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Evening Star, Issue 15032, 14 November 1912, Page 4

One reason why tho birth rate fails to increase as it might be Tha N,Z. expected to do in vonhg Birtlt Rate. countries like Australia and New Zealand is undoubtedly the high Cost, of Living and tho manner in which married people with families are handicapped owing to heavy Customs taratioii. Statistics prove that (as compared with other parts of the world) our birth rate is extremely unsatisfactory. Russia, for instance,' has for many years 'had an. annual birth rate per thousand of population ranging from 48 to 50. Hungary's rate is 36; Germany 32, Italy 32, Japan 33, Denmark 28, Now Zealand 26, Australia 24 to 27. 'lire birth raid in Great Britain is. very much like that in Australia and New Zealand. Now, ns every child horn is a valuable asset, the question arises: How can our bitih rate be improved? Parents belonging to the industrial,ranks will readily supply the answer. Why riot reduce the burdens of those who are doing their duty to the Sidle? A tax oh baelielots is often suggested, but tire only effect is to provoke some merriment. What seems a not unreasonable solution would be to spread the load. Between the married and the unmarried, wage-earner there is usually a huge difference. For equal work they* receive equal pay, but how different arc their circumstances? One has only himself to make provision for, while the other has Several others to feed "and clothe. One contributes to the general revenue only a third Sr dne-fourth. of his mate. Is it iyurprising; then, that many refuse to get married; ;lild _those who do marry do their best to shirk family responsibilities? We have pointed out a difficulty' and an anomaly that nibst ere long be dealt with. The load that maternity edifies niny be relieved by the /amdll eHddwhrenl ptttpokbd in Australia, but to place matters on a satisfactory footing; is it nob desirable that fife Statti” must gd further? In many thitigg fciih jtdbplh di-b called tipbh td shard one another’s burthens, asd the question

is whether the good old axiom of bearing each other’s burthens should not bo applied to the family circle. Of one thing we are pretty certain: if provision bad ,to be made by the State for the upkeep of the B there would be fewer bachelors and famines.

Lord Islington left for Invercargill by the 8.25 express this morning. Mr J. K. Macfie and other membei-s of the Overseas Club attended to bid His Excellency farewell. To-night Lord Islington is to be at a meeting of the Overseas Club in the southern city. To-morrow he goes on to Timaru, and on Saturday he leaves for Wellington.

This morning the delegates to the Central Council of Trained Curses paid a visit to the Dunedin Hospital. Juvenile Forestry is flourishing at Port Chalmers. The ninth anniversary of the opening of the juvenile branch Court Pride of the Port was celebrated last night by a social evening, at which were entertained visitors from the City juvenile courts and from the district executive officers of the juvenile body. Bro. Granger, the president of the Juvenile Council, congratulated Court Pride of the Port on the attainment of their ninth anniversary, and conveyed the sincere wishes of the executive body and of the other branches of the Order that the court might continue to flourish. The annual conference of representatives of the Federated Bakers and Pastrycooks’ Industrial Union of Workers of New Zealand was continued in the Trades Hall here this morning. Mr .1. H. Anderson (Canterbury) presiding. It was decided—- “ That the secretary write to the Hon. Mr Massey, Minister of Labor, drawing his attention to the long hours worked by bakers and pastrycooks in the Taranaki and Marlborough districts, pointing o nt to him that bakers and pastrycooks come under the Factories Act, which states that time and a-quarter shall be paid for all overtime worked in any one week, .and that this conference, respectfully ask him to take steps, through his department, to see that the Factories Act is given effect to. as 48 hours constitute a week's work, and the men in the, districts referred to are working from 60 to 70 hours without receiving overtime.'’ The conference spent most of their time to-day revising the Federation rules.

The British Socialist party have issued te. the working classes a manifesto condemning syndicalism. “All workers.”runs one passage of the declaration, “whether they like it or not, are consumers as well as producers, and eitirens ns well as watreearlicrs, and it would be impossible, even if it were desirable, for trade unionists to divorce themselves from their relations to other useful dements of society.” The Prime Minister has been asked to open the Industrial Exhibition here tomorrow week. All the available space lias been taken up. Several applications for space from the North Island have had to be refused.

