The Guradian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, MAY 17th, 1923.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1923, Page 2

The Guradian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, MAY 17th, 1923.

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. The invitation the Priino Minister of the Dominion Ims received from the Prime Minister of Great Britain to attend the Imperial Conference should ho accepted. The Conference is to be held in tile English autumn so that it should be possible for Mr Massey to lay his plans accordingly. All this suggests an early—and a short session—so that speaking politically Mr Massey’s luck is in again—he will not be in the hot water of the House, of Representatives very long. But. the Imperial Conference is not a matter for Dominion politics to nullify, and the Opposition parlies, .we hope, will rise to the occasion, nn<l view it as such even though it lots Mr Massey and the Government off much heckling—to say nothing of possible uncertainty as to the tenure of the Treasury benches. There have been rumors for some time that an early and short session was probable, and preparation for it by tile various Departments lia.s been in hand for some time. Mr Massey has so far anticipated jaissiblo contingencies, "Sirid has been preparing in advance. His appeals at the bye-elections for victories to enable hint to leave a more assured majority behind him were of the nature of camouflage seeing that he had his preparations already in hand. However, that may pass. The essential matter at the moment is that Mr Massey should represent the Dominion at Home and he evidently intends to go. Mr Bonar Law has stressed the importance of the occasion, and it <-an be well understood. It is not desirable that New Zealand should have an understudy at the Confeienee table. As the Prime Minister, Mr Massey has the right to speak for the Dominion and his voice alone should bo heard for Now Zealand. In tact it lia.s to lie Mr Massey, or no one, for not any of his colleagues may he entrusted with the mission and contrawise, not any may be entrusted with the leadership of parliament during Mr Massey’s absence. So Parliament must perforce close down —and perhaps that will not bo an unmixed evil. There will he some material saving by a short session, for the conduct of Parliament is an expensive matter. Also, so great a sum will be required for the flood damage bill the country hns to foot, that there/ will be less available to go round among the local bodies for other than flood damage repairs. With a curtailment of the loaves and fishes, and the Government impotent to enforce policy legislation, there seems no particular need to protract the length of the session, seeing that Mr Massey can perform greater service at the Imperial Conference. Mr Bonar Law pays Mr Massey a great compliment in urging his attendance at the Conference, and there is no doubt the Prime Minister of New Zealand will be a verv prominent figure at the gathering* Mr Massey ha s the experience which many of those who will assemblo will not have. There will be many fresh faces at the table, but the matters to be considered are of such moment that the link with the past should be maintained, and Mr Massey will have a fund of knowledge in reference to past deliberations which will be of the- greatest service to those assembled. It is to be hoped that the Parliament of New Zealand will rise to the occasion, and afford Mr Massey that freedom of action which will permit his presence at the Conference. By doing so the interests of the Empire will be served, and after all, it is the security of the Empire which guarantees the safety of the Dominion, so that Now Zealand will be doing the best for itself by speeding Mr Massey’s attendance to w'hat should prove an epoch-making conference in London.

Tru: Royal visit to Rome has proved a notable event. It was notable in itself because of the rare occasions on which British royalty lias touched Italian soil. But- the times are changing and though prejudices die a. hard death always, the march of events bring their train a dearer idea of men and matters. The war revealed mankind in all its nakedness, and out. of that melting pot was lorn not a new man; hut one with a clarified vision. There is no question but that Italy served Hie Allies in good stead by taking the side it did. Had Italy stood to the Triple Alliance and linked up with Germany and Austria, the whole complexion of the war would have changed. It would have been more sanguinary, more prolonged than it was. Tlio dilferonce of having a friend instead of a foe dominating the Mediterranean, made an enormous difference to Great Britain whose interests in the eastern Mediterranean were so much at stake. It was the great highway to Egypt, and beyond, and made transport problems far easier of solution than could otherwise have been the case. France and tlio Most front could never have been succoured so readily from India, Australia and New Zealand, but for Italy first standing aloof, and then finally throwing ill her let with the Allies. It was ‘‘up” to Great Britain to recognise this great service and the Royal visit in that respect was overdue. Another aspect of the occasion was the action of the King and Queen in visiting his Holiness the Pope. This was quite a unique duty to perform, but still a duty worthy of their Royal Highnesses which should go a long way to allay the unfortunate degree cl sectarianism which works so adversely at times to the public well-being. Tlio recognition of the Pope was a fitting tribute to pay on such an occasion, for Roman Catholics were no less self-sacrificing than those of other churches to meet the demands of the war. The visit, we are persuaded, will lead to a more sensible feeling ef good will, and among churchmen espousing the tenets of Christianity in particular, should welcome it as bridging the gulf hitherto unfortunately set- between ostensibly Protestant and ostensibly Roman Catholic countries. In the ordinary course, no country more than any individual can be responsible for its religious loliof. ’I hose who'went before helped to mould that state of mind, and British Royalty has done the right thing in taking a. sensible view of the matter and cutting the Gordian knots cf convention which have hitherto hold up public opinion.

