JEW-BAITER AT BAY.

Evening Star, Issue 23376, 20 September 1939, Page 8

JEW-BAITER AT BAY.

There will be satisfaction throughout the world that a. special German court is reported to be investigating undisclosed charges against-, the notorious Jew-baiter, Julius Streicher. A message to the ‘ Daily Express ’ states that Streicher was arrested by General Goering’s orders, charged with using his public position to enrich his private fortunes, and is now in protective custody in a sanatorium. A mental hospital might have been a more natural place of confinement. Only Herr Hitler’s personal regard, it is said, saved this creature of medisevalism from a firing squad. Herr Streicher and his unspeakable weekly newspaper, ‘ Der Sturmer,’ have had a long run. Mr John Gunther, in his ‘ Inside Europe,’ describes him as “ this rapacious ” anti-Semite, an adjective—-the first he uses—which must seem to have particular significance in view of the present charges. He goes on to picture him as “ a man of fifty-one ” —that would bo four years ago shaven-headed, in appearance the incarnation of brutality.” It is said that in July, 1933, Streicher ordered 250 Jews who had been arrested to pluck grass out of a field with their teeth. It was he who organised the anti-Jewish boycott held in Berlin in April, 1933, just after the Nazis came to power, which caused Einstein to renounce his German citizenship. The impression which it made upon the world, including most Germans, was so vile that until last year it was not repeated. The viciously revolting and pornographic propaganda against Jews published in ‘ Der Sturmer,’ for which no accusations could be too coarse or too incredible, were a constant incentive with the basest minds to race hatred and acts of atrocity. One special “Bitual Murder ” number which was issued, on a fourteenth-century jnodel, caused such a storm of protest in the outer world, the Archbishop of Canterbury joining in denunciations of it, that it had to be suppressed in Germany,

That ‘ Der Stunner ’ at that time ■was not permanently suppressed was attributed to the special friendship existing; between Strcicher and .Hitler, both touched with the same insanity on the Jewish question. .Strcicher was quoted by the American magazine ‘Time’ in April, 1935, as follows; “ With my riding whip, I sometimes give it to prisoners I have had taken

into protective custody to save them from the mob. Take that school teacher, Dr Stninruck, who used to talk so big. I went with several party members into his cell. Ho began to talk with a weeping voico and acted like a schoolboy. Ho did not act like the man I had expected after so much big talk, so I gave him a good thrashing with my whip.” On his fiftieth birthday, Mr Gunther records, the local authorities made him a picturesque gift—the dossier in the archives of the Nuremberg police which “ formerly might have boon used against him as incriminating material.” Stroiehcr’s proudest boast—before the latest evictions—was that lie had cleared one Franconian district, Hershruck, comprising 36 villages and 22,000 inhabitants, entirely of Jews. His general knowledge was such that when ho went to Berlin in August, 1935,- to speak at the Sport-Palast meeting, he said: “The great Jew who lived in England, Benjamin Disraeli, became Premier. Later lie was elevated to the peerage under the name of Lord Gladstone.” It was the incitements of this nauseous degenerate which helped to prepare the way for the nation-wide pogroms of November last, which Dr Goebbels called 11 spontaneous outbursts,” though they began everywhere at the same hour of 2 a.m. It was reported that 10,000 Jews were arrested and at least 10,000 shops wrecked. Stroicher was one of the earliest supporters of Hitler, and when ho turned fifty the Fuhrcr specially flow to Nuremberg from Berlin to honour him with a surprise birthday visit. Last year Streicher was accusing the Jews, as a final crime, of teaching the Germans to smoko in order to destroy the nation. Goering evidently did not share his leader’s esteem for this loud moron. Each accuses the other of finding good business in his public activities. “No top Nazi,” it has been said, “ is perfectly normal or perfectly sincere. They are cither cynics, on the make, or hysterics.” In the aggregate they have polluted, not only Germany, but all Europe. _____

In the membership campaign contest between the lleturned Soldiers’. Associations of Dunedin and of Christchurch the figures ati September 15 were:— Christchurch 2,670, Dunedin 2,118. Over 500 women have enrolled in the various aid classes formed by the St. John Ambulance Association, and the bulk of them are now training m first aid and home nursing. Another section for women is an air raid precaution division, and classes in this work aro being taken to-night. Unusual keenness in his desire to serve his country was shown by a returned soldier at Ashburton last week. He was more than 60 years of ago, and showed good health and an active body in spito of his age. Inquiries through the usual channels met with a refusal for admission to active service because of the man’s age. He caused some surprise among the authorities when he gripped the table before him and swung himself up to poise on his hands with his head resting on the table, in an endeavour to convince officials of his ability to serve.

