The Chronicle LEVIN. THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 1917. NEW ZEALAND AND THE WAR.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 1 March 1917, Page 2

The Chronicle LEVIN. THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 1917. NEW ZEALAND AND THE WAR.

O'n more than one occasion during tiic last two years it lias been The CHronicle'fi experience -to find many exponents of public opinion adopting views the promulgation of, which by this journal, some months earlier, has earned it temporary obloquy amongst ccrtain commentators. "When the war hr-gau we protested against the misliadiiig of the public by newspapers and public speakers into a belief that the struggle would be brief as well as glorious for us. Over two years ago we said that the public's true interests would be better served if they were told the truth that a successful termination of the war would require at least three years to achieve—as was proved in the light of war history. This prediction was scoffed at for some months; and when Lord Kitcliener'6 like opinion—really the opinion of any thinking man unafraid to recognise unpleasant truth—■ was cabled out, The Chronicle's prior statement conveniently was unreniembcred. Wc write in this strain with some regret, but there is need for it in view of certain subterranean engineering that a very few people in Levin exert against the editorial control whenever our sense of duty to the public" impels us to write truth in place of ordinary newspaper comment on events and prospects of the war. The latter way is the primrose path—for the time being at least— and when time proves the deductions erroneous it is easy to side-track the I discoverers by making fresh prognosI tications based upon later events.

A. second instance of volte face lias been seen in Zealand this year beginning; it is in regard to certain harassing aspects of the military recruiting scheme of this dominion, and the heaviness of the demand in its incidence upon primary producers. This protest marks an extraordinary veering of publicly-expressed views on this matter. Six months ago The Chronicle was accused of being a pro-Patagonian or some each tiling, because it had the sense of duty to say that the Minister of [Defence had fixed far too high a number as the levy for New Zealand's monthly reinforcements. Other "kindly" disposed critics ascribed our statement to the editor's "incurable bias against the Massey Party." What is the position now? A farmer's conference at Eltliam during the last few days has expressed views almost identical with those set out in our leading article of six months ago; in Canterbury a representative of the Provincial War Relief Association has published similar views, and from various places come notes of alarm as to the prospects of our primary industries in face of the heavy drain that is being made upon the labor market. The rpvo tests jc'ome Jaite. "When tliey mTght have had good effect the majority of the folk who voice them to-day were busily cheering; they had not felt the pinch. Those who, "could" have enlightened them did not do so: big newspapers, like big politicians, always follow the popular track, and true leaders are like truth ' itself: not easy of discovery. Yet the fact, was patent from the beginning : the guarantee of men given on

behalf of Now Zealand was too great for the reason that so great ia proportion of our population finds employment in our primary industries. The percentage of men sent by Great Britain is not a l'air test of the case as regards New Zealand; for Great Britain is a country that imports the great bulk of her foodstuffs, and her population lives principally byi industries : that are not essential in the full sense of the work. New Zealand, Australia, Canada, all are being reduced to a stage of half-efficiency as food-producers for the empire because their politicians proved themselves merely politicians at a period when statesman-like qualities were needed. The trouble besetting objectors at the present day is in the fact that so many men hiavo been drawn a way,:without protest that the present attitude of certain objectors may be construed into an attempt to obtain class-distinction protection. The Chronicle considers that the farming class "should be" 'protected against undue depletion of workers, but we are not blind to the fact that until the farming class as a whole began to be hit it showed no open concern for the cases of other primary industries of the dominion. Meanwhile the fact must be faced that the New Zealand Minister of Defence gave too large a guarantee of men; and that 'by Ill's pronouncement of less than two weeks ago he is determined to fulfil that guarantee. New Zealand evidently, is to be "bled white" in its agricultural activities as well as in other avenues 'of employment; ,tind tliej worst feature of this lies in the fact that the empire would be better served by the growing of more food in New Zealand than by the rushing forward to Europe of primary producers who possibly are less needed there than the fruits of their labor are. In saying this we have no desire to discourage recruiting; we simply write of facts as they are for the benefit of certain of our rulers who seem quite unable to face them squarely or to view them in true perspective.

LOO A L ■& GBKSR I*

On page 4 of to-day's issue appear articles entitled ''Mo-tor and Cycling," and "New Australian. Industry." while an interesting article—"A 'Gigantic IV'escope" will be found on page 1.

