The Evening Star SATURDAY. APRIL 1, 1916.

Evening Star, Issue 16078, 1 April 1916, Page 6

The Evening Star SATURDAY. APRIL 1, 1916.

liie news of the week, on the military

side, may ho reCootf and Bad News, garded from the standpoint of the Allies as distinctly satisfactory, on the political side as more reassuring than it has been for many months, and on the domestic, or social, side as dangerous and humiliating. On the western and eastern frontiers the Allies have more than held their own. They have strengthened and advanced on their earlier positions, but, chief above all, they have demonstrated that they can stand their ground against tlie most determined assaults. Better still, there is an absence of that note of apology, of explanation and qualification, which in the past has too often tempered the utterances of those in authority. Not that we have the right to assume that all has been done that has to be done even in the matter of munitions. “Our progress is remarkable, ' Mr Lloyd George is reported to have told a Parisian journalist, “but it would be a mistake to suppose that our task is ended.”. This, emphatically, is the correct note to strike. An ever-present danger against which British statesmen have to guard is that large sections of the people of the Empire, the moment there is what they in their ignorance regard as a turn of the tide, are more than ready to cease doing their utmost in whatever work or calling they happen to be. And if there be one lesson more than another that should have been burned into every loyal British heart and brain during these past dreadful months it is that guns count even more than mere numbers of men. It cost England thousands of brave young lives to bring this simple truth home to those in authority, hut it is cause, for thankfulness that it has been brought home, and that nothing save our own deliberate criminal folly now stands between our knowledge and the practical realisation of what that knowledge teaches.

Verdun, with its Josses, its devotion, its sacrifice, and its glory is something more to Mr Lloyd George than a source of pride and congratulation. Splendid as are the achievements of our French friends and Allies, rejoicing, as we all do, in their magnificent coolness, steadiness, and assurance, the lesson of Verdun to the British Minister of Munitions is that though “much had been done, we must do more.’'' And the aspect of the wav at this particular time, tyhich should give rise to the most sincere gratitude, is the belief we have that more will bo done. Nor is such confidence wholly due to the knowledge that the Allies are now in the way of securing an abundant and consistent supply of the implements and inanitions of war. First and foremost this new spirit, and the hopes to which it has given rise, are based upon the fact that the Allies at last are taking counsol together. It is a melancholy admission to make that for the first 18 months of war the Allies had not token counsel together, but each was “going upon his own." We owe the i«|misshm to Mr Lloyd George. In the course of a conversation with an Italian editor tbo Minister said ;

We were acting always independently from one another. Great Britain' was v aging her war.. So were France, Russia, and Itidv. Only lately we have realised the folly of such proceedings, and have Steered a better course. Those words were spoken two months ago, and since that (Late there have been not only Erzeroum and Verdun, but the Paris Conference. We are entitled to build as much upon the conference as upon the progress of the allied armies in the field. From it may be drawn tire most cheering conclusions, and in the resolve for eompleto unity of action may be detected a definite confirmation of tho accuracy of Mr Lloyd George’s prediction that " we are going to win.” But through,the week there has eome to us other news as well—news that is not only not good. bub horribly ugly and humiliating. Certain domestic traitors on tho Clyde have been fomenting strikes among their more ignorant but, equally criminal fellows, in defiance of the advice of their own trad© unions, and with utter disregard for the safety of their country. That at such an hour men of British blood should thus dare to play fast and loose with tho vital interests of the Empire would seem impossible of belief were it not that experience has taught us that nothing is too infamous for some Britons to undertake on behalf of their own per-

