The Evening Star. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1917.

Evening Star, Issue 16351, 17 February 1917, Page 6

The Evening Star. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1917.

W iinniEi! there is a conscious rivalry between the German Kaiser Tho Kaiser and the German profesanti the War. sots and doctors of divi-

nity as to which of them shall give utterance bo the most blasphemous nonsense and savage, tirades, in the despairing hope that it may be possible, by tliis unique means to avert disaster, we do not know ; but it is not impossible. From the very beginnings of the war the Kaiser and his professors and his theologians have conducted with, extraordinary vigor a campaign of vituperation and threatenings that have provoked the amazement, and disgust of the world. It was a professor (Dr Fuchs) who anticipated Germany's recently-proclaimed “love of peace on behalf of a stricken humanity” with the confession that “ no longer will “anyone be able to escape- the logical “ conclusion that peace would be a catas- “ tropho, and that tho only possibility is war. Wi.r, hitherto reaction to auger, “ outraged honor, a means to an end, has •“ now become an end in itself 1 Tbs “ whole nation will as one man demand “eternal war.” And it was one of the Kaiser's several chaplains (Dr Traub by name) who, last September, before what was described as an “ immense audience,” declared that “.England is Hell; its m- “ habitants are all devils; its soldiers are “ Satan s warriors; its politicians are “fiends. Down with England!'’ But it is to the Kaiser himself that the world continues to look for the I rankest expression of the Germanic spirit. He speaks and writes with a freedom and assurance that is denied Ids subjects. He knows, and does not shrink from imparting his knowledge to ids people, that “you are

victorious in all the theatres of war on “ land and sea.'’ He. is also confident that all the world will not forget that the Entente are the protectors of the murderers of the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria : and though perhaps a trifle less certain than are his mouthpieces in. the Reichstag that peace-loving Germany was v. ickodiy attacked by a band of conspiring, envious nations, led by England, lie has absolutely no doubt as to which of the Powers is their most obstinate and hated enemy, or that right and morality are on their side, and that God and Divine Providence will continue with them in tlie. future as in the past.

1 hat nation must be in a desperate plight whose anointed and crowned ruler and leader can Thus .speak, Mankind will need a new vocabulary if the verbal terms with which they have long been familiar are open to the interpretations now given them. .Surely never have the words ■'morality" and “right” and “God” been utilised to cover such infamous crimes as those associated with the names of Belgium and Serbia and Armenia! If so, it may well he asked :

By what names shall Bight and Wrong be known? n \\ hat new and courtly phrases must, we feign lor Falsehood, Murder, and all monstrous crimes? When Christian, on his way to (lie Celestial Cit\_. entered the house oi the Inters prefer, he was shown “a man that could look no way but downwards, with a “muck rake in his hand.” Of such is the German Kaiser. He can look no other vay than into the deep depths of his own black soul, and thence draw forth blasphemies and lies wherewith to befoul, the world. Under his body-destroying, soulblighting influence God's fair earth has been transformed into a place, of darkness, where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched.

Christendom is once more stirred to angry scorn with the recapitulation of stale falsehoods and arrogant pretensions. Britain’s “methods of starvation” are again held up as the no plus ultra of inhumanity and international villainy, and the downfall of the tyrant of the seas by' the way of ruthless submarining is ones more promised an expectant world. To what purpose is it to answer so pitiful an exponent of recent history, or to reply that the. work) neither wants him nor his.? Why seek to show not only that a naval blockade, such as that now imposed on the Centra! Powers, is more legitimate and more humane than is the invasion and devastation of Belgium ; that it can be avoided on confession of wrong-doing; or that it was not. imposed til! after the Tirpitz submarine blockade threat of February, 1915? And why recall the simple historical facts that ‘it was Germany, through Austria, that opened the campaign of slaughter bv declaring war against Serbia on July sffi, 1914, and on account against Russia on August 1, Irarice-on August 5, and Belgium on August 4? Britain did not enter the field until midnight of August 4. and then only after-24 hours' warning that she would do so if Germany did not honor her solemn pledges and promises to Belgium. Ihe world, should it ever forget theso things, would merit tho fate, that inevitably would follow, there is no shadow' of excuse for any nation or people or Government at this late hour not knowing where a.nd how they stand; and we detect no sign that tho world, whether New or Old, is longing for tho destruction of British “ tyranny ” in order that it shall be superseded by the enthronement of German Kultur. There is one and onlyon© way .by which the German Kaiser can help humanity out of the pit of desolation into which he has thrust it. But it is a much surer way than that of his frightfulness at sea. r lhe recipe, possibly, is not unknown to him. It is as follows “ Execute judgment and righteous“ness, and deliver the spoiled out of the " hand of the oppressor; and do no wrong, “do no violence to the stranger, the “ fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed “ innocent blood.” There is no other way' than this either for nations or individuals.

