The Hokitika Guardian SATURDAY, JULY 1st, 1922. THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 July 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian SATURDAY, JULY Ist, 1922. THE WEEK.

Thk interesting account of the attempt to scale Mt. Everest cabled this week made a special reference to the oxygen equipment, ns also to the ready sacrifice of Captain George Finch who sliar-. ed his oxygen’.supply with Brig.-Gener-nl Bruce, the leader of the expedition when the latter had his oxygen apparatus damaged. Captain Finch was the oxygen expert with the expedition, and was the special “subject” who submitted to the research investigations at Oxford when the question of using oxygen for the high climbing was first mooted. The present was the first expedition to use oxygen, and special appliances were adopted, after special tests The research was done itt Oxford list

your. Captain Finch submitted to the experiments and was placed in a vacuum chamber. For the exercise the following procedure was adopted : Captain Finch carrying a load of' 3olbs slung over his shoulder, stepped on to a chair, first with one foot and then with the other, twenty times 1 in succession. The rate chosen was that corresponding to a fairly rapid climbing pace. The results of ’ tests with and without oxygen showed the striking effect of using oxygen. The pulse effect with oxygen was rc't ! ably good, hut apart fiom tlrt th e • was a marked change in Ills whole condition and appearance, shortly rftcr lie began to breathe oxygen. His expression and color became normal and his elasticity of movement returned as shown by the fact that although he attempted to maintain the same rate for his exercises in both eases, he uncon-, 1 sciouslv shortened the time front two

I sirul ii half minutes to two minutes. The experiments were carried out in •rrent detail mid much valuable expel ienee uleaned- while the practical uses of oxygen will help to increase the general knowledge of Captain Finch as to this special aid to help mountain climo-

Whkn tin present expedition was being planned the uses of oxygen were based largely on theory. It wa s calculated that it would be essential to use the oxvgen for altitudes about 23,000 feet. Con. siderable plant had thus to be taken to that height, for we know that Bluett and pinch reached a height of over 27,000 feet. The uses of oxygen would fortify the explorers against the dire effects of cold and wind, and it was agreed by the medical authorities consulted. that without oxygen it would lie impossible to conquer Everest. One medical man asserted that if it were possible to establish a liquid oxygen 1 lant ih Hie vicinity of the mountain, the problem of climbing it would be solved. When the matter was being investigated last year, one scientist stated that if this year’s expedition was not successful, some enthusiastic millionaire might yet provide a liquid oxvgen generating plant near the mountain which would reduce the ascent ol Everest to a question of £ S. D. The future depends largely on what hbeen gleaned by Bruce and Finch in this year’s trials. The expedition was specially strong in medical ana sci»ntifir knowledge, as well as climbing power. The oxygen scheme has been well tried out, no doubt. The scheme to reach the higher altitudes with re- | Icnisliing supplies was i( very complete one. and no doubt was fully tried out. The future attempts, will turn tlu-e----lore, very largely on the experience with oxygen the ga s . forming part of the air we breathe, without color, taste or smell. The special experience of Captain Finch first in the trials for the use of ..auxiliary aid, and later in its practical application will he a deciding factor in future operations. "To doubt they will come to pass in due season, for ill Finch’s account he refers to an alternative route to he tried, and it is evident he is enthusiastic enough to make all. personal sacrifice necessary to conquer the mountain.

Tiik tone of the debate in the House of Commons. following the murder of Sir Henrv Wilson, left no doubt as to the changing temper of the average Englishman. Taking Mr Bonar Law’s speech as an example, and reading between the linos of what much have been a well studied address, we may gather that the horrific incident aroused the public more than any other of the fell incidents in the long chain of diabolical deeds which have marked the actions of those who sought to impose their will by establishing a reign of terror. So to with Mr Winton Churchill’s speech—there was tile note of aggressiveness—the feeling that procrastination had gone too far. and it was high time order was restored in Ireland, and public security established. Even the Prime Minister indulged in the most defiant note. The time was opportune, too, for the reason that Ireland to its gre it credit had elected a pro-treaty ""party, and the Government had its ‘mandate. What the English statesmen -ai 1 in public, it is not. unlikely they had convoyed previously to the Trish representatives who discussed the position at Downing Street. Raw and order must prevail and to the credit of the Free State Government, they sot about the task. It. promises to be a difficult one. In Dublin there is now civil war and the Free State troops are fighting the Republican forces. The lntter must be defeated inevitably. If the Free State force is not equal to the task. British troops are nt call to take up the work and save Ireland front herself. The Free State Government is acting n s far as can be judged in good faith, and the only regret is that there has been so much halting bv the way. The elections were postponed far too long, and too much was conceded to dp Valera who seems to Ik* the stormy petrel of Ireland responsible for much that is happening now.

