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Hokitika Guardian, 5 August 1925, Page 2

Ai’lioi’os the subject just touched upon, we notice that the members of the Hokitika School Committee took exception to some remarks we made it few issues ago in reference to the subject of home-work in particular, and the status of the local school in general. Our critics, however, missed the point. We gave them a very broad hint of something they had not lies ird of. and which in the interests of the school it were well they should know. Wo take it. also, they have not ‘‘heard" ol the late “scenes’’ at the school, which suggest that after all a school commit-tee-man is not omniscient. However, the lin k of vision or understanding ol the committee is not of moment, but the care of the local scholars is. and it i.s on that aspect we will address the subject. In the article complained of we remarked : “As far as can lie gathered there are exceptional circumstances surrounding the matter which call for a certain amount of pressure being put upon the scholars. The question arises, however, how far the children should he penalised in this matter, if it may lie so called. Assuming there has been roniissnoss in the past in tin- character of the teaching, and that the standard of the school is not up to that which the latest staff appointments require, it becomes a question whether the children should he the scapegoats for the occasion." That was a straight enough tip as to what was wrong at the school, and our protest was unite a. mild one in the hope of reasonable correction being pursued. It appears, however, that the drift at the school has resulted in a condition which requires careful handling to overcome. Snell good reports have come to hand of the capabilities ot the headmaster that we are hopeful lie will be aide in a- reasonable way to retrieve the position. There is however the necessity of effective co-operation on the part of the staff, and not that license of action which tends to drive scholars from the school. There has been that threat, at least on t-lie part of parents. This is too serious a matter to mention otherwise than for the good of the school. For it is essential to have the good will of the scholars if ail round progress is to he made. Fear is not the state of mind in which to acquire knowledge and that condition of mind is said to lie* extant even among scholars who previously were the brightest of the classes. Fnougli lias been said to show that our information on the matter is not casual, and we venture to .say if the position is treated with indifference the consequences to the scholars can he very harm fu!.

Tin-: great .strike (if not something even more alarming) at Home lia.s been laid. JJnt it is not eiear that the end is in sight. The peace is a patched one. For a.s usual John Bull lias adopted a compromise to “settle" the difficulty. But in doing so he has signed a blank cheque for the coalminers to Use meantime. A decisive step has been taken in securing peace at a juice just short of disaster. The Government is being praised and blamed. But some one had to decide when Capital and Bailor were at a. deadlock, and .Mi- Baldwin took the only course opeii in the end of guaranteeing the coal mine owners to make good the wages for the miners at the 11)21 rate. At once other great industries are demanding similar consideration, and .so there is in a moment a. great precedent net up. The coal mining industry has been a difficulty over a- long period, and it is conceivable that the step the Government has taken will in the end lead to nationalisation. We do not know that even that stop will solve the problem of maintaining high wages. But with the shorter hours and lesser work done it is manifest that the industry is going to find it a difficulty to work out its own destiny, if capital is to have any reward for its investments. 'Lho only alternative, coal being indispensihlc. is nationalisation. the country to hear any loss nationally. Bahor is jubilant over the turn of events, attributing the “victory” as an ex amplification of the solidarity of the unions. A victory of such a nature as the present, is however. preferable to the rather doubtful form of victory which follows a strike. Although the tost nationally by the present guarantee sounds alarmingly high, it is no doubt a less costly settlement to the country, than it would lie tier medium of a strike. Industry is being maintained in normal terms. During a .strike it could fie maintained only under abnormal terms. The difference in cost would represent in money value many more millions than the present form of settlement runs into. For the time being conditions are easy, and if Bahor is content with the form of victory secured, and in return will do justice to the employers. the outcome might In the end he something to lie proud of. The Government is striving hard to avert catastrophe and ensure peaceful industry.

All members of the Excelsior thirdgrade are requested to be at the shed this evening at 7 p.m.

An assembly will be held in the Public llall. Kanieri to-morrow (Thursday) evening at 8 o’clock. Good music Admission Is.—Advt.

