TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 18846, 11 June 1920, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

The returns to hand of the elections in Germany cover only a portion of the whole. The Assembly contains 421 members and until the returns are complete it would be unwise to attempt to form any estimate as to the varying shades of political opinion in the country. In the Assembly elected in January, 1919, the strength of the parties was: — Majority Socialists 164 Christian People’s Party (Centre) 88 German Democratic Party .. .. 77 German National People’s Party (Conservative) 34 Independent Socialists 24 German People’s Party (National Liberals) 23 Guelphs 4 Bavarian Peasants’ League .... 4 Wuncmburg Bourgeois Party .. 2 Peasants’ and Workmen’s League (Schleswig-Holstein) 1 Figures compiled by M, Rene Besnard, a financial authority show that while in 1914 the, total national wealth of France was 285.000.000,000 francs, the national debt 35,000,000,000 francs, and the national expenditure 5.200,000,000 francs, in 1920 the total wealth is 800,000,000,000 francs, the national debt, 250,000,000,000 francs, and the national expenditure 25,000,000,000 francs. Major Rudolph Schroeder, the American airman who recently established an altitude record of more than 36,000 feet, will soon make another attempt to reach the altitude of 50,000 feet, in the hope of finding trade winds blowing west and east at bntwen 200 and 300 miles an hour. Major Schroeder believes that the future of aerial rapid transit lies in taking advantage of the high velocity breezes and the rarefied atmosphere seven miles above the earth’s surface. He contemplates for his next altitude flight enclosing himself in a glass case with oxygen tanks in his plane, convinced that he will reach a height of 50,000 feet. Before the war there were in the United Kingdom about 8,500,000 voters. Now there arc 17.250,000. It is estimated that by the next general election there will he nearly 27,000,000 voters, showing a slight majority of women. A proposition is on foot to alter the boundaries of Carterton. Dry rot is reported to be prevalent among crops' of swede turnips in the Wanganui district. Two bluogums at the old mill site in Masterton were recently felled. One was I42ft and the other 138 ft in length.

A number of chickenpox cases are reported from various parts of the New Plymouth district, but the outbreak is said to be not serious. A new bridge is to be erected on Broadway. Stratford, over the Patea river. The structure will be the full width of the street and it is understood the cost will be between £IO,OOO and £12,000. The police at Taumarunui last week, after an all-night vigil, were successful in securing a quantity of liquor landed during the morning. It is understood that a prosecution will follow. It is freely reported (says the Otaki Mail) that a district resident who recently disposed of a farm, which he had held for only about IS months, cleared £BOOO by the bargain. Inspector Mullaney, of the Whangarei police headquarters, has received information that a half-caste named Johnson is missing in the bush at Karetu. Search parties from Kawakawa and other places went out without success, and the gravest fears are entertained for Johnson’s safety. Another evidence of the danger of motor traffic was afforded a few days ago on the Sandon-Awahuri road, where so many regrettable accidents have occurred. The dead body of a horse tlrith its throat fearfully gashed, and a quantity of broken glass in the vicinity indicated a motor collision. A sad illustration of the moral tone existing in some circles at the present time in Auckland (says the Star) was given in two affiliation cases called at the Magistrate’s Court. In one case the putative father was 16 years of age, and in the other 17 years. In each case the mothers were older than the youths.

There is a movement in Kaikoura for the construction of a hydro-electric station on the Clarence river for the purpose of supplying the district between Blenheim and Christchurch.

The Southland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board has received a donation of £2O from the Five Rivers Red Cross Society for the benefit of the soldier patients in the Southland Hospital.

In the course of his report to the Motueka Harbour Board, the harbourmaster states that for the month of April 64,349 bushels of fruit were exported, compared with 40,423 bushels for the same month last year, showing an increase of 23,926 bushels.

“Or such prices in lieu thereof as the Controller shall sanction,” are the important words that are being added by amendment (in the Gazeltelto the terms and conditions under which butter will be purchased by the New Zealand Government for his Majesty’s Government of the United Kingdom.

The medical superintendent of the Southland Hospital, Dr D. Macdonald Wilson, stated in his report to yesterday’s meeting of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, that 79 patients had been admitted during May and that eight had died. Ninety-eight patients remained on June 1. The number of out-patients treated during May was 471.

