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Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1918, Page 2

The spirit of Christmas is a very pappy and pleasing conception. It brings people to a common level and opens ilia hearts to a better understanding. At no time in all human history was the season so ripe for a fruitful Christmas spirit as the present. The year of sad events we are leaving behind caunot permit all to be merry in the sense of reckless enjoyment, but the Christmas can ho made merry in the realisation that tho pain and suffering which upon tho earth was not for nought but. that a great reward has been reaped tho utilisation of which to the proper ends will make tho old world and those who dwell in it, all the better for the sacrifice and suffering put upon them. Christmas can be made merry for others if not for ourselves by those touches of kindly thought and remembrances which, spoken or done, strike a responsive "chord in others, and thepleasu -e of giving becomes a joy to the gi vivas to the receiver. Christmas is the season of tho year to bring special joy to the young, tho hope of the future In tho days of their youth, tho rising generation hardly trouble to mark tho passing milestones on lifo’s rough journey. They are care, free, with their troubles ail ahead of them. It is in tho fitness of things that this should he so, and ;i for the young folk, let them make merry Vhile they cn u and take a’l the pleasure of tho season of the , oar particularly apportioned to them. For the rest, tho adults may look on with pleased satisfactioiu and take their merriment out of tho enjoment of youth and so for tho time being at bast camouflage their own troubles with the joys of others .

