LOCAL AND GENERAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 August 1939, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Alsatian Dog Bill Sponsored by the Hon C. J. Carrington (Auckland), the Alsatian Dog Bill was put through all its stages in the Legislative Council yesterday and will appear in the House of Representatives in due course.

Wellington Competitions. In the piano duct under 12 years of age at the Wellington competitions yesterday Margaret Bubbers and Olga Bettelheim, of Masterton were first with 75 points, two points ahead of the second competitors. In the sacred song, 12 to 16 yeai’s of age, Beulah Hirst (Masterton) was commended and very highly commended in the action song. Their teacher was Miss Stabbings.

Ngauruhce’s Activity. The activity of Ngauruhoe yesterday was less than earlier in the week, but at frequent) intervals bursts of lightcoloured fumes were seen emerging from the crater. Occasionally the fumes were darker hued. It was apparent that activity is still considerably greater than normal, though it seems to be subsiding. Because of the exceedingly deep snow on the mountain it is virtually impossible to climb at present.

Railway Accounts. The latest railways working account shows an increase in expenditure over revenue during the four weeks ended July 22. but the total revenue since April 1 is ahead of last year's returns and shows a favourable balance compared with total expenditure. Since April 1 the total revenue has been £2,945.813. compared, with £2.692,995 last year. Expenditure has been £2.726,870, compared wi.th £2,648,881., and net revenue £218.943, compared with £44.114. More Aeroplanes Ordered. Six more Airspeed Oxford aeroplanes, ordered for the Royal New Zealand Air Force, are expected to be delivered from England about November 6. according to a statement yesterday by the Minister of Defence. Mr. Jones. The Minister said that he had not yet been advised by what vessel the machines were being shipped. The Royal New Zealand Air Force already has live Oxfords; which are twinengined trainers. It is expected that the six machines about to be delivered will be assembled at Hobsonville. The Airspeed Oxford is a popular training machine for teaching young pilots to handle twin-engined craft. Pilots will be trained in the Oxfords before being transferred to the much larger Vickers Wellington bombers, of which 30 are iun order for New Zealand.

Overseas Funds. A decrease in the overseas funds of the New Zealand tradings banks as at July 31 is shown in the lastest returns. The net overseas assets of the trading banks at that date totalled £3.417.824 at decrease of £126.413 since June 26. Oon Monday last the sterling funds of the Reserve Bank stood at £5,452,895, an increase for the week of £-21,777. Deducting overseas liabilities, the bank’s net overseas assets at the beginning of this week amounted to £5,442.587. an increase since August 14 of £17.898.

English Artisans Arrive. In addition to 50 immigrant English artisans under contracl to the Government, who arrived at Auckland yesterday by the Rangitane from London, there were 40 more, who came of their own volition to seek employment. In the entire party there were only two unskilled labourers. The trades of the majority ranged from building, farm work, motor and electrical mechanics to machining and architecture. Seventeen painters, jjlumbers and plasterers left for Wellington by train last night, but the rest will be absorbed here. "There is a job open to evei-y tradesman in the party." said the placement officer. Mr. J. R. Elsbury.

Interesting Film. After the meeting of the Masterton Territorial Association last night, those interested were invited to the Drill Hall, where N.C.O.s and Territorials were shown an excellent film dealing with a display held at Trentham recently. The Bren gun carriers were particularly featured, the ten thousand spectators being shown. Various aspects of 4>he manoeuvres were explained by Captain Barrington, recruiting officer, Central Military Command. Sergeant-Major C. E. Rogers stated that two weekend bivouacs would be held before Christmas and he invited members of the association to visit the gatherings Financial Powers. ‘•No board of directors or no manager of any bank has the right to dictate to the Parliament and people of this country, and the moment Parliament accepts such dictation it will fail, in its duty as the people's trustee.” said Mr Lee 'Government. Grey Lynn), referring to the Reserve Bank during the second reading debate on the Finance Bill in the House of Representatives last night. "I have no doubt that this injunction will not be heeded in any way.” said Mr Lee. when referring to the warning against inflation contained in the annual report of the directors of the bank.” If it is. this House is not the master of the country's finances. but two or three gentlemen who have been picked for big jobs will be the master;.”