A man who owned, in the vicinity of Palmerston North, what was a few years ago a flourishing livery and bait stable business, has now been compelled to sell out owing to the lack of customers. During the past year the greatest number of horses in the stable at any time has been four, and the takings over the year have not averaged £1 per week.

At the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, before Mr G. Gruickshank, S.M., judgment by default was given for plaintiffs in the following undefended civil cases; — Southland County Council v. John Blakie, for £7 10s with costs £1 7s 6d; Thomson, Bridger and Co. v. Plerbert Watson, for £8 6s with costs £1 7s 6d .

The war memorial controversy in Christchurch has proceeded the length of a recommendation that a Memorial Column and a Bridge of Remembrance be proceeded with, both to have official recognition by the civic authorities. The chief advocate of the bridge, Mr George Gould, stated on Tuesday that at most £6OOO could be raised by voluntary effort.

The report of the executive committee of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board stated that live applications for charitable aid had been received during the month, and dealt with as follows; One admitted to Lome Home, one no action taken, and three were left in the hands of the lady members and the secretary with power to act. The present expenditure on out-door relief was £3O 3s Cd, as against £22 14s 6d for the corresponding month of last year.

Mild influenza has been very prevalent in and around Invercargill during the month, stated the Health Officer’s report at the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board’s meeting. A smaU proportion of cases were moderately severe, but the pneumonic type was almost entirely absent. In any winter of average severity pneumonia was in evidence to practically the same degree as during the present season, irrespective of the presence or otherwise of influenza, such as was now being ex[>erienccd.

The Health Officer in his report to the H. and C.A. Board at its meeting yesterday stated that 365 cases of infectious diseases were notified during the month, made up as follows; —Influenza 294, scarlet fever 11, diphtheria 9, varicella 19, variola 17, pneumonia 3, tetanus 1, measles 1, puerperal fever 1. From the following districts; — Southland County 45, Invercargill 256, Gore 13, Bluff 20, Mataura 5, Winton 1, Lake County 3, Queenstown 3, Wallace County 10.

The matron of the Southland Hospital wishes to acknowledge the following donations: —Edendale Red Cross Society, Invercargill Red Cross Society, W.C.T.U., Salvation Army, Sixpenny Clothing Club, Mesdames Couscr, Grey, Fosbery Handyside, P. Cruickshank, J. H. Taylor, Harkness, Hannah, and Messrs W. D. Hunt and R. A. Anderson. The matron of Lome Farm acknowledged the following donations; —Mesdames A. C. Millar and Blay, Miss Birch and Abraham Wachuer.

A Dunedin resident, who is interested in rubber-growing in the Malay States, and who has recently returned from the East, states (says the Otago Daily Times) that the' rice crop in both Java and Siam has been a comparative failure for the past two years, and that many rubber growers have been compelled to reduce their labour force, not being able to obtain sufficient rice to feed the natives usually employed. This ia having a serious effect on the rubber-grow-ing industry.

A letter was read at the meeting of the executive of the Auckland branch of the Farmers' Union, from-a correspondent, who stated that he had been attending a meeting of 1000 Natives in the Waitahuna district, eight miles from Tapu. He was impressed with the idea that the money for lands sold by Maoris should be invested in a trust fund for their benefit, and the improvement of their land, as, it seemed In him, payment to individual owners only meant that the money was wasted in dissipation. The meeting referred the matter to the provincial executive with cordial support.

The monthly meeting of the Southland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held in the Board room yesterday afternoon, there being present: Messrs James Fleming (chairman), 11. S. Niven, R. Fraser, W. Norman. C. Robertson, E. Kerse, T. Rhodes, J. Cockburn, J. Matheson, J. McDougali and Mrs Cruickshank and Miss Birss. Tie report of the executive committee; which stated that accounts and salaries totalling £2907 19s Hd had been passed for payment and that the credit balance was £lll4 13s 2d, was adopted.

Keeping up the population was a subject of a few remarks by General Birdwood at the R.S.A. smoke concert in Christchurch on Tuesday. When in Waratah, Tasmania, he said, he had met an old man from the same place as himself, Devon, whose children, grandchildren, etc., numbered no fewer than 170. No fewer than five generation of the family were alive. Another record was established by a lady whom the General met in Queensland, who, he said, completely astounded him by stating that she had had five children in 16 months. He explained that she had first given birth to twdns, and next to triplets. “The cream of that,” commented the General, “was that her husband advertised for a wife and that was what he got. As I thought to myself at the time, ‘it served him well right.’ ” (Laughter.)

