The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated " The West Coast Times.” SATURDAY, MAY 21st. 1921. THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1921, Page 2

The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated " The West Coast Times.” SATURDAY, MAY 21st. 1921. THE WEEK.

Thk Fra neo-British relations were a prominent subject for thought durng the week. The volatile spirit of France was well exemplified b,V the French press and even some of France's b iding statesmen. Their attitude Jr-w some chiding remarks from Mr Lloyd George who was the butt for all the hot air the excitable French folk had to work off. It was of course vcy significant that American, Italian and Belgian official opinion were with Hi itain, and when this became apparent the French ardour became less palpable. Mr Lloyd George took the fectly plain and simple course of upholding the Versailles treaty in regard to the Silesian question. It is evident the British Prime Minister is bent on seeking to restore perturbed Europe to peace as quickly as possible. France -n her haste for revenge on Germany, and distrusting the latter as well she might, seeks to precipitate the position un lu'y. The Allied forces should easily lie paramount in Europe,, if tjhe factions would co-operate unitedly, and seek to enforce their demands, not with the sword, hut with the pressure they :aii impose without resorting to war. There is too much readiness to resort to arms oil the slightest pretext. There i: a lack of tolerance, and if the nations i re to. go on perusing a line of intolerant action with regard to every phase of the gigantic settlement which has to be made the attitude will, as Mr Lied George points out to the French press, he fatal to the cordial relations hithoito existing. There is no sign of -..eet reasonableness, and the nations arc not settling down in the a’iglit spirit Britain is showng a more correct example, and France wll miss her gre dost opportunity if she does not follow suit.

The partisan press in Europe are ready to add fuel to the flames at die slightest provocation. It is eonceivside t*• nt this readiness to produce iu.*»d results is having a most harmful effort. The public are forced to prejudge events in quite a partial way. The full facts are not disclosed. Worst of all the statements and actions of 'he nrineinal actors are being distorted in •> most stupid manner. A ease in '.oint :« tint of the French press eriti-ising the British Prime Minister because of bi« alleged leanings to Germany—as if Mr Lloyd George were deliberated favouring the enemy to the friend lor reasons other than justice ov fair play. A moment’s consideration and the French writers must feel that no iuw

man in Great Britain could dare to support Germany without !>eing prompted to do so from promptings of light and justice. It is inconceivable that Mr Lloyd George would deliberately put France aside to favour German-, - the man’s whole bent and his i s sacrifice is an answer to any suggested act of unfairness in the direction the French press hint at so pointedly. No wonder Mr Lloyd Georgs warns the French press of the intolerant attitude taken up and the possible evil such a line of action would result in. ’I he eruption is to be regretted very greatly for we had hoped there was a more fum and solid understanding between Fr-.not* and Britain. We know of course that polities in France are very unstable at the best of times, and this combined with the volatile nature of the average Frenchman doubtless accounts for 100 excitability displayed, but it does not justify the harm which can be dune

Thk Irish racket continues with all its bloodshed and horror. It is truly a remarkable page in our history, and posterity will surely marvel at the course of events following the saturnalia of war which it itself might have been con sidcred sufficient to satiate the craving for horror and bloodshed. The singular calmness pervading England, and the patience with which the course of events is watched is quite remarkable. The tolerance of th« nation is typified by the attitude of the Prime Minister, who is patiently seek Mg a why out of the impasse, by affording the recalcitrants an opening for a compromise. The elections for the Home Rule Parliament for Southern Ireland took a Gilbertian turn. All the candidates were Sinn Feincrs, and though they have a concrete party, are not disposed to sit in the new Parliament and work out their national destiny by constitutional means. They prefer aloofness, and a boycott of the legitimate means which used aright could give them all the liberty they could wish for. Instead they refuse the reasonable way of using the new found power, and seek to achieve their ends by the illegitimate means with which they are continuing to shock civilisation. The desperate resorts to which the rebel element defends suggest that they cannot he real patriots anxious for their country’s cause, hut are working for their own ends which is inviting disaster to their country and alienating public opinion prepared to judge the facts liberally and fairly. Yet in the darkest hours there are hopes that events are shaping a course to a conciliatory ending. AYo hope so devoutly. AVo trust this is so for the future of Ireland, and for the sake of the nation,. The present red state, of Ireland fs a most deplorable blot and can give no satisfaction to anyone—least of all can it lend to anything blit grave disaster.