One or the lessons to bo learnt from tho war is the necessity of fostering patriotism in our schools,” said Mr C. * Sliailer Weston, in his presidential ad- ‘ dross before the New Zealand' Employers’ Federation, in Wellington last week. “Religion is not one of the subjects there taught. Such high standard of life should b© impressed upon the children’s minds. Loro of country seems the only one open. But something more than this is required. Whe n every child upon becoming twenty-ou e years of age, is entitled to vote, surely the study is most desirable in our j schools of some short text-book aplaining the growth of States from small village 'communities, tho purpose of the State, the protection and other advantages, derived by the citi- : zens therefrom tho correlative oblige- , lions due in return by its members j the purpose of laws and punishment, and in short, the doctrine of civic rights and responsibilities. A democracy to oe successful must bo an educated democracy. At present democracy mainly tor want of any education in tho elements of sociology is as insistent on . the rights due to it by the State as it js f silent on its own duties towards the State. For example, though the New j Zealand Labour Party demands further ■ privileges from tlie State such as an extension of the benefits of the Old Age Pensions Act, it resolutely opposes compulsory service for the protection of the State. The subject of repatriation was dealt with as follows in the annual report ol the New Zealand Employers’ Federation : —Following the address given by the Hon. A. L. Herdman at last anmH mating, arrangements were made 1 whereby each association was able to assist the officials of the Discharged Soldiers Information Department in placing returned men in work and thus assisting them in their return to civilian life. Good work has been done by the department mentioned but the tamo In* i come when plans for greater activities : ill that direction should ho made. 1 Gradually larger numbers of men are ' returning from active service and it is- hoped that ere long the uecessi.y will arise by reason of a successful : conclusion of the war, for thoroughly organised service which will succeisfull deal with the thousands who will require to be provided for. Every man , permanently and satisfactorily placed a„ : profitable employment is an asset to tne | country while each one not so p aced and who is partly or totally unemployed ! or unemployable is more or less a burden i to his fellows and on the countoy i ally. Besides that, it is admittedlyd I duty of those who were unable to fight j their country’s battles at the front, to see to it that those who did, are not sufferers thereby. It is suggested therefore, that this federation-con-sisting as it docs solely of employers lof labour-should take such steps as | will ensure adequate arrangements l>c- ! i n g made to secure the desired end. The “Guardian” will not he published to-morrow, (Christmas Day,) or on Thursday, (Boxing Day). The Success dredge washed up to-day for a return of 26ozs 2dwts for 60 hours’ work. lA notice in reference to the removal of a box of bees from the Main Souin road appears in this issue. A recent casualty list includes—Dicct of sickness, C. W. Paul of Capo toulwiiul: previously reported missing, non reported prisoner of war, since repatriated:—M. Collogan, Greymouth. The President of the New Zealand Bowling Association, (Mr. M. M. McCallum) has extended to the loca Club hearty- Christmas greetings and Imst wishes for a most successful and enjoyable bowling season. “When the time comes for publishing the history of the war from the New Zealand point of view,” said the Hou. G. W. Russell, on Saturday, ‘it will be found that the work of the women of the Dominion will be worthy to rank with the most glorious deeds of heroism of tho soldiers in the tienches.” To my little' friends of Hokitika and surrounding districts —Santa Claus aiyived per motor car this (Tuesday) aftcinoou at 3 o’clock and after a little spin through the’ town he will proceed to the Hokitika Novelty Bazaar where he will ho glad to greet and entertain all his little Friends.— (Signed) Santo Claus. —Advt. The Special Services to-morrow (Xina =. Day), at All Saints Church will be at 7 a.m., 11 a.m., and 7 p.m. At the .evening service the choir will sing Stainer’s Xmas anthem, “0 Zion that bringest good tidings.” In accordance with the usual custom carols will _be sung at the close of the evening service. The Hon. G. W. Russell received a telegram from" Wellingtin on Saturday staing that fifty-two deaths had occurred in that city on Friday. Sonic of the undertakers there apparently liavo delayed sending in their returns, and this seems to account for the question raised as to the accuracy of tho number of epidemic dcalis in Welington »»- nouncod by Mr. Russell in Christchurch on Thursday. For one of the overtures for the West Coast Caledonian Society’s concert on New Year’s Night, a splendid quartet has been secured including violin, piano cello, aud flute, and will render some very fmo Jacobite airs. No effort m being spared to make the Scottish concert in tho Princess Theatre on Wednesday January Ist. New Years Day a«d the great success such a worthy object ! deserves to he, with exceptional good per formers at tho concert. Visitors ns well as townspeople should not miss such . n excollent entertainment. The hooking office is at Browne’s. Excellent entries have been received by the secretary of the West Coast Caledonian Society for the competition in bag-pipe music and highland dancing to ho conducted under the pipers and dancers association of New Zealand for the sports gathering on New- Tears Day. Some of tho best pipers and dancers in tbr Dominion are competing i’l eluding Miss May Thorn. (Mataura) Miss 11. King. (Dunedin). Miss Gwen. Ritchie, (Timam). Miss H. Needham, (Wellington). Misses McMinn, .Greymouth. The nominations closo on Thursday Dec. 26th. Proceeds arc for patriotic purposes. The mure you talk about the .Treat Labour-saving and perfect cleansing qualities of “NO RUBBING” Laundry Help the better it is for everybody, hut the more you talk about influenza and such-like the worse it is for everybody. Try Mrs J. Lloyd’s for dainty ’Xmas gifts. Have you tried WOLFE’S SCHNAPPS for kiJney ailment.

