TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 21090, 23 May 1930, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

A modification of the law relating to breach of promise to marry was recently recommended by Sir Edward Parry in a contribution to the London Daily Telegraph. “Women take action on .the ground that marriage and maintenance by a husband used in former times to be considered their only means of maintenance. Now that the equality of the sexes has been legally decreed this no longer holds good” he observed. “It seems curious that the law should still invite juries to find sentimental damages, over and above any pecuniary loss to the plaintiff caused by the breach of the promise. But the old rule laid down by Mr Justice Willes still holds good that a jury may ’take into their consideration the injured feelings and wounded pride of a woman to whom such a wrong has been done.’ This seems almost insulting to women to-day, as such a ruling can only be based on the old chattel theory of woman, who was regarded as an inferior citizen, unable to earn her livelihood, and therefore bound to look to a marriage for a home and sustenance. It is clear that the action lends itself to extortion and is contrary to the theory of sex equality. ... If, as a mere concession to the old myth of the weakness and incapacity of women, the breach of promise action should be continued, surely the only damages recoverable should be pecuniary damages.”

A remarkable and enlightening simplification of the position in regard to international war debts will be effected by the Bank of International Settlements. One of its primary functions is to collect and distribute the German annuities in payment of reparations under the Young Plan. “Another important function of the bank is to act as a clearing house for international debts,” said Sir Charles Addis, one of the British nominees on the directorate, in an address in London. “After the annuities have been received, all the interEuropean debts, France to England and so on, will in future be settled by entries in the books of the Bank for International Settlements. The inter-European debts having all been cleared, the next step will be for the bank to pay over to the sole creditor, the United Slates, the debts due to it by the European Powers. The result of this arrangement, if carried into effect, will be to link up the German indemnity with the debts due by Europe to the United States. Germany will, in fact, take upon her own shoulders the burden of discharging for account of the European Powers the entire amount of their debt to the United States by a series of 59 annual payments amounting at the peak to 80 million pounds a year. Whether an arrangement .so onesided and so much at variance with all our previous experience of the .bases of international trade is likely in the long run, and when all the attendant circumstances are taken into account, to be wholly beneficial to the sole creditor, or even permanent in its operation, only experience will show. It was no doubt an inkling of some consideration of this kind which induced the Powers to agree that, if and when any abatement is made of the claims on them by the United. States, it is not the Powers, but Germany, who is to benefit to the extent of two-thirds of the net relief granted to the Powers as regards the annuities of the first thirty-seven years, and to the whole extent of such relief as regards the last twenty-two years.”

The Dominion Meteorologist last night issued the following information: There has been very little change in pressure distribution. A series of low pressure waves are still continuing to cross‘southern New Zealand. Winds strong southerly, decreasing gradually. Seas in New Zealand waters rough on the west coast and south of East Cape. Moderate north of East Cape, Moderate to strong south-west winds in the eastern Tasman with moderate to rather rough seas. Weather still changeable with further passing showers in most districts, but improving gradually. Cold temperatures with some severe frosts inland.

Mails which left Wellington on April 22 by the Tahiti via San Francisco arrived in London on May 20.

At the Gore Dog Trials on Wednesday a special prize of a gold medal donated by Mr J. B. Purdue (Nightcaps) for the youngest competitor at the trial*! was won by Mr E. G. Cowie (Waimumu).

The magnitude of the trade in the export of fungus is indicated by the fact that ■ one Stratford carrying firm has, since Christmas,, taken about 120 bags of the commodity to New Plymouth for shipment to China.

At a sitting of the Oamaru Warden’s Court on Wednesday morning the application of Robert John Smith and Hamilton Corbett Smith, of Invercargill, miners, for a prospecting license on an area of 100 acres of the Waerewhenua River bed was granted. It is understood that extensive prospecting with the latest appliances is to be undertaken on the area with a view to carrying out extensive mining operations for gold which the area is believed to contain.

The annual general meeting of subscribers of the Railway Library was held on Tuesday, Mr W. H. Melvin presiding over a large attendance of members. The annual report and balance-sheet were adopted, and showed that the library had experienced another successful year. The number of new books placed in the library was well up to the number of preceding years, and the membership, despite workshops transfers, was on par with previous years. 'Dio election of office-bearers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: President, Mr J. Pickard; vice-presidents, Messrs P. H. Morey and G. M. Slight; chairman of committee, Mr J. W. Fenton; bon. secretary, Mr H. C. Shand; hon. treasurer, Mr S. Pepper; committee —Loco running, Messrs W. Brass and A. A. Thomas; loco, shops, Messrs J. Brown, G. McKay and R. Martin; traffic, Messrs T. A. Clark, J. Lythgoe and T. Lynch; maintenance, Messrs A. R. Smith, W. H. Melvin and E. Fogarty; stores, Mr W. H. Roberts; collectors, Messrs W. Brass, R. Porter and the secretary ; auditors, Messrs W. L. Mclntosh and M. H. Ramsay; trustees, Messrs G. H. Curie, A. Cooper and G. Dawson; book selectors, Mr W. H. Jarman and the secretary; librarian and caretaker, Mr R. Porter. f

In the Magistrate’s Court at Hokitika yesterday afternoon, John Lawrence Turner was convicted and fined £25 and costs on charges of keeping a common gaming house. A charge of assisting against his wife was dismissed.-—Press Association message.

