General News

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21907, 7 October 1936, Page 8

General News

Warning About “N.Z. Illustrated” Those desiring to purchase copies of “New Zealand Illustrated,” which will be published on October 19, are warned against giving orders and making payment in advance to unauthorised persons. Only those with the Christchurch Press Company’s written authority are empowered to solicit such orders. Military Despotism The greatest danger of the present day is military despotism, according to Mr Frank Milner, who gave an address on Pacific problems in the Caledonian Hall last night. “What we autonomous countries feel most alarmed about,” he said, “is the terrific invasion on the rights of the people by military despotism. We see this in Germany, in Italy, in Soviet Russia, and also in Japan to some extent. This frightful vendetta is carried on by the army in particular against any individualism pr liberalism.” Early Plough in North Canterbury A historic photograph, taken at the trial of the first three-furrow plough in North Canterbury more than 60 years ago, was presented to the Northern (Rangiora) Agricultural and Pastoral Association yesterday by Mr Alfred Bunz, of Christchurch. The trial took place on the Melford estate of the late Mr Charles Merton on the Oxford road near Fernside and was attended by many farmers in the district. Mr Merton, who was the grandfather of Mr Bunz, had a boys’ school on the estate, and a number of Christchurch residents received their education at this institution. The photograph will be added to the interesting collection in the association’s hall. , Early Tomatoes at Nelson Locally-grown tomatoes have already been on sale in Nelson shops. These were produced in glasshouses artificially heated by pipes from an oil heater. Glasshouse crops generally are in good condition and relatively free from pests. Work is in full swing in the gardens, and a few growers have planted outside, being prepared to take the risk of frosts, which are still a possibility at Nelson until the end of this month, so they can reap the benefit of the high prices that early tomatoes bring. One grower is conducting an interesting experiment on the lines of an American suggestion of growing plants in water and feeding them with complete manure. It is claimed that better crops are produced than if the plants were grown in the ground.—“ The Press” Special Service. Key to the World’s Interest A good key to the centre of the world’s interest was given by Mr Frank Milner in an address on Pacific problems in the Caledonian’ Hall last night. In spite of the contentions of many, he said, the centre of the world’s interest was still in Europe. “You will always find the British navy at the very centre of the world’s greatest political activity,” he added. “It is to-day very definitely in the Mediterranean.” Centenary Claim The claim of Riverton, which is celebrating its centenary in January next, that it is the oldest settlement in New Zealand, is disputed by those responsible for the organisation of the centenary of Moeraki on December 24, 25, and 26, While there had been intermittent settlement jn some places before Moeraki, an examination of the early history of New Zealand discloses that since December 26, 1836, there has been continuous settlement at Moeraki, and on these grounds is based the claim that Moeraki is the oldest settlement in the country. Like Riverton, Moeraki has had a centenary committee hard at work for the greater part of the year, bringing to maturity plans to ensure the successful celebration of its centenary, and with the co-operation of Maori and pakeha, the Moeraki celebrations promise to be an outstanding event. Large Shipment of Oranges The largest single shipment of South Australian oranges to be brought to Auckland arrived from Sydney by the Wanganella. The consignment comprised nearly 12,000 cases, of which 10,000 are for Auckland and the rest for the south. A permit was obtained from the Government to increase the number of cases by 4000 after the mishap to the Matua, which caused 10,000 cases to be left behind at the Cook Islands. About half the shipment was stowed in the holds and the rest was stacked on the deck. The consignment will relieve the acute shortage of oranges through the mishap to the Matua.—Press Association. Appeal for Democracy An appeal to uphold democracy and to form a united front to struggle for the maintenance of peace and the prevention of fascism was made by Mr J. B. King, who recently returned from Russia after assisting the Government of Russia for five years in its mining programme, in an address given at the Auckland Town Hall. After drawing attention to the industrial progress being achieved under the Soviet regime, Mr King emphasised that nothing would cause the Russians to overstep their borders in a war of aggrandisement. Their huge rearmament programme, which bade fair to make Russia the most powerful country in the world, was being undertaken solely for defensive reasons—against Germany and Japan. War would ruin their efforts at reconstituting the country. From this the speaker drew the conclusion that a peace bloc comprising Great Britain, France, and Russia would be sufficient to guarantee the peace of the world. He appealed to his audience to fight for peace and to maintain democracy. The Cow as a Compass How three surveyors, becoming lost in the dense bush surrounding Palmerston North when returning from a shooting expedition in the Oroua district, found their way out again was related by Mr R, S. Abraham to the Palmerston North Rotary Club. He said that they were without compasses, but were accompanied by a Maori boy and a milch cow, which did duty both as a “pack-horse” and milk supply. Their plight, after they had been wandering for several days, was becoming serious when the Maori boy had a brain wave. He took the halter off the, cow and hustled the animal to the front. With its animal instinct the cow headed straight for home, and the party were back in half an hour at their camp, which was situated on what was then the edge of the bush where the Palmerston North Boys’ High School now stands. Inspector Chases Inspector An amusing incident was related in the Papakura Magistrate’s Court by Inspector F. Jones, traffic officer for the Manukau County Council. He said that just about dusk he was chasing a speeding car at between 50 and 60 miles an hour when he noticed an approaching'car pull up, turn round, and give chase to both. The driver of this car turned out to be Inspector T. C. Clissold, traffic officer for the Main Highways Board, who had failed to recognise the second car as that of Inspector Jones. Education in Africa A mild and rather humorous commentary was made on the examination system by Mr J. C. Dakin, when speaking to students at the New Plymouth Boys’ High School about life in Uganda. In describing the education the young natives undergo he remarked: “The boys there have examinations to prepare for—even in Darkest Africa.” At a later stage, the rector asked Mr Dakin, in view of the controversy in this country about homework, whether these African boys had to do home lessons. “I have never heard of it,” said Mr Dakin, a reply that was eminently satisfactory to the assembled school. Minister Eulogised “Members of the Dominion executive of the Farmers’ Union have at all times found the Minister for Labour very accessible. He has always been ready to approach the whole matter of dealing with legislation affecting farm labour with the object of making the. act work in a manner acceptable to all parties,” said Mr J. H. Fumiss at the monthly meeting of the Waikato sub-provincial executive of the Farmers’- Union during a discussion on the farm labour problem. He added that the Minister had been firm in his attitude on such matters as half-holidays for farm labourers.