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Hokitika Guardian, 15 December 1920, Page 2

Appointed in July, 1915, the British Committee of the Privy Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, with Sir William S'. McCormick, L.L.D., ns chairman, has recently published its report for 1919-20, says a commercial journal. During the five years it has been in existence the Committee’s aim has been (1) the encouragement of the individual research worker, particularly in pure science; (2) the organisation of national industries into co-operative research associations; (3) the direction and co-ordination of research for national purposes, and (4) the aiding of suitable researches undertaken by scientific and professional societies and organisations. Much has been done along these lines, for it has been recognised that one of the most obvious lessons of the war for peoples like our own, whose organisation is weak, was that rapid progress in tire use of science with a. iview to defence or to increased production is not to be expected in any country which depends simply upon the undirected genous of its people. Yet the report points out, industry in this country is not yet convinced as a whole of the necessity for scientific research. During the yoar reported upon the work of establishing research associations proceeded steadily and licenses were issued to pine new associations, thus

bringing the total number in existence up to eighteen. Much activity was displayed by these bodies during the year, and the report discusses certain .problems which their werk has brought into prominence. The research work undertaken for 'national purposes by the numerous committees and boards is also fully discussed and the various rtcommendations given, while the final portion of the report deals with (a.) Certain independent institutions to which grants have been made in aid of their research work; (b) the grants made to individual research workers and -students; (c) the action ,'taken with a view to unifying the practice of Government departments in regard to patents taken out by their employees or by persons working for them; and (d) certain applications that have been made for grants-in-aid to learned societies. An important step was taken during the year by the decision of the Government to establish a series of co-ordinat-ing boards for the organisation of the scientific work needed for the fighting services so as to avoid unnecessary overlapping, to secure economy, to facilitate the' exchange of knowledge.- between departments and to provide a, single direction and ‘financial control for all work of a fundamental nature of civilian as well as of military interest. Three hoards have already been established—one for chemistry, one for physics, and the third for engineering. These, with the existing Radio Research Board, form the nucleus of the scheme. In view' of the vast importance of the application of science to industry, par. ticularly in connection with the question of Increasing production, this report may be commended to the earnest attention of all industrialists.

The motion by Mr Chinn carried at the last meeting of tile County Council .with regard to the construction of Bold Head road—a much vexed question was carried a step forward yesterday, when the salient points of the comprehensive . motion were discussed witli Messrs Stuart and Chapman Ltd. A precis of the proceedings is published in this issue, and it would appear that the air of misunderstanding regarding the position affecting the work lias been dispersed, for we notice the past action of the County Council in the matter has been endorsed. It has appeared to us always that the Council took up a very fair attitude in the matter, and this view being taken by the special committee, justifies that belief. The negotiations yesterday went a long way towards a method by which the road can he constructed more quickly and cheaply than any other way. But whatever way is adopted, there will be a substantial'eost to face, and this is a phase of the question which the ratepayers as a whole must take into consideration. It has to he remembered that there is a main road - already in existence. It is longer and more hilly certainly, but it is not costing the ratepayers ' anything to maintain. An alternative route running side by side so to speak, will not be enjoyed on such favorable terms by the ratepayers. In other words they will have to contribute substantially 'towards the cost of construction—that being the ' Miniser’j» dictum—and likewise have to bear tile full burden of the maintenance. These questions the ratepayers will determine for themselves, as to complete the road with any degress of celerity will require a special.loan. It appears to us that the ratepayers will get rather a good bargain out of the tramway if it proceeds as rapidly as is proposed. In the first place the line will give a metalled route throughout and under Mr Chinn’s proposal, culverts etc for stock traffic. The tramway will be available for the transport of goods, stock etc., and this arrangement should be given a trial.. An important main road scheme is about to be carried out, and one proposal is the regrading of the main road from Mikonui to Little Waitaha, The hill at Black George’s creek is now being cut out by the deviation approach to the Little Waitaha • bridge which will be erected in the coming year. The hill at Mitchell’s is also to be regraded in the coming year, so that the two longest hills on the route will be made more easily, negotiable, and this without any direct cost or charge to the ratepayers. Doubtless other improvements will be carried out on the road.v As a matter of fact instruetipns have been issued to culvert all the water crossings pn the section, and these improvements will all add to the popularity of the route which has great scenic attractions. With so much improvement to be done to the main road running in juxta-position to Bold Head road it is a matter for the rate•payerif to consider how far they will go in expenditure to construct and afterwards maintain the lower road. The position calls for caution to await the completion of the tramway and note how far the operations of that industrial enterprise will affect the position and the cheaper transport of goods. Before then the improvements promised to the main road will have materialised, and with the bridges going up in the south, the motor age will have arrived, and the question of a second highway which will add to the burdens of the ratepayers can then be viewed in the right perspective.

