GENERAL NEWS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 23 March 1926, Page 6

GENERAL NEWS.

“T think intelligence tests should be app'icd to some of the examiners as well as the examinees” l —a. member of the Wanganui Education Board.

A good many quinnat salmon were caught at the mouth of the Rangitata river last week-end, the heaviest turning the scales at 18Jlbs.

There has been a good run of brown trout in the Opihi river lately, and on Saturday last quite a number of fish weighing 10ib to 141 b were caught.

The advent of the motor on the farm has revolutionised methods of working the land. On one farm not far 1 rom Timaru last week, a tractor which was being used in the preparation of land lor wheat, was kept working all night, the driver being changed every four hours.

Recently a bad break occurred in the underground drainage l in Wilson Street, the pipes luid on made up groiind breaking away from the concrete manhole and causing a washout v nderground into the stormwater culvert. The damage has been repaired. “It’s the town versus country again,” said a member of the Wanganui Education Board, when a letter was read irom the Sports Protection League asking the Board to support the Buyliglit Saving Bill. “If a farmer gets up at 1! a.m., lie doesn’t want to have to rise at midnight. 1 move the letter bo received. ’ ’ —Ca rried.

litany years ago the Railway 'Department introduced the economic and convenient system ' of paying for the. carriage ol bundles of newspapers by means of special railway stamps. They have now applied it to' the carriage of parcels and bicycles by train. I lie only wonder is that it was not done ten years ago.

, Jlr T. Hughes (chairman) and Messrs 0. W. Armitage and J. Bignell, members ol the Canterbury Education Hoard, came to Timaru by the first express yesterday and made an inspection pi several .schools in tile district, including Parcora East, Pareora West, and 'I imam B est. It had been intendcd also to visit Waimataitai, but time did not permit of this.

Councillor Satterthwaito proposed, and Councillor Kelly seconded, at last night s meeting of the Timaru Borough Council, that the Railway Department should he asked to run r. special train Irom Timaru to the Exhibition. They spoke strongly in support of the proposal. The Mayor said he would interview the stationmaster, and sec what could bo done. Councillor Kelly said it was desirable that the special train should be run this weekend, if possible, as a great many people wen- anxious to avoid the Easter crush. Mover and seconder said they were certain that a special train would he well patronised.

Another case is to be brought before tlio Court in regard to the sale of meat in Tiinaru.

The polo match between Pareorn. and Christchurch for the Stead Cup, played at Christchurch on Saturday, was won by Christchurch by 13 goals to one. Pareora had held the trophy for seven years.

A Press Association message received from "Wellington yesterday says - It appears that the statements to the effect that the Australian Commonwealth Band had been disbanded is without foundation, as the band is leaving Western Australia to-morrow for London, via Africa.

The stock agents in Temuka are nothing if not keen. On Friday a special train arrived in Temuka at midnight with a consignment of 1200 ewes, which were immediately inspected, untrucked and driven to the paddock. Two hours later they were all sold.

Discussing the employment of labour at last night’s meeting of the Timam Borough Council, Councillor Chittock suggested that the Borough engineer should be asked to give preference to married men. Councillor Sattcrthwaite said that was a standing instruction.

During the past fortnight seven building permits were issued by the borough building surveyor (Mr J. H. Howitt). Two were for new houses, two for additions, one for a motor garage, and one for a petrol pump and tank, all in the outer area; and one for garage additions in the inner area, representing a total value of £2978.

The municipal omnibus receipts foe the twelve days ended March 13, amount to £346 2s ljd, made up as follows: —Wai-iti Road £llß 13s 6d, North Street £66 6s 3d, Evans Street £SO Os 9d, King Street £46 6s 7}d, Hassall Street £36 13s 9Jd, Church Street 1 £3O 19s 40Jd, surplus Is lOd. The total receipts for the previous twelve days amounted to £354 16s Bd.

At a meeting of the Waikouaiti County Council it was unanimously resolved that the Minister of Justice be asked if something could be done to check the great amount of careless and reckless driving of motors in the Dominion, and that the Council respectfully suggested that plain clothes constables be supplied with motor bicycles with a view to bringing offenders to book.

At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the South Island Federation of A. and P. Associations in Christchurch on Saturday, Mr C. L. Orbed was eleefird president for the ensuing year, and it was decided that the headquarters of the Federation for the year should be Tiinaru.' It was decided that .Mr H. H. Fraser should be asked to act as secretary for the ensuing year; that the Timaru Association should be. informed of the change of centre, and should be asked to allow the Federation facilities for the change.

During the month of February, the estimated average attendance in the newsroom at the Timaru Public Library was 5893, or a daily average of persons. Book issues totalled' 7786 volumes —fiction 7173, “class” books 613. Juvenile issues amounted to 986 volumes —fiction 9-17, and class books 39. The total issues were 8772. Fines, sales, subscriptions, amounted to £ll 12s lOd. Twenty-nine new borrowers, 21 juvenile borrowers, 4 yearly and 0 monthly subscribers were added to the roll, and 61 volumos were added to the shelves.

For some mohths past the London manager of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board has been corresponding with the authorities concerned, with a view to seeing if New Zealand beef could not be included in the conditions of contract of the‘ltalian Army meat contract. The conditions at the time required that the meat must bo of Brazilian or Argentine origin. It is pleasing now to announce that the last meat contract of the Italian Army allows New Zealand beef to be included in any Army meat contract for the future.

