LOCAL AND GENERAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 September 1942, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Appeal for Teachers. The Wellington Education Board has decided to appeal for teachers called up in ballots. Earthquakes in Masterton.

A slight earthquake lasting several seconds and preceded by_a loud rumbling noise, was felt in Masterton this morning at 7.1 o’clock. Another shock was experienced at 10.15 o'clock this morning. Enlistment in Army.

Volunteers for the Army (including Maoris) and those members of the Home Guard who volunteer for partial mobilisation are now accepted without regard to the number of children they may have. There is no alteration in the existing provisions for payment of dependants’ allowances, and, as before, such allowances will not be payable for more than five children. Dance at Opaki.

There was a good attendance at the dance held on Saturday night at Cooper’s Barn, Opaki. The music was supplied by Te Tau’s Orchestra and an extra was played by Trooper Percy. The winners of the Monte Carlo dances were Trooper Thompson and Mrs T. Te Tau and Pilot Officer S. R. McLaughlin and Miss McCauley. Mr W. Cooper was an excellent M.C. and did everything possible for the enjoyment of the dancers. Supper was provided by a committee.

Army Reorganisation. A reorganisation of the composition of the personnel of the Army in New Zealand is now proceeding. As the result of this, units intended for overseas will consist of, and train with, a 100 per cent grade 1 'personnel in all ranks. This will enable their dispatch overseas, whenever the time is ripe, to proceed without any upset. They will be able to move to a man from the commanding officers down to the privates. Similarly the forces intended purely for home defence will consist, as far as fighting strength is concerned, of grade 2 men. Price of Wool.

In view of the fact that in the past export values have been the basis of wool purchases within the Dominion, the executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union considers that all wool should bear the 15 per cent increase granted by the United Kingdom Government as a just right to growers. At a recent meeting of the executive the opinion was expressed that the withholding of any portion of the increased payment by the Government .would be a gross injustice. The stability of the country’s finances could not be maintained by restrictions on one section alone, it was stated. The future risks and liabilities of the industry could best be provided against by full payment of what was now due.

Protection for Young Girls. Thp misuse of school grounds and the subject of social welfare have been considered by the executive of the Wellington School Committees Association. It has represented to the Wellington Education Board a case to be placed before the Minister of Education and the Minister of Health with a view to suitable Government action. The executive* has suggested to the board the appointment of further police, the closing of school grounds, strict control of contraceptive sales, appointment of women police and a curfew on young girls without adequate protection. The association President Mr N. E. Dalmer, reports that the board had decided to take certain steps along the lines suggested and to refer the matter to the Government for the calling of a conference of all interested parties with a view to taking national scale steps to meet the position.