The Hokitika Guardian SATURDAY, JANUARY 27th 1923 THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 January 1923, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian SATURDAY, JANUARY 27th 1923 THE WEEK.

•ill', week has seen ihe trouble between the Shipowners and the seamen Livogbl to a conclusion. The trim hie with i.lic seamen begun in the tirsl week of November, when a number of men left their ships at Auckland as a consequence ol dissatisfaction with the nu..rd of tile Arbitration Court. On November 10, the seamen at till pm ts in tile Dominion left the ships and there "as a possibility of the sett transport sen ices being completely hung up. In Ihe meantime it was reported from Auckland that the seamen were intending to icport for work again on ’ November 20, keep going for a week, and then knock off again, the idea being to keep this process going until the shipowners agreed to concede better wages below those obtaining under the old private agreement. On the morning of November 20, the seamen did offer their services, but these were refused, the shipowners demanding a guarantee that the Seumen’s Union should agree to accept the terms o, the award. This guarantee was not forthcoming, so free laboui was engaged to m.,it the s..ips, which have since been running without any interruption the terms of the Shipping and Seamen Act having been suspended in m-iler to permit the employment- of unqualified men. Pretest against the suspension of tile Act was made to the Government by the representatives of the Cooks’ and Stewards’ Union, Merchant Service Guild, and the Marine Engineers’ Institute, but Mr .Massey replied from Auckland to the effect, that the suspension would not be lemoved until the strike ivas settled. The Seamen's Union recently protested also against the .suspension, but the .Minister of Marine (the Hon. G. J. Anderson) replied that lull precautions were taken to see that the lives of passengers were not endangered. Bigot tiiroughout the trouble the seamen's organisation lias conducted the dispute “off iiis own bat." The assistance of the -Alliance of Labour was oifeied at a fairly early stage in the trouble to uring out the watersiders .and other affiliated organisations, but this assistance was declined, a decision which i ailed forth some severe criticism of the seamen’s officials on the part of members of the Alliance executive. A curious feature of the dispute lias been the fact that the watersiders have tiiroughout loaded and unloaded cargo to he carried in ships manned by free labour. This has been remarked upon on the waterfront throughout the Dominion but when the men stopped operations at- Gisborne and Napier they were ordered back to work by their headquarters in Wellington.

’Luu Ruhr district- now the centre of the world's attention, has a small crooked stream which Hows into the Rhine, Merely as a river this Ruhr, barely 1-50 miles long is not important, but it Hows through and lends its name

to a tiny region not equalled anywhew

for intensity of industry and potential politienl sub-division of Germany; it is merely an industrial district smaller in area than Rhode Island, but crowded with mines and factories from end to end, and settled, in spots, with 1800 people to the square mile. Tiny as it is a mere speck on the map, it produces in normal times over 100,000,000 tons of ore its many nulls consumes, and the steel wares of Soliugen have been famous since the middle ages. From Essen there is trundled out, month after month, a parade of finished engines, cars and farm implements, to say nothing of tools, shutting, Miipframes, brule-sieeh and plates, that compete m the markets ot the world from Java to Jerusalem. One German writer, with characteristic racial piecision, figures mil Unit the volume of raw and finished products liamll.il in tließiil-r every working day would load a train of ears thirty miles long.

’lm-: Ruin- Rivet itscli rises on t-c n. itb side of Win ter berg in Sane, land. Hows northward past the roniuntie.illy-•situau-d lov-n ol Arusberg, and thence winds Oil down into the mining district around Hagen. Hoc, after receiving

the waters of the Lenne, it twists on past Witten, Steel, Kcttwig. and Mullieim, getting greasier and blacker as ir wasaes past co-d dumps and ioundries till u joins the Rhine at ILmrort, From this point, also, the Ruin elim.l connects it with Duisburg. From Witten to its mouth, some 43 miles, the. Ruhr is navigable, with the aid of about a dozen locks, but low water often delays the boats. Hero and t ere along it> busy eoiiisc, u oven finds time to pause and turn tin-, wheels of the little mills and factories. Down the Rhine the trade of Ruhr moves out to sen. Here wafer ttalib- fairly crouds tile stream. Boats are every"here as thick a» Chinese junks and sampans at Canton or Newehunng. But tuerc is no jamming, rampoles. shouting, battling with oars or poles, as among the belligerent, boatmen ol the Last. Here are seni-qihoios, signal 11-igs. order. Hundreds of boats are handled a da\. with ila? sami precision and speed i hat "c handle ti--ins at a gr-ml American Union station. At Duisburg Ki.hi on you can see si ores ol boats berthed side by side as box ears arc packed in Li-e railway yards m Chicago Here is one of the world’s greatest, river harbours, a -olid line of wharves, five miles long. And up the .Ruhr and down the Ruhr, in ceaseless procession, move hundreds of light-draft boats and barges currying void, ore, building materials uiul manufetured products. From Cologne to London, too, by way of the Rhine, and serving the Ruhr frontier, runs a regular line of specially built rivei steamers, which do away with the cost of unloading and reloading from river barge to ocean steamer, or vice

