LOCAL AND GENERAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 August 1943, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Political Situation.

An address on the general political position in New Zealand was given in Masterton last evening to a meeting of business men by Mr G. H. Mackley, National candidate for the Masterton seat at the forthcoming general election. There was an attendance of about 100 business men, who were present by invitation. Work of Parliament.

The major business before the House of Representatives yesterday was the Education Amendment Bill, which was debated in the evening. In the afternoon the balance of Ministerial replies to members’ questions was discussed, and three local Bills dealing with South Island matters were put through all stages and passed. The Agricultural Emergency Regulations Confirmation Bill was also passed. The House adjourned'at 10.30 p.m. till 10.30 a.m. today, when further departmental estimates will be considered. Wages of Tobacco Workers.

An amendment to the Agricultural Workers’ Extenson Order, 1941, gazetted last night, increases wage rates and overtime for tobacco workers. Wage rates for both field and factory sections for adult males are increased from 2s to 2s 3d an hour, and for males under 18 years from Is 6d to Is 9d. Male field workers under 16 years, not previously provided for, are to receive Is 6d Adult females’ wages are increased from Is 3d to Is 4-4 an hour or from Is 6d to Is 8d for classified field work. Wages for girls under 17 years are increased from Is to Is Id or Is 3d to Is 4d for classified field work. Overtime is payable after nine hours instead of 91- hours. Statutory holidays are to be paid for at double time. Theft of Cutlery.

Heavy cutlery losses were inflicted by the returned service men at the civic banquet at Christchurch last week. The caterer’s list of shortages presented to the Christchurch City Council yesterday reads like a list of captured Italian equipment or the stocktaking sheei of a prosperous cutlery business. The losses were expected and had been cheerfully accepted by the authorities, who knew beforehand the New Zealanders’ reputation for souveniring. Nevertheless, it came as a surprise to find among the casualties listed by the caterer a folding chair. How this was smuggled from the hall remains a mystery. The council advertised for two flags which it had borrowed for decorating and seven were returned. Pot plants, dishes and other goods have also been returned. Thirty-five dozen bottles of soft drinks and 83 glasses are missing. In all 315 pieces of cutlery were taken.

Basketball Tournament.

Playing in the secondary schools’ quadrangular basketball tournament at the Lower Hutt yesterday a team from the Wairarapa College was defeated by Dannevirke by 14 points to 10 in the first round and was eliminated from the competition when it was beaten by Hutt, by 11 points to 8 in the second round. The local team returned today.

Young Farmers’ Club. At a meeting of the Masterton Young Farmers’ Club there were 33 members present, including two who came from Gisborne, and who are training in the Air Force. Prize money was handed to the winners at the field day held last year. A discussion took place as to whether rams should be inspected at ram fairs. Supper was provided. Indoor Basketball.

The following is the draw for the Wairarapa Interhouse Association indoor basketball competition which will be continued in the Y.M.C.A. gymnasium on Monday night: —Cathies B v. Borthwick’s, 7 p.m.; McKenzie’s v. United, 7.18; Cody’s, v. Garages, 7.36; Rangers B v. Hansell’s B, 7.54; Sparklets v. W.F.C.A., 8.12; McDuff’s A v. Woolworth’s, 8.30; Transport v. McDuff’s B, 8.48; C. Smith’s v. Hansell’s A, 9.6; Rangers A v. Lancers, 9.24. Masterton County Rates.

Ratepayers of the Masterton County are reminded that Thursday, August 12, is the last day on which rates for the year 1943-44 may be paid if advantage is to be taken of the 5 per cent cash discount allowed for prompt payment. It is anticipated that the rate collections up till August 12, will be fairly heavy, since there is usually a last minute rush to take advantage of the discount offered by the council for prompt payment. The office of the Council closes at 4.30 p.m. on Thursday, but any rates posted and bearing the Post. Office mark of that date will be accepted as having been received in time to obtain the discount. Control of Rents. “The control of rents, which form the major ite'm in the cost of living, is an essential part of the Government’s stabilisation programme,” the Hon D. G. Sullivan stated yesterday at Wellington when calling attention to the fact that every landlord was required to keep a tenancy register under the rents provision of the Economic Stabilisation Emergency Regulations. The provision for keeping registers is the means of making sure that the, law is obeyed of seeing that there is no unauthorised increase in the rent of any property and I of assisting tenants to know their rights. The register must set out the description of the premises, the name of the tenant, the rent payable, the basic rent of the property and any fair rent fixed for it.”