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Southland Times, Issue 18860, 28 June 1920, Page 4

An Auckland merchant is quoted as having said that his most recent advices from England have been to the effect that the demand for matches is so great that it is not expected that any orders can be accepted from New Zealand for a year or two. Some time ago a number of poultry farmers living in Hastings got together with the idea of forming an egg circle (states the Hawke’s Bay Herald). The idea did not advance very far until a short time ago. It is likely that the circle will be established within the next two or three weeks. Several ladies who started an interesting conversation in the Auckland Magistrate’s Court recently were somewhat surprised when Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., remarked; “There is room outside, ladies, where you can discuss matters,” whereupon those addressed promptly retired. The present stock of Mark VI small arms ammunition, amounting to 5,000,000 rounds, has been reserved for the use of the Dominion Rifle Asociation and defence rifle clubs. When this quantity is exhausted, no further supplies of Mark VI, S.A.A., will be available, its manufacture having been discontinued. Prices in Wellington are falling, indicating a possible reduction in the cost of living. Several shops made quite a display of boots and shoes marked down to quite a reasonable price. The price of eggs has also fallen, and a further reduction is anticipated. Various other articles are also being reduced in price. Two boys, Cyril Bowen (15) and Eric Clayton (15) left Takapuna in a small open boat on Friday afternoon (says a Press Association telegram) and their prolonged absence caused anxiety. A search was instituted by the water police. Later it was learned that the two boys spent the night at Rangitoto and they were brought to town by a dredge. At a meeting of the Board of Science and Art at Wellington last week, Mi H. F. von Haast urged that the Government should exhibit the exceedingly valuable collection of photographs of war memorials sent out to it from London by Mr S. Hurst Seagcar. Mr von Haast, pointed out that such an exhibition should prove very helpful at present, when so many bodies were contemplating the erection of war memorials. Other members of the board endorsed Mr von Haast’s remarks. Heavy- snow has fallen in many parts of Canterbury and falls were still occurring on Friday in some districts in the back country and on the East Coast towards Kaikoura and Cheviot. As a consequence there has been a considerable interruption of telegraph services. The fall varies from two mcnes to two feet, the latter being experienced in the Hundalee and Mount Somers districts. In the Tiniaru district cold rain has fallen for several days. There was 12 inches of snow at Fairlie aud 18 at Tekapo on Friday. Owing to the scarcity of paper, the Government has directed that the Monthly Abstract of Statistics is to be considerably reduced in bulk, and its circulation cut down to cover only necesary requirements. The New Zealand Journal of Science is also threatened with extinction on account of the shortage of paper. The Wellington subeditors of the journal have entered a strong protest against the contemplated decision, on the ground that the amount of paper used is small compared with the importance of the journal. There has been an epidemic of burglaries and robberies in Wellington. In addition to cases reported in the newspapers, some £25 was stolen the other evening from a house of one of the Judges of the Supreme Court. The money belonged to the daughter of the house. The story is that a maid met a strange man in his stockinged feet descending the stairs; that the man put his hand over her mouth, that she screamed, and that he then escaped without anyone else having seen him. In another case £2O was taken from a locked drawer in a house. The money in this case also belonged to a woman. There have also been several robberies from clothes lines. During the last year, states the annual report of the Wellington Education Board, 55 school committees raised locally £2257 17s sd, which, with £ for £ subsidy, was spent to benefit their schools. The amounts include £3OO for a manual centre at the Hutt, and £4OO for a new site at Martinborough. Besides money, gifts of land were received from generous donors at Featherston, Pukenui, Castlepoint and Waterfalls. In regard to the granting of subsidies the board takes the view that because of the excellent spirit displayed and the good results attained, the Department should hesitate before declining subsidies if the purposes are really beneficial to the school. The fares betwen New Zealand and the United Kingdom have been increased by the New Zealand Shipping Company. The first-class single fare, which was formerly £IOO and £llO, has been raised to £lls and £125, while the return fare for that’ class, previously £175 and £195, is now £2lB and £238. The second-class single fare is raised from £GS and £7O to £BO and £BS, the return fare being increased from £122 to £l4B. For the third-class, which previously contained three grades of accomodation at £37, £39 and £43, a single trip now costs £4O, £42 and £4G for similar grades, while return fares, which formerly cost £GG, £7O anil £77. have been raised to £72, £75 and £B2. These fares are now in force. The preparation of a register of early settlers for the National Historical Collections was discussed by the Board of Science and Art last week. A form had been prepared for circulation among early settlers and their descendants. The preparation of such registers was stated to have proceeded a long way in Canterbury and Otago, but relatively little had been done in Wellington. The Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. G. J. Anderson) sugested the need of a definition of “early settlers.” lie thought that the date of arrival in New Zealand should be not later than 1860. The advance of time was making a definition necessary. The board agred to fix the limit at 1800 as far as the historical collections arc concerned. Professor Easterfield remarked that 1860 would be to early for Westland, where the gold rushes had taken place in 1865. An idea of the magnitude of the schoolground problem in New Zealand was given by the Minister of Education in addressing a deputation at Wellington, last week. The Education Department now looked upon fouracres, said Mr Parr, as the minimum for playing space after deducting the area occupied by school buildings. If that had been the minimum 30, 20 or even 10 years ago, they would now have been saved a great amount of trouble. As he travelled over the country he could not but be impressed by the short-sightedness which had been shown by the Departments of State and he would add by municipalities. There were at least 1000 schools in N.Z. lacking adequate playing areas. He had three-quarters of a million allowed him each year for buildings and sites for primary and secondary schools and the universities and special schools. Manifestly, it was impossible for him to provide at once for all that was required. In no city was the position worse than in Wellington. He thought this city easily bore the palm for this evil excellence of small grounds.

