Wireless war

A new horror of war is foreshadowed by the experiments of the Germans in wireless, aimed at the development and perfection of a new wireless ray or beam which will concentrate the waves on a given point. If they can achieve it they will be in possession of what one might call an enormous invisible "gun," which will provide a form of "artillery" far more deadly than ever conceived. From a transmitting station a beam will be aimed at some city in an enemy country. The power wave would be so controlled that it flowed constantly in this one path, and in this one path alone. Then along this definite wireless ray would be sent rushing a stream of metal hulled pilotless "flying bombs." The beam would supply the power for their motor, and when they came to the point in the sky exactly above the city they intended to destroy, there would be a means of stopping their machinery automatically, and permitting them to fall, with their loads of high explosive or incendiary material, in a constant devastating stream. That is the theory of the aeronautical authority of the Daily Chronicle: having in mind the wonders achieved in the past war who shall deny that, fantastic as it would have appeared 10 years ago, it has not the foundation of practical application in it? 

Whooping cough outbreak

At the monthly meeting of the Ravensbourne School Committee the head master reported that the roll numbered 242, and the average attendance daily for the past four weeks had been 212 The attendance had been low owing to the prevalence of whooping cough among the younger children, but there had been a decided improvement. The committee decided to apply to the Education Board for more desks and forms for the classes held in the gymnasium.

Blot on the Octagon

Sir, —Having occasion to pass through the Octagon to Lower Stuart street recently, I was surprised to notice that a convenience adjoining the Oban Hotel, which had been closed for some years, has again been opened. As there is a public convenience immediately opposite it is surely quite unnecessary that this place should be re-opened. Has the Licensing Committee any idea of the structure of this convenience? The convenience itself is only a few feet deep. The width inside is the same as that of the door. This means that anyone using the convenience may be seen by passers-by when, as often must happen, the door is pushed wide open. There is no reason why this sort of thing should be tolerated in one of our main thoroughfares. Trusting that the proper authorities will have this matter put right, or that perhaps the owner of the hotel may see to it himself.—I am, etc, Dunedin Business Man, but Not in Octagon.

Picturesque walk

Sir, —I should like to draw the attention of lovers of  Nature to an exceedingly beautiful walk, which at the present time is well worth doing, as the broom is at its best. I refer to the road on this side of Flagstaff, which branches off a little above Bunting’s Store. On this road may be seen masses of broom which certainly cannot be equalled anywhere else in the neighbourhood of the city, and in some places picturesque views over the city may be obtained in a framework of golden broom. A little higher up is a reserve of bush, in which the bellbird may be heard.—I am, etc, Plantagenet — ODT, 16.11.1923