Rangitikei Advocate. SATURDAY. MAY 8, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9439, 8 May 1909, Page 4

Rangitikei Advocate. SATURDAY. MAY 8,1909. EDITORIAL NOTES.

THOSE members of Parliament who desire to see this country progress should impress upon Sir Joseph Ward the necessity of abolishing” the institution that "prevents money from coming into this’coutnry£for investment. Recently Mr Harold Beauchamp, Chairman of Directors of the Bank of New Zealand, said “„I do not„thinb we can look for relief from mortgage and investment companies, so long as they have to face the comAdvances to Settlers Department.” The Christchurch Press remarks:—“This is plain com-mon-sense. How can any public companies investors be expected to send money here to invest in competition with a Department which professes to advance at a certain fixed,low rate of interest irrespective of whether the natural rate is high or low? That money is restricted from coming into the country is shown by Sir Joseph Ward’s*own admission. In support of his argument against the supposed deterrent effects of the mortgage tax, he said ‘The incredible fact remains that when interest was ruling in New Zealand at 4 and per cent., large sums were sent for investment at those rates, and the mortgage tax existed at 26 per cent, more than it is now, whereas to-day investors are getting, I am sorryjto say, up to 7 per cent.’ Bnt why is it that, although money flowed iu here for investment when the rate was 4K P°r cent., it is not flowing in to-day, when the rate •is 7 per cent.? The natural tendency of money, like that of water, is to flow wfaereever there is a vacuum to he filled up. What is the barrier that is keeping it out of New Zealand? We have no hesitation in saying that it is first the competition of the Governm&ht Advances to Settlers Department, and secondly, distrust of our legislation, especially the determined attacks delivered against the landed interest. Sir Joseph Ward’s remedy for the difficulty—and in this be is apparently hacked up hy Mr Beauchamp—-is to advance, more money through the Government Department to take the place of the private money that is being either kept out or drvefi out of the Dominion. Of coarse the more the Advances to Settlers Department is expanded, thj? more it will tend to keep away the private investor. Oan the Government safely shoulder the responsibility of supplying all the money required from outside for advances upon mortgage in the Dominion? We do not think they can, and if we are right, the proposed remedy will simply aggravate the disease.”

THE position really is that while the working of this Department prevents money-lending companies from doing bnsiness here, the Ministry cannot borrow sufficient for the requirements of the people. Even if it could the State would only he acting as rent collector for the British money-lender—the real landlord of the properties on which the Advances to Settlers Department lends money, and of the estates purchased with borrowed money. Turning to the statistics we find that for these purposes the Ministry has already borrowed aboqt 12 millions, and it now collects the interest to be sent to the men who have lent the money: It would be far better for ail concerned if money-lenders were induced to do bnsiness here, because the supply would then be practically unrestricted. As to keeping down the rate of interest it is sometimes better to pay a little higher interest for a much greater benefit and advantage. The abolition of this particular Department and the abandonment of the policy of buying estates to be pledged to the British money-lender, would confer more rear benefit than the borrowing of even ten millions.

A man named Frank Brennan attempted snioide at Greymontb by Dotting his throat and wrist with a razor. His injuries are not serious, and he will be removed to an asylum in a few days. At the inquest on Hamilton Rodgers, a newspaper seller, aged about 60, who fell dead in the street in Wellington yesterday, a verdict was returned of death from heart failure. Deceased came from South Africa seven or eight months ago. The Rev. W. Mawaon, M.A., accompanied by his wife, who. is the daughter of Rev. D. Gordon, has arrived in Marton from Ohina on furlough. Mr and Mrs Mawson were young and brilliant students of the Presbyterian Ghurch who went to China to* work in the Canton Tillage Mission about four years ago. They are accompanied on their holiday by their two little children, both of whom were born in Ohina.

The Premier says Parliament will not be called together earlier than nsnal. Two outbreaks of fire occurred in E. Merriman’s residence at Sydenham last night, and the’cause is mysterious. The Conference of the Society of Friends at Wellington is to discuss the.'question !of establishing a Friends Colony in New Zealand. Among the appropriations by Cabinet yesterday was the sum of £lo3i for i Main Trunk railway telephone .-erviees. Mr Carl Woingott, certificated piano toner, now visiting Marton, has left at this office copies of many recent testimonials for inspection. The list includes several leading Auckland musicians. From inquiries we have made we understand ’ that much satisfaction is beng expressed locally, with Mr Weingott’s expert work. —Advt. The discovery of a strong mineralised reef in Waihi, extending from the mine adjoining the Grand Junction, has created general interest in the district. The manager stated that possibly it was Martha reef, but until further development, which is being delayed owing to the volume of water eoming from it, its true identity could not be ascertained. All the contributory Bodies to the cost of the Gorge bridge having consented ,to a ceremonial opening of the structure when completed, the cost being allocated on the basis of the contribution of each, the OroPa County Council yesterday decided to open the bridge for traffic on May 26th, and request His Excellency the Governor to perform the ceremony. The Premier, the Minister of Lands, and members and ex-members of the several districts are also to be invited. Marton Literary and Debating Society had a very successful opening meeting last evening, there being about 30 members present. The subject for debate was “That some system of compulsory military training should he adopted in Now Zealand;” The motion was proposed .by Mr Bush, supported by Mr Hutchens, and the opposition was led by Messrs Cameron and Williams. Among the other speakers were Messrs Lewis, Waters, Hunter and Cook. The motion was carried by a two to one majority. On Tuesday morning, Wililam Lightfcand, a resident “of Brightwafcer,'and a youth, named Jackson, a son of Ralph Jackson, a well known citizen, left Nelson in a Canadian oanoe, intending go camp on Rabbit Island, abont six miles from Nelson. They took with them a dog, the body of which was washed up at Tahuna last night. Pears are entertained that the canoe may have been upset and the occupants drowned. The police and others have been searching the island, but up to the present nothing has been seen of either men or oanoe or any trace of a camp.

