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Otago Daily Times, Issue 16190, 28 September 1914, Page 4

The seizure of German New Guinea, otherwise known as Kaiser Wilhelm Land, has been confidently anticipated from the day when the declaration of war by Great Britain upon Germany was announced. It was effected without opposition by Australian troops on Thursday last. Apparently greater importance was attached by Germany to the possession of New Britain than to "that of Kaiser Wilhelm Land, and accordingly she depleted her small garrison in New Guinea in order that she might strengthen that in New Britain. The reinforcements, however, did not reach New Britain until that colony had surrendered, and they are now prisoners. The forces that remained in New Guinea were hopelessly inadequate, and were unable to make any pretence oE resistance to the invaders. To the Australians it will be a matter of intense satisfaction that the duty of seizing these colonies was entrusted to their troops. The existence of German New Guinea and New Britain at a short distance from the north of Australia has long been regarded in the Commonwealth with a certain amount of uneasiness which has become more marked since it oame to be suspected that the Germans were intent upon the establishment of a naval base and coaling station at Simpsonshaven, in New Britain. Presumably the administration of these territories will be handed over to the Australian authorities. There is, in point of fact, no natural dividing line between Papua, which is already under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, and Kaiser Wilhelm Land. The political change in New Guinea will simply mean the addition to Papua of a territory of 72,000 square miles previously separated from it by an artificial boundary which was settled" by an international agreement 28 years ago. There are several good harbours along the coast of Kaiser Wilhelm Land, and there is a magnificent river, the Kaiserin Augusta, to -which a new name will in all probability now be given, that is said to be navigable for more than 300 miles- The reports of the capture of this territory and of the composition of the Australasian Expeditionary Forces havo, we are told, been read with emotion in England, and it is suggested that they -will also be read with emotion, of a different kind, in Berlin. The process under which Germany is gradually being stripped of the colonies that have been insufneiaat in the judgment of her ruleis to provide for the needs of her expanding population is, we may be sure, not being viewed with a very great measure of pleasure in the Wilhelmstrasse. The attitude of Rumania towards the -war is brought, into some prominence this morning in a ca.ble message which represents King Charles, who has family relationships with the Hohenzollerns, as having endeavoured to induce his Ministers to decide that the proper place for their country in the existing circumstances is at the side of Germany and Austria. The representations he has addressed to them have, however, not been of avail, and his Ministers have not been impressed by the fact that the King has produced a secret treaty of alliance into which he has entered. How or when the King, who is a constitutional monarch, came to commit the unconstitutional act of signing a treaty, of the existence of which his advisers were ignorant, is not indicated, but, if the report, which comes from Italy, is at all well founded, he has placed himself in a distinctly untenable position. The Ministers of State, as it happens, moreover, and as is quite intelligible, have popular feeling behind them, for demonstrations have been held in favour of war against Austria. Such adherence as Rumania has loosely given in the past to the Triple Alliance was. founded upon a desire to obtain an increase of territory at the expense of Bulgaria. But General von Bernhardi in one, of his incursions, into the field of literature, showed that he had no expectation that Rumania would act as her King is said now to desire her to act. " Wedged in," lie wrote, " between a powerful Russia and- a greatly enlarged Bulgaria, Rumania will no longer be able to pursue an independent policy. In all probability she will either fall under Russia's influence or join the Balkan Federation. In either case Rumania has nothing more to hope for from the Triple Alliance. Necessity will compel that country more or less energetically to take the part of Germany's enemies." There is a special reason why she should adopt the course which. General von Bernhardi suggests she may be compelled by necessity to adopt. She could benefit very materially from a defeat of Austria-Hungary. Mr J. Ellis Barker explains this in the following sentences : '' Rumania wishes to expand. There is a strong irredentist movement in the country. In those districts of Austria-Hungary which are nearest to Rumania there dwell no less than 3,500,000 Rumanians. They complain bitterly about the ill-treatment which they receive. They wish to be reunited with Rumania, and they are encouraged by their kinsmen in Rumania to resist their alien rulers who try to denationalise them by force. Rumania can expand most easily towards the north and west, towards Austria-Hungary." In this quotation may, no. doubt, be found the secret of the popular agitation in Bucharest for a war against Austria. One of our cable messages this morning enlightens us as' to the plan by which the recent German war- loan of fifty milions was raised. The public in Germany does not seem to have subscribed very liberally to the loam. The capitalists of the country who, we learnt some little time ago, were regarding Russian securities with some degree of favour, were apparently not so greatly impressed with the German war loan as an investment as tu contribute heavily towards it. In fact, the loan fell very flat. Only a fraction of it Mas subscribed. The Government, however, is full of resource. It has obtained the money it required by the simple expedient of seizing it from the banks. The information on the point comes from New York, which on such a subject may be held to be a reliable authority. It is to the effect that the Government attached 25 per cent, of the credit balances in the banks, and in addition compelled merchants in the country to liquidate debts by investment in the loan. Whatever may be said about ite honesty, the plan presents the appearance of being both simple and effectual. If a trader owed another £1000, for instance, he would be credited with so much of it as was required by the Government and this would be treated as an investment by the creditor in the loan. This method of government financing will be approved by at least one member of the Legislature of trie dominion. New Zealand has to pay off a maturing loan of £3,000,000 this year. The circumstance is one which may be causing some anxiety to the Minister of Finance. It would not cause Mr Jchn Payne, if he were in the Minister's place, to pass a single sleepless hour. The Bank of New Zealand holds in London a large balance at short call. Mr Payne would "commandeer" this— "convey the wise it call"—and devote to the repayment of the loan so much as was required far this purpose and apply the balance to the prosecution of public works in the dominion. The principle is the same as that upon which the German Government is reported to have acted.

