LOCAL AND GENERAL

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20919, 26 September 1939, Page 6

LOCAL AND GENERAL

No New Zealand Visit Plans for the visit of a contingent of Australian war veterans to New Zealand next April have been abandoned. Aldermen Abolished Melbourne City Council’s “aidermen” have been abolished by Parliament, and now it has only “councillors.” British Trade Fair Cancelled The British Department of Overseas Trade has announced the cancellation of the British Industries Fair in 1940. Heavy Rain Welcomed Soaking rains in Hawke’s Bay and the East Coast districts have been welcomed by farmers, as cropping conditions were becoming serious because of the prolonged dry spell. 40-Hour Week in Crisis The Frankton branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants passed the following resolution at a meeting held in Ngaruawahia at the week-end: “That there should be no encroachment on the 40-hour week during the present crisis, and this society will not sacrifice the principle of the 40-hour week.” Church Centennial Fund The Presbyterian Centennial campaign to raise £300,000 to pay off congregational debts and assist other church activities has so far resulted in £200,000 being raised. Special thanksgiving services are to be held in all Presbyterian Churches on Sunday, October 1. It is hoped that the remaining £IOO,OOO will be raised before the Centennial year closes. Appreciation From Norway A young Norwegian seaman, Egil Hansen, recently aied in the Auckland hospital after an operation. He was a popular patient with the hospital staff. At yesterday’s meeting of the Hospital Board a letter of thanks was received from his parents in Fredrikstad, Norway, expressing appreciation of the kindness and care bestowed upon their son. Hamilton Operatic Society The arrival of the producer, Mrs E. Mcßeath, gave a fillip to the rehearsal of “A Runaway Girl” by members of the Hamilton Operatic Society last night. There was a l&rge attendance, and principals and chorus entered into the work with enthusiasm. Mrs Mcßeath impressed upon members the need of solid work. Several rehearsals a week will be held in future.

Letter from Gdynia It was with surprise that a Dunedin resident found in his Saturday’s post a letter bearing the post-mark Gdynia, the Polish port which fell to the Nazis after such a gallant defence. In the letter, which bore no date, but which was evidently written early in August, there was no mention of international trouble, and, in fact, the writer stated that she had been invited by her nephew to visit him in Poland. The object of the visit was for the aunt to enjoy a complete rest. “Prisoners of War” If the military manoeuvres at the Hamilton East rifle range last night had been real warfare at least one par>y of men would now be prisoners )i war. Carrying out the manoeuvres was the Ist Battalion of the 16th Waikato Regiment and a small party of men had been sent out to inspect and repair a field telephone cable. They made the repairs but apparently had not learnt the art of warfare cover. On the return journey to the "base the party was captured by a zealous forward partol of the “enemy.” They returned to the rear of the lines “under guard.” Value of Irrigation Irrigation works in Canterbury are being pushed ahead steadily. Two big schemes now under construction, both getting their water from the Rangitata River, are those for the j Mayfield-Hinds and AshburtonLyndhurst districts. The Mayfield- j Hinds scheme will serve 54,000 acres 1 and the other embraces 34,000 acres. 1 The present proposal is to complete the diversion race and distribution races by September of next year. “Irrigation works will be the last to be stopped,” said the Minister of j Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, j “The cessation of any works through j circumstances will be determined by j their productive value.” Boys’ Brigade Camp It is officially announced by the ' Dominion executive of .the Boys’ Brigade that the Government has 1 expressed the opinion that the brigade Centennial camp should be held as originally planned. The Dominion executive is in agreement with the sentiments recently expressed by the acting-Prime Minister, that so far from the present position rendering the continuance of Centennial efforts undesirable, the aspirations and responsibilities of these efforts will be a most valuable aid to cementing the national spirit which is so necessary just now. Accordingly, the brigade Dominion camp will be held as planned at Waikanae. Petrol and War “Petrol will be one of the vital factors in this war and it is very likely that it will win the conflict for Britain,” said Mr H. J. Knight, secretary of the New Zealand Road Transport Alliance, speaking to a big gathering of carriers in Hamilton last night. He mentioned that Britain and her’'allies controlled 75 per cent of the oil supplies of the world. While tankers were being sunk and supplies diverted to the war zone to feed the mechanised armies, New Zealand would naturally have to proceed on shorter supplies. Even so New Zealanders were being allowed more petrol than Englishmen. In London taxis were allowed two gallons a day only. Further economies might be necessary in the Dominion. Smocks of all descriptions featured by Hooker & Kingston Ltd. Florals and plains in Crossover double-breasted, and full swing styles.—Bright designs are the order of the day in the noral models and all materials are guaranteed fast colour.—New collars and puffed sleeves, fitting backs, all lend these fresh intle garments an air of distinction. —Beauty Parlours are specially catered for in these smart wnite styles.—Hooker & Kingston Ltd, tor 1 every style of smock and overall.**