of the auditors. During the; evening a visit was paid by Bro. A. Eade, P.G. of the Loyal Eketahuna Lodge. Bro. Eade was cordially received and given lodge honors.

The annual picnic of the New Plymouth Waterside Workers’ Union will be held at Moturoa on Wednesday, January 25.

Messrs. R. S. Wooldridge, Ltd., notify in this issue that their general and motor engineering business is being carried on as heretofore at their Gill Street works.

McGruer’s .Summer Sale opens tomorrow (Wednesday). On looking througli the bill one is particularly struck with the bargains that are being given. We will still have a lot of hot so now is your opportunity to purchase and look smart at a small cost, at McGruer’s .Sale.

Men’s fine summer singlets in natural and white cotton, only 3/11, at the Melbourne, Ltd. Men’s Shirley Police braces are now 3/11 pair; Shirley President braces, light, medium or heavy make, 4/6 pair; genuine Paris sock suspenders, 2s pair; pure linen collars, including popular wing shape. 1/4; extra large red' or blue spot handkerchiefs, 1/3. Farmers, you all like to see your factory .getting high grading points, don’t you ? There is. however, always room for improvement, and you cannot afford your manager greater help than by supplying nothing but pure and wholesome milk. The regular use of “Sinus,” the champion dairy cleanser, ensures absolute cleanliness, and in fairness to everyone concerned you should use it always.

The Kawaroa Park Society wish to acknowledge, with thanks the following donations: Mr. H. Dempsey 10s, Mr. Mathieson £1 Is, Mr. H. Hill £1 1»> Friend os.