The inward American mails, ex Marama, via Vancouver, arrived in Dunedin by special train late last night. The mail was at onco sorted by the postal officials. The city and suburban portion will be delivered by letter-carriers, commencing at 8 a.m. Saturday last -was the seventh anniversary of the ' changing of New Zealand's designation from that of colony to dominion. The annual holiday in connection with that event is observed on the Monday nearest to September 26. To-day will, therefore, be observed as Dominion Day. The day is regarded only as a partial holiday, the banks and Government and law offices suspending business. Most of the shops keep open as usual. Reference to the event will be made in the schools. An outbreak of firo occurred about halfpast 3 on Saturday afternoon in the moulding shop at the Hillside Railway Workshops. The South Dunedin Firo Brigade, under Captain Price, quickly arrived and extinguished the outbreak before much damage was done. On Saturday Mr J. W. Lawrence, on behalf of a strong local syndicate, we are informed, handed a cheque reaching to five figures to Mr C. N. Sourr, secretary of the Cinema Enterprises (Ltd.), in purchase of all the Cinema Enterprises interests. The new company intends to leave no stone unturned to win for the Plaza a prominent place in public popularity, and none of the shareholders hold any interest in any other picture company in Dunedin. The members of the Maori party who ■were received by the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace returned to New Zealand by the Riverina, which arrived from Sydney to-day (states a Press Association message received yesterday). The party comprised To Rata (the Maori V'King"), Tupu Taingakaua, Te Waharoa, Meta Karaka, and G. G. Paul (the interpreter and secretary). The party declined to discuss the question of their grievances, stating that negotiations were not completed. The jubilee of the Lawrence Presbyterian Church was celebrated yesterday (writes our correspondent). The services in connection with this event were conducted by the Rev. Graham Balfour, of First Church, Dunedin, and at eaoh of the three services : there wae a largo congregation. The services were all of an inspiring nature, and the eloquent sermons delivered by Mr Balfour, which were appropriate to tha <jccasion, were listened to with close attention. A special collection was taken up at each service for the purpose of liquidating a debt of, £70 incurred, in connection with the recent renovation 6f the church, and to this the members and adherents contributed very liberally, the sum of £85 3a 9d being raised. i The Dtago Acclimatisation Society has lately been vigorously prosecuting its policy of re-stocking' the streams with trout from the hatchery at Clinton. With a reasonable amount of fine weather the trout fishing season, which begins on October 1, should bo a good one, as reports to hand from various localities indicate that trout are plentiful. Complaints have been made that the regulation which provides that trout less than nine inches in length must be returned alive to the streams from which they have been taken, hag not been observed in the past as it should have been. The society has issued instructions to its ranger to see that this regulation is adhered to in the future. At a sitting of the Port Chalmers Police Court on Saturday afternoon, before Messrs D. A. De Maus and J. Watson, J.P.'s, an ordinary seaman off the Arrina, named A. H. Ward, was charged with refusing to obey the lawful commands of the captain while the vessel wa6 on the high seas. The defendant, who pleaded not guilty, • stated that he had been unwell on the date referred to, and had asked the captain to pay him off at the first opportunity. Evidenoe was given by Captain Dent and by the chief officer of the Arrino, neither of whom gave the defendant credit for being a good worker while at sea. The