ISLANDS OF DESTINY.

Evening Star, Issue 22463, 7 October 1936, Page 10

ISLANDS OF DESTINY.

Not much is heard of the Philippine Islands to-day. The insistent demands of the Filipinos for independence have been satisfied by the promise of that condition to the full extent in 1945. As a consequence there is internal peace. In the meantime the islands hold dominion status, an Act that was passed by the American Congress last year having ended the dependency that was created when Spain ceded the group to the United States in 1899. The people are now happy as a result of the concessions that have been mode hy the Roosevelt Administration,

Republican sentiment was mostly in favour of holding on to tho islands, but the policy of the Democrats has been to hand control to the Filipinos unconditionally. This is not so easy as it sounds, for tho people have not yet realised to the full tho implications of total independence. All sorts of complications lie ahead, both for the Filipinos and for the American Government. A visitor to New Zealand at the moment is Mr L. D. Hargis, an American lawyer who has a practice in the islands. Ho says the people are contented at tho moment, and that tho indications are favourable for good conditions during tho five-year period before duties are charged on produce from there entering tho United States. The new dominion was inaugurated with fitting pomp and oratory at Manila in November last. For five years this autonomy continues as at present, with Philippine exports still entering the American market more or less freely. But in 1310 United States tariff duties begin to apply, under the terms of the independence law. Five per cent, of the full tariff .is to be applied in 1940, rising to 25 per cent, in 1946. In the latter year, when complete independence is scheduled to take effect, the full tariff duties of 100 per cent, are to be imposed.

This is the fly in the ointment. If the economic terms of the law are enforced it will mean disaster for the islands. Philippine prosperity down through the years has been made tragically dependent upon the American market. The chief source of wealth in the islands is the production and export of agricultural commodities, with the sale of hardwood lumber and increasing shipments of minerals, mostly gold. Eighty-four per cent, of this trade in 1934 was with the United States. Tho chief export is sugar, and the Philippines stand fifth in the entire world in sugar production. Suggestions are made that a reciprocal trade agreement , might be reached. This seems doubtful, as for years American producers have resented the free entry to their country of Philippine products. When complete independence comes there is sure to be a stiffening of this feeling. The application of American tariffs in 1940 would, cut deep into Philippine exports, and by 1945 would have produced devastating results. Prosperity has been the lot of the Philippines as a dependency. A descent into poverty would not be taken quietly by this people who have never at any time shown themselves particularly amenable to governmental discipline.

There is a wider issue than the economic one. Revolts and revolution in the islands are more than a possibility. That would mean intervention. If America, maintaining a spirit of aloofness, did not march in again, some other Power would. The islands lie in a position of immense strategic importance to Britain, to the Netherlands, and France. To Japan they would mean much more, for they are rich in resources that Nippon lacks, in vast mineral deposits particularly. The climatic conditions suit the Japanese, the soil is fertile, and the territory under-populated. It is an alluring prospect to a country over-populated and deficient in commodities necessary to a highly-industrialised nation. In the circumstances it will be difficult for the United States to cut the painter, notwithstanding that the law says this is to happen. America intends to promote a transpacific air line, which will be a new link in the chain of her trading ventures, and another reason added to those already existing for not abandoning all interest in this important naval base.

Last evening, at 6.21, the City Fire Brigade attended to a chimney fire at 602 Cumberland street. A justifiable false alarm was received from Cargill road at 6.45 p.m., and at 8.17 a malicious false alarm was received from Stone street, Momington.

The Port Chalmers Progressive League last night decided to back up the Borough Council in respect to getting the Government to use relief workers to duplicate the railway line from St. Leonards to Sawyers Bay. The league also dealt with local matters, including the topping of trees at Wickliffe Terrace, which it was_ resolved to ask the council to reconsider. Then discussion drifted to scenic considerations, and it was decided to ask the Expansion League to include the Dun-edin-Waitati-Port Chalmers road in any future literature regarding scenic drives in the vicinity of the city. It was suggested by the chairman that the forming of a motor road to the summit of Mihiwaka would enhance the scenic value of such a drive.

The proposed tar sealing of the Allen highway was heartily endorsed last night by the Port Chalmers Progressive League. If only as a cure for the dust nuisance caused by the motor buses the council should, it was stated, endeavour to speed up the tar sealing of the highway. Mr W. D. Campbell, who presided over the league meeting, commented on the unusually large attendance of members, which he hoped went to indicate a period of increased activity in league affairs. Writing from Milton, a correspondent of the Otago Acclimatisation Society states that most fishermen there have had fair catches. On the opening day bags of 12 and quite a number of five were obtained, while two 61b fish had been caught, one near the mouth of the river and the other near the town. Week-end fishing on the river was very good, and three fishermen took 49 fish. The river was discoloured, but W’as in good fishing condition for the minnow and worm. Lady anglers were getting some nice fish.

The mayor (Bov. E. T. Cox) has received from Woohvorths Ltd. a cheque for £25 for the mayor’s fund for the relief of distress.

The philanthropy of the late Mr and Mrs J, A. Johnstone in the cause of Plunlket work was vividly recalled at the Dunedin branch’s last meeting, when a handsome cheque for £SOO was received from their daughters, the Misses Ethel and Winifred Johnstone. This gift was received with grateful appreciation by the committe. It is the first voluntary amount to be placed to the credit of the building fund of the new Truby King-Harris Hospital, for the erection of which it is hoped the money may be found in about two or three years’ time. One ward will bo called “ The Margaret Johnstone Ward,’’ in remembrance of the late Mrs J. A. Johnstone’s long service as president of the Dunedin Branch Committee, a member of the Dominion Council, and president of the New; Zealand Society#

An Ashburton Association message states that evidence that a birch forest grew and was burnt thousands of years ago on the site of Ashburton was revealed by excavations for building. After going Bft through solid clay the contractors encountered a layer of black soil, in which were a number of small logs, excellently preserved, also a small pocket of charred wood. Eyo strain —for cyo comfort, for better vision, consult Stunner and Watson Ltd., opticians, 2 Octagon. Dunedin.—fAdvt.] The Railway Department advertises _in this issue train arrangements in connection with the Dunedin Races at Wingatui tomorrow. The thirty-seventh annual meeting of the United Starr-Bowkett Building Society will be held in the society’s board room on Jharsdaji October 22<