LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 January 1922, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

On Sunday morning the police paid a surprise visit to a number of V anganui hotels, with the result, it is understood, that the sequel will be interesting, says the Chronicle.

With reference to the proposed erection of a protective wall at the East Epd reserve the borough engineer (Mr. W. I-I. Cook) reported to last night’s meeting of the New Plymouth Borough Council to the effect that lie had not yet been'able to submit opinions on the project, owing to the preparation of other returns. He added that the plans showing the level of the beach were well forward and he had made some enquiries regarding the proposed position of the wall The report and estimates would he ready by Thursday or Friday next.

On a charge of failure to provide maintenance ,for his wife a man named T. IL Hutton was arrested in New Plymouth by Constable Cantion yesterday. Accused was brought before Mr. I . Furfon„ J.P., and was remanded to appear at "Palmerston North Court to-mor-row. He will he escorted south this morning.

There was a large number of visitors to the North Egmont Mountain House on Sunday, although the weather conditions were particularly disappointing, a strong gale prevailing. Despite the weather "the ascent to the summit was

undertaken by two young men from New Plymouth. They left the hostel at 10 a.'m. and after a strenuous climb succeeded in reaching the top,' a creditable performance under such conditions. The number of visitors to the old house was so large that there was not sufficient room' to accommodate them all at one time.

Particulars of Okau sheep fair and cattle sale are advertised.

A sheep farmer in the Levin district informed a Chronicle reporter that the wool clip this season had been one of the best in his experience. It was also in excellent condition, with plenty of yolk—a sure indication that the sheep are in good condition.

“Rats breed prolifically,” observed Dr. W. F. Finulay (District Health Officer), when speaking at Wellington on the subject of plague. He said that rats began to breed at two and a-half months, and in nine months a pair of the rodents would produce 886 offspring.

There was a net profit of £94 19s on the picnic held recently in the Huatoki Domain by the Frankleigh Park residents for the purpose of raising funds for the erection of a hall. A further effort, in the shape of a sports meeting and garden party, to be held in Mr. Frethey’s gardens, is being organised.

A cattle dealer went into a post office and handed in a telegram with a carefully written address, followed only by eight strokes. The puzzled clerk inquired whether the strokes meant figures. “Call ’em what you like,” said the man, “so long as they come out the same at the other end. My missus can’t read or write, but she can count, and when that telegram reaches her she’ll know to expect me home at 8 o’clock.”

As the season advances the trout get into better and better condition, says the Rotorua Chronicle. Many anglers would be very pleased to whip the at reams all day for one fish, if it were of the proportions of the brown trout caught bj Mr. E. Meyer, of Ngongotaha, on Thursday, which tipped the scales at 12% lb. Mr. A. H. Trippe made a good haul at the week-end, placing no fewer than 25 trout, caught at Hamurana, in his basket.

The position with regard to unemployment in the South is illustrated by the experience of a man who tramped all the way from Dunedin to Waimate —a distance of a little over 100 miles —looking for work'. He is reported to have inquired diligently along the route for employment, and although he stated that he could do anything on a farm, his diligence was not rewarded. His only prospect of work was a job promised him for March.

“Has the council authority to dispose of portions of streets that will never be used?” asked Cr. R. A. Large at last night’s meeting of the New Plymouth Borough Council. He followed up the question by suggesting that the northern end of Mt. Edgecombe Street might be sold, as it would be worth a few pounds as a building section. The Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson) advised that the sale of areas set aside for streets necessitated a good deal of procedure, but if the questioner desired to see the lot disposed of notice of motion could be given at a future meeting.

What is the ruling in regard to the repayment of superannuation moneys to retired or retrenched Civil servants? A correspondent has asked tl.e question of The Post, and a representative called upon an administrative officer of the Government. The rule is that such a Civil servant, whose employment is ot under twenty years’ duration, received the whole of the money paid into the fund by him or her without interest, but in'the case of an employee whose services arc of twenty or more years’ duration, interest at the rat* of 3£ per cent, simple is added on to the moneys actually paid in.. A narrow escape from very serious injury was experienced Shelly Beach Baths, Auckland, last week, by a young man, Mr. Christian Hassan, aged 24. Mr. Hassan had been bathing in the baths, when he climbed on to the front guardrail of the pavilion and dived over the eastern wall into the open sea, a drop of about 30ft. 'He miscalculated the depth of the water, which was only just above 2ft. deep. He struck the rock bottom, which fortunately was covered with mud, this making the impact less severe. His injuries were confined to a severe cut on the forehead, while he also complained of injury to his back. The unfortunate man was admitted to the hospital in a dazed condition.

Speaking generally <>f conditions noted in a tour of the Dominion, Mr. L. S. Cumming, managing director of a large timber company in Australia, said the Waikato, and country round about Hawke’s Bay, and elsewhere in the 'North Island had impressed him as the finest farming land he had seen in any country, both in extent and productivity. “I was sorry I n notice a rather widespread spirit of n-simism,” he said. “After seeing the character of the country itself, it seems to me that when the. present phrase has passed, New Zealand will have very little to fear. I think that within a comparatively short time the general outlook is bound to become much brighter.”

It is the intention of the New Plymouth Borough Council to raise, their loan of £142,000 (to meet loans falling due) outside the Dominion. At last night's meeting the council adopted a resolution from the Finance Committee recommending that the State advances Department be informed of this intention of asking for permission to pay up to 7 per cent. Other recommendations from the Finance Committee were adopted as follows:—That the superintendent of the State Advances office be informed that the council is agreeable to the condition limiting the ‘rate of interest on the £9OOO Electric Light Loan to 64 per cent, and desires the necessary Order-in-Council to be issued as soon as possible; that application be made for an Order-in-Council authorising, the payment of 6% per cent, the balance unraised ot the £72,000

For the concert in aid of the Beautifying Society a special piano will be used? This'has been generously provided by IT. Collier and Co. as a donation to the Society..

Mr. W. L. Hay announces in our advertising columns his intention of commencing'in New Plymouth as a teacher of pianoforte and singing. Mr. Hay has sun<* the tenor solos of the leading oratorios in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. He will bc-pleased to meet intending pupils as ger advt. Parents fitting their boys out for the new school term will welcome the announcement that the annual summer sale commences at the N.Z. Clothing Factory to-day. ‘Substantial savings can be made on all purchases of clothing, mercery and footwear during the sale period, but it behoves the thrifty to take full advantage of “H. 8. sale prices during the present stringency. The sale will continue for two clear weeks. — Zealand Clothing Factory, New Plymouth.