LOCAL AND GENERAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 March 1939, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Ideal Homes Season. In the list of firms participating in the present co-operative sales campaign published on a special page yesterday. Mac Duffs, Ltd., Department Stores, was inadvertently omitted. This firm will be making special displays .and will be taking part in all the competitions. Donation to Scouts. Mr A. W. Allsop. Scoutmaster of the Mo Kotoa Troop, wishes to express his thanks to Mr C. Davey, of the “Dodgems” for his generous action in donating part of Thursday night’s proceeds to the Troop's jamboree fund. The donation was very much appreciated by the boys. Fatal Injuries. Struck by a motor car in Parawai Crescent, Grey Lynn, Auckland, on Wednesday evening, Thomas Henry Williams, aged 71, draper, Ponsonby, was taken to hospital with extensive injuries from which he died yesterday morning. Mr Williams was crossing the road when a car driven by James Keohane, Westmere, struck him. He was dragged for some distance. An inquest was opened before Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., and adjourned. Half-mile Swim. A fine swimming performance has

been achieved by the 12-year-old daughter of Mr and Mrs G. Kipa, of Parawai, who has succeeded in gaining her certificate for 880 yards at the Thames High School baths. The girl made an. attempt on the half-mile last year, but was not successful. On her attempt this month, however, she completed the distance at a comfortable and steady pace. Engineers’ Congress. The biggest congress of engineers ever held in New Zealand if not in the southern hemisphere is being arranged to take place in Wellington in February next year under the auspices of the New Zealand Institution of Engineers and in connection with the centennial celebrations. Matters are so far.forward that the opening of the conference has been fixed for Monday, February 19, and invitations have been

sent to every country in the British Empire as well as America to send representatives. World Record Equalled. The world record for the 100 yards women’s sprint of llsec. was equalled .at Sturge’s Park, Otahuhu, last night by the Australian athlete, Miss Decima Norman, holder of several records established at the British Empire Games. According to statements by officials of the Auckland Centre, however, the record will not be recognised .as the time was registered with the

advantage of a following wind. Miss Norman was also a member of the relay team which covered the 440 yards’ course in 50sec., the time being one-fifth of a second outside the world record and equalling the existing New Zealand record. Loan in Australia. Because it was impossible for the New Plymouth Harbour Board to raise money in New Zealand at the rate specified by the Local Government Loans Board, the board has arranged to borrow £325,000 in Australia at 4Jper cent. The chairman, Mr C. E. Bellringer, said at a meeting yesterday that the board had advertised its breakwater loan of £150,000 extensively, but

only £BOOO was offered by lenders and it was impossible to raise the loan. The high interest rate which would have to be paid precluded borrowing on the London market, for by the time the exchange and heavy expenses of raising the loan had been paid, the rate would work out at about 7| per cent. Drinking at Dances. The need for more effective control of the practice of consuming intoxicating liquor in public dance halls was emphasised in a remit presented by the Mosgiel Borough Council to yesterday’s session of the municipal conference in Dunedin. There was little discussion on the matter in view of the fact that the principle of the resolution had already been approved by the Justice Department, the conference concurring in the view that it should be made the subject of statutory legislation. It was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the executive with instructions to have it taken up urgently with the department. The text of the remit was: “That this conference considers that the legislation should be amended with a view to police officers being given wider powers to enable them to deal effectively with the drinking of intoxicating liquors in and about public dance halls.”

Shooting Fees Up. A new method has been decided on by the Government, in conjunction with acclimatisation societies, to obtain money for the destruction of vermin which is causing havoc among native game birds, particularly in the North Island. The Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon W. E. Parry, stated yesterday that regulations would be gazetted today increasing the shooting licence fee for both imported and native game in the North Island to 30s, 5s to be devoted as bonuses for the destruction of hawks, stoats, ferrets, polecats and weasels by persons other than State and society-paid officers. The Minister expressed the hope that when the North Island scheme proved successful southern game sportsmen would realise the desirability of its extension to the south. Mr Parry added that persons receiving the age benefit and miners’ benefit would pay only £l.

Control of Rental Cars. Rental vehicles are brought within the scope of the Transport Licensing Act by a warrant published in the Gazette vesterday. The Minister of Transport." the Hon R. Semple, in an interview last evening, said that as a result of the large number of serious accidents involving rental cars (driveyourself hire cars) the Road Safety Council had recommended at a recent meeting that they be brought under the provisions of the Act in order that they might be more effectively controlled." This recommendation had been adopted, and the necessary regulations issued. The actual requirements will became effective on March 24. Mr Semple said the proposals were fully discussed with the Rental Car Proprietors’ Association and had the full support and endorsement of that organisation. “The effect will be that after March 24 no person may operate a rental car business without a licence to do so, obtained from the licensing authority through the Transport Department.” said the Minister. “This applies to all firms who hire out vehicles without a driver to the public for a consideration.” No person under 21 years of age will be permitted to hire a rental car.