Any doubts as to whether spring has really arrived can be dispelled by a visit to the citv markets (says tho Auckland ‘Herald’). Tho mass of colour in the flower stalls draws the eve of the crowd of business-minded greengrocers, who come to buy unattractive vegetables and stay to admire the wonderful display of blooms. Yesterday there was abundance of frccsias, daffodils, horonia, cyclamen, carnations, tulips, and hyacinths which flooded tho section of the selling floor set apart for flowers. Their fragrance spread to tho fruit section, but was overcome by the reek of onions, where the field produce was being auctioned. They make writing home an easy job in tho United States (says the -Auckland ‘Star’). A New Zealander the other day received from there what was described as a “ lazy correspondence card,” a form of postcard apparently intended for the use of holidaymakers “ stepping high in tho south-west.” It is like a questionnaire with alternative answers provided, and all the writer has to do is put a cross against the one that suits him best. For instance, one section begins: “Doing lots of—” and continues with a long list of alternatives. including riding, fishing, sleeping, dancing, “ thinking of you,” and “ making whoopee.” Another example: “ How are you?” I am: Stepping high, feeling blue, mncho bnono, missing you, broke, in tho money, studying Spanish, studying Indian. However, in case the writer is not too lazy to bo satisfied with merely marking his answers, there is space on tho back of the card for an ordinary message.

A story which Mr J. Richardson introduced while seconding a motion of congratulation to Mr James Wallace at the meeting of the Council of the University of Otago yesterday vastly amused members. The Chancellor (Mr W. J. Morrell) had expressed the opinion that in naming. tho new hall at thb Training College “ Wallace Hall,” a very fitting tribute had been paid to the council's treasurer. Mr Richardson then expressed the hope that Mr Wallace’s name could not, in the future, bo confused with that of some other famous man, ns when the American tourist in Scotland, on being shown the Bruce Memorial, had asked to whoso memory another nearby had boon erected. “ That,” answered his guide, “is the Wallace Memorial.” “ Oh, sure.” remarked tho American; “good old Edgar, ho deserves it.” Tho feelings of the guide, to whom ‘ Scots Whn Hao ’ was doubtless something in the nature of a sacred song, may bo imagined. Ever\'whoro there are signs that spring "is coming into her own, not merely in the blooming of bulbs, hut in the rejuvenation of trees. Branches so long black and hare are becoming shrouded in soft, but pronounced cloaks of green. The welcqfime spell of mild weather is encouraging growth which is so rapid almost as to be discernible, and the indications at the moment seem to bo for a favourable spring, to which we are certainly entitled after 'the severity of tho winter. There are traces of that winter still to bo seen in the patches of snow on Flagstaff and neighbouring hills; it must bo many years since winter snow lay so late in September. But snow can bn forgotten m the delights of spring and the pleasure of working in gardens once again. Possibly the only drawback at present is tho rapid growth of lawn grass, which is reaching the stage where two cuttings a week are necessary. Another drawback lies in the ready response of weeds to the warmth, hut one cannot have everything “ just so.” Yesterday, too, a third drawback was noticed—two white butterflies were having a gala, outing among some very youthful spring cabbages in a South Dunedin garden—a sure sign that winter is past.

The decision of the magistrate, Mr A. M. Gonlding, S.M., that the Shops and Offices Amendment Act, 1936, with the wages for shop assistants given therein, did not abrogate a deed of apprenticeship entered into by a chemist was uphold in iho Supreme Court in Wellington yesterday in a reserved judgment given by Mr' Justice Iteed. His Honour liels’l that the general scheme of the legislation was prospective and there was no indication that it was to have a retrospective effect. _ There was an entire absence of plain words which indicated that it was tho intention of the legislature to take away rights which already existed before the statute was passed.