At the Police Court yesterday morning, before Mr G. Cruickshank, S.M., a first offender pleaded guilty to a charge of being found drunk in Leven street on Juno 9. He was convicted and discharged. Robert Gillespie, charged with being found in a state of helpless drunkenness on the North road on May 26, pleaded not guilty. Constable Fulton stated that on the morning of May 26 he received a telephone message to the effect that a man named Gillespie had been roaming around all night with an axe in his possession and it was feared that he might do harm to himself. He went to the accused’s house and took him into custody. The accused’s brother also gave evidence, and stated that accused had told him that he was not feeling well and was suffering from the effects of drink and had a slight touch of influenza. Witness sent for the police because he could not control his brother. The defendant stated that he was in his room having a quiet smoke when Constable Fulton came to the house and arrested him. He was quite sober. He was willing that a prohibition order should be taken out against him. The accused’s brother stated that he thought a prohibition order would have the desired effect, and the Magistrate agreed to this course being taken.

“A constable is not bound to arrest every drunken man, otherwise the lock-ups would not be large enough to hold them,” was the opinion expressed by a police sergeant when giving evidence at the Christchurch Magistrate’s Court.

A Wellington Press Association telegram states that an announcement shows that the arrivals in New Zealand during May exceeded the departures by 350. The arrivals included 97 Chinese and the departures 53 Chinese.

An enthusiastic meeting was held last evening to inaugurate hj series of Pop concerts, on the same lines as the former popular entertainments which were in evidence in the days of the war. Special efforts have- been made to get many of the old members to take part, and the programmes will be submitted on behalf of the forthcoming Southland Labour Carnival.

The little town of Morrinsville intends to “get real busy” on its housing scheme. A poll to raise £IO,OOO to build workers’ dwellings was carried. It is intended to build ten dwellings immediately. The site chosen is a portion of the recreation ground, which was purchased on mortgage, the mortgagee releasing live acres from his security in order to facilitate the board’s housing scheme. It is probable that the houses will be built of hollow concrete at a cost, excluding the sections, of £750 each.

A case was heard at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning in which Robert Bulling (Mr Eric Russell) claimed the sum of £5 5s from Robert Grieve (Mr Haggitt) alleged to be due as balance of wages of plaintiff, who was in defendant’s employ from September 3, 1918, to January 25, 1920. The defendant counter-claimed for £5 Bs, alleged to be due for grazing the plaintiff’s horse and for an overcoat. Mr G. Cruickshank, S.M.; gave judgment for the defendant with costs amounting to £1 8s and on the counter-claim for £1 12s.

A resolution that the Government be requested to endeavour to secure the services of Dr J. A. Gilruth as bacteriologist for the dominion, was carried on Monday night by the Auckland Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union. Mr J. Boddie, who moved the resolution, referred in eulogistic terms to Dr Gilruth’s work on behalf of the farmers of the dominion when he was previously in the service of the Department of Agriculture. Other speakers expressed similar opinions and it was decided to forward the resolution to the Dominion Conference.

Arrangements have been made for the return to America / of a Bolivian horsebreaker, with his wife and four children, who arrived at Auckland from Suva by a recent trip of the Navua (says the Dominion). These people were unable to pass the education test necessary for admission into the country, but circumstances made it advisable that they should be allowed to remain here for a short time. This picturesque group, who attracted a great deal of attention in the street in their theatricallooking garments, left by the Makura during the week.

A slouched hat, a pair of “shorts,” and a pair of boots, as all Anzacs know, formed the chief, in fact, the only, costume of most of the troops on Gallipoli. Commenting on this fact at a R.SA. smoke concert in Christchurch, General Sir William Birdwood told of one occasion on which he had taken a French admiral to see a battery of such scantily-clad men. The admiral was greatly impressed. “Ah, my General,” he said, “what magnificent men! and if they could appear in Paris in such a costume, .what a sensation they would make.” (Loughter). “Well, commented the General, amidst laughter, “they say imitation is the sincerest flattery. When we got to France we found that the 1915 fashion of Gallipoli had almost become the 1918 fashion of Paris, I mean, amongst the ladies.”