versa, at Rottcrdi'.lii, Ideas, as well as boats, it is said, are carried on great rivers. Heie, then may be a lesson to America in how to use inland streams. Through all this region railways parallel the rivers, cross and recross them, and compete with them; yet the water-borne cargoes continue to be enormous, taxing the capacity of twice ten thousand bottoms.

Moitt: conspicuously Hum anywhere else m Germany, and standing shoulder to •shoulder with the trusts and combines, tin* Ruhr unions and workmen's councils. the bonds and verins. are active and influential. Public meetings, dohat.k and conferences, though peaceful and orderly are never ending. Even popular idea, from birth control and oldage pensions to mutualism and llnvi nil men l, ownership, are aired In speakers and writers. In every town, despite the high cost of paper and printing, the news stands are piled high with new made hooks mid redbacked pamphlets on current labour and socialistic thought. Hardly is the ink dry on one writer's primed opinion when an opponent rushes to press with an equally plausible counter argument. But to these Ruhr folks i-o.il is life. Storm centre though the region is for all phases of industrial dispute the talk of the street ii! wjiys eolilt's hack to coal—coal, the key to Germany’s future. Life in the mines is drama, inti'use and thrilling. Everyman with a pick is an eager actor. Every lump that moves is that intii !.- to Germany’s credit. Such is the story of the Ruhr. Under the dirty smoke that floats from Dortmund to Dusst Id'irf. thousands toil to live, to help Germany pay. As she w ins i avk her place in world trade, much Unit she sells overseas must conic from this elangourou.s. prodigiously produitiv Ktlhr- mills to squeeze juice from cane in Java, bean oil mills for, Manchuria, car wheels for Canada and the Unite I States of America, and farm in -I ■- mints fur Argintiua. And wl: n t! • tumult and shouting in Russia is over, jt is from this same Ruhr that sine will buy mueli of her sorely-needed engin e, ears, rails ami bridge steel. A tine speck on the map is this, heated, smoking Ruhr, hut big. 'like a cimkr. in the world's eye —a spot that Caesar knew, a high spin m a region old in historv.

Tim Dominion Advisory ( ouncil ,>! the British Kiiipir- Exhibition at nlast meeting .in discussing th; publicity requirements at tb" forth-n.nii-g Exhibition, dealt with the que-H-i. whether a. sen-crate einc Ilia ball -iioald be included in the New Zealand Exhibit. or whether the Dominion should he dependent entirely upon the main cinema hall, which would be used for the screenings of all the Dominions. The question was raised apropos of a letter from the High Commissionin', in which it was stated that- a proposal was afoot to provide the large general hall referred to. The Government Publicity Officer (Air H. T. B. Drew) urged strongly that a small hall in the New Zealand section exclusively for the use of the Dominions, was absolutely essential. The main hall would be used for the films not only of Britain and the Dominions, but also of the forty odd crown colonies in which British capital was interested. The probabalitv was that with .so much film to be shown flic Dominion would 'have its displov only at brief and irregular intervals, and that every a 1 vantage should undoubtedly he taken to screen in the larger hall it would he necessary in order to provide screenings for particularly interested vi>itors, school parties, business people, prospective tourists, and others who may want to see particular phases of the Dominion life at any odd hours of the Exhibition, that a small hall should be available. The Council fully concurred in this view, and it was proposed to inform the High Commissioner accordingly, at the same time requesting from him full information in regard to the proposal as to the larger ball.

Ydo’s Motors, Hokitika, announce 1 excursion fame to the Nelson carnival, commencing oh Monday liext. Book • seats at once at Occidental Hotel.

Genuine bargains in ties. caps, cot- j ton singlets, caslnnere J hose etc. now I oil view tit \Y. H. Stopforth’s (nppo-j site AY. E. Williams). j Messrs M. Houston and to. at)- , liounee detailed entries for their stock , sale at Kokntahi on Wednesday and j also idfor tor private sale a pedigree j bull and 1 dairy cows. j

Orr Bros, notify they have a few seats available in their ear leaving iot the Nelson carnival on Tuesday 30th. j January. For lares and particulars ap- j piy to On - Bros., or Phone 1483 Advt. j

We regret to record the death tit '• Westland Hospital of Mrs Hamel Brink. Deceased who was a widow, came from Ha Is well, Canterbury, and lntd been residing at Mari I lari with her daughter. -Mrs \\ . Koesler. Site was a native of Cornwall. England and 7b years ul age. A sun, Alfred, is also residing in I lari I lari di.st rid.