Tiik precis of the speeches by King George indicate as usual his .Majesty spoke in the right -vein. His compliment to Mussolini was extremely well turned—“the wise leadership of a powerful statesman.” The visit to the battlefields of Italy where British troops were engaged, was naturally an important part of the programme, and while on this mission the Kind’s speeches wore quite in keeping with the occasion. The visit- cannot but do a great deal of good at a time when France is disposed to be over arrogant. France is much beholden to Britain, as Mr Lloyd George rather pointedly emphasised the. other day, Init past favors have been allowed to go by the hoard. A more intimate understanding between Britain and Italy will bo good for the peace of the world, as France would lie between two fires were she foolish enough to attempt any overt act to negative the Allied policy which has the guarantee of the Powers lately in .such close consort. Looking to the possibilities of the immediate future, it is well to have the best relations possible -subsisting between Great Britain and Italy, and a visit of tile importance of the present one goes a very long way towards cementing an alliance of the greatest import to both nations.

Won dekko i. to relate the British and Italian replies to the German offer affecting the reparations Imve to some degree at least satisfied French official circles. This intimation brings regret that the Allied reply was not a joint one instead of an individual statement. However, the fact that the replies all trend in the same direction should make plain to Germany the necessity of yet again revising the offer on more acceptable grounds, ino Italian reply is given in a very concise form over the cable, and indicates exactly what is fair to Germany; namely, that Italy is willing to share in any .sacrifice of her claims which will ensure an economic settlement of the German liability. At the same time,-it is made plain that the present offer does not afford a basis for inter-Allied discussion. The door is thus loft open for Germany to approach the Allies again, or to invite suggestions from file Allies as to the minimum of concessions which they are prepared to make to end the situation so disastrous to the European situation in general and Germany in particular. This is way the way of escape for Germany from the yoke now about her, and national pride should be the spur to seek the relief which is so desirable for her well being-

The weekly euchre tournament takes place at Stow’s rooms, this evening as usual.

Wednesday. May 23rd.—Don’t forget the Ball in the Drill Hall in aid of the R.S.A. Building Fund. Music by the Royal Orchestra. —Advt.

The Kiwi Seniors, Juniorsand Third Grade are requested to 9>e at the Shed to-night at 7 o’clock sharp for practice.

It has now boon definitely decided to open the opossum season for Mestland and Grevmouth Acclimatisation districts on June Ist. Persons desirous of taking opossums off Crown Linds or reserves must first obtain written consent from the Commissioner of Crown Lands or Conservator of State Forests. Hokitika, after which they can get their license from their local postmaster to trap or shoot opossums.

Ford new prices.— Truck Chassis £l5O. touring £164 with starter £lB2, runabout with starter £l6B. all f.o.b Wellington. We also offer used Ford runabouts with starter £9O, touring car ditto £l3O in Greymoutb. Mark bprot and Company Ltd. Selling Agents, Greymoutb.—Advt.

For Children’s Hacking Cough, Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure.

Tho death occurred at Invercargill rerxsntly of Mr D-onald Boyd, n veteran of tho Indian Mutiny and tho Crimean War, at the advanced ago of 88 years. A grand social and dance will be held at Stafford on Friday, May 18th. in aid of the Catholic Church Fund. Good music, efficient M.C. and refreshments provided. Double ticket -Is, gentlemen 3s, ladies Is Gd.—Advl. An old identity of Inangahua Junction, in the person of Mrs Hugh Taylor, passed away in the Westport Hospital on Monday. Deceased entered tho hospital a fortnight ago. She was a native of Scotland, G 4 years of age, and had resided al the Junction for 37 years. Mr Taylor pre-deceased his wife by eight years. The deceased leaves a family of live daughters and two sons.