“There’s one matter which we, as an Industrial Association, will have to take up sooner or later,” said Mr J. A. Frostick ac a meeting of the executive of the Canterbury' Industrial Association on Tuesday.— “that is to what the term “bonus’ means. Is it wages or what is it? Not scores, but hundreds of awards were made with the proviso that the ‘bonus’ should cease six months after the end of the war. Not only was this not the case, but the bonuses have been confirmed and others added to them. A union which does not like to go and ask the Court for £4 10s has no hesitation in asking for £4 6s and a ‘bonus’ of 45.” Other speakers expressed the opinion that the bonuses would be withdrawn when prices fell, pointing out that the proviso for withdrawal six months after the end of the war was made when it was thought that prices would drop after the war, whereas they had gone up.

“We have seen two great booms, a rubber boom and an oil boom,’ said General Sir William Birdwood in Wellington. “The next boom may be a timber boom.” The General mentioned that timber was becoming scarce all over the world, and that he had been interested to see a report of a lecture on the subject of forestry by Sir David Hufchins. He would like to suggest that in dealing with forestry and other scientific questions New Zealand should make more use of the fine brains of its own young men. He had met many of these men at the front and had found them to be extraordinarily ingenious and resourceful in dealing with electrical and other problems. New Zealand had vast resources awaiting development and it could secure enormous advantages by giving its young men the best possible training and the widest opportunities to investigate scientific problems on their own account.

A report of the Inter-Racial Council in the United States dealing with the question of immigration, is to the effect that the majority of after-war arrivals have been women and children, mostly coming (o join husbands and fathers. There are practically no immigrants coming in from whom unskilled labour could be recruited. The races now predominating amongst the immigrants are Greeks, Syrians, Italians, and Spaniards. Most of the men arriving had previously lived in America. The women were not of the domestic servant class. If they went out to work it would probably be in canneries, boot and textile factories. The real position is that America is 4,000,000 men short as a result of the dwindling immigration. One member of the council stated: —“Thousands of immigrants are back in their own country', other thousands are migrating to Canada, South America, Australia, and other countries are making organised’ efforts to attract immigration, but the United States is not.” A conference has been called of representatives of industry-, finance, and agriculture on the immigration problem.

To solve the labour problem in connection with the light railway scheme for the middle of thei island, the Maori Pioneer Battalion is to bo re-formed on a semimilitary basis, says an exchange. This idea haa been fully considered by Captain Dansev, who is at the head of the engineering side of the work, and considers that the labour shortage is the chief difficulty in the way of light line construction. Captain Danscy has already discussed the re-forma-tion of the Pioneer Battalion with ex-offi-cers and n.c.o.’s, who were formerly of the corps, and the idea is to re-establish the battalion in its original formation, with a board of control consisting of officers and non-coms. The men will be encamped at a base, where supplies and equipment will be stored, the encampment to be run on military principles, and it is not yet quite established how the work will be done. Probably the men will contract for sections of line or they may have sections allotted to them, with a bonus payable in accordance with the speed and quality of the work. It is worthy of note that the returned men of the Pioneer Battalion are now experts in the work of railway construction, and Captain Dansey expects that they can build a line with a speed that has-not hitherto been attained. The men themselves and the chiefs of the different tribes are very enthusiastic over the scheme, and it is anticipated that the Returned Soldiers’ Association will see its way to assist the movement.

Quite a large number of people entertain the opinion that the printing of Hansard is a deliberate waste of public money (says the Wairarapa Age). Be that as it may, there is little doubt that thousands of pounds are wasted annually in the preparation of useless papers and returns. At a time like the present, when the newspapers of the dominion are at their wits’ end to procure supplies, and when the cost of paper is several hundred per cent, above pre-war prices, there can be no excuse whatever for the throwing away of public money by the Government Printer. Economy in the matter of stationery might with advantage be practised in every department of State.

A novel suggestion was made by Councillor H. W. Wise at Tuesday evening’s meeting of the Riccarton Borough Council during the consideration of the Stratford Borough Council’s resolution to the effect that the Government should be asked to make Saturday afternoon a universal halfholiday throughout the Dominion. Councillor Wise said that under present circumstances a universal half-holiday was not possible, as the employer in many lines of business had to work, the people who made it necessary being often those who agitated for the holiday. (Laughter). “And if you say you can’t do the job on Saturday afternoon,” said Councillor Wise, “they reply that as far as they are concerned you can’t do it any other afternoon.” He was in favour of pushing the matter a further step forward and making the half-holiday compulsory for employers also. It was decided to support the resolution of the Stratford Council.