The Slate Mines excursion train reached Hokitika this morning about II o'clock, a very large number of holiday makers arriving. The Runanga Silver Band arrived with the excursion. Cass Square aits made the rendezvous. Alter heavy rain in the night the weather cleared and the day is line and sunny. The return train leaves at h.lO p.in. There are still further bargains at Mrs .1. Lloyd’s sale which is being continued until Saturday, l'ebruary 3rd.

Stive money while there is yet time. Frocks and millinery are now being cleared off regardless of costs, while general household diapery shows .substantial reductions. At one of the dairy factories neat Kaponga an employee suffered a severe electric shock (says the "Argus’'). One of the wires connected with the power plant short-circuited, and in some inexplicable iashion a sharp current was transmitted through the wltoJc building. Three or four of the staff were handling metal or working in water, and were thrown involuntarily backwards by the shock, the elfart id which they felt for some time afterwards. One man, who has a wooden leg with a rubber tip, was the only person who did not ted it. presiimalilv because there was no circuit through his body. The New Zealand amateur athlete championship meeting will me held in Wellington on Saturday. February 21th

The New Zealand Association hits been in communication with Auckland, which was offered the championship meeting for February 24th, hut on account of the date clashing with that of a motor cycle race meeting the offer was declined, a later date (in March) being preferred. Some ol the world s best athletes will compete at the cliampoiitship meeting, tor E. AA . Carr, the Australian sprinter, is coming over to meet Kirkse.v. of the American team : Davidson, ol Auckland, is expected to attend; and H. E. Wilson, who I ".vn d the ,b!vtr.i!".si?!! hurdle* «e- ---. ,o,i 1.1 -r mil. " ib ogam meet Ivrog ill's—, the American hurdler. About 2(H) tons of Tasmanian stone for use in construction ot tile Bridge f Remembrance at Christchurch t he shipped from Hobart this month by the (7iiinii Company's steamer Kaiapoi. It is the desire of both the committee and the constructors to sic the work going forward expeditiously, and it. is the intention of the committee to ararnge the ceremony of laving 1 1 ‘ foundation stone el the memorial at) n for Anzac Day. The Tasmanian ,stone which will be used in connection with the mnmoriul portions ot the bridge is white in colour, of an attractive appea ranee, and is said to weather well. The contract, price for the bridge i> £10.078 and the committee -till r<quires about £ 1.000••The accused will lie IS next month, j.,. is the son of a widow," was the way Senior-Sergeant Lopdell opened it prosecution before -Air Barton, g V ;it Wanganui, when a youth named J. H. Harrison was charged wnh theft. The accused was one ol party who visited the home of an old man up-river for an evening. He was asketl, as it joke, to play the piano in another room, hut when lie went in there was no piano. However, he had time to ransack the old man s bed, and steal £l 18s 4d. After success scholastically, ho seemed to think he should be earning now what he might reasonable expect to earn live vcaihence, lie lived comfortably, and borrowed money from his mates. He 'fated that it was to pay hack an urgent demand that made him steal from tho old man.

\ long-lelt want i - being filled bv Messrs C. K. Larsen and Co., of Westport. who are about to open a plumb:u,r business in our town. In the course of conversation, Mr Larsen informs us they are holders of London City Guilds Institute, and Wellington Technical Education Board certificate for theory and practice of Plumbing work and first class passes by Lxam. They have purchased premises opposite Johnston and Co.. Revell Street and intend making the necessary alterations to suit their line of business. They

have plant to manufacture spouting, downpipes, ridging, and can make any mould or gauge to suit requirements. The business will lie under the capable management of Mr Turley , joint manager while Mr Larsen goes north to arrange ior plant and stock. Mi Laisen IS staying at Kelicr's Hotel and would be pleased to give any estimates for new work uudei way, and repairs, up to Wednesday, before leaving. The new firm ask for a trial and guarantee satisfaction. Date of opening and Phono No., will he. announced later.

12 pairs allwool Mosgiel white Blank ets, double bed size, usual price 59s f>d sale price 37s fid at N.Z. Clothing Factory.— Advt.

