General News (Press, 26 March 1956)

On 26 March 1956, several notable events and announcements were reported. The Municipal Electricity Department announced power cuts affecting different areas throughout the city. Consumers in areas E and F would experience a morning outage lasting from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., while areas A and B would face cuts in the evening from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The following day, morning cuts were scheduled for areas C and D, and evening cuts for areas E and F. In a lighter piece, three partners from a Christchurch law firm, Messrs A.W. Brown, J. McKenzie, and P.T. Mahon, won just over £500 from an overseas lottery despite their horse, Martinique, not placing in a race. The trio had initially spent approximately £10 on tickets. In local government news, the Local Government Loans Board approved a loan of £450,000 for the North Canterbury Hospital Board, part of a larger total loan of £1,260,000. Additionally, a loan of £100,000 was granted to the Christchurch Drainage Board, along with a £50,000 loan for the Kaiapoi Borough Council's sewerage projects. The Dominion Association for the Blind resolved to advocate for the removal of means testing for blind pensioners. During their annual meeting in Wellington, members expressed frustration over the lack of action from the Blind Institute in pushing for legislative changes. A safety incident occurred at a level crossing near Huntly where an express train collided with a loaded coal trailer. Fortunately, the driver was unharmed, but the accident caused significant damage to the train and delayed its arrival in Auckland by 30 minutes. In prison reform discussions, the New Plymouth Prison is under consideration to become either a Borstal centre for young offenders or a detention centre for those aged 18 to 21. A final decision will be made later in June. Trade relations were highlighted in a report from Dr. Hans J. Dietrich, revealing that New Zealand's exports to Germany in 1955 totalled £12 million, twice the value of imports from Germany, which were worth £6 million. Main exports included agricultural products, while machinery and textiles formed the bulk of imports. The Bluff Harbour Board received the go-ahead for a £3,500,000 harbour development scheme, which is expected to enhance trade opportunities in the region. Board chairman Mr. E.N. Adams received applause for this ambitious project from local leaders. Concerns regarding staphylococcal infections, colloquially referred to as “H-bug,” were raised by medical superintendents across New Zealand, who emphasised that these infections are not confined to hospitals, as the term suggests. Lastly, a whimsical story featured Polly, a six-year-old Black Orpington hen at the Houhora Hotel, known for her pickpocketing antics, as she would often peck at guests' pockets for grain. This unusual talent has made her a local attraction. In trade news, the Board of Trade cancelled two public inquiries related to import duties for carpet sweepers and floor polishers, as well as switchboards and fuses, which were scheduled for April. An upcoming art exhibition in Christchurch will showcase a collection of Australian paintings representing a century of art, featuring several iconic artists, promising to enrich the local cultural landscape.

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