Meccano! The engineering hobby of boys of all ages. Meccano provides the material, bolts, nuts, wheels, girders, cranks, also the specifications, the boy builds. Meccano ia indestructible, fascinating and highly educative. Delight your boy with a set. Hyndman’s, Dee street, Invercargill, have all sizes, 9/-, 16/-, 31/6, 47/-.

A specially choice assortment of Mercerised Lisle and Silk Ankle Hose, suitable for evening wear can be seen at THOMSON & BEATTIE’S. These goods are in execution of an order placed eighteen months ago. so the prices are absolutely right. In a full range of colours at 5/11, 7/6, 9/11 to 14/9 per pair. For good bard wear Hose in all wool see the line in black and colours at 5/11 per pair.— (Advt.)

FISH—2 Salmon 1/8, 2 Sardines 1/8, 2 Pilchards 1/8, 2 large Pilchards 2/9, 2 large Salmon 3/2. Also Honey, 21b tins, 2/3; jars prime Honey, 2/9; 91bs Honey 9/9; 561bs superior choice Clover Honey, IOJd —at BAXTER’S.—(Advt.)

“ Nothing succeeds like success” —so say the delighted users of “NO RUBBING” Laundry Help and “GOLDEN RULE * Soap. Invercargill grocers.— (Advt.)

See lovely display of Millinery'- Scarcely a day goes by that does not add measurably to the number of ladies who have discovered the advantages we are offering. The striking quality', the absolute certainty that has always been characteristic of our Millinery is reflected in every Hat. All on sale at these bargain prices—-Models to clear, 29/6 to 45/-; Black Hats and Toques, 19/5 to 37/0; semi-trims, 12/6 to 19/6; Velours, 15/6 to 39/ C; Felts, 4/11 to 18/6. Pull-on Hats, 3/11 to 10/6. A special offering of Wings and Mounts, your choice, 1/11. See Showroom for splendid values this week at H. & J. SMITH, Ltd., Progressive Stores, Inverc argill, and Gore. — (Advt.)

“What muddle superfluous preparation makes.”—Stanus. Certainly be prepared, for wise preparation means also the battle half won; but superfluous preparation is ill-advised. Always be prepared during winter time, which to the unprepared is chronic cough and cold time. Baxter’s Lung Preserver is ample preparation, for this sterling remedy is a sure, safe, and prompt remedy. It nips the trouble in the bud and fortifies against the return visit. The home that knows “Baxter’s” is cough and cold proof. Get large bottle of this 54-year-old specific to-day. 2/5 at chemist and store. — (Advt.)

Messrs PRICE & BULLEID, Ltd., are “clearing up” their Winter Millinery stocks at a quick rate. The special offer of 15 per cent, discount has resulted in quite a small “rush” in their Millinery Department. Being determined to reduce stocks to the Lowest possible level before the end of the season, they are not holding back any lines, but offer every Hat (trimmed or otherwise) at the above special rate. — (Advt.) RAPID FIRST AID. By promptly rubbing Q-TOL into a cut, burn or bruise, all dangers of inflammation or festering wounds are avoided. —(Advt.) HATS for men, youths, and boys—a fine shewing of all the popular styles and value prices. UNDRILL’S, opp. P.O.—(Advt.), INFLUENZA BACILLUS. As the Influenza microbe takes two days to develop, a dose of germ-destroying “Fluenzol” every second day will ensure immediate relief. Sixty doses of “NAZOL” cost only 1/6. Splendid for coughs, colds, throat and chest soreness. Get busy with “NAZOL" to-day, (Advt.) MASTERS, LTD., were the originator* of lae iu per cent, discount to returned sol* diera. Other storekeepers have copied us and we now go one better. We now invito all discharged soldiers and those waiting discharge to have their military hats reblocked, free of all cost, by the only hatta, in Southland. We still give a 10 per cent, reduction to all returned soldier*.—* MASTERS. LTD.. Dee street. — (Advt.). A Special Display of Exclusive* Evening Frocks, Silk Dress Skirts and Blouses, now being made at THE “ECONOMIC,” Ladies’ Outfitters. Prices exceedingly reasonable, (Advt.) Public speakers, reciters, singers I Use “NAZOL” to prevent or relieve huskiness, soreness and irritation of , the throat. Ready £br instant use anywhere.—(Advt.),