At the meeting of the Council of the University of Otago yesterday, the Chancellor (Mr W. J. Morrell) referred to the honour recently conferred upon Mr James Wallace, the honorary treasurer of the council. 'They would be aware, said Mr Morrell, that the name of the hall at the new Training College had been named the Wallace Hall. He was sure the honour would have been noted with pleasure by every member of the council, it was fitting that Mr Wallace’s great record of 21 years as chairman of the Otago Education Board should be recognised. They knew that Mr Wallace had been a protagonist in tho successful struggle dor the opening of the college. Mr J. Robertson having added a few words of congratulation, Mr Wallace briefly returned thanks.

Before commencing the business of the meeting, the president (Mr C. W. Clark) at tho monthly meeting of the Otago Centre of tho New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association last night referred to the drastic changes that had overcome the nation since the last meeting, and moved: “ That wo express to the Government of New Zealand the loyalty of the athletes of Otago and Southland to the Throne.” Tho motion was seconded by Mr B. R. M'Kernan, and carried. Mr Clark stating that it was now all the more necessary for everyone to give full support to the sport, as it was evident that the coming season would bo a difficult one.

“What is your handicap? 1 * is a question frequently put to golfers, but, up to tho present, it is one which cricketers hace not been subject to. At tho annual meeting of the Grange Cricket Club last night, however, a novel suggestion involving the introduction of a system of handicapping in connection with batting and bowling averages was made by Mr J. Dey and supported by Mr T. Chettleburgh. The reason given for bringing the matter forward was the fact that practically tho same players won the trophies year after year, and the younger members, or those less skilled, had no chance of gaining any reward. An alternative suggestion was that no player should be eligible as a trophy winner for three years after his having received one. Tho obvious difficulties in the carrying out of such schemes, especially in the choice of a handicapper, which it was pointed out, would bq an even more delicate task than that of appointing a selector of teams, was stressed by the president (Mr 0. G. Stevens) and others, and the matter having been ventilated, was allowed to rest there.

He had been thrilled with tho broadcast address of the Prime Minister, and the sentiments expressed, said Mr C. L. Calvert, president of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, last night, when referring to the Dominion’s declaration of war. The executive of tho council had instructed him to send a telegram to the Prime Minister, he told the meeting, and the following message was sent:—“The executive of tho Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, for themselves and the chamber, congratulate you heartily ou your broadcast address last night.” Thu council approved of the action taken by the president.

There is a story concerning a negro who had been told by a white master .intent upon improving the dark man’s mind that a complete human being should possess 32 teeth. The negro, impressed, asked; “How many teeth hah you got, Massa?” “ Well,” replied the white man, “ as a matter of fact I have 31 now.” “ Golly, Massa, remarked the darkie, wide-eyed, “ Yo’ very near human, ain’t yo’l” This story carno to the mind of a Dunedin recruit who, after careful examination by sundry doctors and specialists was passed fit for home service, fit for service abroad, fit for service in the tropics, fit for anything—until, at length, he came before the dental specialist, when, alas, all that the moving fingers of the previous examiners lin'd writ was cancelled, every line, by the pen of the dental chief. And why? Because the recruit was found to have only nine teeth in the lower jaw when the* regulation minimum was 10. And so this recruit who was so “ very near ” a soldier, missed that distinction by one tooth. This story some may reject as being “ too thin. On reflection however, it will be found to relate to a tooth out. And tis true, every word of it.

Dunedin-born David Low has earned a reputation as the world’s' greatest cartoonist, and even in the United States his work is admired. The latest issue of the American illustrated news magazine 1 Look ’ devotes two pages to 'Low’s cartoons as a result of the first appearance in America of a collection of Low’s work in book form. The letterpress says: “Grinning gadfly of Britain’s ruling class is David Low, political cartoonist for Lord Beaverbook’s London ‘ Evening Standard.’ Low’s satiric brush earns him 50,000 dollars a year.” Nor is the Dominion overlooked as the cartoonist s birthplace in the brief pen picture, which adds, “ Squat, bearded, beetle-browed David Low is a New Zealander, 48.” The cartoons selected for iqelusion in the magazine mav best be termed as “ choice.” and reveal tho biting wit of Low to tho full.

