LOCAL AND GENERAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 March 1943, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Appeal Adjourned. An appeal by Canterbury University College for H. E. Field, professor of education and dean of the faculty of social sciences, was adjourned sine die by the Armed Forces Appeal Board. Professor Field, who was grade 1, was stated to be 39 years old. The actingrector, Professor Tocker, said that Professor Field was director of the university extension work and held other essential posts. Professor Field held a commission in the Home Guard. Lower Valley Lime Supply.

Notice of his intention to move a motion that the Farmers’ Union go into the question of working lime deposits in the Lower Valley to supply lime to members at a discount was given at yesterday afternoon’s meeting of the Waiirarapa provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union by Mr W. G. K. Wiggins, of Greytown. Mr Wiggins also gave notice of moving that the executive should go into the question of a subsidy on the carrying of lime on lorries.

Egg Prices. The Wellington Egg Marketing Committee and the Internal Marketing Division, working in conjunction with the Price Tribunal, have arranged for an increase in the wholesale price of eggs. The new prices which are now effective are as follows, with previous prices shown in parentheses:—Heavy, 2s lOd (2s 8d); standard, 2s 7d (2s 6d); medium, 2s 6d (2s 4d); pullet, Is lid (Is 9d); large duck, 2s 7d (2s 6d); small duck, 2s 6d (2s 4d). Authorised receiving depots will pay 2s 4d a dozen for ungraded eggs. Soldier Sent to Gaol.

Found guilty of unlawful conversion of an Army motor-vehicle, Private T. Wineera was sentenced to six months’ hard labour by a district court-mar-tial held in the Central Military District. He removed the vehicle from the camp transport park. It was stated that Wineera had two previous convictions for similar offences —one by a civil court before joining the Army, when he was given probation; the other by court-martial in June last, when he received a term of imprisonment with hard labour.

Church, Community and State.

“Church, Community and State” is to be the subject of a conference of the Churches of New Zealand to be held early in 1944. The national committee of the Campaign for Christian Order, at a meeting in Wellington, decided to set up a commission to prepare for the conference. The commission, which will be widely representative of Christian thought and opinion, will be established in a number of subdivisions throughout the country. Its findings, after co-ordination by a central group in Wellington appointed by the national committee, will be debated by the conference. The conference is expected to give an indication of the trend of the united churches’ thought on social, political, and economic problems.

Piano Recital. A most enjoyable piano recital was given last night at St. Matthew’s Collegiate School for Girls by Mr Haagen Holnberg. There was a large attendance of pupils of St. Matthew’s School and St. Bride’s Convent and parents. Pieces from the great masters were skilfully played and greatly appreciated.

Patriotic Appeal. At today’s meeting of the Patriotic Committee arrangements were completed for the final gala night tomorrow at South Road. It was decided to arrange for free buses from the Post Office from 7.30 o’clock onwards. The Women’s Patriotic Committee reported that matters were well in hand for the White Elephant sale tomorrow. Contributions were coming in .from all parts of the Wairarapa and a successful day is anticipated.

Donations to Hospital. The Matron of the Masterton Hospital desires to express thanks to the following for donations to the hospital: —Mrs Milne, flowers; anonymous, case of fruit for Ward 6 patients; Miss Allan and Miss Hornabrook, for sack of pears; Miss Butcher, ice cream for Ward 6; Knox Church, Mrs L. Wardell, flowers; Miss Madeley, books and magazines; Wairarapa Centre New Zealand Red Cross Society, pyjamas and dressing gown; Pahiatua Red Cross Sub-Centre, pyjamas.

Salvation Army Gathering. There was a large attendance at the Salvation Army Citadel, Masterton, last night when an auction sale of harvest produce was held. A splendid programme of music was rendered outside the hall by a Maririe Band and the Salvation Army Band, under Brigadier Perry (who will be remembered as having done splendid work as officer in charge of the Salvation Army Hut at a military camp) played items. A choir rendered special harvest music.

Increase in Death Rate.

A good many people were surprised by the Government Statistician’s statement in the January Abstract of Statistics that deaths in the Dominion during 1942 numbered 16,386, a record total, exceeding even that for 1918, the year of the great influenza epidemic. The death-rate of 10.60 per 1000 of population, the statement added, was also extrefnely high, and since 1885 had been exceeded on only two occasions — in 1907 and 1918. Approached yesterday for an explanation of the high death-rate in 1942, the Government Statistician said it had to be remembered that the population of the Dominion was getting older, and there was a general upward tendency in the death-rate on account of increasing population. The number of deaths in the Dominion in 1918, 16,364, for instance, represented a rate of 14.84 per 1000 of population, while the number of deaths in 1942, 16.386, represented a rate of 10.60 per 1000.