A new picture theatre is to be established in Le.vjin. Arrangements have been completed by Mr Joseph Lewis, of Wellington, whereby "lie acquires the premises and site now occupied by Mi" Grey Phillips, and lie is making arrangements to build on the 'site, during the next few months, a commodious and up-to-date - picture theatre. The stage will be fitted so as to accommodate variety companies, etc., and a marble bar and lounge will lie set up in front. The proprietor intends to project pictures of the finest quality and of widest interest. Plans lor the building arc being drawn by Messrs Williams and White, the well-known theatre architects, of Wellington. lhakara-Koputaroa district at present is discussing its approaching fair in aid of the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. This commendable function is fixed for 28th March, and the local settlers are determined to make it even a greater success than the fair held last year proved itself to be. A thorough canvass of the district is to be made, and it is hoped to bring together for sale a comprehensive selection of the produce and stock of this fertle plain. A novel guessing-competition already arranged for will be to estimate the live weight of a tame black swan, presented by Mr /P. A. E. Curtis. A concert will be held in the lhakara hall during the evening, at which the best talent of the district will take part, mafon wdt-aws, wofia; g(esm

A big meeting of farmers was held in the Eltham Town Hall on Saturday last, about 500 people being present. The' following resolution was carried: "That this meeting is of opinion that it is absolutely essential that production in the dominiqn should be maintained at .the maximum, and that while recognising that winning the war is of paramount importance, the operation of the Military Service Bill is depleting the dominion of so much skilled labor that it must shortly create a -serious and dangerous diminution of product® which are of the utmost importance to the empire." The meeting urged: (1) That the Government at once take steps to oiganise or engage necessary labor to prevent a grave dislocation and loss of production. (2) In view of tlie national importance of maintaining primary industries, the Government should establish a "board comprising practical men, directing, organising and regulating these industries.

Wholesale prices for New Zealand butter rule high in England For shipments landed during 1' ebiuary 224s per cwt. was realised in some instances. This is equivalent to 2s per lb., gross, but against this must be set down the heavy freight, and other extraordinary expenses such as war risk premiums.

The medical board tliat silt in Levin yesterday lias reported that the hatch of recruits that came forward for examination proved to be on? o the best batches they had had before them (No. 1 Board). Of thirty-six men examined, 20 were passed as fit for active service, 8 for home service, and 8 were rejected as unfit for anj' service. Owing to the lateness of the board in arriving at Levin, only thirty-six men could be examined in the time available, and the remaining 26 summoned will have to come to Levin when the board next sits ill this town. ___

A program has been prepared for tlie Juvenile S'wmming Carnival to bo held in the Coronation (Batha, Ijevin, on Wednesday next. It will be . available for distribution to prospective competitors in a day or so.

Copies of the show schedule for the Dunedin Apple Show (patriotic) have been forwarded to Mr iMarco ITosella, of Levin, president .of the Horowlienua 'Fruitgrowers' Association, and may be obtained from him.

A cable received in Christchurch states that Mr ' Philip Garrington, of Canterbury College, New Zealand,

has been, awarded the Hulsean Prize at Cambridge University. Mr Philip Garrington is a son of Dean Garring-

ton, of Christchurch. He is 24 years of age, and went to Cambridge two years ago to read for Holy Orders, after passing through Christ's College and Canterbury College. At Cambridge lie has won the Chancellor's gold medial for English verse, the Members' (of Parliament) prize lor an English 'essay, the 'Carus Prize for knowledge of the Greek Testament, the Searle Prize for an English essay, a first in theology, and now the the Hulsean, which is one of the university's own prizes, Value 60 guineas, and is given annually for the best theological essay.

The usual"apathy of citizens in connection with the municipal franchise is apparent. The main roll is closed, but the .supplementary roll lis istjll open to those who desire to claim their civic right at the -eleventh hour. The town clerk (Mr Palmer) does not expect that the roll will be'bigger than usual. He considers that the dency of many of Wellington's residents to live in hotels and boat dinghouses jis one of 'the reason}* itha.t make for apathy in regard to elections of municipal magistrates. A floating and homeless population attaches little importance to the vote. —N.Z. Tiroes..

Magistrate: "You say the man died a natural ?'' Witness: -\es, your Worship." Magistrate: "But I thought he was shot?" Witness: "So lie was, hut he was practising on the trombone at the time."

To-morrow night (Friday) a "sendoff" to the Levin quota of the 27th Reinforcements will he given in the Century Hall, commencing at 8 o'clock! There sire sixteen men in the draft, some of whom are due to go to the concentration camp at Palmerston on the sth March, and the • remainder on the 13th. The entertainment will take the form of a populai concert and additional interest will he given to the 'function by Staff-Sergeant-Major Dent, who will relate trench stories and anecdotes from the fiont based on his personal observations. Amongst the performers will be several new to Levin audiences. ■Following their usual custom, tin, Ladies Rod Cross Committee (Levin) will present Cardigan jackets to the departing men.

At Ohau this evening (Thursday) a "send-off" to theOliau draft of recruits will take place in the local institute. A number of Levin performers will participate in entertaining the men. After the concert, a dance will be held. t

Mr. A. Gray lias disposed of liis Kimbcrlcy road. farm to Mr. 'Galloway, of Manakau. Mr. Galloway enters into possession to-day.

A telegram reached Mr. De Mej, of Knwiu road, yesterday, that his fourth and youngest son, who went into camp at Featlierston only a week ago, has been- incapacitated with an attack of dysentery. Mr. De Mey left Levin last night, on his way to Featlierston.