The police have arrested a member of the crew of the Maunganui on a charge of importing prepared opium into New Zealand, states an Auckland Press Association message. When arrested, the man had three tins of opium in his possession.

An order in favour of judgment creditor was made by Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning in the following judgment summons case:— New Zealad Pine Company (Mr J. G. Imlay) v. Robert Robertson, Woodlands, for £1 5/-, in default 24 hours’ imprisonment.

On Wednesday night the Land Settlement Development League deputation addressed a public meeting at Whangarei, the audience including large numbers of delegates from the Farmers’ Conference. A long and interesting discussion took place and it was generally agreed that the Farmers’ Union and the settlement League were working for the same goal.

The All Nations’ Fair had a successful run last night, excellent business being done by the stallholders and directors of the amusement parlours. Professor Blanc again attracted a large number of clients. The pupils of Miss C. de Reya gave a graceful exhibition of physical exercises and eurythmics which were greatly appreciated. Tonight a variety entertainment by leading artists will be presented.

Judgment for plaintiffs by default was given in the following civil claims called before Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning:—The Official Assignee in Bankruptcy in the property of J. A. Wesney v. Ethel Mudie for £lB 5/6, costs £2 14//; D. M. Stirling v. David Armstrong, Maori Beach, for 7/10, costs £1 10/-; J. Yeo v. R. Kissell for £1 11/-, costs 10/-.

During the conference on the deer menace at Christchurch (reports the Press), Mr A. L. Hunt (New Zealand Forestry League) mentioned that he had recently visited Doubtful Sound. Mr J. Gilkison (Southland Acclimatization Society), in a subsequent speech, asked Mr Hunt whether the syndicate formed to derive nitrates from the air was not going to dam the outlet of Lake Manapouri at the Waiau to obtain a flow of water to Doubtful Sound. If this was to be done, as had been stated in the newspapers, the level of the lake would be raised and a fringe of dead bush would be the result. Mr Hunt gave his assurance that it was intended that the outlet from Manapouri toward the water race would be 11 feet below the surface of the lake.

“The power of the world is passing into the hands of the women,” the Rev. F. Dunnage, chairman of the Christchurch Diocesan Council of the Church of England Men's Society, said at the annual meeting of the society (says the Christchurch ■ Times). “Women have entered the Imperial Parliament. The time will come when there will be, women members of the synod. In England there are women members of the Church Assembly. The whole power of the world is passing into the women’s hands. Women might be found doing all that kind of work, while men stay at home and do the work there. Women are keen; men are apathetic; and keenness, amongst even a few people, will tell. Women are exercising a tremendous influence for good. Will we take our part in that direction ? Men should get together and face the problems before them.”