Mrs Kllen Robinson, proprietress of the City Hotel, Westport, passed away on Monday after a lengthy illness. Deceased was a native of Ireland, 83 years of age, but had resided most of iier life on Mi« Const of New Zon'■ltid. In tho fcarly days she was in business in Char.estown, and on the decline of that town, she went to Westport and made her permanent residence there. Her husband, an engineer hv profession, pro-deceased her by 20 years.

Mr Janies Craigie. ex-M.P. of Timarti, and a well-known Burns enthusiast, has telegraphed to the lion. Secretary cf the Mestland Burns Memorial Fund, that he will be very pleased to accept the honor of unveiling the memorial at Hokitika on Juno 4th. (King’s Birthday), The function is to take place, at mid-day. Cnfoitunatcly the Railway Department lias declincd to grant railway connections on the day in cpiosticm between Grey 5 alley, Recl'ton, and Hokitika hut the necessary connections with he given between both Grey moil tli and Ross, and Hokitika.

A young man named ■ Sathcrlj performed a plucky, if somewhat fool liardv, action in diving into the Hooded river in tho vicinity of Customhouse street, at Blenheim, to bring a boat to the bank. Advice had been received that two men, .Messrs J. Gaul and DJones, were in a precarious position on a hedge in a street in Blenheim during the flood, and no boat was available to rescue them. In these circumstances Satherly plunged into the rlvei and secured the boat, which was at once used to rescue Messrs Gaul and Jones, and which subsequently rescued over 30 people in dangerous situations.

“Who linds keeps” is an aciage which has cropped up on two occasions in the Auckland Supreme Court- last week. His Honour, Mr Justice Stringer mentioned the point in reference to tin- finding of totalisator tickets. He pointed out. that where a totalisator ticket was found lying cm the ground and there was nothing to indicate the owner, its retention by the fouler was not regarded in law as theft. It was theft, if a mail picked up something that could be identified as belonging to Mime one el-.e. In the case of gold or silver which could not he identified as belonging to someone else it was not tlielt to keep it. although a. man uf high moral character would hand it over to die authorities.

‘‘Bookmakers are doing a lot of harm in our small community, said the Magistrate, Mr Boynton, in the course of his decision in a betting case at the Police Court at Auckland. “The country is verminous with these parasites. One doesn’t know whether to pitv or despise l the fools who are victimised by them. The worst feature of the vampirism is the number ui voting sillies who think themselves smart in betting with them. Hues sometimes encourage wrongdoing. Jr offences like sly grog-selling, kcepim brothels or gaming houses, lines only stimulate to greater exertions ill getting enough money to pay them. In futures, unless in very exceptional eases, imprisonment without the option "ill he imposed where possible.

Tlie Chrysanthemum Show held yesterday afternoon and evening was well patronised. The exhibits in the cut blooms and decorative classes were of a very high standard, and reflect great ere-rlit on The- various exhibitors. l)urin;; the evening the Rev Mr Purchas in a neat speech, thanked the public for their' attendance and support, and the judges and various workers who hc.l|>ed to make the Show a success, lie also took the opportunity to present Mr H. Haile with the Yanall Rose Row I trophy, whieli was awarded to the best, local grown bloom and which also gained the special prize for the champion bloom of the show. Mr Haile returned thanks and stated that as this was his second consecutive win. if sufficient competitors came forward next year, he would be willing to abstain from competition for the Bowl, so as to encourage fresh exhibitors to enter and compete for it.

The Lyttelton "Times” reports that smart work by the Railway Department has already made a wonderful difference on the Midland line. Three work trains and one hundred men have been busy for five days on the eightmile stretch between Oiarama. and Avoca, and hard slogging has made it possible to ran a temporary service today. At a gap near the small tunnel known as number one a temporary line has been constructed over a route that makes a deviation of something like forty feet. The blockage at the west end of number eight tunnel was expected to 1m. 1 cleared last night, hut there still remains tho big slip at the west end of number nine tunnel. Work here will not be completed for so mo time, and passengers will have to walk over a distance of about two bundled yards to-day, skirting a shingle face. The Railway Department has to face a stiff problem at this point. The ground is not at all sate, and it will be necessary to construct an extra bridge, 320 ft in length, to give solid bedding. The first- bridge put up will lie in wood. Later it will he replaced by an iron structure. The Department’s policy is to first repair breaks in temporary fashion so as to give the best service possible ill the shortest space of time, and then to go back along the route, making a closer survey and preparing for permanent work.

