LOCAL AND GENERAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 May 1942, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

King’s Birthday. The King's Birthday holiday will be observed on Monday by shops, offices and factories, excepting industries engaged on essential war work, or which have been requested by the Factory Controller to continue operations. By the Sovereign’s Birthday Observance Act, which was passed in 1937, the first Monday in June was fixed for the holiday. Withdrawal of Claims.

Hearing of the Wellington, Nelson, and Canterbury Canister Workers’ dispute was continued before the Conciliation Council in Wellington yesterday. There appeared at first to be a prospect of full agreement, but after a short retirement the union representatives intimated that they had decided to withdraw their claims. No reason was given. Minister’s Warning.

A warning of the obligations on various classes of people to register under orders relating to the direction of labour into essential work was given last evening by the Minister of National Service, Mr Semple. He said it was known that quite a number of men and women concerned had not yet fulfilled their obligation. In fact, he held a schedule of names of many of these persons living in practically every part of the Dominion.

Potato? Prices.

A resolution suggesting that . the price of seed and table potatoes be based on North Island parity of this season to provide for growing sufficient potatoes to meet the increasing demands expected was passed by the executive of the North Canterbury branch of the Farmers’ Union yesterday. The resolution added that under the present price fixed in Canterbury the Minister of Marketing must accept .responsibility for any shortage.

Mayor of Wellington and A.I.F. The Attorney-General is to be asked by the Wellington Trades Council to take action under the Public Safety Emergency Regulations against the Mayor, Mr Hislop, for remarks alleged to have been made by him at the annual dinner of the Royal Society of St George in Wellington last month. At a meeting on Tuesday night of 56 delegates, presided over by Mr F. P. Walsh, it was considered that the statements, if made, did not reflect credit on a man in a responsible position. Three resolutions passed unanimously called upon the Attorney-Gen-eral to take action. Mr Hislop was also called upon to resign from the mayoralty as an indication that the citizens were .not associated with the statements. At the same time the Government was called upon to ensure that Mr Hislop made a full apology to [the people and fighting forces of Australia.

Tawa Flat Fatality. Police. investigation of the accident at Tawa-Flat on Tuesday night, in which a man walking on the Main Road was knocked down and killed by a motor-car that continued on its way, has not' finished. The driver of a car that was in the vicinity at the time of the accident has been interviewed. Woman Awarded Damages.

A jury of 12, in the Supreme Court, Wellington, yesterday, awarded Muriel Broughton, clerk, Wellington, £l4O special damages, and £3OO general damages, for injuries against J. Mcllraith and Co., Ltd., merchants, Wellington, received when she was struck by a motor-van belonging to defendant company, near the main gates of the Botanical Gardens on the night of May 21, 1941. Coming-of-Age Party.

A coming-of-age party in honour of Miss Marjorie Loader 1 was held last night in the Taueru school. There was a large attendance of friends and relatives, and a most enjoyable time, was spent. Miss Loader was presented with the customary key by Mr Garnett on behalf of Mr Loader. A large number of valuable presents were received by the guest of honour. The music for the dancing was supplied by Mr Te Tau’s orchestra, and songs were rendered by Mr E. Te Tau. Supper was served and much appreciated.

Concert Party.

Mrs Miller Hope’s concert party gave an entertainment at Tauherenikau last night, the audience numbering about six hundred. The programme submitted was very popular, and encores were the order of the evening. The ballets, choruses and orchestral items were greatly appreciated, and were received with rounds of applause. A soldier comedian from a Scottish regiment also gave items which were warmly applauded. The members of the party were afterwards entertained at supper, and were thanked and congratulated on their high-class and popular entertainment.

Clogs for Metal Workers. The manufacture of clogs for workers in heavy industries is being considered by several New Zealand boot and shoe manufacturers, stated the manager of a Wellington firm yesterday in reference to the cabled report from Australia that the Federal Directing Authority on leather had suggested their use. Samples had already been made, but there were at present no plans for beginning manufacture. The clogs would be more serviceable than boots in industries where workers were treading constantly on iron filings or standing on wet floors. However, the shaping of the wooden soles and the necessity for heavy leather for the uppers would make them slightly dearer than boots. It was pointed out that clogs were worn by many English workers who found them comfortable and long wearing.