The Hon. James Allen was not able to give the residents of Milton and district any definite promise yesterday in answer to their representations that the 40-year-old post office was done and that an entirely new building would in the Jong run prove sounder economy than repairin' tile present one. He said that the Post 3 and Telegraph Department recognised that the town had claims to a new building, but that other towns nad more urgent claims still. He informed the deputation that the Postmaster-General Mould be visiting Milton before long, ns he is to open Kaitangata’s new post office, and Mr Alien suggested that Mr Rhodes be approached again on (he mater. Personally, Mr Allen expressed his opinion that it would 1

be a waste of money to repair a building the material of which was “ done.” Another request made to Mr Allen was that another means of access be provided to the railway goods yard; it being represented that the mere removal of a part of fence and the substitution of a gate would be a great convenience to users, particularly those having business places in the southern part of the town, and would expedite the handling of goods at the shed. Mr Allen promised to lay the matter before Mr Henries, who, he mentioned, is to pay Otago a, visit before long.

At the Port Chalmers Court this forenoon, before Messrs J. Mill and E. Godfred, J.P.s, diaries West was convicted of drunkenness and discharged. For breaking a window in an hotel last night while drunk he Was fined 5s and ordered to pay the damage, amounting to 15s, in default seven days’ imprisonment. On a third charge of deserting from the steamer Turakina at Lyttelton on September 14 he was sentenced to seven days’ hard labor. When asked why he left the Turakina, on which he was a fireman, he said the vessel was running about the coast 10 men short, and he was “ full up ” of doing other men’s work in addition to his own.

The Magistrate (Mr Widdowson) gave judgment this morning in the case of the Western Taieri Land Drainage Board against Wolsey Kaiu, a claim for £153 5s 3d, for rates due. His Worship said that under section 71 of the Rating Act, 1908, no judgment for the amount of any rates should be given or signed alter two years from the time when such rates first became due. The rates sued for in this case first became clue on the 30th September, 1910, and the two years mentioned in the Act expired on the 30th September, 1912. As the result of an adjournment till the 31st of October it was impossible for the Court to adjudicate upon the case within tho two years. His Worship held that the section above referred to contained an absolute prohibition, and that the Court, therefore, had no power now to enter judgment for the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs were nonsuited, without costs to the defendant.

Though large, the attendance at the opening of the Technical School at Milton -the- Hon. Mr Allen's first official function since taking office—would have been still larger had not a number of farmers been unable to leave their work. Wetweather has seriously retarded fanning operations, and agriculturists seize every opportunity of getting seed into ground the ploughing of which was delayed unduly by the continued rains. So far as crops are concerned, the season is almost sure to be a late one, everything at present being very backward. The Tokomairiro plain has buffered much less from excessive moisture than the Taieri plain. There is still much ground submerged between the railway lino and the river in the low-lying stretch from Allaiiton to Otokaia. Aparently insufficient attention has been paid to the cleaning out of the drains, some of which were allowed to become blocked.

The next sitting of tho Arbitration Court is at Christchurch, and the West Coast will then be visited. Air Justice Sim left Dunedin by tho 11.15 express to-day. The executive of the Otago Central, Roxburgh, and Gatlin Railway Leagues have intimated to the Hon. Air Fraser their desire to meet him, either on his arrival here on Saturday afternoon or on his return from the Dunstan jubilee celebrations, and to discuss the future prospects of Otago railways. In the latter event, tho Alinister has been asked to name his own lime and place for the interview. One of the most satisfactory features of the recent parliamentary session was the Hon. Air Bell's leadership of the Legislative Council (says the Oamaru ‘ Alaii,’ of which the Hon, Geo. Jones, AI.L.C., is the principal proprietor). “Having succeeded Sir John Findlay, he might have suffered by comparison with a man who, endowed with unusual ability, with such a gift of oratory as to command ready attention and admiration, and practised in the ways of the Council, had won his spurs easily as ah ideal leader. But though Air Bell began his duties timidly, and, believing himself to be amongst enemies, declared that he felt, isolated, he quickly realised that his position was more fortunate. and devclnped a faculty of advocacy in the Council which, whatever may have been the tendency of .the Council towards him at the outset, won the approval of all. Amongst tho hurty-burly of our political life; with its hard' knocks and numerous disappointments—its constant friction, and its disinclintion to render unto Caesar the things that are Casdr's—it is pleasant to''contemplate the good relations which have existed between the representative of the Alassey Government in the Council and the Council, the great majority of whose members are the. appointees of Mrairiislratoi’s who -were .Mr Alassey’s political enemies.”