The annual meetng of the Waituna West Debating Society was held on Tuesday night, and was well attended. Mr E. G. Humphrey was unanimously elected president, Miss MoMeekan and Mr Goldshury vice-presidents, and Mr Mr W. Y. Shannon was re-elected secretary. Committee: Miss Shannon, Messrs Pearce, Hagan, and Oorpe. A hearty vote of thanks was given to Mr Goldshury, the retiring president, for his services during the last season, especially for :his editorship of the Society’s journal, this| branch of his services having been very highly praised. At a meeting of the Committee held afterwards an attractive programme was drawn np for the next consisting yof debates, elocutionary evenings, and social evenings. The opening social will be held on the 16th iust.

The interment of the late Mi T. W. Downes took place at the- Clifton Cemetery, Balls, yesterday afternoon, and notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather was largely attended, some of the old friends of deceased having come considerable distances to pay their last tribute of respect. Acting as pail bearers were Messrs T. McGregor, W. Homes, H. Kearney, and U. H. Hinkley, who had been associated with Mr Downes as members of the School Committee. Among those who attended were the members of Town Board, and the committees of the District High and Technical Schools. The service of the Anglican Church was conducted at the graveside by the Kev. . ,E. I. Sola in a most impressive manner. Conspicuous amongst the numerous floral tributes were beautiful wreaths from the pupils of the District High School, the committee of same, and the|Bnlls Town Board. Much sympathy is expressed with the family of deceased, who will be mnoh missed in the various capacities to which he so ungrudgingly gave Ilia time and services. .

The Kiwitea School Concert, which took place ou-Thnrsday night, was in every way a success. The decoration of the interioi of the building was due to the good taste and generous he'pof Mrs J. Stringer; the performances of the children was given under the charge of Miss Ritchie, the nsw teacher, bat the, preparatory training had been ?given them by Miss Griffiths. Mrs Hazell and Miss Stringer played the music for the dance, and Mr J. Kilgonr, chairman of committee, who presided, spared no trouble towards rendering the concert a snocess. The number of encores daring the performance indicated the satisfaction of the atldienoe. The following was the programme:—Pianoforte dnet, Misses Perry; song, “Flower Girl,” school children ; song, “The British Lion,” Mr Fisher; recitation, “King Brnce and the Spider, ” Kellie Stringer; dialogue, “Aunty Dimple,” seven school children; violin and piaho duet, Mrs Redwood and Mr Gibson; action song, “The Bells,” junior children; phonograph selection, Mr Barrow; dialogue. “Wee Bobby Barefoot,” two school boys; song, “The Love Tide.” Mrs F. Mcßeth; song, “Fisherman and his child,” senior children ; recitation, “Boys’ Rights,” Obas. Johnson; song, “Elf and the Dormouse,” junior , children; song, “Alone.” Miss Stringer; recitation, “Choice of a Profession,” six girls; song, Miss Taylor; action song, three children; song, “Good Night,” schoolchildren. Warm Tweed Overcoats 25s fid, 29s fid, 32s fid to 47s fid. Latest Styles. Reliable Oilooats riding out 14a fid, 19s fid, 25a fid. Warm Striped Ruga, large size, 6s lid, 7s lid, 11s fid. Large Waterproof Trap Rugs 11s 6d, 18s fid, 16s 6d. Neal. Cash Clothier, Feildlng.*

