Autopilot for ships
A remarkable innovation in really up-to-date vessels is the gyroscopic pilot. The Port Williams (of the Commonwealth and Dominion Line) was fitted with it some time ago, and on the vessel's last voyage out to Australia and back it worked admirably. Theoretically, once outside the home port, the gyroscopic pilot will steer the ship the whole of the way to the shores of Australia or New Zealand without assistance. In practice, however, the work of this automatic pilot and steersman is superintended and checked at frequent intervals. It saves having a man at the wheel continuously.
Trees to beautify city
The thirty-sixth annual report of the Dunedin Amenities Society states that the tree-planting programme of the society was arranged on a smaller scale than usual. The recommendation that another row of trees should be planted in Cumberland street was adopted, and a beginning was made with this work in the section between Rattray street and Water street. The line will be continued as the street formation and kerbing and channelling progress. What has been done gives an indication of the great improvement that will be made in the appearance of Cumberland street.
Senior nurse farewelled
Last week members of the hospital staff at Naseby met and presented Matron Boyce with a handsome suitcase, as a token of the esteem in which she was held. Dr W.S. Eudey, medical superintendent, in asking the matron to accept the gift, paid a tribute to her work as matron of the hospital. He stated that she had won the esteem and affection of the whole staff, and her kindly treatment, sympathy, and attention to the patients passing through the hospital had won golden opinions throughout the whole district. Whilst her departure was a distinct loss to Maniototo, they offered their warmest congratulations to her on her new appointment and wished her every success in her new sphere. Miss Boyce leaves to take up an appointment under the Public Health Department in Wellington, and it is a tribute to her abilities and skill that the department offered the position to her. The Rev D.McKenzie, whilst replying on behalf of Miss Boyce and expressing her thanks to the doctor and staff for their kindness, added that he had always found Miss Boyce willing to assist and welcome ministers when visiting the sick.
The Chairman of the Board (Mr H.W. Davis) expressed regret at the loss of Miss Boyce’s services, and warm appreciation of the work she had carried out so successfully, and added that the board would most readily forward her a testimonial under the seal of the board. Miss Bailey is acting as matron at the hospital pending the appointment of a successor to Miss Boyce. — ODT, 27.3.1925
Compiled by Peter Dowden
