NEWS OF THE DAY

Taranaki Daily News, 26 September 1940, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY

Schoolboy's Opinion. "Who said London was in ruins?" defiantly asked a Jewish schoolboy who has arrived at Auckland from England. "A few bombs in the East End, a little damage to the Palace and the docks, and a 'dud' near St. Paul's, but what's that?" The boy treasures a few pieces of shrapnel which fell near his school in London. Accompan^d b.y his mother and sister, he will at New Plymouth. Free Hospital Beds. The fact that many persons who were well able to pay for their beds in public hospitals were claiming free beds under the social security scheme was the subject of comment at a meeting of the Southland Hospital Board. "Even a millionaire can claim a free bed in a hospital now," said the chairman, Mr. T. Golden. Dr. J. A. Pottinger said that the idea of getting something for nothing was infectious and was spreading to persons who were well able to pay. Building in Australia. A great amount of building is at present going on in Australia, according to Mr. N. Cole, Auckland, who has returned to New Zealand. Much of the building consisted of the erection of military camps and the construction or extension of factories for producing all manner of war needs from foodstuffs to niunitions. House building was also active, but there was a lull in the construction of office and other commercial buildings in the cities. "We are Winning." The splendid spirit of the people of Erfgland, and particularly those of London, in the face of the continued air raids, is once again shown in a cablegram received by Mr. Sead-Gowing, Auckland. He had cabled to his attorney; who practises in Hanover Square, in the heart of the bombed area, seeking information about various members of his family in England. The attorney, who is one of London's air raid wardens, replied promptly: "All well and in fine fettle. We are winning." "No Litter-bugs." "I am delighted to say that this year there were no litter-bugs, and all the rubbish which was collected could have been contained in half a hat-box." This comment was made by Mr. J. A. McPherson, curator of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, when reviewing the behaviour of the people who visited the gardens and park for Daffodil Sunday. Mr. McPherson said the city should be proud of its record of cleanliness through preventing the spread of litter in its reserves.

New Zealanders in London. "Your boys were having a wonderful time when I left," said an Englishwoman who has arrived at Auckland after an exciting voyage from England. The New Zealand uniform was evident in most parts of London, she said, but the Strand was simply thronged with men of the second echelon. "I don't know whether they are having such a good time now," she said a little wistfully, adding that she had spoken to every New Zealand soldier she saw. London seemed gay, and in the beautifully fine weather Londoners were having a last fling before settling down seriously.

Operation at Sea. A successful operation was carried out at sea on a member of the crew of a liner which has arrived at Auckland from England. Three days out from Auckland the operation became necessary and the patient was made comfortable on top of the No. 6 hatch while the ship was slowed down. Assisted by a doctor among the passengers who acted as anaesthetist. and b.y two nurses who were also passengers, the ship's surgeon performed the operation. Whem the ship arrived the patient was quickly recuperating.