A meeting of tlie Committee of the Westland Club will be held at the Club rooms at g o’clock on Friday night to complete arrangements for the forthcom ing race meeting. The cup to be given to the owner of the winning horse in the Westland mile handicap at the Hokitika races is an unusually handsome trophy. It will be on view to-morrow in the window of Mr W. E. Williams, Revell St. The cup is of silver of tazze design, standing on an oak pedestal. It will be .suitably engraved and will be a very pleasing gift to the lucky owner. The licensed victuallers of Westland have contributed towards the cost of the trophy.

All boys admire “H. 8.” Sport suits. Have your boy dressed in an “H. 8.” suit tins Xmas and you will see a happy smile. Boys Cotswold suits froi% 37/6 upwards, Boys Avon suits 5 to 9, 37/6 each. Boys Varsity suits 26/6 each at the N. Z. Clothing Factory.—Advt.

The death occurred on Monday at Reefton'of Mr Conrad Frederick' Hanh. Deceased, who was a well-known resident, had reached the age of 76 years.

I Canterbury Education Board are in-

viting applications in this issue tor a number of vacancies on the teaching staff.-' Applications close on Dec. 29tli.

Messrs W. Jeffries and Co witl sell in the mart oil Tuesday next at 2 p.m. geese, ducks and fowls; also 150 Jots first class furniture on account of Miss Linklatcr and Mrs Hamilton Woods.

A former well-known Brunner resident, Mr Jas. Liddle, died suddenly at Wellington at the age of 45, leaving a widow and two sons. Deceased who was iW for only a short time with pneumonia, was a prominent rifle shot. Sporting men are notified that the New Zealand Trotting Stud book (Volume Vi) is now published, price 17s 6d and can be obtained from Mr J. B. Norris, Box 459, Christchurch. As only a limited dumber are printed early, application should be made to save disappointment.

To-night at the Kanieri Public Hall, one of the best concerts of the season will be given by the Kanieri State School children, assisted by leading soloists of the district. It will be a capital programme in aid of a deserving fund ,to provide prizes for children, so that a bumper house should result. A ball will conclude the night’s entertainment.

We understand that the well-known Mt. Hercules properties of Airs Johnston and Messrs Ferguson Bros, are to be offered to the Land Purchase Board for Soldiers Settlement purposes. The area comprises 3848 acres of Freehold and Leasehold land all of which is improv ; .ed and woufd make excellent, dairy farms. It is estimated that 15 or 16 soldiers can be settled on the above property. There is likely to be a very interesting deputation .on Thursday, when members of the Wellington Central Progress League will meet the Prime Minister to discuss allocations of public money to the southern portion of the North Island. The Minister of Public works has postponed for a day his trip north, in order that he may meet the deputationists, and lie is said to be making ready for a reply to their strong criticism of the Government for allegedly overspending inflated votes onAuckland railways, while the southern part of the island is not'/allowed to secure the full benefit of the comparatively modest votes it obtains on the Public Works’ Estimates.

The death took place at Greymouth yesterday morning of a sterling old colonist, Mr W. O’Kane. The deceased had resided on the Coast for chc past 50 years, having lieen in business on the diggings at No Town. For many years he had carried oil business as a baker in Greymouth. His only son, Gerald, died recently in. Wellington, and from this severe blow lie never recovered., For years Mr O’Kane was a prominent Borough Councillor. He was also a Director of the Dispatch Foundry Coy, and chairman of the Grey Permanent Budding Society. He was also a thorough going sport- A widow is left to mourn her loss.

Private word was received a few days ago from Napier ' saying that Mrs Marian Barrett, relict of the late Sergt Barrett, of many years ago, and mother of Sergt Thomas Barrett, now of Nelson and formerly well-known in Hokitike, had met with an unfortunate accident whilst staying at an hotel in Napier, which in a few days subsequently resulted in her death'last week. The deceased lady who was a native of Waterford, Ireland, had attained the age of 83 years, was of a very lively disposition, and was very much respected by ii* large circle of friends who will all deplore her unfortunate ending. She left three sons, Thomas of Nelson, Joseph of Sydney, and William of Napier, and several grand-children who will deplore with us her sad end.

As Stephens Bros, have bought a warehousemen’s stock of blouses they are having a clearing sale of this particular line, from O.S. to S.W. sizes in all colours and materials. A visit- to their store will repay you.—Advt. CLINCHER CROSS—the motor-car tyre that’ is superior. The result of painstaking and extended research, experiment, and long years of wear. All garages can supply.

A great demand for Ladies’ Trimmed Millinery is now on at Scliroders’ with are allowing 3/- in the pound discount on same. Boys’ Suits, 18/6, 21/-, 27/6, 29/6, 37/6 up is another bargain lot only at .Schroders, Como early before the pick is. gone. See window for children’s millinery.—Advt, All housewives who like to have the best on their tables use SHARLAND’S MALT VINEGAR. Brewod from pure malt and sugar. Compare CLINCHER CROSS MOTOR CAR TYRES with any other make. Best of all tests, on any roads. Built in Britain by British experts. The world’s medical tonic beverage--WOLFE’S SCHNAPPS.