An address was given by Mrs E. C. Smith (Gore) entitled “Trifles” in St. Peter’s Sunday School Hall, Earn street, on Tuesday last. A very gratifying number of members of the South Branch were present, and also many members of the North branch who were desirous of hearing Mrs Smith’s address and who were warmly welcomed by Mrs Fairbairn (vice-president). In a very masterly manner Mrs Smith showed both incidentally and illustratively how mere trifles by actions or by words could be the means of framing famous and brilliant characters and lives and how littles made the great. Good wishes for a speedy recovery were extended to Mrs Pasley, who has been ill. Musical items by Mesdames Lee and Cook, and a solo by Mrs Bain, with an enjoyable afternoon tea terminated proceedings. Votes of thanks proposed by Mrs Fretwell to the speaker, and to the performers and social committee were carried unanimously. Saturday shoppers are advised to shop at Chas. Lewis's stocktaking sale commencing Saturday. Great reductions at the Grand Corner. —Advt. “The quality of Thomson’s Cordials never varies. They are always the best procurable.”—Advt. MOTOR REGISTRATIONS 1930-31. All motor registrations expire on May 31, 1930, and the registration authorities ask you to re-register early to avoid congestion. Motor car owners of any make of car can save themselves the worry by handing the necessary fees and their present registration certificate to Messrs P. H. Vickery Ltd., on or after May 25, 1930, and they will provide the necessary forms, fill them in correctly for your signature, arrange your insurance, obtain your new plates, and attach them to your car or truck FREE OF CHARGE, our clients or otherwise. P. H. VICKERY LTD., Cr. Dec and Leet streets, Invercargill.— Advt. For school frocks, gyinn dresses and blazers try Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee street. Remember we also make school outfits to order. Your own material made up.—Advt. We sell the famous Flexcello make Silk and Wool Hose in all colours and black at 5/11 Pair.—Wicks’ Hose and Vest Shop, Dec Street. —Advt., “Sally In Rhodesia,” that entertaining tale of South African experiences has been followed by another volume along similar lines entitled “Susan Outside.” Susan’s experiences afford delightful reading; she is an engaging personality. Let us introduce her to you. The author is Sheila MacDonald 'and the price is 6/-. Obtainable from the New Zealand Book Depot, Esk street, Invercargill. (Advt.) We have pleasure in advising our numerous customers that we have opened another shipment of Cream Embroidery Linen. This “Old Bleach” product is very much in demand, and is specially manufactured for drawn thread work. Thomson and Beattie Ltd., can supply this popular linen in 36 inch at 4/6, 40 inch at 5/6, 45 inch at 6/9. Samples gladly forwarded to any address. —Advt. Silk and Wool Hose 3/11 per pair. This surely will appeal to the keenest buyers. English ladder-proof, hard-wearing hose that are outstanding value at the price 3/11 only at the Mutual Fur Coy., Tay street.— (Advt.) "Outside” in the Rhodesian sense is all that lies beyond the range of the townships. In her latest novel “Susan Outside” Sheila Macdonald has related Susan’s experiences in the “wilderness.” They afford delightful reading; she is an engaging personality. Supplies 6/- copy at Hyndman’s, Dee street. —Advt. IT’S WINTER-TIME! Get Your HOT WATER BAGS < now, from i STEWART’S PHARMACY. All Bags are fresh, And Every Bag Guaranteed. , .—Advt.

“Getting good wages?” Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., asked a lad preparatory to fining him in the Christchurch Traffic Court recently. ‘.‘Not too good; in fact, they could be better.” “It’s curious the number of people who come here and say that,” remarked tho magistrate.

A sign of returning prosperity in Auckland is provided by a decrease in bankruptcies. There was a considerable decrease in the number of bankruptcies in the Auckland district in April compared with March, the figures being six and 12 respectively. There were 10 bankruptcies in both January and February this year, while in April of last year there were 11. The figures for this year show a marked decrease over those for last year, the difference being 21.

The Catholic Church in New Zealand has now reached a stage in its development when it is not necessary to bring out clergy from older countries where the Church is well established (says an Auckland paper). The Rev. Dr Buxton, administrator of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, stated in a recent sermon that Archbishop Redwood had recently informed him that he believed all future requirements would be supplied by New Zealand-born priests. At the present’ time there are over 70 students training for the priesthood at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel, and there .are. other students' preparing for ordination at the Marist Fathers’ seminary at Greenmeadows, Hawkes Bay. HER MAJESTY'S, GIFT. Learning of the difficulties under which the district nurse of Crathie, in Aberdeenshire, was working her district, her Majesty the Queen presented to the Crathie Nursing Association an. Austin Seven Saloon. The Queen’s nurse, Nurse Eggie, of East Balmoral, Crathie, Aberdeenshire, writes as under: “I have found the Austin Seven Saloon car entirely satisfactory. It is very comfortable, easily understood and easily kept in order. My district is very wide and scattered, the roads very rough in general, but the Austin usually takes me to the door of the most lonely glen cottages.” See the Austin Sevens at P. -H. VICKERY, LTD., Showrooms, Dee Street. —Advt. BUY ONLY A 1930 Hot Water Bottle. Modern manufacturing processes have greatly increased the quality in Hot Water Bags without any increase in price. BROWN, The Chemist has just. received another large supply of 1930 bags. They are easy and safe to fill, reinforced seam, improved valve. Guaranteed steamproof, the modern Free of Risk Bag takes the shivers from the sheets and makes you sorry to leave them. S ee them at BROWN'S PHARMACY’, Geo. H. Brown, Chemist, 125 Dee Street. —Advt. { ‘lt mends the gross mistakes of Nature.” —Butler. Everyone agrees that one of Nature’s biggest mistakes is a distressing cough or cold. But the secret of mending all complaints of the throat, chest and lungs Liejs in the penetrating qualities of Baxter's Lung Preserver. This wonderful specific gets to work quickly. Soothes the bronchial passages and eases breathing. Protects the lungs. An excellent tonic, too. Be sure you get “Baxter’s.” Bachelor size 1/6. Generous-sized bottle 2/6. Economical family. su» 4/6.-=-Adyt. _