A number of n.c.o.'e of the 27th Reinforcements now are in Levin, on a week's leave, preparatory to returning with their draft.

From "Somewhere in France," Q'.M.s' Sloan writes to the of The Chronicle: "I am doing A 1; Having a quiet time, though 'Fritz' sends over a few shells now and then." Accompanying the letter was a striking publication (illustrated with soldiers' original sketches), entitled "Shell Shocks." The letterpress all is by men 011 active service, and some wellknown New Zealand names head the articles. An introductory note is supplied by Lieut.-General Sir Alexander Godley, and the work of supervision and an appropriate foreword are from Dion Clayton Calthrop (commander 11.N.V.R.), formerly of New Zealand. The publication undoubtedly takes premier place amongst the literary productions -of active service life. The magazine may be seen at the Chronicle office by anyone interested.

General regret will be felt throughout Levin and district at the news of the death of Mi's R. Bryson, wife of Dr. Bryson, of Levin, which took place at Palmerston last niglit. The deceased lady was highly popular in Levin. She was born and brought up in Christchui'ch, and at the age of 19 she went to London where she studied music for five years. She returned to New Zealand about four years ago and was married a year later to Dr lSry.on, and then came, to (Levin where ever since she has resided. Her interest and helpfulness in the social and charitable endeavors of the 'Levin community will be greatly missed.

Constable Berry, of Glenavy, caught a 161lb quinriat salmon above the Waitaki bridge the other day. It was consigned to Timaru. (Numbers of others have ibeen landed. Mr Walker's boy got a big one near the Stonewall, liedcliff, recently. They are said to be very plentiful just now. There is a legend that a quinnat salmon weighing lOOlbs. was caught in Lake Oliau not long, ago. A iWaimate man has seen the man who saw it.—Waimate Advertiser.

Ticket frauds by passengers have increased more than ,100 per iceiiti since the war began, says the 'Great Western "R-ailway agazine. • The chief offenders it continues, are women and girl munition workers. This year one railway company alone has prosecuted 530. persons for fraud.

Mr J. S. Johnstone,, wood and coal merchant notifies that all orders for wood and coal must be accompanied by cash.

The special effort to be made by Levin lied Gross Society on behalf of 3>r 'Barnardo's Homes has been set forward to Saturday, 10th March. Originally it was fixed for Saturday next, but that day lias been found unsuitable. ■Mr C. CV Higginson, farmer, has voluntarily enlisted, at Wellington for the 29th New (Zealand {Reinforcements. A ballot to ascertain recruits for iNtew lZeaJand T |3 29tli [Reinforcement will take place next Monday, at Wellington.

The lion, secretary of the Belgian garden fete desires to acknowledge with thanks a cheque for 25s from Messrs Abraham and Williams, proceeds of of lamb donated by MiWilson; ial.-o n doll bride donated by Mrs Lester (Fairfield), and 5s each from Mcs-rj Kay and Allmand. Feilding Bowling OJub has regained the Dixon Cup. A iFeilding rink defe'ted the holders :(Masteir-> ton rink) by 20 to 10. "We live to learn, and it is a long time since I went to school," confessed the Secretary of tlie Feilding Chamber of Commerce at a recent meeting. In writing to the authorities as Secretary of the Chamber, lie I complained that the additions to lists of telephone subscribers were issued il>i-eiu]|ially. S'aid 'the I'oSstmasterGeneral in reply: "I may point out that the new lists are not issued biennially; they are issued every six months." The mistake, it might he added, is a coin .now one. (Biennial means once every two years. Triennial Parliaments aro those which are elected once every three years. Many newspapens published three ttiiqes a week .are wrongly called tri-weekly. At one time in the history of this coast the Sandon tram provided what was called a tri-weekly service. A settler, being asked the meaning of Such a term, was told that the tram ran down to Foxton and tried to get badk every week.—Star, 'Feildingi.

A dog story from the 'Stratford "Post": A well-known drover'possesses a dog which he naturally values very lliighlyi for it faithfulness and wonderful sagacity ; many examples of which qualities have been given,, but none more .remarkable than that of a few days ago. It appears the dog's master had business in Waitara, and as on some previous occasions, took his dog with him, travelling by rail. In the afternoon the dog, tired of waiting outside the place of business where his owner was occupied, trotted to Lepperton Junction and was seen to quietly board an empty butter truck where lie remained unnoticed by the guard. At Inglewood the dog got out and took an airing on the platform and was met and apparently welcomed by some * caniue friend. When the whistle blew the dog stood alert, 'and as the train started to move, again boarded the truck unobserved by. the officials. When the train reached Stratford the dog unhesitatingly jumped oif, and at once went home, where he was found peacefully sleeping when his master duly arrived several hours later, having returned to Stratford by road.