And the alternative to disobedience thereof is: “I will prepare destroyers against “thee, every one with his weapons’ and they shnh cut thee down.” Against these ‘ destroyers ” the German Ivaiiser will fling his submarines in vain.

Thk neWs of the demise of Sir George 51‘Lean will be received, ivo feel sure, with feelings of the deepest regret by all classes throughout lire Dominion, and cs-

"A Good Sport ” and a Thorough Gentleman

pecially hr the people of Otago, among whom ho had been a, familiar and popular figure for so many years. Tnio, the intelligence fines mot come with the fall shock of unexpectedness : indeed, it may be said that the public had been led almost to expect it on a previous occasion, fpr Sir George had a very serious illness in the latter part of 1906, his life being almost despaired of for a. few dtiys. There was general satisfaction at that time when ho recovered and appeared again in Ids old haunts; but the effects of that critical experience M l ways remained with him to some extent, and his friends -were more or less prepared in consequence for a fatal recurrence. Nevertheless, the general regret will not he materially lessened bv this fact, and everyone will feel that Now Zealand has lost a., valuable citizen and an attractive personali tv.

On his political side 8m George APLeau fra-s known to the present generation as a prominent and useful member of the Legislative Council; but it must not be forgotten that _he represented the Vv'.ai - kouaiti constituency (now extinct) in the House of Representatives with much erticiency, first for a brief term in 1871, and afterwards from 1875 to 1881. He was an admirable country member, keenly alive to the immediate interests of his constituency and province., .vbile takiim a large view of national conditions and necessities. In earlier days he did good work as a provincial legislator, and to tho end of his life Otago had few more enthusiastic champions. .Mr MT.ean was wol' fitted for the position of Legislative Councillor, which lie Jiold for so many years. Devoid of narrow partisanship, and eminently practical by temjwrament and habit. he sought to carry out. the will of the people when it had been defimlely expressed, while not shrinking horn the, duty of resolute independence when occasion demanded. He had his prejudices and foibles, no doubt, and he was specially averse to what has been termed (nor :\lways justly) “ grandmotherly legTlation " ; but lie was always sympathetically disposed towards any practical attempt to improve the condition of the industrial classes, and in his mind there was nothing akin to traditional Lory stubbornness. ] distrusted sentimentalism, and perhaps gave that word too wide a significance ; but he was always ready to support auv proposal which cleany promised substantia.! advantage, whether to the country as a whole or to any section of the population. ]{ he was not. an ardent reformer, licit her was he, a prejudiced reactionary. Re. was highly esteemed by his fellowlegislators of all parties, and on two occasions he narrowly missed being chosen as Speaker of the Council The, failure of his second candidature war. admittedly » disappointment., hut the cX..client spirit vduca always characterised him nits displayed in the graceful and wholehearted congratulations which he promptly tendered to his successful rival. Sir George M'L-ean was nut an orator: neither physique nor temperament qualified him for prominence in that line; but he invariably expressed his opinions with lucidity and plain effectiveness, aided by a telling gift of homely and unconventional illustration.

Perhaps, however, Sir George was more widely known as a sportsman than as a politician. Warmly devoted to “the sport of kings. ' he set an example of personal rectitude and disinterestedness which, if it were generally followed, would make the turf a much ‘cleaner and leas exceptionable resort than it can claim to be at present. lie was always ready to defend racing as a national institution; and if, in seeking to justify some of the dubious accessories of his favorite avocation. he was rather blind to the shady side, this was largely because he credited all his fellow-sportsmen with his own puritv of spirit and practice. He had no leanings either to puritanism or to license, but was a- man of the world in the be-t sense of that abused phrase.

