The Hokitika Guardian SATURDAY, FEB. 10th. 1923 THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1923, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian SATURDAY, FEB. 10th. 1923 THE WEEK.

In reading the impressions of the Hon. Minister of Public Works with regard to the Arthur’s Pass tunnel, one is struck with the fact that Mr Coates is fully seized with the necessity of pushing the work to completion as rapidly as possible. Doubtless be is not a recent convert to that conviction, but he has now publicly expressed himself as most favorable to the finishing of the work forthwith and from this out we may expect the completion to be brought to a head at a full steam rate. Next month Mr Coates has indicated that provision is to be made for ‘‘urgent” goods traffic. This suggests that it is realised the traffic is going to he considerable, and the doubting ones who have decried the whole project for the reason that the freight would not pay for axle grease, will have to revise the views. Tn connection with the probable traffic, the Railway Department is not in any two minds as to the dimensions of the trade it will be called upon suddenly to cope with. Apart from the “urgent” goods traffic represented by dairy produce and fat and store stock, there will be large quantities of timber and coal to be railed through the tunnel. This will necessitate several goods trains, and the Department is preparing at all the chief stations on the other side of the range for fhe effective handling of the trains without interruption of the passenger traffic which will come through at express speed. The preparations made at both Otira and Arthur's Pass stations for handling long trains of goods etc., show that the official mind is fully impressed with the possibilities of the traffic. Something of this has communicated itself to the Minister who has now made a most important declaration affecting the date of the opening of the tunnel for through traffic. It may he expected that the Canterbury people will take the lead in organising a suitable opening for the great occasion, and in that ceremony tiie people ol Westland are sure to cooperate very readily.

Thk Federal elections were remarkable for the fact that at lease half the electors did not vote! Just why so many folk elected to disfranchise themselves is not clear, hut the result has manifested itself in a materia! change in the personnel of the Government. Mr 11 no lies has been deposed, or rather elected to resign after he found he could not maintain a majority to carry on. It remains to be seen how tho people will regard the transformation brought about by the negative attitude of half the voters. Mr Bruce, who was T reasurer in the Hughes Government, is the new Prime Minister. He has associated with him Dr. Earle Page, the leader of the Country Party, who insisted upon the retirement of Mr Hughes from the Ministry, and whose re-entry into the new Government is not to he countenanced. The fusion of the Hationnl and Country parties will create a Coalition Government numerically strong" enough to carry on. The country party has joined up practically on their own terms, and there are those who will he suggesting that similarly in Now Zealand, the Liberals should fuse with the Reformers and constitute n strong Government, capable of resisting extreme Labor. Mr Massey is not in as weak a position as Mr Hughes was, and by adroit administration, may carry on without the Liberals going over en bloc. Rut in Australia, Mr Hughes’ party was in a hopeless minority without the Country party, and so he made the way easy for the composite Government by stepping out of office. The overtures towards a less drastic adjustment of the position were unavailing, Mr Hughes having relinquished office it remains to he seen how he will act as a private member. His services to Australia during the Great War pc--

riod were of outstanding value. His | fatal mistake, however, was to give way on the conscription issue, since j when lie has been steadily losing caste. He was one of the magnetic figures of the war period and served the Empire, j no less than Australia, ungrudgingly j during the trying years. Mr Massey remains the last of the Empire Pre- . miers to hold office continuously during) the wnr and thereafter, which is a great tribute to his tireless activity in office.

The brief session of Parliament opened without special incident. The Gov-ernor-General’s Speech was in keeping with the session itself-remarkable. for its brevity. The pleasing announcement made in regard to the public finance will be bailed with delight and particularly by the Public Rorv.ee, which is to escape any further cut in salaries. The election for the Spenko'rshp—a foregone eoncluson-was remarkable for the demonstration of the sharp division between the Liberal, and Extreme Labor. Many boosters” of Reform drawing on their imagination in December last, scared t.m- . 7 ~, Liberal candidates with ,d voters fiom . L ilford . Hollnnd the assurance that tut parties would in the end fuse, and country would bo dominated b> 1 tionaw government. Any thoughts t” ! ,L 08.-i.iiy total «>■<■; .' „.i .1ift..... it «* ~ i .Vitl. thousand* of voters, o me. LX- ->" r;r; practically as a body to vote u tb l.« I,„r for Labor’s choice. Tt ls “ hoped that the old lie referred to « 1 now be effectively muled down. rl ’.' moderate attitude of the Liberals tl " juncture is being made very ml it is evident. Mr Wilford -s leading bis party wisely. The Labor effort u, dividing the House on the «P cnk .^ R, "P leaves no doubt where the Libeial. stand, and in that respect the motion |,v Air Holland has served some good purpose. What is to happen in tinimmediate future depends on Mi • sev’s tactics. His position is very insecure and he cannot hope to carry any radical policy measures not approved by the Opposition.