Apples! apples! Just landed a fine consignment of dessert and cooking apples, all varieties. Paterson, Michel i'ind Co., Ltd. (Phono No. 2.) —Advl. Prevention is better than euro. "Underwriter” fire extinguisher gne-k----]y suppresses fire. Always ready f< r action though standing for ye.us. Manning Machinery Co., 5 Redfj’.l Row, Christchurch.—Advt. 12 dozen Children's Jerseys in navy, saxe and brown. Sizes 18-inch to 26inch. Trices 5s 6d to 8s od., at W . H. Stopforth’s.—Advt.

A cold in the head makes one miserable. Lose no time in getting "NAZOL.” Clears out colds and catarrh in double-quick time. Is 6d for 60 doses.

Inventory sale at McGruer’s, commencing Friday, May 4th. The great annual business pulling event to reduce stocks for stocktaking. the unique opportunity for the thrift v to buy the new season’s goods at end of the season’s low prices. Every article marked down to zero. This special sale for a short period only. Come prepared for big bargains. McGruer’s, Hokitika and Greymouth.—Advt. Men! The early buyer gets the choice. So act quickly and choose your winter overcoat. The latest shades and stvles in Petone and Roslyn tweeds, from 65s at W. H. Stopforth’s, opposite W\ E. Williams, chemist.—Advt.

A serious shooting accident occurred nt Murchison oil Tuesday, resulting in a little girl, named Mac Adam, aged 5J years, receiving a gun shot wound in tho leg at close range. Medical attention was immediately obtained for the little sufferer, who was removed at once to Nelson Hospital. It is feared amputation will be necessary.

Dr and Mrs Thacker will leave CliTistchurch oil Saturday on an extended trip round the world. They "ill go first to America and then across to Europe and Great Britain and Ireland, and on their way back will again visit tho United States and Canada, and also the Central American States, afteiwards visiting Japan, China, t-lie Malay Peninsula, tho Philippines, returning to New Zealand by way of Sydney .Dr Thacker will take with liim a number of lantern slides of New Zealand views, and it is his intention to make use of his visit to “boost” Now Zealand.

A Wanganui resident interested in the meat trade, when discussing tough beef with a “Herald” reporter, said that frequently the public blame the butchers, and allege that they have been purchasing old cows. Hie resident attaches part of the blame to drovers. He explains that there is too much dog in droving, and prime cattle going to slaughter, are in the haste ot drovers to get to their destination, worried by canines all the way. The beasts get overheated, and if killed soon after arrival the meat of a three-year-old beast tastes as tough as a seven-year-old. Tho reporter wanted to know what happened in tho case of an chi cow ii' she became overheated and was killed immediately on arrival, “The consumers consult their dentists immediately for broken teeth and their doctors for indigestion,” replied tho resident.

At the meeting of tho Westland Land Board yesterday afternoon there were two applications for river bed land in the Waitaha liver, fhc Commissioner reported to the Board that tho river stream was constantly changing and as a result it was difficult to properly arrange the areas. In one instance the area applied for was at a point where the river had changed the course of its stream from one bank to the other, with the result that the holder of the area that had been alongside his section now had tho river running close up against the bank, while the bank had made up on the other side and for this tho section holder fronting it had applied. The Commissioner expressed the opinion that the proper solution was to make the whole area a commonage and grant ii miscellaneous license to tho several settlers affocu-!. Mr Wilson, who appeared for one applicant, claimed that hi- client hail not been affected by tho change of the river opposite her frontage ami that if necessary would he prepared 'to fence. Tho Commissioner stated that if a commonage was decided on, the area applied for would have to he included therein. After discussion the Board agreed to adjourn the applications with a view to the Commissioner making further enquiry into the matter, until next meeting.

Steam boiler owners: Cut down your coal bills by using "Stopsknle.” Benu \ e-' scale and cleans boilers without injury. Manning Machinery Co.. 5 Bedford Row, Chnsie'mirh.—Ad.t

A new range of coloured velveteens, extensive range of colours; reliable qualities at much reduced price is now offering at. Schroder and Co’s., where also a lingo stock of new silks, leading makes, in satins, Oriental and floral. Japan silks and gauntlet fringed suede gloves also on view. Inspection invited.—Advt.