IItHI.AM) is evidently going to win its right to Home Rule by ordeal of battle —not, strange to say, with the Umpire, but with its own recalcitrant countrymen, The Republican spirit is firmly implanted in the breasts of many Irishmen, and they are risking all for their own desires. They take no thought of the country’s verdict on the treaty, nor for the world-wide opinion uttered from the Pope downwards in sympathy with the treaty proposals. It is a strange commentary on the Home Rule struggle, that with the object achieved there are those who would dash the cup of happiness froip their lips, and prefer to enter on the stormy sen of uncertainty which a republic could offer. "Blind to the situation as it presents itself to all right thinking people, and led by visionaries who have too long traded on the cupidity of the people as a whole, the anti-treaty section plunges the country into civil war, and a reign of terror upon their own people which is imposing disaster upon the nation The capital •city is like ft beleaguered city with troops and guns on all sides. Serious destruction and tremendous loss are following in the train of this madcap phase of the Irish question It is all

very deplorable, but perhaps it is the only way to reach the haven of peace ' after all'. The determination of the rc- ’ hels is beyond question, and fighting it out to the bitter end will alone settle the feud. The Free State Government has faced a terrible ordeal with a demeanour which must bo recognised, i The Government has had to deal with i its own countrymen—comrades who were actively supporting them in the struggle to attain Home Rule. But behind the Government is the mandate of the people, the expression at Hie ballot box in favour of the treaty, and the maintenance thereby of law and oidet Therein lies the vein of security in regard to the much vexed Trish question.

Our quiet, unassuming town, working out its own destiny in the right spirit of self-reliance, appears of late to bo the especial bete noire of the Grey Star. Hokitika is receiving quite a lot of free advertising at the hands of out contemporary, for which we must, all be very grateful. It appears that the citizens’ enterprise here rather troubles the paper referred to, which not to pul-too fine a point on the situation is jealous of the progress this go-ahead town is making, and rather begrudges the wave of prosperity which is manifesting itself locally. The spirit of jealousy is not the true Coast s. for it is usual to wish our friends well and to rejoice at their good luck and good fortune. But Hokitika can bard, ly help progressing from now on, and n s the years go by must take up a situation akin to the brave days of old when it was the leading Coast town and Hie capital of too Province. Its situation and the permanent development going forward, combined with the fact that here will lie the terminus of the Midland railway, are factors counting for its steady advancement. The district south of Teremakau river has not had its opportunity till now because it lacked a good harbour for its exports. The railway will supply the needful opportunity to export in bulk, and there wifi he no limit to the output. Hero are the resources and there is the whole East Coast of the South Island and beyond for a market. Hokitika and district in tne past contributed very largely to tile affluence of Greymouth. The northern town had the benefit oi our inward and outward trade and the volume was large. The bulk of that trade will now pass to the through railway, and will not require to be handled in Greymouth. The northern town will lose in part, its borrowed prosperity. Its loss will be to the gain of Hokitika which will oujoy the advantages of direct trading and avoiding the losses und delays, which have occurred so often through indifferent Coast harbours which were our only portals for bulk exports.

