LOCAL AND GENERAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 March 1942, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Membership of R.S.A. There were more than 1200 returned ex-servicemen of the present war in the financial membership of the 94 affiliated branches of the N.Z.R.S.A. when the last returns were received. The total membership is 1700 more than it was at January 31, 1941. A New Fire Danger. The new fire hazard which has been created by the use of gas producer units as substitutes for petrol, was referred to yesterday by the actingCommissioner of State Forests, Mr Barclay. He said that while users of gas-propelled vehicles should exercise care at all times, this was particularly necessary on country roads during the autumn. Already reports had reached him of fires directly caused by the escape of hot ashes from improperly constructed producer gas units. Anzac Day. Advice that Anzac Day will be observed this year in the same manner as previously, unless untoward circumstances arise meanwhile, was received at a recent meeting of the Dominion executive committee of the New Zealand Returned Services’ Association. The advisability of large congregations of people will, however, be considered when the time comes. Essential Service Men. The suggestion that reservists granted exemption from military service because they were engaged in essential service .should be given a distinguish-, ing badge to wear was made by Mr A. M. Samuel, a member of the No. 1 Armed Forces Appeal Board at Auckland yesterday. Mr Samuel said it was hardly fair that young men, .such as the reservist before the board, who expressed a desire to get into the Army with his mates should have to walk about in civilian clothes without anything to distinguish them from conscientious objectors. “We have made that suggestion,” said the chairman, Mr Orr Walker, “but nothing has been done.” Tribal Gathering Postponed. Because of the war situation and the consequent undesirability of having a large number of people assembled for a considerable time, the gathering of the Waikato tribes for the purpose of meeting the Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall, and the Prime Minister, Mi’ Fraser, between March 16 and March 18, has been postponed till a more favourable opportunity. It is hoped then to give his Excellency and members of the Government a welcome even more worthy of the people of the Waikato. This decision was arrived at after consultation between Princess Te Puea and the Prime Minister, and is in accordance with the I wishes of his Excellency and King iKoroki.

Masterton Wardens. Masterton district wardens who have not yet received their authorities and armlets may secure same on application to the Town Clerk, Mr G. T. O’Hara Smith. Patriotic Dance. Over 400 dancers were present at the Municipal Hall last night, when a dance in aid of patriotic funds was held by Messrs Woolworth’s, Ltd., Masterton. As a result, about £2O will be handed over ot the patriotic funds. Frank Pool’s orchestra provided the music, and much-appreciated extras were contributed by Mr K. Hicks, of Pahiatua. The M.C. was Mr I. McChesney. The winners of competitions were: Lucky spot, Miss Joan Grantham and Mr MacLecky; Monte Carlo, Misses Powell and Curtin. Price of Apples. From now on a rapid and substantial decline in the price of apples may be expected, according to information supplied by the Acting-Director of Internal Marketing, Mr R. P. Fraser. On Tuesday apples sold by auction in the Wellington markets brought 24s 6d to 32s a case. Usually at this time of the year they can be obtained for 5s to 6s. Yesterday the price was down to from 17s 6d to 24s 6d. The reason for the drop was the first appearance of the' Cox’s Orange variety, and buyers’ knowledge that they will be arriving in ever-increasing quantities from now on. Soldier Mental Patients. Up to the present only 34 servicemen, including several who are voluntary patients, have been sent to mental hospitals. This is stated on behalf of the New Zealand Returned Services Association to have been ascertained when inquiry was made recently. This number of mentally sick out of more than 3000 returned sick and wounded personnel in the present war represents less than one per cent, continues the statement. It adds that taken over the whole of the forces, the percentage is far less than the normal civilian ratio in the male population. News of War Prisoners.

The action of the Vatican authorities in supplying through their radio service the names of prisoners of war, particularly members of the New Zealand Forces, is reported to have given much relief to many anxious relatives. The Dominion executive committee of the N.Z.R.S.A., at a recent meeting, resolved that a suitably worded message of appreciation be sent to the Vatican, through the appropriate channel. While the majority of the names given in these broadcasts have been of those in prison camps in Italy, some names of men prisoners of war in Germany have also been notified.