LOCAL AND GENERAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 December 1942, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Combined Christmas Service. A combined Christmas service will be held in the Masterton Park at 7 a.m. tomorrow under the auspices of the Ministers’ Association.

Splendid Shearing Performance. A splendid performance was achieved at Te Miro by Mr A. Pratt, Cambridge, this week, when he sheared 321 ewes on the Glentui Estate of Mr W. S. Harbutt in nine hours.

Air Training Corps. The weekly routine orders for No. 21 Squadron, Air Training Corps, Masterton, state: Parades, Monday, Decembei’ 21, at 6.50 p.m., Wairarapa College. Syllabus: December 21, drill, P.T. and signals; arrangements will also be finalised regarding a course at an air station during the holidays. Cadet M. L. Fitzgerald is promoted to the rank of corporal, B Flight, Carterton. Horror at Inhuman Cruelties.

“The New Zealand Government wishes to express its horror and that of all New Zealanders at the shocking and inhuman cruelties now being perpetrated against the Jewish people in Europe by the German oppressors,” said the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, yesterday. “The Government freely associates itself and New Zealand with the declaration on this matter' made by other Governments of the United Nations.”

Abel Tasman Park. Abel Tasman National Park at Torrent Bay was opened by the GovernorGeneral, Sir Cyril Newall, this afternoon in the presence of representatives of the New Zealand Government and the Netherlands Delegation. On the western shore of Tasman Bay, this area of 37,622 acres of bush-clad hills links the memories of two explorers, because Torrent Bay was the anchorage for - d’Urville in 1827, when he named Adele • Island after his wife, Astrolabe roadstead after his ship and Separation Point.

Hosiery Rationing. It was announced last night by the Minister of Supply, Mr Sullivan, that on the recommendation of the Rationing Controller, Mr J. E. Thomas, the current hosiery rationing period originally announced as expiring on December 31, 1942, had been extended to. January 31, 1943. This means that coupon “X. 7 may now be used up to January 31, 1943, and no further hosiery coupons will be made available for the purchase of fully fashioned silk and .art silk stockings till February next.’,

Christmas Day in the Services. War Cabinet has authorised the armed forces to spend an additional Is a head for the purchase of extra provisions for all men of the services on the ration strength on Christmas Day. The navy, army and air force are doing as much as they can to make next Friday enjoyable for all on duty, and - various patriotic organisations have been busy preparing for the distribution of comforts, the entertainment of men, or the serving of Christmas meals to those who, though on leave, will not be able to go to their own homes.

Successful Interhouse Dance. A dance held in the Masonic Hall, Masterton, last night by the Wairarapa Interhouse Association was well patronised. The music was supplied by Mrs Ashton’s orchestra, and extras were played by Miss Mollie Iveson and Mr A. Parson's. Messrs J. Bruce and L. Askew kept proceedings moving with, a swing. Supper was served by the Interhouse girls. A Monte Carlo waltz was won by Miss H. Munn and Mr A. Hoplee. The final dance of the year. will be held on Christmas Eve when special arrangements will be made to provide an enjoyable time.

Shortage of Beer. A note of austerity may be introduced into Christmas celebrations by the rationing of supplies of bottled beer introduced by many publicans and merchants. The practice of restricting the quantity sold to any one customer from a bottle stoit has not been introduced in all Wellington hotels and is not the result of concerted action by hotel licensees, but has been adopted to conserve limited supplies of bottled beer. “The brewers simply cannot fill our orders and we are receiving only about half our requirements,” said one hotel licensee.

Explanation by Mr Langstone. The Minister of Lands, Mr Langstone, interviewed at Taihape yesterday, stated that his resignation had not been presented to the Prime Minister. Owing to indisposition, Mr Fraser had been compelled to cancel a special meeting of Cabinet called for December 9 to receive the resignation. Under the circumstances, Mr Langstone said he was awaiting lhe assembling of Cabinet to present his resignation in person, according to Parliamentary procedure. Ih the meantime he was visiting his electorate to meet his constituents. The Minister stated emphatically that it was untrue that he had an office and secretary in Wellington. The acting-Minister of Lands still controlled the portfolio, and the private secretary was attached to the acting-Minister.