The name of John Chapman should j have been included, in the list of pro- J fieiency passes for tho Ross Convent School. Mr G. IT. Saywell of Feilding who arrived last night is erecting the new starting barrier at Hokitika racecourse for tho Westland Racing Club to-day. A Grand Dance will be held in the Public Hall, Roitcrangi on Boxing night, Thursday Doc. 26th in aid °f the Hokitika Municipal Band New In strument Fund. First Class Orchestra.—Advt. A Christmas supplement is issued to “Guardian” readers to-day. It will prove an interesting one containing topical stories, and articles and amusing tricks, with special contributions of poetry, the whole making a very attractive number. THe latest joke which is going the rounds of seafaring nun : s at the expense of our Scottish friends. “Do you know,” inquired one mariner of another, “ that the Germans have painted jokes on their submarines? ” “ No. W r hy ? ” ’ “ Oh, so that the Scottish captains can’t seo them.” ' Pollard’s Pictures last night-, owing .to transit. delays, were unable j to present their announced programme, i hut the substituted programme proved | a very enjoyable one. The star feature | was “Betty takes a hand” and this j proved one of the best comedy dramas placed on the screen for some time, being full of clever humor of a very healthy style. Two Keystone comedies were also included in the bill. It was originally arranged that the French Mission, (headed by the famous General Pau) would make Wellington tin* first port of call. However, the latest news is that the ship bringing the envoys will first call at Auckland on Friday next. They will traverse tho Hot Lakes district- on the way to Wellington, and will be there on Jan. 6th. They will come to Christchurch and visit Akaroa, and will return in time to catch the Niagara at Auckland on January loth. Among the returned soldiers to arrive yesterday and Saturday were H. Wells (Woodstock), M. Nolan (Hokitika), A. Chesney (Hokitika), J. Y. Murphy (Dillmaustown), and T. A. Ecclesfield I (Kokatahi). The last named was stiff er- ! ing from a gun shot wound in the right foot. The men are looking well con ! sidering the rigors of the campaign 1 through which they passed. Additional men are expected home during this I week and a welcome will be tendered to the men, at* the Overseas Club on Saturday afternoon next at 3 o’clock at which tho returned men and their friends are invited to be present. Thu Mayor and others will speak. An exciting struggle with a shark as fought by Messrs F. W. Steele and JV. Standish while fishing for sehnnpper from a boat in Rangitoto Channel, Auek land Harbour, last week. The remains Jof a small shark during the morning attracted a larger shark, ftvhich quickly took the bait when a shark line was thrown overboard. The frantic plunging of the shark placed the little craft in some danger, but, ulti- ! mately, the anchor was weighed, and the captive fish set off for the open sea. Tlie run lasted for almost an hour before the shark tired and allowed its captors to land it at a small beach on .Rangitoto Island. Later the catch was J towed to Cheltenham Beach, where it ; was measured and found to be 10ft in ‘ length. Poultry, hams, bacon, and other Christmas cheer will be missing from many tables this year, (says the New Zealand Times”). The price of these festive comnioditcs is said to be prohibitive, so far as the moderate wageearner is concerned. The trouble with ham and bacon appears to be that the farmer lias not been disposed to rear pigs of late. Pigs require a large amount of attention, and the shortage of labour has sot farmers against rearing these annuals. Then the wholesale sellers of bacon, under the guise of co-operation, have been able to offer fancy prices to the farmer for his bacon for the trouble he has gone to. The result has been that the price of bacon is abnormally high, the consumption has decreased by two thirds, and only the high salaried person has been able to have a slico or two for breakfast or dinner of late.

The run is on the pure “Golden Rule” Soap in pretty coloured Cartons, depicting New" Zealanders lifting the world into love and harmony. Price -Is 3d. Wonderful value. Indispeiw sable for Xmas uso.

The Christmas shopping centre of the West Coast. Greatest variety and largest stocks of novelty gift goods. All goods marked in plain figures at bedrock cash prices. Wo do not charge fancy Xmas prices. Write for big discriptivo price list of gift goods. Absolute guarantee of satisfaction or money refunded. We pay the postago. The essence of our success is the great value we give. McOruer and Co. Cash Drapers, Greymouth.—Advt. “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” In my perplexity—where to get my Christmas clothing for my family—l was advised to go to Schroders’, and to my delight I found the huge emporium stacked with the best of everything at very much below present ruling prices. Consequently I can only recommend everyone to seo for themselves —this is the house for value, no doubt. —Advt.

The most satisfactory and economical belting for machinery is North British Bolting. Write to, or call on Hayward Bros., Ltd., Christchurch, for prices and particulars. There is no doubt, judging by the enormous demands made at Sehroders’ for drapery, millinery and clothing, rattling good value must bo given. For the Christmas Season, special choico lines-in Blouses, Hats, Carpet Squares, Runners, Linoleum, Curtains, Men’s and Boys’ Clothing, Hats, Shirts and Ties, arc being shown, being part essential to complete the desire of our hearts, A Merry Christmas.—Advt. Motor Car Tyres that give splendid service on roads of even the worst tpye, are tho renowned North British Clincher Cross. Use them for satisfaction and economy. Hayward Bros, and Co., Ltd, Christchurch, Wholesale Distributors.