At the Soldiers’ Hall to-morrow night the result of the July euchre tournament will lie announced. The August tournament begins on Thtirsdav of next week.

ACoKay’s Great Stock-taking Sale starts Friday. Hundreds ot wondertul stock-taking bargains.—Advt.

Miller’s announce tbeir wonder boot clearing sale continues for three days only, closing on .Saturday next. M on.derfut bargains for the last low davs.

The eclipse of tbe moon last night and early this morning was fairly well observed. In the earlier stages though there were clouds, a good view could he obtained, but later when the eclipse was at ils zenith heavy clouds practically obscured a vision.

A ease of leprosy was notified to the Health Department last week from tile Wairarapn district. The patient is not a white man. The last case was notified in New Zealand in 1022. Tile Health Department figures show a substantial increase in diphtheria. 30 cases having been notified last week. 11 more than in the previous week.

Hull up! It ol 1 up! to the dance in the Three Mile Hall on Friday night. Good floor, good music, efficient M.C. Admission Is.—Advt.

The Blackweter Mines 1-td. London office advises that the annual meeting will he held at- London on bill. Aug., when the Directors will recommend the payment of a dividend of one shilling per share, free of income tax. this will he welcome news to shareholders, who have not been the recipients of miv dividends for some five or six years.

There was a good at tendance at the Excelsior Euchre Assembly in the Soldiers’ Hall last evening. The prizewinners wore: Mr D. Peid (dinner -eO. Mr A. Edwards (tea sell. Mr D. Christianson (cups and saucers). Airs t onic (plates). ‘I ho prizes for next Tuesday which are on view at .Messrs O’Connell and Cnliari’s simp. Kovoll St. Include two scagrass chairs (first and second prizes).

Infectious and other notifiable diseases reported in the Canterbury and West Const Health Districts during the week ended noon on Monday, totalled 18, as follows:—Canterbury: Scarlet lever. 7: diphtheria. 2; tiibereulosL. 2: puerperal septicaemia, 1: tetanus. 1. West Coast: Diphtheria. 2; puerperal septicaemia. I. In the (nutoibtiry Health District there were three deaths from tuberculosis and one trom tetanus.

Hundreds of odd lines to be given away at next to nothing prices at McKay's Kl days stock-taking sale, starting mi Friday. .Tdvt.

The Kuniara Memorial Hall ball takes place on Friday evening in aid of the building fund. Last, year the function was a great success, hut, with the special engagement ol Mr Albert Lawn's orchestra (consist itig of piano, piccolo, cornet, xylophone, hells and jazz effects) this year’s ball is expected to prove a record success. \ Liters to Knmara are always assured of a good time. New Zealanders who arrived by the Maungamn irom Sydney at Wellington on Monday, say that the reception given to the American fleet by Australia was most enthusiastic. If anything the welcome was more pronounced n. Melbourne than in Sydney. Ihe sailin'" were spending thousands of sovereigns, the sight, of gold being quite a lea* tore in business life. Anticipating this unusual sight in Wellington, otic newspaper has publishted hopefully a table for the conversion of English sovereigns into American equivalents. li

On the ground that the Clerk of the Court failed to notify Patrick J. O’Donnell, of Waiotn. the defendant in the recent gold dealing case heard at Greyininitli, that lie had the right to lie fried hv jury, a move has been made in the Supreme Court for prohibition. with the object of preventing the .Magistrate going tiny further with the conviction. O’Donnell was convicted on two charges under section 370 of the Mining Act. M)OS. regarding the making of false entries in the gold dealers' hook at the Hank of New South Wales. (Ircyniouth, and was lined Cot) on each charge by Mr W . Meldrum. S.M.

For ten days only, starting Friday. Great Stock-taking Sale at McKay’s See windows for astounding bargains. -Advt.