In reference to the scheme to improve the navigation of the Wanganui River and to generate electricity, a circular letter has been prepared by the Wanganui River Trust, which will be sent to all local bodies interested, inviting their consideration of a proposal to employ an engineer to report upon the river’s possibility, the cost to be bo;n proportionately by the local bodies interested. The experiments that are being made by Government experts into the use of power alcohol as a substitute for petrol (says a writer in the London Evening News) show that the best sources of supply are certain tropical plants, of which sugar cane Is the best. In England there has been only one plant discovered from which power alcohol can be produced profitably—the despised Jerusalem artichoke. The consent of the Government to the raising of loans has been granted to the Ileathcote County Council for £28,000; Franklin County Council, £5500; Masterton County Council, £12,690; Waitomo County Council, £16,750; Waipa County Council, £300; Tc Puke Town Board, £475; Dannevirke and Kairanga County Councils, £6OO each; Balclutha Borough, £3OO. In order to remove the difficulty at present occasioned to men in hospital through the necessity of having the period of availability of the £5 5s civilian clothes warrants extended from time to time where they have not been able to negotiate them within the specified time, it has been decided that the pay accounts of all those still entitled to the privilege of these warrants will be credited with the sum of £5 5s in lieu of such warrants. A motion was passed at a meeting of the Auckland school committees requesting the Minister of Education to amend the Education Act to provide that (1) members of school committees should be elected for a term of two years, half of the members to retire annually; and (2) a register to be kept for each school district of all qualified householders, and that an all-day ballot be taken in connection with the election of school committees. An agreement has been reached between the New Zealand Federated Seamen’s Union and the Government regarding the conditions of employment on the Government steamers Tutanekai and Ilinemoa. In the main, the terms are. much the same as those contained in the agreement with the private shipping companies, the principal difference being that the wages of the men employed on the Government steamers are £1 a month in advance of those paid to seamen on the ordinary coastal vessels. A peculiar complication has been disclosed in connection with residence in a nolicense district (says the Auckland Star). An invalid, who was ordered wine, requested to he supplied with two gallons from a certain wine-grower in Auckland district. That gentleman, not being sure of the law upon the case, enquired of the Clerk of the Licensing Court to ask if he is permitted to send wine to a no-license area for an invalid. The reply was that it would not be lawful to forward the wine to a resident in a no-lieense area, so the money forwarded with the order had to be returned. “There are agitators pressing for militarism as the only way (o save China,” said the Rev. J. Bell, a Chinese missionary’, who recently arrived in Wellington. “God help the world if this spirit prevails! Thank God, however, some of her leading men are men of great insight. One of her representatives at the Peace Conference in Versailles —C. T. Wang—lately returned, and at a great welcome meeting in Shanghai, at which 1200 leading men were present, he said: ‘Nothing else can save our country but the Christianity of Jesus Christ.' Considering that many of China’s leading men are similarly convinced, we do not wonder that Sherwood Eddy said: ‘Politically, China was never so dark; spiritually, she was never so bright.’ ” The fall in the value of the Indian rupee from 2/8 to 1/11 is, according to a Wellington tea merchant, going to bring down the price of tea pretty suddenly and involve, holders of stocks purchased at recent high values in considerable loss. “I expect to see the price drop 6d per lb. almost at once,” said the informant, “as very big stocks are held in Australia and merchants will want to quit their high-priced tea us soon as possible, so as not to be faced with too big a loss, for the reduction may be forced on all by the action of a few who cannot take the risk of holding on. The New Zealand stocks are also pretty heavy, and as they have all been bought with the rupee standing at from 2s 4d to 2s Sd., there can scarcely fail to be a heavy loss entailed in clearing out these high-priced stocks. It was generally thought that the rupee could not ‘stay put’ so high, but all the buyers reckoned on a gradual drop, penny by penny, instead of a big drop of 9d. It’s going to hurt some of us!” A meeting of those in favour of holding a country brass bands contest at Gore next November was held on Thursday evening, the Ensign reports. The Mayor, who presided, mentioned that the contests had been suspended during the war period. The band masters in the country held a meeting recently, and decided that as the first contest was held at Gore over 21 years ago, the contests should be revived there. After a general discussion it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Geo. Matheson, seconded by Mr F. S. Graham, that a country brass bands’ contest and quickstep be held at Gore on a date to be fixed in November next, provided that there are six competitors, and further that a guarantee list of £l5O be opened as mi assurance to competing bands that the project will be carried out. The motion was carried unanimously. It was suggested that prizes amounting from £9O to £IOO should be provided, and it was considered that there were more than 50 gentlemen at Gore who would guarantee three guineas each. It was stated that with fine weather for the quickstep in the afternoon the gate money would meet all financial liabilities, apart from the takings at the evening contest. Mr F. S. Graham was appointed secretary, and all present, with power to add to their number, were made a committee, A sum of about 30 guineas was guaranteed in the room. The meeting adjourned for a fortnight, when it will receive reports and apjxnnt sub-committees to carry out the contest. At the rotunda by the Post Office last night. Pastor Horace Smith addressed a fair audience. His theme was “A Moral Miracle,” taking as his text, “I, if lifted up will draw all men unto me”— John 12: 32. The speaker said that the physical miracles hail quite a secondary place compared with the moral miracles. The su;>er-hunian power of the humble carpenter of Nazareth had become so abundantly exhibited during the past eighteen hundred year's that this fact in itself was a miracle. Other religions such as Brahminism, Buddhism, Mohammedanism etc., had been made up of dogmas and’ creeds. If these were taken away there would be nothing left. In the case of Christianity creeds and dogmas might go, but even then the fundamental was remaining in the person of the Christ. His personality was the touch-stone of the Christian faith. Upon his personal history in fact was the religion set up. He was the key; “the chief corner stone.” There had been great men in the world’s history —Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and others—but all these fell into the shade in respect to the world’s ideal —Christ. When it was considered that out of mere Jewish narrowness came this wonderful revelation, we were face to face again with the greatest miracle in the world’s history. Although Christianity had come through exceedingly dark limes in history, although all factions and sects had largely withstood each other, yet we saw the Person of the Christ rearing His majestic form above the heads of all in our own day, when nations had emerged out of the horrors of wars. Still, He lifted His glprious head and reigned supreme as the ideal of the world’s civilised governments. It might be said, when on the- one hand we looked at the poor rustic carpenter of Nazareth, and on the other hand on Christ’s power in the world to-day, surely we beheld a mighty moral miracle.