In the Police Court to-day Sydney Horace Poole, who was represented by Hr J. G. Warrington., appeared on a charge that on September 19, while in a stale of intoxication, he was in charge of a motor car in Lower Rattray street. On the application of Mr Warrington the case was adjourned until Friday, conditional upon the defendant not driving in the meantime. With reference to the recent discussion of the position of Rhodes scholars in regard to military service, the University of New Zealand advises that definite cabled instructions have been received that the trustees will approve of the .suspension of any scholarship during the holder’s war service. The trustees, it is added, will permit the resumption of the scholarship when that service is completed. Part of a Maori implement has been ploughed up near the_ source of the Waituna Creek, Wairaate. It is stated that comparatively few of such relics have been found in the district. Thcro are quite a number of Maori ovens in the district, and the suggestion has been made that efforts should ho made to preserve any ovens remaining close to public places. At one time there was a largo oven on the roadside at Hunter, while there were many along the Waituna Creek. A Maori oven probably still exists on the road to Mount Studholme at an altitude of about I,oooft.

Owing to the international situation the Dunedin Artillery Band has decided not to compete at the band contest to be held at Wellington in February as part of the centennial celebrations. Though the band was ready to travel to AVellington and had the necessary funds in hand, it was decided that its services would probably be more useful in Dunedin at present.

The Minister of Education has informed Air Kidd, ALP. for Waitaki, that Cabinet has approved of a grant for the rebuilding of the Kurow School, advises our parliamentary reporter.

The Wanganui provincial executive of tho Farmers’ Union passed a resolution favouring meat and wool being sold to the Government of Great Britain and that the New Zpaland Government should merely act as agents for Britain, reports an Association message from Wanganui. Tho community sing at South Dunedin is still well patronised, a. number of people looking forward every week to a bright hour with the leaders, Mr R. (“Whang”) M'Kenzie, and Dr Noel North. To-day they were entertained by Mr E. Kerr and his son, who played two cornet duets, ‘ The Pearls,’ a polka, and ‘ Larboard Watch,’ This weekly event has proved a most successful part of the programme of the South Dunedin Busiress Men’s Association, and there will shortly be another division of the proceeds, to be allotted for various charitable purposes. Returning to find sanctuary in homes in the parish of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Viennese Mozart Boys’ Choir is on its way to Melbourne from Western’ Australia (records a recent Melbourne ‘Argus’). The party of 20 boys was returning to Vienna after a successful tour of Australian capitals when the outbreak of war left it stranded in Western Australia. Learning of the boys’ plight, a number of families in St. Patrick’s parish immediately offered to give them a home. Making the announcement lost night, the Administrator of the _ Cathedral (Rev. Dr Lyons) said that it was not known how long tho boys would stay. Hospitals specialising in the treatment of cancer and tuberculosis are now being developed in American and European cities, and in this direction Australia and New Zealand have much to learn, according to Mr Cobden Parkes. official architect of the New South Wales Government, who is visiting Auckland. In the last ■ seven months Mr Parkes, accompanied by the New South Wales Minister for Health (Mr H. P. Fitzsimmons), has been investigating hospital construction and development abroad in view of the iState programme involving the erection of 80 new hospitals throughout New South Wales within the next few years. Mr Fitzsimmons returned to Australia some time ago. Probably the best hospital in the world, said Mr Parkes, was that recently established in Stockholm. Sweden and Switzerland both had welldesigned hospitals, which were excellently equipped. He was, however, greatly surprised at the modern and efficient standards of British hospitals, although ho considered that general hospitals in Australia and New Zealand were also of a high standard in comparison with those in other lands.

A unanimous decision to forgo its annual dinner and donate the cost, estimated at about £35, to the Government war fund, was reached at the annual meeting of the Auckland branch of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand. “ This is not intended to take the place of later efforts that may bo required.” said the president. Mr G. R. Blackett, “ but it should set an example of sacrifice of pleasure in time of war to other organisations throughout the country.” The donation would be forwarded to the Government through the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry.

It was fully anticipated by the department that the new office of the Social Security Department in Customhouse Square would he avialable for payment of benefits this month, but it is now announced that social security benefits and war pensions will be made ou Friday at the office of the department in Princes street. The reason for the delay in the opening of the new office is that there have been urgent calls for skilled labour on work of a more urgent nature than that of the department's new building.