Although .there is no official entertainment for the' New Zealand Cadets during their stay in Dunedin to-day and to-mor-row. the lads are being quietly entertained by their hosts and hostesses. The cadets are pleased with this arrangement. The contingent leave by the second express for Invercargill to-morrow, and return hero on Monday, after which it is understood they will disband. The ‘Mail’ reports that tho t.s.s. Earnslaw had a breakdown on her trip up from Kingston last Thursday evening. The cause of the trouble was the disablement of the air pump through a small piece of iron lodged in it. The Mountaineer, which fortunately was at Kingston the same day, came on behind and picked up the Farnslaw and towed her safely into Queenstown. The new vessel will probablv not run this week.

It is understood that the poll on the question of the amalgamation of the Borough of St. Kilda with tho City will be taken on December 16. Both parlies intend to “get busy” in the meantime. The. Glasgow merchant who figures so prominently in a compensation case quoted with relish by Mr Justice Hawkins in his “ reminiscences ” would have given an exquisite point to an argument by counsel to-day during Commissioner Short's inquiry into the Peninsula Boad Board’s proposal to construct a road and settlers’ objections thereto. The talk was of compensation, and one counsel pertinently pointed out that in compensation claims a great deal depended on what amount was considered to bo considerable. The Glesca merchant referred to would have had no difficulty in naming an amount that could be considered considerable. When ho was asked by a contemptuous barrister to .say what he meant by «a considerable sum of money in the bank he replied; “A maitter o’ a million or twa—perhaps twa millions.”

When questioned by a ‘Southland Times’ reporter last evening in regard to his attitude towards the proposal to import teachers from England, the Hon. James AL len, Minister of Education, said that the Dominion was certainly to some extent short of certificated teachers. The shortage was due to a change of system, which reduced the number of scholars each teacher had to superintend, and if there were an urgent necessity to relievo tho shortage he would he in favor of it. but he did not. know that there was any urgent necessity. Personally, lie was of opinion that a little patience was all that was necessary, and then the difficulty might be overtaken. It was, moreover, a very awkward thing to import teachers, as they would not be at all sure of what they were getting. Mr Paulin telephoned at 2 p.m. :■ Squally gale from S.W. to S.E., and heavy electrical rain shelters.

A practical demonstration of tho value of the ’ Education Board’s cookerv classes was afforded members of the board yesterday afternoon, when they were entertained .at luncheon by the teachers and pupils attending the school cooking classes at the Union street centre. The luncheon, unanimously .described as an excellent one, was prepared by the pupils under the direction of Miss Crawley and Mias Howe Johns, and the pupils served it to their guests. At (ho close of the function the chairman (Mr J. Mitchell) referred in complimentary terms to the demonstration of the efficiency of the tuition, and three cheers were given for teachers and pupils.

The sale of work in connection with the Morniugton Baptist Church is proving most successful. The takings so far have been quite up to expectations. The sale will be open again this evening. A large stock of useful at tides vet remain on the stalls.

