LOCAL AND GENERAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 July 1941, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Home Guard and Injuries. The Minister of Defence, Mr Jones, was asked last night about provision for members of the Home Guard receiving pensions if injured during training. He said that Home Guardsmen were entitled, under the War Pensions Amendment Act, to the same treatment as serving territorials if injured as a result of undergoing training.

Optimist Club Gathering. There was a good attendance of members at the weekly meeting of the Masterton Optimist Club held in the Y.M.C.A. rooms last night. Chief Smiler R. C. Baikie presided. Following the Sheriffs and the song session, impromptu speeches were given by members. A debate was arranged for next week’s meeting.

Levy on Hides. The Hides Committee advise the following alterations to the export levy on hides: Ox hides, reduced to 3-8 d a pound; cow hides, reduced to 3-8 d a,pound; bull hides, reduced to l-8d a pound; yearlings remain unchanged at “d; calfskins (other than freezers) remain unchanged at 3d a. pound. These rates are to operate in regard to all hides purchased in accordance with the Hides Emergency Regulations, 1940 (No. 2), and which become free for export on and after July 30, 1941. Black-out Restrictions. “I do not think there is any likelihood of this happening,” said the ActingPrime Minister, Mr Nash, when asked last night if there was any prospect of the blackout restrictions in parts of New Zealand being modified to permit more lighting. The Minister had, earlier in the day, conferred with representatives of the Auckland and Wellington City Councils and the Emergency Precautions Scheme organisations of the two cities, who waited on him seeking a modification of the restrictions. Mr Nash said it was essential to ensure that the lighting procedure gave the maximum possible safety to'the Dominion, and the least possible aid to the enemy. He said that he had discussed with the deputation the posibility of New Zealand broadcasts being of assistance to the enemy, and this was one of the points to which attention was being given.

Returned Sick and Wounded.

Sick and wounded Army personnel returned to New Zealand from overseas total 12'20, according to figures given by Mr Jones. The total was made up as follows: From United Kingdom, 185; from Middle East, 793; from Australia, 7; from Cape Town, 7; from Pacific Islands, 228. The Minister said the Maunganui, which was completely fitted out in New Zealand, was staffed entirely by New Zealanders. There were 12 medical officers, 20 nurses and 72 rank and file.

Women in Military Camps. The question of employing women in military camps in New Zealand had been the subject of a report to the Government, which was now considering it, saidMhe Minister of Defence, Mr Jones, yesterday. He added that the proposals to employ women in certain tasks involved a great deal of work in connection with buildings and other items and required, careful consideration. The question had also to be considered of the extent to which men at present employed in camps should be replaced.

Compulsion for Territorials. “I hope to make a statement this week about compulsion for territorials to attend week-end and night parades,” said the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones, when asked last night if any action had yet been taken to compel members of the Territorial Force to attend not only their three months’ training, but also subsequent parades. The Minister said that at present it was compulsory for territorials to do their three months’ military training, but they were not compelled to attend week-end and night parades. A decision was being approached, however, and an early announcement would be made.

Use of Hall Refused.

People who assembled outside the Grey Lynn library hall at Auckland last night to attend a public meeting announced by the Aid to Russia Committee, found the meeting could not be held, the city council having declined to let the hall for that purpose. Mr C. G. Watson addressed the gathering. He said the committee, after distributing leaflets, had been informed that day that it could not have the hall. The city council had evidently resolved to maintain its policy of preventing public meetings in support of aid to Russia. It had refused the use of the Town Hall and would not allow the use of any of the theatres.