ponal interests, to the encouragement of tho enemy, and to the harming of that country whose free institutions they abuse, and whoso continued safety they jeopardise. Unfortunately (we confess it, with regret), we are not as confident as wo could wish that the Government will deal ! with tlie Clyde "trouble" with the promptitude and incisiveness it demands. We trust we shall be proved wrong in our ; belief, but onr fears arc not without jnsti- ; (ieation. Both in England and in the : Oversea. Dominions there are small but ; active sections of tho community that are | either ignorantly or with malice aforoj thought playing tho Germans* game. .And | it is these who are among the most dan- ; gerous of the Empire’s enemies. With ; avowed foes it is possible to deal, hut ; with those of our own flesh and hlood—- • the men ami women who affect to preach ! from a higher moral altitude and wider i humanitarian platform than their brethren j —it is most difficult to deal effeoj tively. • What, for example, can be said I of Sir William Ji. Lever, grand officer |of the Belgian Order of Leopold (L, I and chairman of a largo British soap j company, who is not ashamed to tell a | meeting of shareholders that " when the | war is over all bitterness must cease, j "and that the creation of tariffs against i “Germany was a cowardly cry, worthy of i“a backward race"? Sentiments like j these worthy of Joseph Surface j being translated, mean that when the • war is over we must forget Belgium and j Northern France and Serbia- and Boland, j and the ravishing's, outrages, and burn- | Jugs therein; forget Zeppelin raids and I submarine torpedoings ; forget the murder ! of Miss Ca.vell and the wholesale butcheries | of old men, priests, women, and children—- | we must forget, and presumably forgive, i all these, shake hands with their perpe- ! trators. and buy from and sell to them !as usual. " All bitterness must cense, bci “cause if it dues not then we are a ; “cowardly and a backward race." Such is J the new doctrine so uublushingly pro- ; claimed by Sir AY. Lever, the eminent soap manufacturer, and not a few others in England and her Dominions overseas. It is a doctrine burn of the outer darkness, and therefore one with which loyal Britons and true men and women everywhere .have nothing in common.

It was not to be expected that the Dunedin Amenities and Amenities Town-planning Society,

and a whose work is worthy “ Nuisance. ’* of generous support,

would be able this year to submit a striking annual report of great works accomplished. Circumstances have been against expensive schemes, and the society are to be commended for adopting a modest programme, and for giving special attention to “small tilings.” It is especially satisfactory to note that tiie, need of civic economy and the consequent inability of the municipality and the public to undertake expensive schemes for improving the City have not chilled the enthusiasm of the society. Many improvements have been effected without any special strain upon the public purse, while arrangements have been made for the initiation of more important works when times are. normal. The society have enlarged their functions by the creation of a. town-planning branch. It is obvious, however, that town planning will lie hindered by the effects of the war for many years to come. That must be accepted as inevitable, and the society will have to lie content with urging the municipal authorities and individuals to make the most of any opportunity that may present itself for effecting improvement, even though it bo no more than the widening of a .street corner, the “clothing with verdure of a waste place, or the removal of a. filthy dump. It will certainly be a long time before the City can undertake vvita a. light mind heavy expense on town planning. In view of the existing financial handicap the society will do well to continue their good work in a modest way. A great effort should be made to encourage private garden planning. There is wide scope for improvement in that direction, and many defects of town planning would be counter-balanced if property owners and occupiers were encouraged to develop the spirit of gardening. Manv amateur gardeners are discouraged by the slack municipal control which permits owners of property to turn their guldens into nurseries for noxious weeds. We hope that the society will give serious consideration to this phase of civic improvement. -there is scope for energetic activity on the part of the society in tile disgraceful conditions of the Harbor Hoard’s property at the north end of the City—a matter which was vigorously discussed last night by a deputation to the port authorities, the Harbor Board, in undertaking to convert Lake Logan into a. dimming recreation ground for tho north end, have merely succeeded in creating a disgusting nuisance. The deplorable result lias become, habitual with (he hoard, whose policy for the past decade has been the initiation of many promising schemes of profitable reclamation and the completion of none. Time and again wo have urged a policy of concentration and thorough work, but the board apparently havo become incorrigibly haphazard in their methods. It is not surprising that tho residents in the vicinity of “Lake Logan” have arisen in their wrath and demanded the removal of a menace to public health. Tho deputation incidentally exposed the amazing fact that the work of reclaiming Lake 1/cgan was practically stopped 'without the board’s authority. The chairman had to admit that the board certainly did not authorise the withdrawal of the dredge. Who gave the necessary authority? And who is to be Warned for the nuisance at Lake Logan? It would seem a.s though the board were nt the mercy of their officers. The Amenities Society should support the residents at the north end in their demand for a speedy improvement of that locality. There la little sense in discussing tho establishment of model suburbs and ignoring filthy refuse dumps within the City.

The chairman of the Harbor Board stated at last night’s meeting that the Order in Council empowering the board to go on. with the erection of tho retaining wall 'at Anderson Bay had now come to hand. At the Port Chalmers Court this forenoon Messrs D. hi. Mawson and T. .Scollay, J.P.s, issued a. prohibition order against a, man on tho application of his brother. A first offender was lined the amount of lus bail (10s) for drunkenness. The election of chairman of the Harbor Board will take place prior to tho next ordinary nieeting of the board. Mr E. C. Hazlett is freely spoken of as next year's chairman. *

Tho armua'l migratory flight of mutton birds past tha Ocean Beach has been watched with interest by St. Clair residents this week. (Millions of birds must have been travelling. They fly in order, mostly about four or five .abreast, sometimes six, never less than three, and tho ranks seem to be fairly evenly spaced. Hour after hour, nearly all the week, the winged host has streamed across, neither the front nor the rear in sight. These birds have a sense which is denied to human intellect.

