The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1927. THE AIR FORCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 August 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1927. THE AIR FORCE.

With Hying such a. vogue it is evident aerial defensive and offensive measurui are to play an important part in any future conflict. As a matter of fact just as the Great War-was drawing to an end the Allies had made extraordinary preparations for an aerial offensive and it was fortunate in many respects that the world was spared the spectacle which in itself would have decided the long drawn out conflict. Even since then immense progress has been made in the preparations for aerial warfare, so that in the event of another determined conflict, the test "ill lie a severe one. Apart from what can he done usefully and economically in aerial scouting both on land and sea, an air force is now equipped for much sterner work. During the Great War there were the aerial raids at vaious points, and since then there have been enormous developments. Great Britain has not stood still in regard to the aerial arm of defence and offence. The pageant at Hendon held not so long ago was nothing more than a combined naval and military touran\ent transferred to the air. There was also the sham attacks on London and certain revelations were brought to light. It is a fact, however, that the British aerial machines as designed for war, are considered to he in the very front of all nations. As an indication of what is being done in the way of advancement, it is recorded that of the IGO machines engaged in the Hendon pageant, ther were only some 30 machines, dating back to the war period in their design. And some of the latest designed machines were not used openly, the needs of military secrecy preventing the display of the very latest British aircraft The pageant itself was a remarkable test of the machines and the knights of the air. Light fighting j

machines assailed heavy bombing machines. Anti-aircraft guns were in action. There was also an attack on a kite balloon, followed by the descent of a dummy observer attached to a parachute; and an air rescue of white people cut off in an imaginary Eastern town, with bombing of the assailants and the dropping of supplies from friendly machines. One of the most interesting events was the. race of machines to a height of five miles. Speed of climbing is a factor of great military importance, and the modern fighter in high-level aircraft has his clothing and gloves heated hv electrical goal - and uses oxygen apparas Ins. Equipment of this kind was introduced in the course of the war, and the wonder is that airmen were previously able to survive without it. Drill by wireless, looping tbc loop in formation, and musical antics executed by aeroplanes completed the display. The war proved that even “stunts’’ are of value. Richthofen, for example, owed many of bis successes to them, and Immelmanu gave bis name to a particular kind of turn. In short, the British public saw its lcniglits of tlm. air at their best and their work was remarkable from every point of view. The course, of evolution as carried out were intended as a rehearsal for actual war conditions, and was the culmination of a period of training. On the top of this we have lately read of a wonderful demonsi ration of Britain’s mechanical army on land, all indicating preparedness for any emergency. "With the League of Nations operating, one might think there was no fear of a. great war again, hut the unrest in Europe and Asia, and the let that "Russia api vears to he such a dangerous leaven among the nations suggests that is is wise, to lie prepared and forearmed for all possible emergencies. To that extent Great Britain is certainly not neglecting first essentials but is aiming at future security by a line of preparedness which should warn off any sudden attack or diro emergency.

Tins week the Westland Hospital authorities per medium of its annual social gathering, is making its regular appeal to the people of Hokitika and immediate surroundings for special financial assitanoo. Year by year the Board relies on special aid by way of special or voluntary contributions, and Ibis year, more than at any time, tbc extra financial belli is required. Tbc Board, in. the main looks to tbe local bodies and tbe Government for its monetary welfare, but that source is limited to tbe actual levy made on tbe Estimates. In consideration for tbe rates and tbe ratepayers, tbe Board confines its leviable requirements to tbe minimum amount, but invariably extra cx]>onditure crops tqi, and tbe special income derivable from lienofits or voluntary contributions assist to that end. In times past tbe local hospital was maintained chiefly from local subscriptions, but changes in tbe legislation altered tbe svstem. Tbe hoc ossify for financial help, at tbe moment, is very urgent, and a bandsome surplus from Ibis week’s appeal would be very welcome. The local institution i.s conducted in a. manner which must bo giving every satisfaction. If is now very well found and tlu' attention given by tbe Superintendent and Staff is tbe subject for frequent, acknowledgement through tbe press by grateful patients or their friends. Tbe Board has contrived to have tbe local hospital completed on the most economical lines possible, and some of the members of tbe Board manifest tbe closest interest in tbc immediate welfare of the institution and all about it. Tbe services given to the public in the. general interests in ibis respect are very considerable, ami appreciation might well he shown I is- making i.uo financial obligations of I lie Board as light as possible. Gradually a very valuable property is being created in and about, the hospital. The giounds are being extended and being brought into profit, thus reducing pornuuionily the running costs. The management in that respect lias been far-sighted and is worthy encouragement. It is for tbc public to help to tin' best of their ability at this juncture. Tbe public appreciation is well earned and would prove of encouragement to those charged with tbe care and management of tbe public hospital. Tbe institution i.s one of which the people as a whole might well be proud, and there is full warrantry for all possible financial help being extended to tbe hospital at this juncture.