Lord Plunbefc yesterday unveiled the Marsland Hill memorial at New Fly ed on t.b. ■, The white population of New Zealand is estimated at 968,313. the Maori at 43,731, and Oook group, etc., at 13,340. Among those who attended the funeral of Mr T. W. Downes, at Bulls, yesterday, were Archdeacon Towgood and Mr Newman, M.P. The death is reported at Wellington of Mr D. M. Luckie, formerly Commissioner of the Government Insurance Department. At a meeting of Dunedin police last evening it . was agreed to ask permission of the Commissioner to have a conference in Wellington to consider the proposed amendments to the Provident Fund. 'Mr Outran, evangelist, will preach again in the Druids’ Hall, tomorrow evening, when his subject will be : “What the deaf man heard, The blind man saw, and The dead man did.” Mr R. E. Beckett has received cable news that his wool clip (Lincoln from Hinau) has realised an average of 8d at the London sales. The clip last year realised 61, so that the improvement represents a rise of 33% per cent. A meeting at Wellington last night presided over by Mr McLaren, M. P., condemned compulsory military training, as placing further burdens on the people, leading to compulsory service and conscription, and merely “finding billots for a set of idlers.” Oroua County Council yesterday received several applications for the position as clerk, but came to the conclusion that it would bo advantageous to combine the dual offices of Engineer and Clerk, as in the time of the late Mr tsray, and give the position to the present Engineer, Mr Roy Harding. Work-is to he resumed in a fortnight at the Westport Coal Co.’s Milierton mine, in which a fire occurred last February. The management will give preference of employment to those who were in the company’s service at the time of the stoppage should such men be applicants before the 20th. The following tenders were reMr O. Daniel, architect, for erection of woolshed, etc., for Mr J. R. McLennan:—R. Heald & Son (accepted) £43 10s, Lyaan & Clapham £4B 10s,a Neilson & iFoster £sl 10s, W. Irvine £53, Alsop & Bean|£s3 10s, D. Greer £55, J. and J. Wight £SB 18s, MoOhesney & Stokes £64 15s, M. H. Hubner £3B 10s.

James Hemingway, who was committed for trial lor the General Post Office robbrey, was to-day charged with stealing stamps to the total value of £856 from the GovernmentJJPrinitng Office, and also stealing iountain pena.valuejfof £l4O Lora Whitcombe & Tombs. The prosecutions were the result of the research of the Finger Prints Department. Accused according to Mr Wilford, his counsel, admits his guilt. He was committed to the Supreme Court for trial

At the meeting of Marton Debating Society last night it was decided to send a deputation to wait on the Borough Council at its next meeting in order to request the Council to invite Mr McNab to deliver an address in Marton on compulsory military training. Mr MoNab has been invited by Peilding Borongh Council to give an address on this subject, and it is thought that he might he willing to visit Marton about the same time.

The annual rep'ort of the New Zealand Paper Mills, Ltd., states that the net profits for the year amount to £7401. The interim dividend of five per cent, for the half year ended September absorbed £3317. With a balance from last year this leaves available £5666. The directors recommend a dividend at the rate of seven per cent per annum for the half year ended . March, and to carry forward £248.

The judges appointed by the Racing Conference have remitted the Cunningham case to Auckland Metropolitan Club fore onsideration of fresh evidence. They confirmed the endorsement by Auckland Metropolitan* Committee of the disqualifications by Avondale Jockey Club of Samuel George Lindsay and the horse Royal Soult for two years, but reverse -the decision of the said Clubs as reagrds the disqualification of the jockey Mark Ryan. They call the attention of the Auckland Metropolitan Committee to the evidence given in the case by William Jones, relating to overfeeding the horse, and recommend that he be disqualified for life. They order the deposits of the appellants to be refunded.

Some elucidatory remarks as to power of sale under mortgages are contained in the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered in the case of Miles v. Hussey, says the Post. Power of, sale implied in a mortgage under the Land Transfer Act does pot arise unless defanlt has continued for two months, and for a farther space of one month after notice. A period of at least three months must elapse before the right to sell arises. It is, however, customary to insert an express power of sale without notice after thirty days’ default. It is not unusual in first mortgages to insert an immediate power that might be considered oppressive.^ As an old inspector of the Wellington Education Board Mr Robert Lee, the present chairman referred at the Board’s last meeting to the'promotion of school children policy.. His remarks are of general application. “There is a great danger” he said “of !ohildren being promoted too quickly. They get through their standards too soon. Formerly there were always failures in the standards. Now they pass through all the standards, maybe, in five years, before they are thirteen. They leave school after they have passed the .'Fifth Standard, and, unless Standard V. is hardened, the system of education will not he so good as it might be. In a great number of oases there has been too great laxity. A very close scrutiny should be made by hqad masters. It ‘is an absurd thing that a whole class should be passed on into the next standard without the weak end, the tail, being kept back. It is only my personal Opinion.” Mr Lee, whose remarks met with the approval of members, concluded by declaring that the BoCjS*' would support the inspectors in Insisting upon a more careful promotion from standard to standard. FOR SCOUR IN CALVES sheep, pigs and horses, nse ‘IVERMOCINE ” Unequalled for all internal parasitic diseases of stock, Destroys stomach worms, intestinal woima and lung worms. Unsurpassed in all oases of diarrhoea affecting young animals. Obtainable from Brice, Broad & Co., Ltd., Marton.