Air Paulin telephoned at 1.30 p.m. • Squally BAY. to NAY. winds; fine for 24 hours.

The Alosgicl District High .School received a visit on Friday from the Education Department’s medical inspector for tin's province, who was accompanied by Aliss G. Livingstone and Air A. P. Rovtfhonse. ’The children of Standards 11. and 111. were examined as to their general physical health. Last year tho work was done by Air Roydhouse, of the physical branch of the department, and Aliss Blackburn with satisfactory results. This year s examination showed that the children are strong and sturdy and quite up to the average. Some of ihem can swim, an exercise that is always helpful to best physical development, aixd is so regarded by the Education Department.

Alenibers of a family who occupy a large isolated residence* overlooking ' the tea at St. Clair must have been verv much annoyed of late as the result of persistent gossip to the effect that their house is used in the interests of onr enemies. The stories to that effect are all more or less obscure and indefinite, but their general suggestion is that mysterious light signals are flashed seaward,and that the building has been adapted, by moans of secret doors and hidden vaults and so on, for the assembling of persons whoso designs are at the least suspicious and may be unlawful. Duel) are the current rumors. They are silly ami unconvincing. Nevertheless, ' they •have been persistently circulated, and lately some circumstantiality lias cjothed them with a semblance of genuineness, so that the authorities deemed it wise to pay the place a visit. Two detectives examined the house from skylight to rock, and we are authorised to state that the thorough inspection negatived all suspicions and established the fact that the place is simply a residence, without anything queer or unusual about it. We feel that in thus disposing of an idle tale we are but slaying tlie slain, but we print the facts in the hope that the statement will finally relieve the family concerned from what seems to be senseless persenition. ~~

The big drum is accepted as the joker of the hand, the’symbol of carousal and jollity, and when one hears that it is the subject of arrest on the Town Hall steps in the early daylight it is natural to imagine a, bit of fun. f l.here was such a capture, in Dunedin about 4 o’clock this morning. Tho constable who saw the drum lying on the steps must have rubbed his eyes. Possibly he got a- hint of a spree when ho saw the word “ Boosey ” ° !1 it. A thought of the date (the Ist of April) may have suggested a trap, and an explosion if lie touched it. Heedless of these risks, however, ho collared the drum, and took it to the station to await developments. Bit by bit the story came out as the clay advanced. It seems that the bandsmen had' been told that they were not formally called on to play at the meeting last'night, seeing that they were lo parade to-day, but that individual members might turn out if convenient. The caretaker beard of this, and as the drum bad been left in his care, and he thought it might ho wanted, he put it on tiio stops, where it silently reposed all night. There is no moral to the story, except that our City is peculiarly ordeijy aud honest, and not given to fool (licks.

Following is the order of sale and the quantities to be offered at the third Dunedin wool sale on Tuesday next :—New Zealand Loan and .Mercantile Agency Company, 1.055 bales; National Mortgage and Agency Company, 1,057 ; Donald Retd and Co., 1.665; Sln.maeh, Atoms, and Co., 580 ; Dalgcty and Co.. Ltd., 1.285 ; Wright, Stephenson, and Co., Ltd., 2.774: Otago Fanners’ Co-operative Company. 531. lotal, 8.947 bales. At the third sale lastyear 9,059 Ikilc.s were offered.

Recruiting officers complain that- men to whom notices have been sent neglect to attend committee rooms on or about appointed dittos to have report cards filled in. This neglect will necessitate the appointment of members of committee to call upon these men at their homes, thereby involving an enormous amount of work upon those wito are giving their services ■gratuitously. In one district not 25 per cent, have presented themselves so far. A.S tho information asked for must and will be obtained by some means or other, recipients of notices should endeavor to expedite matters by calling at the committee rooms whenever possible. For the information of anxious inquirers, we may state that neither committeemen nor their secretaries are receiving one penny for their services in litis connection.