The self-contained character of Westland proper, embraced in the County area south ol the Teremakau river is. perhaps, but faintly realised even I>.\ residents. Hokitika is the natural centre and jumping-off place for the whole. County. There is no part of the Coast which has greater facilities for quick development than tile long stretch of country known as South Westland, It is the district south of the Toremakitu where population is growing the quietest. It i s at Hokitika where building is briskest and business development more pronounced than anywhere else on the Const. It is in tho pastoral dis. tricts about Hokitika and to the south of it where dairying js going to make greatest strides, and production o dairy products will be the greatest. It is in South Westland where stockraising will be the largest to meet the requirements of the East Const markets served by tlio railways. It i in Westland projier where there are over a million acres ol lorest land to serve the markets of the Dominion and such other markets abroad as the restrictive regulations of tiiO Government will permit. It is on th e Westland river llats where the bulk of the best wool will come trom as the market encourages the grower. It is in Westland where tile best swamp lands are being brought into piolit, and where there are yet tho..sands ol acres to be effectively treated. It is along tho long stretch ol Westland territory where tile -best and largest crop of native flax is obtainable. It is in Westland where the whole territory is pregnant with numeral possibilities It is from the many sheltered quarters of Westland where the best graded honey can he garnered by the hundreds of tons. It is in Westland where there are the most beautiful lakes in the world; the grandest mountain scenery; the most approachable glaciers; the finest drives and walks; the largest herds of deer; the increasing shoals of fish; the best oppossum skins—a veritable paradise for the tourist, the sportsman and the holiday maker. With all these resources a Lout, it, and Hokitika centrally situated, how can the place do other than prosper greatly, and keep on prospering even though its good fortune may cause jealousy in the eye* of the neighbours.

This proposed exhibition in 1924 is being discussed locally and generally very favourably. It is interesting to recall that in December 1872 to January 1873' —some fifty .veal's ago now j Hokitika held its first exhibition." It was quite a success for although the expense was naturally large the financial profit was given at the close of the exhibition at about £SO. It ran about three weeks and as the event marks an important history in tho town’s record, and as the information to be gleaned may be of some interest to the promoters of the present contemplated exhibition, we propose to reprint shortly from the columns of the “West Coast Times” of over fifty years ago, the published account of the exhibition—its constitution, opening and closing. One very interesting aspect of the first exhibition was the confidence with which a few gentlomen undertook the -project, and the enthusiasm with which they carried it through. Hokitika was selfcontained in those days, yet for the three weeks’ or so the exhibition was open, it was extremely well patronised, and the results judging by the favourable press comment, fully justified the enterprise. It is interesting to recall in connection witn the event, that one of the awards made on the occasion, to gether with the silver medal donated, is on view in Revell Street, in the window of Mr A. Little, boot manufacturer, who was at the time a successful exhibitor a? the Exhibition. This touch with the past shows that after all wo

nre very near to it in the present. and that with the men of those times still with us, their pioneering spirit will yet infect tiio present generation; and that When the time for action comes there will be general and generous support to the proposed Westland Exhibition of 1924.

Mr J. Hunt of Richmond offers foi sale, 17 extra good Jersey cows, due tc calve in the spring. A clearing sale of drapery. Every line reduced for one week, commencing Saturday, July 1, at Mr T. Robinson’? Weld Street,—Advt. Applications are invited for the position of Master and "Matron of Olt Peoples Home. Kuinaril, closing 01 Monday. July . 17th., at a salary of £IBO per annum.

Applications aro invited for the position of Secretary of the Inter-AVan-gnnui Dairy Factory Coy. Ltd., at a salary of £IOO per annum. Applications close with Mr W. Thiele. Chairman at Herepo on Thursday, July 6th.

To-night! To-night! The usual Sat- ( urday night dance commencing at '9 o’clock sharp. The Hari Hari footballers are being invited. A good night's enjoyment- assured. Admission Is.— Advt.

A plain and fancy dress hall will he held in the Public Hall, Koka-tahi on Wednesday next in aid of the Kokatahi Koiterangi Winter Show. _ A special prize has been donated for the most original costume. Capital music has boon arranged for.

As yesterday was the closing date for the collection of funds for the Sir Arthur Pearson Memorial for the benefit of the New Zealand blind, all lists with moneys received, should how he forwarded to Mr A. A. Andrews, Loti Treasurer, Town Hall. Hokitika, for acknowledgement through the press. The death took place at Reefton Hospital on Tuesday morning of Air Wjlj'am Gray, a very old resident of the district. The deceased had been in failing health* for some considerable time past. The late Air Gray was .well known, and for many years followed his (ailing ns a cook. He was a native of Kmil. and and 86 years of age.