Paterson and Lloyd's adveitise a special reduction and concession with |,ov\ suits and also announce tin t C. Taylor and CVs latest price ,list for dyeing and cleaning shows substantial reductions. All classes of worn undertaken and satisfaction guaranteed. We have a large assortment of general drapery, boys and men s clothing the quality and prices to please all pockets. Wo guarantee prompt attention, and satisfaction or your money will he cheerfully refunded. A trial solicited. You will not he disappointed. Paterson and Lloyd's. The Economic Drapers. opposite National Bank, Revel! St. Box Bfi. Hokitika—Advt.

All millinery must he cleared. Bovs’ ready to wear clothing, ladies’ costumes, blouses and jumpers arc now to be "cleared a* heavily reduced p'iee 01. '•Vbruder and co,—Advt.

North Island mails and passengers by the ferry steamer connected with-the AA'est Coast express at Christchurch this morning.

j Chautauqua is coming, February , 14-17, Opera. House. Hokitika. Season i tickets only from Mr L. Aldridge.- - ■ Advt.

A dance will be held in the Supreme Hall this Saturday night. Proceeds in aid of Fire Brigade team's expenses to Dunedin. Admission Is.- Advt.

The tigress which arrived from Sydney by the Port Elliot, consigned to tf tiie /Wellington Zoo, was moved to her new quarters on Tuesday, and visitors commented upon the beauty of tho animal. She soon made herself at home, nosed round the cage most of

the morning, si to a huge meal, and went to sleep, being admired by many pe:sons. The keepers were loud in their praises of the animal, and attributed its fine condition to the care lekcn of it by Mr Steele, the chief i (lieer of the Port Elliot. AA'hen the last "gusher" was tapped at 11 •lonsville Hot Springs about

twelve months ago, and was pouring out 173, (Kin gallons a day, it seemed likely that the springs previously in use at the public baths and Hinemoa House would lie affected. It was therefore decided to test them by turning the whole of the gushers on at the same ti ll w•. It is staled that the supply from the other -pangs wain no way affected, and it was concluded that the source of supply must be unlimited. AA'itliin the memory of the oldest Piluibitants there was never such a

tiiiinderstorm and downpour .'says the AA’intou "Record”) as was experienced in the district last week. The atmosphere was full of electricity, and the lightning fused telephone and telegraph apparatus. Considerable damage was done in thi- respect. It i- stated that damage was also done to property and animals killed, but this is without eonlirotation. The thunder was deafening. At a. special meeting of the Hokitika School Committee held last evening, all members being present, .Air A\ r .. H. Shannon presiding, the Education Board forwarded names of three applicants from the list for the position of assistant mistress at Hokitika District High School. They were as follows. Misses Mary Bruce, Eliza F. Chesterman, and Mary nightingale. Alter a. ballot Miss Mary Bruce was appointed to the position oil the motion of Mr King seconded by the Chairman. This was the only business.

Advice was received to-day ot the death last night at his residence, 3 AVoodville Street, St Albans, Christ, (liurch, of Mr David Spence for many veins a well known bilker and storekeeper ol Rimu. Deceased retired a short time ago and removed to Christchurch to spend his days. He was a native ol Belfast. Ireland .and 81 years of age. Deceased leaves a widow and grown-up lambi of tour dauguters '.Airs T. O’Neill of Rimu. Afrs Mel.auglilan of Australia, Mrs Maun of Wellington and Miss Matilda Spence of Christchurch), ..in! -c,<jii sous (James and ficoij,e at Knite.aiigi. Dav id, William and Thomas in ' lirislchureh. Alexander at Hokitika si ml Samuel in North Island). The passing ol a sterling old pioneer will be • bcplv regretted by a wide circle of friends. A neat compliment to the ladies of Vow Zealand was paid by M. I’lure,jiiin. of the French Trade Mission, in the course of his lecture sit Auckland, lie said be had noticed at the civic reception accorded to his party that the ladies’ fashions here were very much like those of the Indies of France. • Vs a Frenchman,”’ lie remarked, “I Conk that ladies in New Zealand, many of whom have been in Baris, and liLe it. have acquired the French ijistc, and are continuing ill Auckland ’he French fashions. He added that every attempt made to deprive Paris of the sceptre of fashion had i,roved futile. All efforts during the war to establish seats of fashion in Vienna. Berlin, and New A ork luui also been foiled. (JO pairs men’s heavy Buckskin trousers, usual price 14s 6d, sale price 10s 9d at N.Z. Clothing Factory. Ad, t. Support Nation widß character buildin,, m- iiids comprising "Golden Rule Soap. "XO-RUID'XD” Laundry Help. ;•:KEP SAIII,INC” Floor polish and •■OOI.DEN IU'J.E” School Rulers. Economise money, lime and labour. U. ‘ TAN-01. the liquid polish for floors, furniture ami leather goods. All grocers.