Last week it looked as if a evolutionary conflict hung over the British coal situation like the Sword of Damocles, suspended by a very s.ight thread. All reports, reaching here apjjeared to consider that the breaking of the thread was a mattter of hours. They represented the Government as preparing for such an event, and the preparations included the mobilising of the nation’s manhood. There was reason. at the same time, to believe that this preparation had begun, for the cables told of a. mutiny of reservi its recently called up at Aldershot, and of the enlistment of ex-service men when altoul to emigrate. When this was >-ealised, the situation began to -ause alarm. In the interval of time that has passed there has been no mobilisation such as was announced. But the above indications of preparation remain significant. The debate in the Commons on the subject shows that the mobilisation has been delayed in order to give another chance for negotiation to settle the difficulty. But Mr Lloyd George’s speech does not show any great hop-ful-ness on his part. He must km.v lie bitter temper of the miners, an.l he frankly declares that the end if the •‘never never’ spirit must precede the negotiation to which that spirit is fatal. He knows, too, that the mineowners are stubborn on the point that yielding to the demand is an economic impossibility.

As if to give emphasis to his pessimistic view, he announces that r, n is quite prepared, if compromise fai's, to ask Parliament for special legislation to cope with whatever difficulty there mav be If that does not mean the mobilising of the full man-power of the nation—power for which is not prodded by statute-- it is bard to say what it does mean. That he fears there is revolutionary agitation at the bottom of the whole trouble is plain for lm toes not commit himself beyond the statement that he cannot, say “to what extent these revolutionary movements have boon subsidised by foreign money.” General Rage-Croft, who o.j dons ly voices more minds than bis o<\n, goes much further, denouncing as “hand-in-glove with Moscow” tho e who “inspired the industrial movement,’’ and naming certain of the Labour leaders as “declared revolutionaries.,” who have said enough to justify tlrdr prosecution for “high treason.” flie general may he an extremist on one side, but all tliis open referrin ; to things revolutionary makes the novation decidedly uncomfortable. \Y* <’• *ll have hotter imderstandiiig of the situation when the conference now ' t - ing attempted is held, if it is ever held. But, after this debate, and all that has gone before, it is imposs : b!e to avoid the conclusion that the sit-ui-tion is very serious. What else can it he when, in the midst of a hitter ind: strial struggle the Prime Minister declared he may have to ask for “special legislation?” Clearly, the sitiinti.in is drifting beyond the reach of the power at present in the hands of consti'iuional control. An industrial non ■ •' 1 drifting towards “special legisl it ion ’’ and an acute dplomntic situation drfting towards a dangerous war noi’i 1 the two make a terrible situation for any Prime Minister. It is unprecedented in English history, and it • in the midst of the vast unemployment, and the s immense financial strain h-t have followed the war. Even the aoffered no harder task to Air I. ' George. But the sword has not I'd en yet, and in that circumstance theie is hope still for a favourable settlement.

The Wahine’s mails connected with Messrs W. Jeffries and Co. announce the West Coast express at Christchurch entries for their stock sale at Kokatahi this morning. on Wednesday, June Ist.

A hard-up Social will be held in the Public Hall, Rimu, on Monday night May 23rd., at 8 o’clock. Those not liard-up will lie fined. Admission 1/-. —Advt.

The monthly meeting of the Hokitika Beautifying Society takes place on Tuesday evening next at the Town Hall, when suggestions for improving Cass Square will he considered.

A meeting of the School War Memorial Committee will be held on Monday evening at tlie Education Office rooms to make arrangements in connection with the laying of the foundation stone on June 3rd.

The funeral of the late Mrs Thorn ol Gibson Quay took place yesterday afternoon and was followed by many friends. Tlie Rev Mr Purchas conducted the services at All Saints’ Church and the graveside.