Tim leading Liberal organ ol the Uominion, the “Lyttelton Times” nas summed up the political outlook as follows: If Mr Massey survives the coming lest, the wishes of the constituencies will be once more defeated. The Reformers have ruled tins country and misgoverned it—tor a dei a e inspite of the fact that a majority oi votes has been east against them at everv election; and they me now scheming‘to rule even with a minority ot scats. If Mr Massey scrapes through, as his friends have been predicting that he will, when the division bell rings, it will la.' an inglorous and an ephemeral victory, for the people are weary of his regime and will take the first opportunity of resenting tricks to ciicitinvent their opinions. There is one danger that must he averted—the danger of a fusion between Reformers iiiid^l.iberals, which the former are assiduously courting. Even if it were t.ue, which it is not, that the Reformers now, after years of experience are converted to Liberalism, the facts of their incompetence in office should bo sufficient to disqualify them. But the immense danger of a fusion is that this would give the extreme Socialist and international party (as represented by their leader) the status of the official Opposition and would inevitably mean that in the future, perhaps the ..oar future, they would reach the Treasury benches. For no party can last for all time, and it is morally certain that the leader of the Opposition to-dav is the Premier of to-morrow. We believe the welfare and prosperity of New Zealand can best be promoted by entrusting the political destinies of the country to the Liberal Party, which must perform its natural duty of acting as a buffer between the extremes of Conservatism and Socialism. And wv ilist as firmly believe that this is the desire of the majority of the people If this view is correct, all the tucks and intrigues of the Reformers will (ail. soon or late, tn thwart the determination of the electors.

Tar Near Kast position ns a result of the postponement of the baussnnc Conference is still rather uncertain; but there are high hopes that all will be well. H is dear that it the Allies remain united and net uit i uni son. the Turks will be Kind to subnm Were it not for the untimely 1< roneh Note to lAnpora all would now lie well Tint independent actum on the unit of Trance suggested Allied disunity and U,e Turks were not slow to jump to ibat conclusion. and seek to use »h.u . ' believed to he the new situation. U) - t heir advantage. The point where the French diverged from the Al io, was in M. Poincare intimating either i or a willingness still to gi^o a wenkiH'ss <»i , i wav Lord Cur/.mi. who has through"',V comported himself with sp end.d dignity, told the Turkish delegation « Lausanne he would not agre. o ther bargaining. hut was ngreenWei to allow time for reflection. Fpon tins divergence the Angora Government proceeded to profit, and the signing of the new treaty was burked tlTf the Allied representatives departed in apparent chagrin. The Turkish representatives have also returned home, and there will be a breathing time for a space, but it appears manifest after Lord Curzon’s resume of flic case if tile Allies but stand together, a peaceable solution will he found. There is some suggestion of belligerency in orders given to foreign warships to leave the harbor of Smyrna. This is suggestive of provocative measures, but tlie warships’ guns no doubt are of sufficient range to dominate the harbor, and shore even, if the ships t;Tke up an anchorage out to sea, or at adjacent island harbors. On the naval side, of course, the Allies can administer a sound drubbing to Turkey, but there would be no advantage in ruthless destruction such as would follow a bombardment from sea, if the matter can be patched up peaceably to the satisfaction of the Allies who united easily hold the key to the national situation in the Near East.

Presbyterians at Kokntahi are requested to note the service in the Church on Thursday nest. The Mayor lias proclaimed Tuesday next (Schools excursion to Runaiiga) a public holiday. Tho adjourned meeting of the M estland Chamber of Commerce falls to be held on Tuesday evening next at 7.30 o’clock. Ivanieri F.letcric Ltd., notify that current will be cut off at intervals during to-morrow (Sunday) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Mr J. B. Harcourt, of Wellington, accompanied by Miss Harcourt, were visitors to Hokitika yesterday. They left by Clements Motors Ltd. for Christchurch to-day.