Mr Sidey’s daylight saving measure is likely to pass the House of Representatives this week. There was a substantial vote in its favor during the stonewall last week in tho House.

Ti is understood tlio Public AVorks Department proposes to spend no In £IOO on relief works in extending Dorothy Falls track at Lake Kanieri, to provide work for unemployed sawmill bands.

The usual' weekly euchre tournament will he held in St. Alary’s Club Rooms (bis evening. The prizes on this occasion are of a very valuable description being, first, an electro-plated nickelsilver tea service (including a large teapot, with jug and sugar basin); second, a large band-painted mirror; third, a bedspread ; fourth, a coir mat. Admission 'Js ; supper provided.—Advt.

At Lancaster Park, Christchurch, on Saturday, as a curtain-raiser to the 'Cnuterbury-Tarauaki match, a school hoys game between Canterbury and West. Coast provided the spectators with a bright and open exhibition. 'I be boys tackled lull'd and ran straight in a most pleasing manner. The Canterbury boys wore more finished performers than the visitors and they won by 22 points to 0.

Final arrangements are now complete lor the Hospital plain and fancy dress ami paper ball jii the Drill Hall tomorrow ■ Wednesday) night. Very elaborate decorations and special attention to the floor should prove very attractive, while a strong committee of ladies are busily preparing for a plentiful supply of eatnbi’es for the supper. Special prizes have been donated for tlie best fancy costumes for both ladies ami gentlemen. The next evening a minister fancy dress children’s carnival wib be held. Entrance will be by the ’I own Hall door and dancing on Wednesday evening will commence at 8.30 o’clock. .

Almost unconscious as the result of violence, a man was found in -Montreal Street, in the vicinity of King Edward barracks, on Friday night. Leaving the barracks about nine o’clock, three men were attracted by cai'ls for Help. So insistent were the calls that they hurried to the street, just in time to see a motor-car start a few yards away. Going to the spot where the ear had been, they found a man lying on tlioj road, in an almost unconscious condii turn. When lie bad somewhat revived, the story be told was an amazing one. He said that he had been in the motorcar with four men. A dispute bad j arisen, and the driver of the motor stopped bis ear. As the car stopped, the man was pulled out on to the road. He was suddenly set on by the other occupants, who knocked him down and then proceeded to “ put in the boot ” to such effect that lie was badly knocked about. The man who was injured was taken to the Police Station by someone who arrived on the scene, in order that his story could be investigated,

Notice of a strayed yearling red steer appears in this issue.

Mr and Mrs Selby insert a notice of thanks in. this issue.

A reminder is given of the annual meeting of the Hokitika Bowling Club, which will be held in the pavilion tonight at 7 o’clock sharp.

M ill those people who kindly promised refreshments for the Hospital Ball please send same to the Town Hall on Wednesday afternoon.

The usual meeting of Lodge Westland U.A.O.D. to be held on Thursday evening next, has been postponed to ihursday evening, September Sth, when it is requested that all men should lie present for the. purpose of discussing New Rule 88A. Advt.

file popular weekly dance was held in St. Mary’s Club last evening and proved very enjoyable. Capital music was supplied by an orchestra of six instruments with Mr Lawn in charge. The various numbers were heartily applauded and dancing went with a good swing tho whole evening. Supper was .served before the gathering dispersed .