The remarkable success achieved by Mr R. T. Bickcrton, eye sight specialist, of Wellington (sop of Professor Bickertoni with his modern methods of eyesight testing, is bringing many clients to him, and persons suffering from headaches, giddiness, neuralgia, blurring of print, or difficulty in threading a needle, should take this opportunity of consulting this eminent optician. Address Keller’s Hotel, Monday and Tuesday t>tll,v.

Messrs M. Houston and Co. will sell by auction in the mart on Tuesday, at 3 p.m. a quantity of first class hams and bacons.

An Auckland telegram states that the sum of £7OO which was lost by woman on a ferry Iwiat last Irioa, - has been'*recovered. A detective received an anonymous telephone message that the notes would be found in a certain open space in the city an 1 the notes were found there, tied with a string. They were intact except that one was torn in half.

Messrs M. Houston and Co. direct attention to their sale of half and three quarter draught horses etc. for Messrs Nolan Bros. The sale takes place on Monday at 2 p.m, at the Commercial stables, Revell Street.

i At Addington stock sales on Wednesday, the fat pig entry was a medium one. There was a good demand for bacon, but poor and unfinished lots met with a week demand. Values were!:—Choppers, 50s. to £5; light baconers, £1 eOs. to £5; heavy baeoners £5 5s to £5 15s; average price per lb 7pi to 7ijd; heavy porkers 655. to 755; light porkers 55s to 605.; Average price per lb.. 9Jd. to lOd. A very large entry of store pigs was forward, but the demand was weaker, and prices were generally lower. Values were: Medium stores 30s to 12s (id; small stores 14s. to 27s (id.; Good, woaners 12s 6d to 16s. Small woaners 7s to 11s 6d.

A grand euefire tournament and ball to follow, will be held in the Three Mile Hall on Thursday, June 23rd. Music by Mr Lawn. Sptrial arrangements for enjoyment of patrons. Admission 1/6. —Advt.

A rather laughable incident occurred the Rugby , contest between the Patea and ICaponga thirds on Saturday last (says the Patea “Press”). One of the latter’s players got a nasty kick on the-Shin and stopped to nurse his injured limb). Immediately from the touchline there came running a lusty hoy who greeted the player with the words, ‘Are you hurt, father?’ And the thirds are supposed to be youngsters !

Regulations regarding the killing or taking of > opossums provide that they may be killed or taken only—(a) Bv means of a running noose fixed in such manner that the head of the animal will pass through the noose, (b) By shooting with a pea rifle, except in scenic reserves (e) By means of the American trap, provided that such traps with teeth, or the ordinal\ rabbit trap, may be used only for the season provided in these regulations (from June Ito 30). In future seasons only American jump traps without teeth may be used and all traps and contrivances must be visited by the licensees at least once daily. There can be no killing or taking without a license, the fee for which is £2 10s. Any persoft found in illegal possession may lie fined not less than £1 for each skin in his possession, and any breach of the regulations renders the offender liable to a fine of £SO.

We regret to record the death of Mr Edward B. Youngman, the well-known sawmiller of South Hokitika, wliic.h took place last night alter a short illness. The deceased was a native ot London aiid 76 years of age. He bad been in New Zealand for 62 years and is well-known throughout the Wi-I Coast, where lie lias followed sawniilling work for a great many years. A widow and family of ten are left to mourn their loss and they will have the deep sympathy of their many friends. There are four sons (William and Henry at Inclibonnie, Alfred at Christchurch. and Richard at home), and six daughters <Mrs Burt of Christchurch, Mrs Brown of Oxford, Mrs Gread of Te Aro, Airs A. Webb of South Spit, Mrs Fred Howard of'Kokatahi, and Aliss Margaret Youngman at home). The AI.C.C. team to play the Australians to-day includes a go j 1 mixture of amateurs and professional:’ C. B. Fry who has lwen mentioned as one of the probables for the capta.ney of the English team in the Test Matches, did not play regularly for Hampshire last season but, in one of his innings he registered 137 against Notts. 1’ R. Johnson is the Somerset player '-ho was a member of P. F. Warner’s Pam in New Zealand. D. J. Knight is a prominent Surrey amateur, and <i. X. Foster is one of the famous Wor -estershire family. G. T. Stevens showed good form playing for Middlesex but season, having a batting average o! 31.42, and securing 44 wickets at an average of 18.93. E. Hendren, aiiodiei reliable Middlesex player, was a member of the team which recently tour* 1 Australia, and Hubble was on* <■( the useful batsmen in the Kent "lev n his average being 26.89. Dnrston was one of the principal bowlers for Aliddlesex, his tally of wickets being 103 wiL an average of 19.93, and Kennelv put up some good Isiwling performances tor Hampshire. “Some education boards.’ stated the Hon. C. J. Parr (Minister for Education) “have drawn m v attention t* iV fact that pupil, teachers and the probationers labour under some disability. They have to pass the doctor ii]X)U becoming pupil teachers or probationers, also on entering a training college and again before they can receive their certificates, on each occasion bearing tinexpense themselves. I have gone into the matter, and have given instruct ons that in future the medical examination of pupil teachers and probationers shall he carried out free of cost to the young people concerned by the school medical inspectors, as also will he tlie examination made prior to their entrance into the trailing college. 'Hie first of these examinations is. admittedly, essential ; and the second is of distinct value to the principal and to tlie students ns a guide to the possible range of work, the students may safelv undertake at the college. “But the medical examination on their leaving the training college, and prior to the issue of a teacher’s certificate is replied by law, principally to safeguard the Teacher’s Superannuation Fund. This will be the only medical certificate for which in the future the te i-b r will need to pay a fee.”