bench convicted tho man, and sentenced him to seven days' imprisonment, with hard labour. At the Bruce Horticultural Show a very fine collection of blooms was staged for exhibition only by Mr A. Hart, of Lawrence. Tho collection included some exceptionally good blooms, and formed quite a feature of the 6how. .Mr A. E. Hamel also had on exhibition some excellent specimens of the' newer varieties of these beautiful flowers. The wisdom of the society in procuring outside exhibits of this naturo is seen in the marked improvement that has of recent years been effected in narcissi grown ,in the distriot. Additional particulars concerning the big' blow-out at tho Taranaki oil wells show that the well is now 2750 ft deep, and cased to the bottom (our New Plymouth correspondent telegraphs). Daring the past few days drilling operations have been in progress, principally in tho 6and formation, which has caused considerable trouble, the staff experiencing difficulty in keeping tho well clear. Progress was, therefore, somewhat 6low, but as the well deepened tho gas pressure became greater, and at about 10 o'clock it became so violent that the under bore became beyond control. Oil, silt, and mud, were thrown high over the top derrick, right across the road, and as far away as tho refinery. One house, 200 or 300 yards away, received quite a liberal baptism—so much so that a number of men had to be sent from town to remove the, traces by an ''nipromptu painting. Ultimately the staff were able to cap the bore, but the pressure was so severe as to cut out tho elbow in a very short time. This is a gas vein that has not been encountered at any other bpre on the field, and, as the well clears itself of the accumulation of silt, oil appears in increasing quantities. Tho work of clearing and deepening No. 2 is also proceeding satisfactorily, and the manager anticipates that within a short time this well, too, will be producing. Somo particulars of tho scheme- for bringing British lads out to New South Wales to engage in farm work were recently given by Mr H. C. L. Anderson, late Undersecretary for Agriculture in Now South Wales, who has returned to Sydney from a visit to England. "The trustees of the Dreadnought Fund," he said, "authorised me to offer a good subsidy towards tho passage of desirable lads who would come cut to help 'us in filling up the great vacant spaces. They were willing to pay tal£ the passage money of any suitable lad, and also to defray tho cost of a year's training at one of the Government experiment farms for. such lads as could afford to spare- the time to technical training. With -;he cordial co-operation of the Immigration Bureau, they undertook to find farm work at adequate wages for such as preferred to go direct to a private farm, and be selfsupporting at once. I found that Victoria had adopted a similar policy, but had made tho terms much more favourable for lads of humble means than those Suggested by the trustees of the Dreadnought Fund. Tho latter at onco adopted the same terms, and a steady stream of applicants was forthwith secured, New South Wales gettings as many as the Government would accept and guarantee work for, and Victoria taking the rest. The first small batch arrived in November lact, and during the intervening 10 months tho Stato has received 1270 lads, of whom 100 have gone to one or other of tho experiment farms for a year's experience, 95 to Pitt. Town farm for a short preliminary training, and 1075 havo been promptly despatched to farmers who were eagerly demanding this class of labour. Yet there are still 50 million acres of good' wheat land to be put , under tho plough, and wo sent away last year only enough wheat and butter to feed one-tenth of the people of Great Britain. Perhaps this war and tho present interest in tho Empire's affairs will cause somo politicians to realise the potential value of these British lads."