A huge blast was effected in Ngaliauranga Gorge on Saturday by the Public Works Department, 10,000 tons of jock being brought down by the use oi a ton and a-quarter of gelignite at one shot. The rock is to lie used in connection with the Barbour reci’amation for the Tawa Elat railway deviation.

Peerless Pictures present at Woodstock on Wednesday, Kokatah.i on Friday, a Master picture entitled “Bringing Home the Bacon,” played by an all star east: The big supports include Pntlie Review, Topical Budget, World’s News, good comedy and also episode si ven of the “Go-Ct'Uers.”—■ Advt.

Messrs W. Woddel and Co. Ltd. advise, dated Loudon 2(>th inst.—Danish butter 173 s to 17(is (last week 175 s to 17(is); New Zealand, unsalted 174 s to 178 s (172 s to 178 s), salted, 170 s to 174 s (llif.s t'o 172si ; market iirin. Cheese, white, 92s to !)4s (00s to Oils), coloured 02s to 04s (00s to Oils) ; market linn. Canadian cheese, white 03s to Oils (02s to 04s); coloured, 04s to Oils (02s to 04s).

The final’ preparations in connection with to-morrow night’s Hospital Ball are being completed to-day. Tlio decorations are of a special nature and the floor is receiving a thorough preparation. With Boss’s Orchestra supplying the music and the assurance of a first-class supper, patrons can rely upon the ball being a huge success. The Grand March will commence punctually at 8.30 p.in.

Claim is being made by a Christchurch man for a half-share of the estate valued at 22,000,000 dollars of tho late Mr Andrew Crawford, an American millionaire. The Christchurch man and a sister, living in Ireland are believed to be the only claimants upon the estate, and it i.s stated that they have proof of flieir relationship to the lata millionaire. Twice now an American attorney has crossed the Atlantic to confer with the man’s sister in Ireland. He was the first to acquaint her of her believed relationship with the deceased millionaire. Tt was the sister in Ireland who wrote to the claimant in Christchurch and told him of the visits some years ago. The late Mr Andrew Crawford left Ireland for America, where lie amassed a huge fortune.

An interesting decision was given by Mr W. G. Biddell, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court. Wellington, on Thursday, when W. H. Stevens and his wiTe claimed £7 Is damages for a coat, from the Victoria Laundry Company Ltd. The statement of claim showed that in March last plaintiff left a cloth coat with defendant company to he dyed. At the time the coat was deposited tlio owner signed a form of deposit with flie words “all work is done at owner’s risk.” When tlio coat was returned it was not dyed the colour required and the work had been done patchily, the colour not being uniform. The plaintill' alleged negligence and that the work had not been done in a reasonable and workman-like manner. Dcfeiidnt claimed that tho work was done well and that the variations in colour were due to fading of the original cloth. The Magistrate hold that the work had not been done satisfactorily and that if defendant company accepted the coat to perform the work required it undertook to do it in a workmanlike manner. If the company considered that it could not ha ve done the work it should have refused to dye tho coat at all. However, plaintiffs were not entitled to the price of a new coat

and lie fixed tbe damages at £3 10s with costs and witnesses’ expenses, amounting to £2 12s (Id. Judgment was entered for plaintiffs accordingly.

Window Curtains.—lf it’s window curtains you require call and see McKay’s display.—Advt.

Quick dispatch to stubborn colds certain with “ Xazol.” Take a few drops on lump sugar, or inliaie. Powerful. penetrating, and acts like a charm. HO doses Is fid.—Advt. Tbe first of tlie spring bats have come to hand and are now on view at McKay’s.—Advt. Whitebait netting made to sample of netting supplied by professional Hokitika whitebaiter is now on sale at McKay’s at 3s 3d a yard. The netting is extra strong and tlie mesh is considered just tbe right size.—Advt. Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure For Coughs and Colds, never fails. When children are restless, give them Wade’s Worm Figs. Safe, sure, and pleasant. All chemists and r,tores.--A d v t.