Frances Sumnierliey Drilles, a merchant of Wellington, had costs entered against him in the Magistrate’s Court under rather unusual circumstances. The railway authorities proceeded against him for occupying a reserved seat in a train and travelling in it from Palmerston North to Woodville. The excuse for the defence was that when the train left Wellington the seat was unoccupied. and thinking that the rightful owner was not coining, Drilles made the best ol it. Mr C. R. Orr-Walker, S.AL, said lie did not wish to fine the defendant. However, the law must he observed, and lor that reason he would enter costs against him. The expenses amounted to £3 its and judgment was accordingly made in favour of the Department.

The fortnightly stock sale was held at Preston road on .Monday. Owing to it being a lieautifully spring-like day. there was a good attendance of farmers and hoteliers, with the result that there was an excellent sale. Towards the finish prices for beef hardened, ox beef reaching -17 s fid per UHHb. and heifer hoof 4()s. Ridding was brisk and competition was keen for both Isi t cattle and fat sheep. Twenty head ol entile were yarded, together with OH head of fat wethers, the latter realising 15s per head. The following are some of the prices realised :—Account T. E. Coates (Knpara), 1 bullock. £.16 ss. 2 at £ls 2s fid, 1 at £l4 17s (id, 2 at £l3 17s fid. 2 fat heifers at CIO 15s. 2 at £lO 15s. 2 at Ci) 7s (id. 2 at £lO ss. 2 at £8 17s (id. 2 fat cows at '£lo 7s fid. 00 fat heifers at 45s per head.

The wedding was solemnised liv Father McMonagle at St. Patrick’s Church. Greymoiiih. yesterday morning of Mr A\ . Bonnard Patterson, ot Greyinouth, and Miss Alice C. Bourke. of Brunner. The bride, who entered the church on the arm of her father, wore a smart frock of beige repp, cut on straight lines, and hat of contra sting shade. .She was attended by Miss May Bourke as bridesmaid, who wore a frock of tan, with hat and shoes to match. Mr Tack Bourke acted as best man. After the ceremony the wedding breakfast was held at fieri) Moore’s tea rooms, a feature of note being the wedding cake, which was t 1- gilt of Mr and Mrs Herb Moore. The newlv-mar-ried couple left for Christchurch hv the express, the bride wearing a suit of nut. with coney coat, the gilt of the bridegroom.

Half-price and quarter-price Special for the hist eight days of McG liter’s Great Winter Sale commencing August Stli. at it o’clock. McGruer’s, Greymouth and Hokitika.—-Advt.

Our famous hosiery at sale prices:— Colonial all-wool knitted hose, heavy quality, grey only, splendid winter stocking. 3s 6d pair; special plain black Cashmere hose, all wool. 2s fill per pair; heavy rib silk hose, in black, putty, nigger, shoe grey, 6s lid per pair; silk hose, coating grey, black and tan. must go. 2s lid and 3s Od per pair at Schroder and Co's.—Advt. Banish coughs anil colds and save money by using “ NAZOL.” Eighteen pence buys 60s doses—enough to cure the whole bad-cold family.—-Advt. First aid for coughs, cold, influenza, Woods’ Gr“at Peppermint Cure.

Boiler Cleaning made easy, cost cut in half when you use “ Mexican ” Boiler Graphite. Gentle in action but very sure and won’t- injure boiler. Booklet from R. P. M. Manning and Co., o Bedford Row, Christchurch, —Advt.

The Druids Ball takes place at Ttuatapu In-nighl. Complete arrangements have been made for the gathering.

A hall will ho held in Knmara Memorial Hall on Friday, Sept. 4th. in aid of the Knmara Fire Brigade.

At Westport oil Saturday in basketball matches between Reeftou and Westport High School teams. Westport won by 8 goals to /, but lleelton defeated Old Girls by 22 goals to 11.

The line weather of Monday and Tuesday changed during the night and rain began to fall in the early morning. and there was a substantial downpoor before noon.

The Hailwav Department advertise the issue of Holiday Excursion tickets to Lyttelton in connection with the visit of tin* American Fleet.

Owing u> the inclemency of the weather the Wednesday representative game between G rev mouth and Hokitika. had to l*o cancelled.

There was 11(1(1 insurance in the Southern Union office on the cash register destroyed in Messrs .Johnson and Woolliouse’s tire on Monday.