The lists for the Halligan fund a ill shortly be closed. Those intending to contributing will oblige bv leaving their donations at the banks or at the Town Hall or County Office. The Greynioiilh Railway and Foundry picnic is taking place to-day at Lake Mahinapua. A large train passed through Hokitika shortly after 10 o’clock. Bright weather prevails for the outing. Interest is beginning to centre in the Chautauqua season which will run here over Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday of next week. Eight different programmes will be rendered, thus supplying* variety to suit- all tastes. Season tickets are now on sale at Brockleliurst’s and with Mr Aldridge.

.Miss M. Oldham 8.D.K.. Dental Surgeon arrived from Christchurch on Tuesday. Miss Oldham who lias joined .Mr H. M. Con Ison in his practice is very highly qualified in her profession having the marked distinction of being the only lady Dentist in Xew /calami holding the degree of B.D.S. (Bachelor of Dental Surgery).

It is expected that the weather will he on its behaviour for the swimming carnival at the Municipal baths on Monday evening, where the doors open truly and the sport begins at 7.1 d o’clock. There is a line array of entries, and the contestants arc displaying a keen interest in races, with the result that first-class sport should be provided. The band will be in attendance, and the grounds brilliantly lit- by electric light. The new supply of water is voted a great success, and notaries of the game will have an enjoyable time, while tho onlookers are sure to lie pleasantly entertained. The catalogue of 20,01)0 hales tor the second series of Auckland wool sales lias been far exceeded by offerings and the limit allotted has been extended to 22,000 hales. Thus the catalogue doses at the hitter figure (says the Auckland “Star”). The sales will open on February 12. and Ibe largest number of local and oversea buyers ever known will he present to bid. Both in the quantity of wool offering and the representation of buyers interested, the Auckland wool sales ol I'ebruary, 1023, will establish far and away a record. <

The schedule for the 18th. Annual Show of the Westland Agricultural and Pasture! Association to be held on the Hokitika Racecourse on March 14th., is now being circulated and all will agree that it provides plenty of scope for exhibitors. There are usual sections for horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, dogs ami poultry, as well as championship prizes for nearly every section. The produce section is a very comprehensive one, p providing prizes of a substnnfiol nature, while tho home industries are liberally catered for. The school children are also remembered and special prizes are given for the best essay on the work of tile Association.

The two rinks to re: resent Hokitika Bowling flub al the annual West Coast Bowling Centre’s tournament at Westport, leave to-morrow morning by Clements Motors Ltd. Denby car, arriving at Westport the same evening. The team will have the opportunity of watching the New South Wnles-Wostport game on Monday morning. The tournament commences on Tuesday, and extends over Wednesday and Thursday, seventeen rink.', of four players having entered for the competitions. The local rinks consist of Messrs Bain, Boyd. 11 . Wilson and D. Stevenson (s), and Messrs Blank. A. King, Thompson and Benjannn (s). Several ladies are accompanying the team on their tour.

The mice which is being oflcred to (lav for both lambs and ewes constitutes n great temptation to sheepowners to snatch an immediate profit rather than to build up their flocks (states tv Wairarapa exchange). The slump coming after the riot of higti prices did a great deal to reduce the numbers of tho New Zealand flocks to what thov are to-day, some millions below the level of BILL Farmers who found themselves hard put i<> >' to scrape together the money to pay necessary outgoings could not be Mnineil for selling off their lambs and eu-e hoggets, when their interests in ihe long run were to hold. It was a matter of self-preservation, and they did the obvious thing. But the steady rise in the price of wool and of other products lias so improved the outlook of many farmers that they are really in a position to take the long view and keep whaf they require for their'own flocks. The great demand for stud nod flock rams, which is evidenced by the fact that nearly 2000 of these animals went out of the Wairarapa lor sale in Hawke’s Bay lasi week, shows ■a hat sort of demand there is likely to he during next year. 11 i- m hoped, therefore, that 100 many ewes which are still tit for breeding will not he fattened off for the butcher while the New Zealand flocks are so far below their standard numbers.