The Summer Show of tho Otago Agricultural and Pastoral .Society is claiming the attention of breeders from far and near. Every mail brings a batch of entries. The Otago awards are coveted. This year we shall have more stock than usual from Canterbury. .Some exhibitois who arc making arrangements for the trip have never been previously represented at Tahuua Park. The show of dogs promises to be particularly good in the bulldog, cocker spaniel, and fox terrier classes. A Bleriot monoplane is to be brought down by a North Island aviation company. . The judging of the sheep this year should be a. shorter job than usual, since one judge will take the rams and another the ewe". It is hoped that one of the Cabinet Ministers —perhaps the Him. W. Fraser—will bo able to make it convenient to attend.

A young man appeared in the City Police Court before Mr Widdowson. S.M., this morning, charged with dmnkennees. He said he would plead guilty to a certain extent—that was to say, he had had a few drinks, but did not want to bo knocked about. In reply to the Magistrate, lie said he 'would admit having been drunken. He was convicted and fined ss. There were no other charges on the sub-inspec-tor's sheet.

Five paintings and several exhibits belonging to the decorative arts sections have been purchased at the Otago Art Society’s exhibition. The selections from the walls are: ‘Violets’ (Miss Jessie Newton), ‘The Red Door’ (J. Wimperis), ‘New Curtains’ (Miss Margaret Sale), " Gorse and Tussock, Wanganui’ (C. H. IToworth), ‘Memories, Wiripine Ninia, an Arawa Chieftainess ’ (C. F. Goldie). The public patronage is such as to justify the society in venturing this year beyond the customary lines.

A remark appreciative of the services of Mr Justice .Sim was made at the social of the Bakers and Pastrycooks’ Union ;.of Workers last evening. In referring to the recent dispute, the president of the Master Bakers’ Union (Mr J G. Laurenson) said he had the greatest respect for the judicial ability of Mr Justice Sim, who was not afraid, in the words of an employee, “to deal it out” to both employer and employee, and in no half-hearted manner. He would talk just as sharply to one side as to the other.

Tho promoters of the Panama-Pacific Exposition, which is to he held at San Francisco iu 1915, are keen, to have the Kaiser and King Alfonso race their yachts on that occasion. Sir Thomas Liplon intends to visit San Francisco iu the course of the next week or two to confer with the authorities of the exposition as to the best wavs and means of inducing the Royal yachtsmen to send their ciaft over to compete.

Mrs Stephen Nagetotto, a resident of Franklin, Philadelphia, has given birth to six children in little more than 13 months. The latest arrivals are three boje. In September, ISII, the woman also bore triplets—two girls and a. boyand in 12 years she has had 15 children.

The lion, secretary of the School Committees’ Association brought under the notice of the Minister of Education the urgent need that exists for increasing the accommodation at the Kensington School. The Hon. Mr Allen was under the impression that the mutter had been attended to by his department, but on being assured to the contrary by Mr Fraer be said that it would give him pleasure, when he visited Dunedin at the beginning of next month, to visit the locality and see for himself what required to be done. Mr Fraer lias undertaken to sec that a meeting with the local school committee is arranged to suit the Minister's convenience.

Our Tapauui correspondent wires: There are excellent entries for the Tapamii Show, which takes place to-morrow, and the sheep pens will be better filled than for years past. The draught and - light horses aro numerous. The weather continues showery, and is keeping.-farm work behind, especially shearing. Of our numerous country contemporaries, none is held in higher, esteem than the ‘Lake Wakatip Mail’ It is always admirably made up and printed, and tire news is reliable and presented in attractive form. The proprietor has made it a rule to keep pace with the improvements in printing presses, etc., and has now gone a step further and installed a composing machine—the typogi-aph. The ‘ Mail ’is probably the first country paper in this part of the Dominion to sot tip suck a machine, and the enterprise of the proprietor deserves to be rewarded. Most of the'papers in tho country are still produced by hand. The sale of work at Bt. Peter's.Church is proving an unqualified success. Last evening excellent business was done, and to date the takings exceed those of last year. The sale concludes to-night, when ‘ Mr Briggs’s orchestra will supply musical items.