“At the present time there is nothing more important than that men should he taught how to use the ten lingers which Cod Almighty gave them The Governor of lasmatlia, (Sir VV. G. Ellison-Macart-ncy 1 preached an. admirable little sermon on this, his own text, at Hobart last week. People were living, he said, in a. scientific era. and it was not what might tie accomplished in ten years' time; it was what could be done now. For the ten years prior to his coming to Tasmania he had had a. great deal of experience in the education problems that had to be solved in the Fast Knd of London, both as regards primary, secondary, and university training. Technical education could not be begun at too early a .stage in the child's school days. Home years ago educationists went mad ; they would give no place’ to technical training whatever. There was no science taught, which was a great mistake. “Wo do not assume, tire superiority of woman : we do not, anticipate being, pushed aside by the ladies,” continued Bis Excellency. “The call the war has made upon the manhood of the nation has left many openings for positions which have been tilled, and filled creditably, by women. The boy of to-day should take care not to allow his sister to outstrip him in his lessons. Between the age of 14 and 15 years it has been proved that girls had more nimble intellect than boys.*'

Speaking at the civic reception tendered to him in Gisborne on Monday, tho Hrm. W. H. Berries congratulated Sir James Carroll on hia return to good health, and said he had never seen Sir James looking better. Although they had fought on opposite sides, they had always been excellent friends outside the House and. after the debate was over. He had a great admiration for- Sir James Carroll’s gifts as an orator and na an administrator. He knew (1m difficulties lie went through, for he had succeeded him in the portfolio he held (Xative Affairs). He knew there might be accusations of “Taihoa,” and he might be accused of it, but they did make some advance, in Native policy, and he had always experienced, as far as general administration was concerned, the utmost assistance from Sir James Carroll, although they had not always agreed on political matters. At the last meeting of the Otago Yacht mid Motor Boat (Tub it was suggested that members of the dub might provide outings for our wounded soldietf;. A few Saturdays ago Commodore A. C. Hanlon gave tho first outing to tho Hospital patients. The soldiers were conveyed to the wharf in motor cars at 1.50 p.m., and taken down the. harbor in the Inishfree. Tho soldiers were entertained with afternoon tea, on board, and a very enjoyable afternoon was spent, town being reached at 5.39 p.m. This nfternfton Mr C. W. Sundstrum gave tlie soldiers in the Hospital an outing in the Yanina. Tho members of the club intend arranging further trips for our soldiers. Tho military authorities arc thoroughly disgust-eil at tho actions of a large number of recruits, who, despite frequent warnings that thovef’are no vacancies for thorn, persist in endeavoring to enlist in ’ such brandies of tho service as Army Service Corps, ambulance, and artillery. These branches, and, indeed fas was pointed out yesterday), the mounted rifles are now full for many months ahead so that practically tho only chance a recruit hns who is keen on getting away quickly is by offering for the infantry, and perhaps the engineers, where there are a- few vacancies for competent tradesmen. When tho shirker finds that his first move has failed, he contents himself by signing on for a reinforcement draft,"as far ahead as he is permitted, and by parading the streets wearing the armlet, which signifies that he has been passed fit and is waiting to go into camp. “ Such men simply don’t want to go,” declared a military officer this morning to our representative’ “ and,” he added, “the finish of the whole thing will be that they will not be permitted wear an armlet at all.”

AVhilo Jtihn Patterson, a carter employed at Air William Hunter’s liaxnvill in Rcc'.au Valley, was driving a- five-horse waggon loaded with 10 bales of dressed nax and seven bales of tow along the- district road to Wyndham railway station he suddenly became aware of the proximity heat and smoke (states the Wyitrlham ‘Farmer’). A strong, dry wind was blowing at the time, in the opposite way to that in which the waggon was proceeding, hence it was that Patterson did not realise sooner that his load had caught fire, and when ho did turn to investigate ho found the fibre in flames, and it w as, utterly beyond physical possibility to extinguish the blaze. Ju a trice the highly inflammable stuff was soaring high in ignited tufts, which fell all around. The excited team had broken into a gallop, and as the waggon passed Air Williamson's house lumps of burning fibre fell on to the gor.se hedge, on which they fed greedily until beaten out by help from the. house. Aleanwhile tho horses had been pulled up in a hollow on tho road line, and Patterson with all E]«ed got them free. Beyond one of tho animals being slightly scorched, no injury happened to the team. The woodwork of the waggon, however, was burned to a cinder, and the spokes of one wheel also .suffered. The loss in fibre and damage to the waggon is estimate:; to run into fully £BO or £9O.