■During the month of July there will he two occupations of the planet Jupiter by the moon—an event of very rare occurrence. The first of these will take place on July 2nd, the time of conjunction being P 2.2 p.m. The moon rise's that day at 11.41 n.m., about three degrees to the South ol east. The second occupation,, which occurs on July liSth, will unfortunately not he visible in New Zealand, as the moon and Jupiter will have set lielore conjunction takes place.

During the present month a general appeal is to he made for funds to assist in raring a Hums Alemorial in Hokitika. The object is one which will commend itself to all lovers of the popular Scotch Poet, as also to those who approve of the amenities of the towi. being added to as circumstances .wnrra.it. In the course of the campaign Id rare fund- it is proposed to hold a heather day. and other popular features to enlist the. practical support of the public for the movement in mind.

To-night the Town Hall will lie the centre of attraction, when community singing will again he indulged in, The coniliienectiient hour is fixed for 8:30 o'ciia k to give folk time to do their shopping, and not miss any of the special-numbers to he rendered tonight. Air l awn will no doubt prove a capable leader of the popular songs, old and new, and will have the services of Air Aldridge as conductor, while a -special orchestra will assist, ensuring a good support for the vocalist-,. As liafore, the collection to-night will ha for the benefit of the funds of the P,(-notifying Association, and the amount received will he applied to the further embellishment of the squares of the town, so that all contributions arc for the benefit of the place.

At ;i meeting of tlio directors of the flokit ilia Ons C'ov. yesterday. Mr W. K. Williams tendered liis resignation as Chairman of Directors, after occupying the post for some eighteen years. A vote of very cordial thanks was passed to Mr ''.Vidimus for his influential services in the interests of the Company during his long term of office. Mr D. J. Evans was appointed to the vacant office, and Mr S. .T. Preston. Deputy Chairman. Satisfactory reports were received as to the condition of the works, and to the state of the business. It was resolved to adopt a progressive policy in reward to the utilisation of ga< for nower and fuol purposes, and the Mnmiger (Mr Heinz) was empowered to < arrv out important proposals to that end.

The auxiliary fresh water supply for the We tinnd Hospital, derived b.Y pumoin from a well of considerable depth below the institution, is highly spoken of. The water is of good quality and said to he quite satisfactory. \n electric pumping plant has been installed and the trial runs indicate that it will perform the work demanded <-f it. Some rearrangement of the well, and the pipe entering the gravel formation is contemplated, after which it, is believed the water supply will he all that could he desired. The supply will give the institution an independent soon e of supply from that of the town reticulation, and as a verv large amount of water is used at ,the institution—especially in connection ■ with the steam laundry—economy will he affected in regard to the cost involved to maintain the supply, the institution needs daily.

Having purchased a small quantity of sample goods, it will lit l to your advantage to pay a visit to W. H. Stopfort! ’s, and secure some of the following:—Ladies’ silk hose from 4s lid to 14s. ladies’ lieavv cashmere hose from ?s lid to fis lid, ladies’ vests from 2s lid to 13s lid, men’s all wool vests from 10s lid to Ids (id. men’s all wool cashmere hose 2s lid to 4s lid, men’s fancy hose 3s lid to 4s 6d, men’s 1 e-vv p. lice braces at 4s 3d. quality pon ran l ,'od. Advt.

Schroder and Co., are again to the fore with • high grade millinery, furs Bports coats, frockß and hosiery. Also Liskurl mats and rugs. Linoleum. Carpet squares and Hearth nigs, all at favourable prices. Inspection ,-ordiHly invited.—Advt.

Where is the best place to get value in stockings, blankets, sheetings, towels etc.? Try "Paterson’s” Revell St. opp. National Hank if you have not already done so, and you will never regret it. Collonial blankets, white and grey, single 2!)s 6d, three-quarter 37s 6d, double <!!)s (1,1. Don’t forget to inspect our nntenruble tweed working trousers and boy’s shorts; also exceptional values in men’s and boy’s clothing. If you are unable to get into town just post mon-ey-order and wo will post goods by return mail. If goods' are not satisfactory we wilfl refund the money. Agents for C. Taylor and Co. Expert Dyers and Dry French Cleaners. Satisfaction guaranteed. P.O. Box 86, Hokitika.— Advt,

A pronounced shock of earthquake was felt in Reefton district on Thursday morning about two o’clock. It lasted about two seconds. Live one tiny fit a timfe, do your work as well as you can, and he kind to the folk about you. Community Singing helps you to enjoy life better. Never let a cold get the better of you. Keep Kofgo in the house. One dose relieves, one bottle cures. A our chemist and your grocer have it. .The wholesale distributors are "Messrs Grif-ft-n and Smith, Ltd., Greymouth. It is notified in this issue that Mr Charles Woolhouse has taken over the business of*lt. Afnckley and Co., at Kokatahi, n»d hag installed a full stoc,-:. Custoifiel.s are assured every attention to orders.