The proportion o! British men among tho seamen of the British mercantile marine was briefly discussed at the annual meeting of tho Navy League at Auckland. Tho president, Mr W. J. Napier, stated (says tho Herald), that he had the figures extending back for many years, "and these showed that there had been a gradual improvement since Mr Chamberlain interested himself in the matter 23 years ago. Tho proportion of British seamen had gradually increased, and to-day the number of foreigners in the mercantile navy was not more than 37 per cent. If the war had not broken out, and tho average increase in the number of British sailors had continued for a few more years, the proportion of foreigners would have been reduced to 20 per cent. Even now, if one eliminated cooks, waiters, and stewards from the total, one would find that the proportion of foroign-born men on British ships would be considerably less than 37 per cent. " Still," remarked Mr Napier, " British people should man their own mercantile marine, which should be tho nursery of the forces for the navy."

The difficulties encountered by colonial boys who wish to become officers in tho Royal Navy was referred to by Mr W. J. Napier at the annual meeting of tho Navy League at Auckland (tho Herald reports). Two smart, clever young lads, sons of an Auckland professional man, wished to become naval officers. They were of just the right type, and Mr Napier assisted them in putting in their applications. "But it was simply heart-breaking," said Mr Napier. "I had the greatest difficulty I ever had in my whole life. I wrote some five-and-thirty letters, some of them very strong letters, and the amount of red-tapo and obstruction, and what I might call ' tomfoolery ' I met with from the Education and Marine Departments of New Zealand was simply incredible. Tho boys were capable, mentally and physically, and had been thoroughly instructed by a coach of undoubted repute, but it was a most difficult task' to get them admitted." Mr Napier added that he had scores of letters in his office from boys who were anxious to join tho navy and qualify as officers.

" I have travelled through many lands and I have never come across such a fertile country as you have in New Zealand," remarked Major Norton during his address to Auckland farmers on Tuesday. Proceeding, he compared the conditions between New Zealand and Denmark, and said that it would break the' New Zealand farmer's heart if ho had to raise cattle •under the same conditions as the Danes did. In Denmark the Dane had to stable his cattle six months during the year. Yet Denmark, with its better system of marketing, obtained better prices than New Zealand produce brought.

" How is it that a man can run up an account of £100 for taxi hire when he is without a penny of credit?" asked Mr H. W. Bishop at the Christchurch Magistrate's Court on Thursday (says the Lyttelton Times). The case was one in which the Rink Taxis, Limited (Mr Harman), claimed £98 Os 6d from John Ebbingstone Young (Mr Hunt). Mr Hunt said that the account had been run up inside a month after the firm had been warned not to give him credit. The plaintiff, W. Hayward, said that when Young first came to him his account was guaranteed by Messrs Hill and Frazer, who had paid the first two accounts of £2 5s and £30 2s. After that Mr Hill suggested that Young should ibe made to pay cash. An account for £72 had been sent to Mr Hill, and Young had then got Mr Hill to certify that his account was still good. The Magistrate said that he had had incontrovertible evidence not long ago that Young had not been sober for six months. He could not understand how a man whose condition must have been apparent could have got the credit. He had run through £900 in eight months. It was about gone now. After hearing further evidence the Magistrate gave judgment for the plaintiff for the amount claimed, with costs. 1