You will save big money u you act quickie. Great summer sale now on at MeGruer’s. the gnat bargain centre. Record price reductions in c'< >y Upartmeiit: special lug purchase of JK)O ladies blouses in voile, zephyr, mope etc., usually 8s lid to 19s bd each, non ds lid, 4s lid, 5s lid and ‘-s lid. Make our store your shopping heaci-r.ii-irters We guarantee economy and satisfaction. McGruer’s (Wetland) Ltd., Hokitika and Greymoulh.—Adi t.

Genuine bargains m ties. cap. , c tton singlets, cashmere } hose etc. now on vioav at W. H. Stopfortli s (opposite AY K- Williams). Paterson and Lloyd’s advertise a special reduction and concession with j boy’s suits and also announce that C. : Taylor and Co’s latest price list for dyein" and cleaning shows substantial ' reductions. All classes of work undertaken and satisfaction guaranteed. AAe have a large assortment of general drapery, boys and men’s clothing the quality and prices to please all pockets. We guarantee prompt attention, and I satisfaction or your money will be 'cheerfully refunded. A trial solicited, i You will not be disappointed. Paterson and Lloyd’s. The Economic Drapers, opposite National Bank. Bevel] St. ■ Rox 86. .Hokitika.—Advt.

\ Mr John Gillyard. who wfts one of the victims in the fire at Ligar Bay, Nelson, on Tuesday, for many years was engaged in farming pursuits in the Kuinara district.

Messrs M. Houston and Co. will sell by auction at the mart on Wednesday next at 2.30 p.m. on account of Mr D. E. Thornton, who is leaving for England, a quantity of valuablo furniture, particulars of which appear in another column.

Nominations for all events of the Hari Hari Racing Club’s meeting on Saturday, February 24tli. close with

the Secretary Mr \V. F. Rudgc, Hari Hari on Wednesday next. February 14th.

The Committee of the Robert Burns' Memorial met on Cass Square yesterday afternoon. Mr G. .Davidson presiding. The Hon Secretary reported £3OB had been raised and a further sum of £7o was required. Mr A. B. Boyd offered to organise a flower exhibition on Wednesday, March 7th in aid of the fund, when he thought a very fine display of dahlias and late Mowers could he made. The oiler was accepted with thanks. It was resolved to apply for the use of tho Town liall, and to enlist the services of the ladies in organising the tea rooms. It was decided to arrange for a musical evening as an added attraction. The site for the monument was fixed upon definitely. and Mr Thompson, the contractor will put down the foundation in about ten days’ time. Mr Patrick, the principal donor to' the fund, who was present, expressed satisfaction at the selection of the site, and the satisfactory state of the fund. The advance case of the material for the monument from Scotland have arrived here ah ready. The statue itself is expected in about six weeks’ time.

The greatest surprise which the Germans sprang upon an astonished world in Augusl-Soploinbor, 1914, was the Klin howitzer, the guu that smashed the fortresses at Liege, Antwerp, and Namur, at the time ol the famous German advance on Paris. Among Allied authorities oil ballistics the famous German weapon was long regarded as a myth ; the tiling was impossible in field artillery, because a gun to lire such a projectile must be so ponderous as to bo to all intents and purposes immobile and therefore useless. The only thing certain was that the Germans had something that did the business. The famous German gun. indeed, was not actually seen by ttie Allies until alter the armistice in 1918, when the German weapons were SUITC ndored. The German Kiln howitzer, however, was a mere “Lilliputian” to what the British produced in the latter period of the war, and actually had in use in 1918, ready “to clear'the road to Berlin.” The British weapon took the form of an. 18in howitzer, the biggest gun then in use. It is not generally known that one of the monster shells from this gun is included in the collection of exhibits at Trcntham for the National Mar M ttseuiu.

All nations glad “Golden Rule” School Rulers assisting “Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward men. Bevelled varnished edge etc., 4d.

Spare your back! Polish floors with liquid “TAX-OL.” Brilliant results easily achieved. Use “TAN-OL” also for tine furniture and leather goods. No more grinding of teeth with WADE’S WORM FIGS. All millinery must he cleared. Boys’ ready to wear clothing, ladies’ costumes, blouses and jumpers are now to he cleared at heavily reduced price at Schroder and co.—Advt.

Happy children keep free from worms with WADE’S WORM FIGS. Wonderful worm worriers.