LOCAL AND GENERAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 April 1943, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Razor Blade Prices.

Maximum prices for 24 brands of razor blades have been fixed by the Price Tribunal. The prices, which vary from three blades for 3s down to six for 7d, are advertised today. Thief Sent to Gaol.

Charged with stealing a gold engagement ring valued at £l6 10s, David Henry Reed, aged 27, who was in the uniform of an aerodrome defence unit, pleaded guilty in the Magistrates’ Court, Auckland, yesterday. The police stated that Reed stole the ring from the room of a friend. He went to Auckland in August last from Christchurch, where his wife and six children lived, and, representing that he was a single man, he became engaged to a young woman, to whom he gave the stolen ring. The magistrate, Mr Levien, sentenced him to three months’ hard labour.

Suppression of Names. In declining to grant the suppression of the names of two youths charged with having converted a motor-car to their own use, Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., said in the Magistrates’ Court at Christchurch, that if he made such an order in this case it would mean that every boy or youth could come along and expect the same treatment. The main punishment in most cases was the publication of defendants’ names, and in the present case the two youths had no possible excuse for their action, and the reason for counsel’s request for suppression of the names on the ground that the boys would be laughed at was not sufficient.

Earthquake Damage.

Earthquake damage does not always reveal itself at once. Many owners of buildings in Wellington who imagined that they had won through the trouble, even some weeks after the last big earthquake in August last, have since been advised by the city engineer’s staff of building inspectors that their premises have been wrenched, and certain repairs are advisable in the interest of public —and private—safety. Only a couple of months ago the list of business premises in Wellington yet to be attended to was about 370. Since that date it is known that others have been reported, so that probably nearer 400 business premises are listed for repair work of a more or loss serious nature as soon as labour, material, and the means of doing the work are made available.

Address to Farmer Delegates. More than 50 farmers who are delegates to the annual conference of the New Zealand Labour Party now being held in Wellington attended a meeting to hear a comprehensive address by the Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Mr Barclay. An official report states that, in welcoming the farmer delegates, the chairman, Mr Roberts, paid a tribute to the work being performed by the Minister on behalf of the farming community and the people generally. Mr Barclay was given a splendid reception by the delegates. He dealt with all phases of his administration and covered matters relating to internal marketing, soldier settlement, guaranteed prices, wool bonus, fertiliser distribution, land policy and appraisal of land. A large number of questions were answered by Mr Barclay, who, at the conclusion of his address, was accorded a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence in him as Minister in charge of Agriculture and Marketing.

Greyhound Racing. At the Dannevirke Greyhound Racing Club’s meeting the Dannevirke championship hurdles was won by Mac’s Worry, owned by Mr C. Lusty, of Masterton.

Knocked Down by Cyclist. Mi’ William Saunders, of 20 Opaki Road, was admitted to the Masterton Hospital at 6 p.m. yesterday with a fractured arm which he received, it is reported, when he was knocked down by a cyclist at Lansdowne. His condition is stated to be satisfactory.

Indoor Bowling Club. The Masterton Indoor Bowling Club held its annual meeting last evening, there being only a moderate attendance. The election of officers was held over. It was decided that the club hold a social gathering next week, at which it would be decided whether the club should carry on or go into recess for the season.

Prices for Rags. The Price Tribunal has issued an order fixing the maximum, prices for rags., A householder may charge l|d a pound for household rags or old clothing. The prices that may be charged by clothing manufacturers and by dealers for rags of various kinds also have been fixed. The order applies only to the Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin metropolitan areas. Glass on Roadways.

The practice by irresponsible people of smashing bottles on the roadway is becoming more prevalent in Masterton. In addition to providing a danger to bare-footed children pieces of jagged glass are a considerable nuisance to motorists and cyclists, especially when every effort is being made to conserve tires. It is an offence for anyone to break bottles or glassware on the roads. Lake at Low Level.

The Wairarapa Lake is exceptionally low at present, particularly the lagoons at the northern end. In some instances the lagoons have almost dried up and not much more than a pond of water remains. This condition of affairs is likely to have a serious effect on the prospects of securing good bags on the opening day of the shooting season on Saturday. In fact, according to a sportsman of many years’ experience, the prospects are not at all bright.

Block of State Flats. Work has begun on the first portion of the building to be erected by the State on the block of land on Wellington Terrace purchased from the Sir R. D. D. McLean estate. The Minister of Housing, Mr Semple, said last evening that in line with the policy of the Government to erect permanent structures wherever possible to provide hostel accommodation for war workers or the armed forces, the Housing Department had designed the first section of the building in reinforced concrete. “When the war is over this- wing will be converted into 17 flats,” said the Minister. “As designed, the total scheme will comprise approximately 95 flats of one and two bedrooms. The whole building will be in reinforced concrete with special consideration given to earthquake resistance.”