An interesting tram car incident was ventilated in the Christchurch Magistrate's Court on Thursday, when Thomas Knight, a plasterer, of Montreal street, Sydenham, had J. M'Guffog summoned for £5 damages through being ejected from a Coronation street tram car. Mr Rowe, for the claimant, stated that on July 31 plaintiff boarded the 10.20 p.m. Coronation street car. He stood on the back platform and the conductor requested him to go inside. Knight refused. The conductor asked' him for his name and address, and Knight refused. Tho Magistrate: Why didn't he give it? That was a casus belli at once—l don't mean of assault. Continuing, the solicitor stated that the conductor later a6ked Knight was lie going insid© or was he going to wait to be put off the car, Knight replied that as ho had paid his fare ho was not going to get • off. , Thereupon the conductor threw him, off the car with violence, on to the street. Ho just missed tho kerb, and was cut about the face generally, and received a severe shock. 'Hie plaintiff stated that when he boarded tho car he wa6 smoking a cigarette and the smokers' seats were full. The conductor asked him to go inside. There were no seats vacant there. At Cashel street M'Guffog gave him no warning at all; simply threw, him off the car on to the street with violence He went on by the next car and stood on the back platform and was not interfered with. The dofence \va6 that Knight got on the car under the influence of liquor, while the conductor was adjusting tho trolly pole, as the car passed tho Ba,nk of Now Zealand corner. There was plenty of room in the cabins and body of tho car. Conductors had been warned not to allow people to remain on the back platforms of cars, and when requested to go inside Knight used bad language, consequently he was put off. Two witnesses testified that unnecessary force was Used by tho conductor, and a constable stated that plaintiff was under the influence of drink. Knight had been fined for a previous breach of the by-laws. In delivering judgment his Worship said that he must find that unnecessary force was used. There Was totally contradictory evidence l in support of plaintiff's claim. lie would always uphold authority, but that authority must be exorcised with duo discretion, lie could conceive that the conductor used greater force than he had intended as no doubt the man made himself very annoying. A man who would not answer a simple request by a conductor deserved all he got. He had to give judgment for plaintiff on the evidence for 20s and costs. He did so very unwillingly, but he could not go against the evidence.

Some caustic oomments were marie by Mr Justice Denniston at the Napier S'uprcmo Court on Wednesday, when an application for discharge was made by Henry Brinson, a bankrupt contractor, of Hastings, who, in two years, had incurred debts amounting to over £600. His Honor (snys the correspondent of the Dominion) said: " This young man, under age, 6tarts business as a contractor. In two years he incurs debts amounting to £600, and now his counsel comes here and asks me to turn a gentleman like this loose en. the commerical world without his having l!ie decency to put in an appearance. You seem to take it for granted that a thing of this 6ort is a matter of course. This man, who could undertake contracts at low priccs, and take tho bread out of other people's mouths, is, according to you, to bo allowed to start lus speculations again. At 22 a man should stick to hie carpentering if he has not had experience. I will not grant anything. Let him stick to his carpentering until ho knows the business; This youth entered into business, plunged with other people's money, and then sends someone to the court to ask the court to sponge the whole thing out. It seems to me that we are getting into much too easy a way of looking into these matters of speculative building." The application was adjourned.

On Saturday excursion tickets to Queenstown, available for return till Wednesday, October 7, will be issued at Dunedin and intervening stations. For tho sum of 20s first class return, and) 12s 6d second class, an opportunity is afforded of visiting Queeristown and enjoying three clear days at the resort. S. Matthew's Guild Sale, Schoolroom, Stafford street, next Wednesday and Thursday.— Advt. What people say of Watson's No. 10 whisky: "Delightful." "Purest." "Nicest." " Splendid."—Advt. For Children's Hacking Cough at night, Woods' Great Peppermint Cure, Is 6d, 2s 6d. —Advt. Wo recommend for watch, olock, and )ewellery repairs A. J. Shaw, 13 Rattray ?treet. Absolutely tho best in Dunedin.--Advt A. E. J. Blal lev, dentist, Bank of Australasia, corner of Bond and Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office). Telephone 1859.— Advt. Who is Peter Dick?— The most reliable Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Certificated Con. suiting Optician, 490 Moray place (off Princes street), Dunedin. Charges moderate.—Advt