The first annual meeting of the South Island A. and P. Federation was held in Christchurch on Friday night. Messrs AAV J. Parry and A. S. Elworthy were present, representing the Timaru A. and P. Association, and Mr F. Charles, the Temuka and Geraldine A. and P. Association. Mr C. L. Orbell was appointed to the Executive of the Association, the headquarters of which it was recommended should in future he in Timaru, on account of its central situation.

The Prime Minister, questioned as to plans for the utilisation of the motor omnibuses for which the Railway Department is calling tenders, stated that before the tenders aro accepted he will have comparative running costs ascertained cf motors and the present rail services on a number of branch lines. It is,intended to tr.v the experiment ot road passenger services not only along southern branch line routes but also in the north, where there is equal necessity for such services. An Edison battery storage railmotor lias been landed and is under trial. Mr Coates stated that tlie most likely prospect for this motor is in tbo South,lsland, where there is a supply of cheap electricity. The car lias an operating radius of 130 miles.

The Appointments Committee of the Canterbury Education Board lias recommended the establishment of a junior high school at Geraldine, with courses up to the matriculation standard, provided that the majority of the surrounding School Committees approve of the proposal. A deputation of Geraldine residents stated that a good piece of land was available, and that they would find half the money up to £SOO. The district was entitled to a junior high school. If it was not established, they said, something must be done in respect to further accommodation at the present high school. It was an urgent matter, as if the land offered was not bought soon it would not be available. The recommendation was adopted.

At lust week’s meeting of the Canterbury Education Board Mr E. 11. Andrews protested against teachers applying tor positions they did not intend to *,niv Ho mentioned particularly ihe Akaroa school, saying that two teachers had “turned down” the position of head master there, and that there was a glaring ease in Christchurch. He added that the practice caused great inconvenience. It was necessary to select teachers on their grading and some times they withdrew their applications. Mr R. Wi’d moved that teachers who applied for positions und were successful hut withdrew should not bo eligible for another position. for two years. Ho said that the board had a rulo that teachers must be in positions for two years before they were eligible for other positions, and that principle should be applied to teachers who applied for positions and withdrew. Mr T. Hughes, (chairman), said that the motion was somewhat drastic, and on his suggestion Air AVihl withdrew liis motion and the question was referred to the Appointments Committee for a report.

The careful farmer needs a good forge. England, Mcßae, Ltd., can supply a strong amt ell'ciout fan huge at the wonderfully low price of 755. These forges will do all that a farmer requires of a forgo. At the'same time anvils, vyces, files. horse siloes and nails, drilling machines < cheaply priced), may be bought advani: lgemisly at the Progressive Hardware Stoic Try "nr “Tanners’ Own”- files at Is 3d.

The young man, Douglas Christie, who was seriously injured when, a motorist ran into him on the Point road on Saturday evening, is progressing as well as can be expected, his condition showing slight improvement.

As a. result of inquiries made by the police yesterday, it was expected last night that the name of the motorist who ran into the cyclist on the Pleasant Point road on Saturday night, will be known to-day.

“We talk about running tea rooms, but we could not rim a duck pond, - was the frank admission of Councillor Hay at last night’s meeting of the Timaru Borough Council.

A Christchurch message says that following the public examination of Robert McElhinney, of Fairfield, bankrupt, farmer, in the Supremo . Court yesterday, the Crown Prosecutor said lie would prosecute bankrupt because several creditors were dissatisfied with his conduct and exulanations. Once lie showed his indebtedness as £2lO, and later it was proved to be £3658.

Councillor Hart inquired at last night’s meeting of the Timaru Borough. Council why some of the mirrors had been removed from the bathing sheds on the Bay. It was explained that the mirrors were put there by advertisers, and that when the existing .right to keep such mirrors there, expired, the Council should allow no more advertising on the Bay, and should themselves supply what mirrors were necessary.

Some weeks ago the town was startled by loud explosions occurring in the north end of Stallord Street. This was caused by blasting operations, carried out at a clay bank for Messrs Shillito Brothers. At last night’s meeting of the Borough Council, the engineer presented a letter from Mr Shillito, stating that lie had employed a man who hacl assured him that there would be no damage done, as he had 'wide experience in such work. lie had obtained a permit from the police for blasting, but was unaware that it. was necessary to obtain the lanction of the Timaru. Boyough Council. Tim. .damage done, namely, breaking of glass, had been paid for by him, so that none of the parties concerned would suffer.

The fortnightly meeting of the Juvenile Ancient Order of Foresters was held last evening, Bro. D. W. Moyes, C.R , presiding over a fair attendance. No members were reported on the sick fund. Dr. Fraser and Dr. Austin were placed on the doctors’ list. Being election night, the following officers were elected President, Bro. H. AV. Parfoot; C. 11., Bro. D Beil: S.AV., Bro. M Bell; J.AV., Bro. L. Gliddon; S.C.R., Bro A. AVakcfield; 5.8., Bro. K. Burtenshaw; 1.13., Bro. E. T. Hill; secretary, P>ro. AV. Ramsay; treasurer, Bro. Shelker; M.S., Bro. R. J.. Moyes. Two lads were proposed for initiation. Accounts amounting to £2 11s 8d were passed for payment Receipts for the evening amounted to £1 3s 6d.