“Have you any complaints to make.'” asked ti e .Minister for Lands of a soldier settler on the roadside at Tc Ore Ore (Wairarapa). “No,” came -the prompt reply. “Drive on quickly; we have diet another man who has no complaints!” said Air A. D. AlcLead, ALP., amid laughter, in which the settler joined.

An amusing stone was witnessed outside the AVanganui Aleat Freezing Company’s retail shop; A cat was sitting between the tram rails watching a dog, ar.d evidently did not notice the approaching trunk 3he motorman dropped the safety fender and scooped up the cat, wliicii was tossed clear of the rails. The feline evidently thought, she had been attacked by the dog, for she stood fora while with ruffled fur and in a defiant attitude, and then, seeing the crest clear, bolted for safety,

Hie planet Ak-rcui'y rises oil July lst at 6.4 n.m., and on July loth at 6.i ain * it must be looked for well to the 'north cf east. On the earlier of these dates it will mil he a conspicuous object, as Its apparent magnitude is onl- 1.7. hut it will brighten Very ra'iidlv as the month progresses, anti on' the loth will have attained aii apparent magnitude of. 0.1, find there should tl eu he no difficulty iii sighting i‘ Venus sots on July Ist at 7.20 p.rti.. and oil July loth at 7,52. p.m. Mars rises on these dates at 2.15 P-m.-j. 1.13 p.m. . respectively ; during ; the month it will steadily decline m brightness its apparent magnitude falling from —l.B to —1.2. Jupiter sets on Jnlv Ist at- 0.12 a.m., and on July loth at 11.24 n.m. Saturn sets on these dates ta 11.27 p.m. and 10.35 p.m. respectively.

The preparatory work in connection with the building cf the Soldiers’ Mar Alemorial Whig to the Mestland Hospital is now well advanced. The ward formerly used for aged inmates, and the infectious ward, have been removed. The infectious ward is being reorganised for use again temporarily in case of emergency. The old condor and dispensary, and the old administrative quarters, alone remain of the original institution hulk some 4o veals a-o. These in duo course will disappear also, and he replaced with n more im)dei‘» and up-to-date stl ' u( ’~ tim* friviiw everv* accommodation find convent. ncT for the staff. For the new ward the excavation has now been mad.- for the . om-n-te fo-imlMion to l,e put in. The brick building t<> be erected will he about 130 ft deep and will have a width of'from 32 to 50 feet It will he a considerable structure and will p.ffrr l accommodation for 16 beds. In addition there will bo a dining room and other rooms and conjetuences, realising a very complete addition to the hospital quarters. This large buildin,) b-s to ho erected and complete^ ; finished before the big two storey blocs constituting the general administratis e quarters may he undertaken. It has i been found that this will he the least I inconvenient wav for the working o - the hospital and staff, and of course 1 every expedition is to he used. About i seven men are all that m be ernploy'ed at present on „the preliminary work, i but as soo U as circumstances permit I the number will hr increased. A | quantity of sand and gravel are being | deposited on the ground for the concrete work, and material will he arrivI inn- shortly in a steady supply. The I works will extend over a considerable period. Afr D. Stevenson, the wellknown builder is in charge, while the supervision is in the hands of the (iO- , vornment architect who makes ponodi- ; cal visits.

Ford owners: Stop wasting oil. hit a "KING” OILF-H to your car. Ens”ros automatic control —just sufficient oil and no more. Booklet from Manning Machinery Co.. 5 Bedford Bow, Christchurch.

Success treads'on the heels of every right effort; hence our remarkable success since abolishing Washboard Slavery with "NO-RUBBING” Laundry Help.—F. Foster. Agents for "XOi’UBBTNG.”