The weather conditions would interfere with the Jumble Sale at Knkatnlu to-day, but it is Imped that the attendance at the plain and fancy dress hall this evening in the Kokatahi Piilvlic Hall will attract a large attendance.

At a meeting of the Committee of the Greynunith Bowling Club, it was agreed that it he a recommendation to the Centre that champion pairs from each affiliated club play for the champion of pairs champions at the same time and place as the champion of champions singles contest. such matches to be played as early as possible. Mr Kibble was appointed secret arv.

At the Magistrate’s Court, Westport on Aloud siy. liel’ore Mr 11. I*. La wry. S.AL, .lack Morgan. on a charge of stealing one electric iron, valued at £1 Bs, and one electric motor engine, valued at £o 10s. goods being of a total value of £fi 18s. the property of Walter .Toh.ii.son. was convicted and admitted to probation for 12 months, and ordered to return the stolen goods, a similar order being made in regard to theft of goods valued at £1 Is Gd, the property of A. *T. Benjamin.

'the Wanganui Chronicle of I hursdny last reports as follows: “An accident. which unfortunately ended fatally occurred at the gasworks on Monday. when a sack ol pitch 101 l a distance of 20. feet, striking on the head one of the workmen, Air Thomas Courtney Devery. The injured man was removed to the Public Hospital, where lie passed away in the evening. The deceased, who was Ll years of age. resided at Alarybank. He was a very industrious and estimable citizen, and bis death lias caused much, regret. He leaves a widow and four children." I be late Mr Devery was formerly a resident of Westport, and an engine driver in the service of the Harbour Board.

At the weekly meeting of the West Coast Hugby Union held at Greymouth last evening Christchurch Old Boys (winners of the Canterbury senior cup) wrote regarding their proposed visit to the Coast, stating Hint later advice would he sent, but the visit would most likely he paid early next month. The New Zealand Union wrote re the selection of the combined AVest ConstBuller team to play New South Wales, suggesting that the team he picked hv one selector from each Union. It was decided to accept the suggestion, and advise Duller Union accordingly. Tnangahua Sub-Union applied tor a Dittnuiu Shield match nil Aug. 22nd. It was decided to hold over the matter till a conference is held on Saturday to consider the remainder of the season’s fixtures.

Tin* management ol Lverybodv s Pictures notify their patrons of the appearance at the Piineess Theatre on Thursday of Signor Preiioni Hansen, the Danish Court lyric tenor. I lie “Grey Argus’’ of Tuesday, says: “A vocalist of unusual merit—Signor Prepmii Hansen, the Danish Court tenor- -lifted his splendid voice at the Opera I loose last evening, and charmed U u . audience with several songs. Of great strength and purity, with a fine range, this tenor voice deserved the enthusiastic reception received, ami Signor Hansen improved Ids natural gift hv effective expression. He gave a. good interpretation ot “La Donne e Alobile ’ (sung in Italian) and “I Sen oath Thy Window ’ (sling in English, slightly accented), those being his most popular items.” Air J. Itcstieux. of the Grey Orchestra will accompany Signor Hansen. I lie usual prices will he charged.

For children’s c.oughs and colds the best remedy is "NAZOL.” Agreeable and safe. Afore economical than mixtures and syrups. GO doses Is fid Advt.

Bargains in knitted frocks. 10s fid. 21s, 255. Bargains in knitted costumes 27s fid, 32s (id. 30s fid. Clouiance of winter millinery 5s fid. 8s fid, 10s Gd, 12s fid, 17s fid upwards. No reasonable oiler refused at Sell ruder and Co’s. —Advt. Neglected chills bring Doctor’s hills. Let "NAZOL ” put you right. Unexcelled for obstinate coughs and colds, Is fid buys GO dozes.—Advt. Mill Owners: A trial will satisfy you as to the merits of our Belting, Greases. Jointings. Boiler Compound, Files. Saws, Paint, etc. R. P. M. Manning and Co.. 5 Bedford Row, Christchurch.—Advt.