A block of land in the Drayton Settlement, Rolleston survey district, containing 156j acres, has been acquired by the Government under the Public Works Act for the purposes of a prison. The, Palmerston North Borough Council has decided to take up the tramway question again, the position having undergone a change since the decision of the Government to remove the railway line from the centre of the town was made known. The patients of the Southland Hospital were given an afternoon’s music by the Band of the Eighth Regiment yesterday afternoon. The band was in good form, selecting its programme with care, and giving a bright entertainment. There was also a good attendance of the public, and the patients greatly appreciated the efforts of the band to entertain them. The frost in the early hours of Saturday morning wins followed by rain that made the street surfaces treacherous and difficult to negotiate. Numerous horses came to grief on the slippery surfaces and the drivers had many anxious moments getting their charges to their feet again. In the country districts there was a slight fall of snow which disappeared with the morning's rain. Those desirable corner premises, known as Strang’s, fronting Taj' and Nith streets, will be sold bj- public auction on Friday morning next at 11 o’clock. These twostoried premises are solidly built, the shop fronts are up-to-date and the verandah of recent construction. There is ample room on the Nith and W’ood street frontages for increased building, for warehouse or garage * purposes. For offices the situation is sheltered and sunny with the best of light. Wm. Todd and Co., Ltd., will sell. Ux7lß TRACTOR TRIAL. A public trial of the Moline Universal Tractor will be held on the farm of Mr John Cullen, “Calderville,” Morton Mains, on Wednesday, 30th inst. A start will be made at 10 o’clock and work will be continued through the afternoon. All interested invited. JAMES MACALISTER, LTD., Sole Agents. 5Jv623 A delayed shipment of White Marcella Quilts has just been received by THOMSON & BEATTIE’S. These Quilts were shipped on an outside shipping line and after visiting all the ports in Australia eventually reached Wellington, where they must have been put into a corner of one of the sheds and forgotten. While they have been doing thus extended world tour values have been going up and up so that we can sell this line about 25 per cent, under present day prices—Single and if-bed sizes, IS/6 to 35/-; double bed sizes, 28/6 to 52/6. Extra large sizes, 45/G to 65/-. (Advt.) Special Notice—4 small Nugget 1/I}, large tins Nugget 1/-, 1 dozen tin small Nugget for 3/3 at BAXTER’S Grocery. Fresh goods arriving weekly at BAXTER’S. (Advt.) Did we understand you to say j’ou wanted a new Hat, sir I 1 If so we feel quite certain that the large variety of new shapes, snappy styles, and the unquestionable good quality of our Hats will appeal to you. While the limit is sold by us, we only ask these quick sale prices—Men’s Felt Huts in black, slate, drab light, grey, etc., with welted and plain edges, usual price 25/6, 27/6, Sale price 21/-. Velours in black, slate and drab and brown, usual price 27/6, 30/-, Sale price 25/-. Men’s Tweed Hats, Sale price 7/G to 14/6. A splendid selection of Men’s Caps, Sale price 4/11 to 9/6. See special bargain display of Men’s Ties, all the newest colourings and styles, Sale price 2/11 to 4/0. Boys’ Tics in school colours, Sale price 1/6. See windows and Clothing Department for exceptional values at H. & J. SMITH, Ltd., Tay street, Invercargill.— (Advt.) If it’s good luck to pick up a pin, or to turn your money when j’ou spot a new moon, it is better luck to be introduced to a good fountain pen. A dependable pen is like a chief mate to a captain—indispensable. Choose your mate from these —Waterman, Conklin, Parker, Onoto, Waverley, Bankers, Capital, Didonne; all tried and proved writers and fitted with the latest self-filling devices. Priced from 10/- to 35/- at Hyndman’s, Dee street, XnvercargilL “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. 2/6 at chemist and store. — (Advt.) Big Bargains await you in all Departments at our great Winter Sale. THE ECONOMIC, Ladies’ Outfitters, 60 Dee street. — (Advt.) “We are glad to tell vou” about “KEEP SMILING FLOOR AND LINO POLISH,” because it will bring you gladness in its use. No more backaches. It is wonderful 1— (Advt.), PRE-WAR PRICES. The cost of manufacturing “Fluenzol” has greatly increased; but the Proprietary has refrained from raising the original prices—l/ 6 and 2/6 —which still bold good. (Advt.) In order to keep up the supply of Bargain lines in each Department a daily supply of goods at “Red Ticket” rates is provided by Messrs PRICE & BULLEID, Ltd., for their Bargain Tables. The Millinery Section is “out for clearance” and all goods are offered at exceptionally low prices. The Corset and Underwear Section, the Mantle Department, Dress Department, Hosiery and Fancy Departments, Manchester and Clothing Departments are similarly “on the job." There is no doubt that the prices are talking, judging by the business being transacted right through We house. Money may bo well invested by patronising the firm'* Winter “Colossal” which is now in its second week. — (Advt.) MALiERE, LTD., were the originators ol tne xo per cent, discount to returned soldiers. Other storekeepers have copied us and we now go one better. We now invite all discharged soldiers and those waiting discharge to have their military hats reblocked, free of all cost, by the onlj’ hatter in Southland. We still give a 10 per cent, reduction to ail returned soldiers.—* MASTERS, LTD., Deo street. — (Advt.) PROPORTION OF WORKING DAYS. At Glasgow recently an authority stated that the ratio of working days to days in commission for motor 'lorries was electric 95 per cent., petrol 90 per cent., steam 8a per cent. You save money on maintenance i alone by using “ORWELL” Electric Lorry. I THE NEW ZEALAND EXPRESS CO, nld,. Scle Agents.— (Advt.) HATS for men, youths, and boys—a fine showing ol ail the popular styles and value prices. UNDRILL’S, opp. P.U.— (Advt.)