Mr Todd said that the deputation learning that the sub-dividing of the Puketoi run was under consideration, wished to urge the following points upon the board: (1) That it was desirable that the valuable merino stud flock at present grazed on Puketoi should be preserved for the reason that some 600 to 700 rams from this flock were bought annually by Otago and Canterbury flock-owners.
Last year 646 rams were distributed among 29 sheep owners. This meant that about 3000 of these rams were in use, besides what were used by Mr Shennan. In addition, some 1400 stud ewes were sold annually, mostly to Canterbury, and were used for breeding halfbred rams, which were required for improving the wool on the coaster woolled flocks.
Mechanical training
A number of returned soldiers have during the past year or two evinced a desire to learn motor mechanics, and the Technical College managers, in the absence of any provision for such instruction, have been in the habit of arranging with the owners of motor garages in the city to afford the returned men every assistance in acquiring a knowledge of the business.
Recently, however, the applications from returned men for such instruction have far far exceeded the accommodation offering by the garage proprietors, and the authorities of the college.
Inquiries show that a number of cars suitable for instructional purposes are available, and application has been made to the department for a grant in aid of the purchase of several of these.
As soon as intimation is received that this grant is forthcoming, arrangements will be made to start the class and allow the men to begin their training without further delay.
Rough voyage
The auxiliary schooner Gisborne reached Port Chalmers at 1 a.m. yesterday from Wellington, via Kaikoura and Akaroa, after a long and very stormy passage of 24 days.
The schooner left Wellington on July 20, and was severely buffeted about by fierce southerly gales in Cook Strait, which reduced several of her sails to rags and compelled her to shelter at Kaikoura for several days. After landing some machinery at Port the Vessel will come up to Dunedin to complete her discharge and load for Invercargill.
If it’s not one thing ...
In a letter to the editor, ‘‘Hazel’’ describes the plea by Mr A. G. Butchers at St Clair that the abolition of the drink traffic would ‘‘bring in a new heaven and a new earth’’ as a typical example of so-called temperance. The new heaven and the new earth are to be machine made, and according to the latest fanatic formula.
The County of Cornwall is noted for its anti-drink fanaticism, but is equally notorious for illicit intercourse, the number of illegitimate births being one of the largest in England. There are other sins besides drunkenness, which have nothing to do with drink, but a great deal to do with human nature.
— ODT, 15.8.1918
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