At a forestry meeting held at Nelson Mr C. R. Fell raised ii very important point hearing on the planting of pinus insignis on rt commercial scale by private individuals. He stated that there would be a wait of about 25 years before the trees would lie ready for milling and the planter would be out of his money for that period. Then, according to the present law, there would be income tax and super-tax to pay on the income received from the trees if it was substantial. The income should be spread over the whole period of waiting. It was a matter that should be spread over tbe whole period of wanting. H was a matter that should lie cleared lip at once, as it would affect prospective planting. With this point settled in favour of the planter there was no life insurance policy which could offer attractions to equal the planting of pinus insignis. Lhe chairman (Air A. Gilbert) said the point raised by AH Fell was one that should be taken up at once by the Chamber •f Commerce.

For communication with the Defence Department, it has lieen decided to introduce the Continental system of time, that is, the 24-hour clock. This system was brought in: a use throughout the British Army ii-r.m midnight, September 30-Octoller !. MBB, 'and has, to some extent been used in New Zealand, [t is now notified in General Headquarter's instructions that, in order to ensure uniformity, the system will be brought into use throughout the New Zealand Alilitary forces from midnight Alay 31-June 1. 1921 for eonimuncution wdith the Defence Department only. The “24- hour clock will be used for the timing of messages. Ibe “time of origin,”, that is, the time at which a message or dispatch is signed by the originator, will always be represented by four figures, the first two figures 01 to 23 representing the hours from midnight to midnight, and the second figures, 01 to 59. representing the minutes of the hour. For example--12.19 a.m. will be written 0019; 3.25 a.m. will be written 0325; 11.0 a.m. will be written iTOO; noon will be written 1200; 3.35 p.m. will be written 1535; 11.40 p.m. will be writen 2340 0000 and 2400 will not be used, but the message or despatch will be timed 2359 or 0001.

Just landed 200 cases (each 401b5.) choice apples consisting of Adams, Pearmains, Stunners, Pifimcrs, Jonathans, Washington? etc., from 7/0 to 9/6. According to varieties.—Paterson Michel and Co.. Ltd., Phone No 2.—Advt.

“NO RUBBING” Laundry Help is proving a wonderfully useful and animating force in the commercial and industrial life of New Zealand, the demand being so heavy.

Further slump goods arrive, and in addition our largo stocks have been marked down to the slump market level. To buy elsewhere now is simply throwing good money away. The low prices defy competition. A great and constant rush has set in and the wonderful bargains will soon he exhausted. Come along early for your share. AJcGruer and Co., Hokitika and Greymouth.- Advt. Clincher Motor Cycle Tyres are dependable. “Dreadnought.” 28 x 3, and 750 x 75 de luxe extra heavy, for highpowered machines suc.h as Indians and Harleys, British built. For longer wear,

For Coughs and Colds s never fails Groat Peppermint Cura.