The ‘ Press ’ utters a warning which sonic of our politicians will do well to take to heart. “There are people who will bo delighted with irresponsible onslaughts upon the Government, but the public as a. whole desire unity and loyalty and sincerity in the politicians. That party, whichever they may be, will fare badly that do not forget that they are a party; and after the war no politician will l)o Jess admired than lie who is thinking more of himself as a politician than of the nation’s true needs. The man who runs counter to the trend of public opinion will got himself into difficulties.”

The Finance Committee of the City Council recommend that the privilege of half-pay to any employee enlisting for active service be modified to tho extent that it shall not apply to any unmarried employee who enlists after the 15th of Alav next.*

The High Commissioner reports that 94 bags of mails for New Zealand were on the Sussex. Only about one-third were saved.—Wellington telegram.

KoUfination of Sunday sendees as emtraeVatecl below appears in* our advertising columns Anglican : .St. Paul's. All Saints’ St. Alartin’s, Presbyterian: First Church! Knox Church, St. Andrew’s, North-east Ynlley, Caversham, Alornington, Musselburgh, Roslyn. St. Clair, Chalmers, Aiaori Hill. Alethodist: Trinity. Central Alission, 'Alorningtou, Cargill Road ’Belloknowes Wood ban gh, North-east Valley, Dumlas direct, Xew, Abbotsford, itaveuebouruo, Eoslyu, Aiaori Hill, St. Kilda. CongregationalMoray Place, Leith Street, Si. ‘Glair. King Street. Baptist: Hanover Street, Roslyn, South Dunedin, Cavcmham. Church "of Christ-: 'tabernacle, Somh Dtnioffin, Alorningtou, Roslyn, North - east Yaliey Filk-nl sircct. Choral Hail. Theosophy’ Christadelphians, Playfair Street Half. Christian Science Society,' Albany Street School"

Watson s No. 10 is a. s;iUc dearer than' most whiskies, but is worth the- tnonev.—LAdn.]

The St. Clair Ladies’ Club are holding an opening social evening on Aloncluy next in the Presbyterian Sunday School Hall at 3 p.m. A splendid entertainment has been arranged, and members and intending membf'i.s can look lonv.'ird to an cmovabic evenni£. ‘

Now season’s photographic goods; Excellent, stock now arriving. Cameras from 6s. bend your order early to li. J. Gilt, 11 and lo Frederick street, Dunedin. ’Phone 1,144 HAdvt.] . Easier holiday .excursion rales on af, railways from April 18 to 24 (inclusive). At the .St. Chiir Congregational Church tomorrow evening the Rev. \V. J. Ashford will lake for Ins subject ‘ What Have AVc Gained b.v the AVar: Seep! ici-tu or Fait UN Mr T. \A . Debbie will sing * Suit of my Soul.’ At St. -Atariin’s Church evening service the A’onerable Archdeacon AA'oc.d)itorpe. Warden of Sehvyu College, wifi give the, fourth address of the scries, ‘The World Conflict and the Catholic. Church.’

Ladies recommend Martin’s Apiol and Steel Pills. Sold by nil chemists and stores. See yon get the genuine.—[Advt..] The Rev. E. Drake will close his six rears’ ministry,, at, tavershuiu Aielhodist. Church toiuormw.

The Burn--: Club will hold a. meeting in the Art. Gallery Hall on Wednesday, 'l9lh hist., for which itu attractive jircgiamine is being prepared Speight’s ale and stout are acknowledged by tho Dominion public to be (he best" on the market.—[Advt.] Tho harvest, festival will be celebralod fomorraw at Roflyn Prcsbvictian Church, Highgate.

■ S. Matthew's Church, Stafford street, harvest. 1 estiva! 1 0-morrow. Plolv Communion 8 and 11: Evensong. 6.3o.—[Advt.] Dunedin grocers urged to take united action io induce all housewives to n-e No Rnbhitm Laundry Hein for washing clothes.—[Advt.]° The United StuiT-Jiowkou Building Society inviio. inquiry for new No. A gmun, advertised, ami will dispose of £1,500 on lltii insi.

The Maori Hill Hand will render a. programme at the Clear tn-inorrow ai'ieninon. The Si. Kildn Municipal Hand will render a musical programme at the Second Beach St. Clair, to-morrow afternoon. A wellan'aiigeil be submitted, (he items comprising which may be seen in another column. Overheard; " Fly word'. but Watson'* NT. JO Whisky is a treat ! Musi- be well matured.—[Advt.]