LOCAL AND GENERAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 April 1939, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Modern “Tramper.” An interesting visitor to Invercargill, Miss Adela Curtis, of London, who is tramping her way round the world, mentioned that early on her travels she carried a heavy ruc-sac. Now she carries her- belongings in a suitcase because, as she explains, “a suitcase is much more comfortable to sit on while I am waiting for ‘lifts’.” Highway Surfaces. “It is becoming increasingly difficult to keep an even surface on the highways carrying much traffic,” reported the engineer (Mr G. R. Milward) at a meeting of the Southland, County Council. “In my opinion it is not only the general increase in the volume of the traffic which is the cause of the difficulty of maintenance, but the high speed at which the modern car travels. Even a few hours after the highways have been graded, the effect of such grading disappears.” Employment of Non-Unionist. That employers should ascertain whether those workers whose employment is subject to the terms of an award are members of a union was shown when the Inspector of Awards, Mr E. G. Sherrock, proceeded against Mr Martin Smith in the Masterton Magistrate’s Court yesterday, for a breach of the Drivers’ Award for employing a non-unionist. As this was the first case for a breach of that particular section the Magistrate, Mr H. P. La wry, S.M., imposed a penalty of 10s. Influenza in Auckland. Operations in many Auckland shops, factories and offices are affected by influenza among employees. There were 60 absentees from the Chief Post Office yesterday. In many instances the cases were severe and certificated by doctors, indicating that it was necessary for the person affected to be absent from work for at least a week. The depletion of the Chief Post Office staff is mostly in the clerical branches, one or two of which experienced difficulty in carrying out nomal business. With the heavy demands on the staff through the Social Security Act requirements the amount of sickness is particularly unwelcome in the department. Speed Signs. “I think it would be foolish to clutter up these speed signs with any unnecessary notices,” said Mr J. E. Peach, at a meeting of the committee of the Automobile Association (Hawke’s .Bay) when a letter from the Wairarapa association, asking for an opinion on a suggestion that the names of towns should be attached to speed restriction notices was under consideration. Mr Peach said it was essential that the 30-mile-an-hour signs should remain as prominent as possible. If people wanted to 'erect signs indicating the names of towns,' special boards could be placed somewhere where they would not be confusing to motorists. _ The meeting decided to take no action. Value of Written Word.

“If the world in the past had relied solely on the spoken word, civilisation would not have advanced as far as it has,” said Dr J. Hight at the opening of the Workers’ Educational Association in Christchurch when making a plea for the inclusion of written work in the activities of the classes. Dr Hight said that, although the world was in a troubled state at present, there was a lot to be said for the standard of civilisation reached. In this day of radio, he considered that, unless the written word overtook the spoken word, there was a menace to civilisation. Written work for members of the association was more creative than discussions, for it clarified thinking and facilitated criticism.

Best Lamb in the World. “It is now admitted that we produce the best lamb in the world in Southland and I think we should get a better price for it. It is time we received some recognition,” said Mr G. Stevenson at the meeting of directors of the Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association, when it was reported that Southland had again won the South Island district fat lamb competition in London. Members agreed that the success was a matter for congratulation. Mr D. Marshall said he was satisfied at the time of killing that the Southland exhibit would win. The standard of Southdown rams in the province had improved considerably in the last six years. Lions for Sale.

Lion cubs, leopard cubs, jaguar cubs, and wild sheep are at present being offered for sale by the Auckland Zoo. Lieutenant-Colonel E. R. Sawer, curator, said that an attempt was being made to dispose of some of the young animals bred at the zoo in recent years in order to make way for fresh exhibits. Until they have been sold no further birds or animals can be purchased for the zoo. Some ostriches, hornbills, and Capuchin monkeys bought some time ago are expected by the first available ship from Melbourne, where they are being sent after being obtained in South Africa. When they arrive, said Colonel Sawer, there will not be a vacant enclosure or paddock at the zoo.

Overtaking Vehicles. With the road accident rate increasing rapidly, motorists who invariably use care are becoming alarmed lest they themselves become involved in a smash-up through no fault of their own. A common complaint among experienced drivers is that unthinking people or those who have no experience, are continually accelerating when overtaking vehicles wish to pass. It is one of the most dangerous practices on the road, and has led to numerous mishaps, as the overtaking vehicle has judged the speed of the vehicle he is overtaking, of oncoming cars as well and of course knows what his own machine is capable of. In the “Road Code” issued by the Automobile Association is the following clause: _ “Do not obstruct others who may wish to overtake you, and never accelerate when being overtaken.” Show Ribbons. A licence to import show ribbons from Australia has been refused the Hawke’s Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society by the Collector of Customs at Napier, who stated in a letter to the society that the application had been carefully considered and it was regretted a licence could not be issued during the period July 1 to December 31, 1939. The secretary, Mr A. M. Retemeyer, after mentioning the difference in price between the Australian and New Zealand articles, said it was likely that a better local price might be obtained if ribbons were purchased direct from the mills. Several members considered the Royal Agricultural Society should take up the matter with a view to obtaining a suitable contract, and it was decided to approach the society with a suggestion along these lines.