A deputation from the British Empire League interviewed the Emmie Trades Commission_ iff support of the suggestion for an Empire trade mark. Lord --webUry explained that a trade mark association had been formed at the meetirtg at which 1,200 kading manufacturers and merchants were'" present. The object of the Empire trade mark was to provide a simple and practicable means of identifying Empire manufactures, and to encourage an! sfniulate the demand for Empire goods. At. present it was. notorious that goods of foreign origin were sold as of British manufacture. Replying to questions, the deputation said they did not propose a compulsory Act; if only 10 per cent, of the manufacturers adopted the idea it would speedily become universal. '

The Government have not. yet come to a decision regarding the Otira tunnel contract which Messrs John M‘Learn and Co. wish to throw up. A member of the firm (v ires “ Our Own ”) has been to Wellington this week to interview the Minister of Works, but no information is available as to the future, the Minister declining to discuss the matter he.yond stating that the work is going on under tho contractors’ control.

During the Hon. James Allen's absence from the Dominion the Hon. W. Fraser will act as Minister of Finance, the Hon. H. D. Bell will take charge of the Education portfolio, and the Hon. R. H. Rhodes of Defence.

“I hold three important portfolios,” remarked the Hon. Mr Allen in replying to the congratulations showered on him yesterday by the Mayor of Milton (Mr C. King) and other prominent men in Bruce. “That of Education was rather thrust on mo. The other Ministers were rather chary of taking Education, and Mr Massey asked me to take it temporarily. I do not know how long the ‘ temporarily ’ is going to last. It would be with very great sorrow that I should give up Education, although really I have too much to do. It is .a very- pleasant portfolio to hold. The possibilities are so wide that it does give one hope of being able to do some good, and I am almost bound to confess that I should be sorry to have to give it up.” Mr Allen added that he was sorry for some reasons to have to go to England, but "he knew tho whole country would rejoice with him if he returned successful in his mission.

It was mentioned at the inquiry to-day into the Peninsula Road Board's proposal to construct a new road at Fairbanks Hill that already three ckunic for compensation had been entered—one for £IOO, another for £5,000, and a third for £2,000. The Mount Cook lily (Ranunculus lyalli) is blooming in immense quantities this year in the neighborhood of the Hermitage, Mr Collett (Government Tourist Agent) informs us; in fact, they are making a finer show than the guides have ever seen before. Tho Hooker Valley .and the (rack to the Ball Hut are one mass of blossom. There are some specimens on view at the Tourist Bureau.

This morning Mr Justice Williams granted probate of the wills of Alex. Kevin (Mr Callan), Thos. Mackridge (Mr Stephens), and Annie O’Leary (Mr E. C. Smith.

The English mail which was despatched from Dunedin via Wellington and San Francisco on the 10th October arrived in London bn the 13th inst., two days late.

Ohiaroui Art Depot now showing great variety of new pictures and am goods, which make suitable presents. Lowest prices.— [Advt.] There can be no better portraits done than those exhibited by Mr Morris, of Garden Studio, 554 George street, on lefl-haud side of the Zenith vestibule, in Princes street. Appointments made in Zenith Portrait Studio, or telephone 2,279. —[Advt.]

A concert in aid of the building fund of the Kaikorai Catholic Church will be given in the Wakari Drill Hall to-morrow.

Speight’s ale and stout are acknowledged by the Dominion public to be the best on the market. —[Advt.] You should see our up-to-date George 15. Keith's Walkover boots. Solo agent, Simon’s Continental Boot Depot, Princes street (opposite Post Office). —[Advt.] The Acme Photo Company, George street, are making quite d new show of exquisitelyfinished photographs. Country visitors are delighted with their portraits. Tel. 965.—[Advt..]

Tadics.—-Mereolitcd wax, the new skin specialty, is now in stock; a. limited supply. Wilkinson and Son, chemists.—[Advt.] No lady should be without Martin’s Apiol and Steel Pills Sold by all chemists and stores throughout Australasia.—[Advt.] The Canterbury Acclimatisation Society inrite applioationsfor the position of curator.