It may he remarked in passing that Sir George was a promoter ami active supporter of a number of important commercial undertakings, bis name being specially familiar in connection with the Union Steam Ship Company and the (now defunct) Colonial Bank. Finally, he was a kind and faithful friend, a most engaging companion, and a man singularly free from blame in all the ordinary relations of life. As Hr John Roberts once unconventionally observed concerning another valued friend of Otago, he was “ a good sort,” and the phrase, homely as it is carries a world of meaning. Affectionate memories of the Hon. George M'Lean will live for many a day in the hearts of those who knew him.

Tho Library Committee of the Citv Council report that, owing to the lares increase in the. patronage of the juvenile department, it has become necessary to provide more-accommodation for this* section of the library, This can b© done bv removing the glass partition from the Librarian's office, so as to take, in tho space, occupied by the office, and provide a new office on tiro landing at the reference library. Tho cost of the work, including additional shelving and rearrangement oi juvenile room, ia estimated ""at £6O, and it is recommended that authority be granted for this expenditure. As the work has not been specially provided for in tho allocation for the current year, tho matter has been referred to the' Finance Committee, with a, view to authority being obtained for the necessary special capital vote.

The Reserves Committee of the. City Council report, having given instruction's for the laying off of a .suitable area in the Anderson Bay Cemetery which will bo reserved solely for the graves of soldiers.

The prolonged -pell of heavy rains that this district (says the Wynd ham ‘Farmer') has just experienced lias had a depreciating effect upon those fields, of ripe grain cut ami put in stook during the hot weather immediately preceding the wet. snap. Not only ha.s a’good deal of discoloration set in, but in numerous instances the grain has started sprouting. On Thursday the elements were much more favorable, and. given a few days of propitious weather, the stuff now in stook should all get safely garnered, and free from further damage. Their first picnic was held to-day at Portobello by the members of the ’Port Chalmers Old Identities’ Association. The summer sunshine this forenoon added to the attractiveness of the outing, and the numbers of people patronising the ferryservice seemed to assure the success of the gathering. The first president of the association (Air J. Mill) had placed the ferry service at the disposal of picnickers free of charge, the arrangement being that the Tarewai carried the people to Portobello on her various trips, and that at 6 p.m. one of the large ferry steamers conveyed them backs- to Port Chalmers in a body.

Mr Paulin’s forecast:—N.E. to N.W. winds, and electrical rain showers. A first offending inebriate was ordered a week’s medical treatment by Mr A. Cable, J.P., at tho Port Chalmers Court this forenoon.

Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M , presided over a short sitting of the City Police Court thus morning. A, first offender and George Clark, for drunkenness, were each fined 10s; the latter was also penalised to the extent of 20s on tho charge of procuring liquor during the currency of a prohibition order.

A tlirough passenger by a steamer now at Auckland is making his way home to Sydney after being on service with the troops in the war area. He is Dr M’Lean, who was so prominent as one of the Mawson Antarctic expedition. On the waxcut from Horn® the doctor gave lectures on board the steamer, and these he illustrated with his remarkable collection of lantern slides. The proceeds of these lectures are to be later handed over to marine charities.

B\ the last London passenger steamer winch arrived at Auckland a number of domestic servants landed, in the charge ot Matron Sykes, who has been engaged in nursing in English hospitals. ° The women who will commence- their new life 10 . in number, and all fine examples ? ~ U ', voyage out wns made to the beneht of them all, and thev are looking forward to the success of’their \ent-ure. lire shortage of domestics is being keenly felt in New Zealand, and though only small numbers arrive bv each steamer they ably fill their positions, and do credit to the Government scheme for supplying such sendee.

Cur special at Wellington telegraphed mis morning; “During this week a conterenee ot senior school inspectors from the various education districts has been meeting in Wellington, and has given consideration to several important feature* ot the education system. The work of the conference is expected to be completed te-day. The chief matter brought before ii ,ii E Pec l°, l ' s was the improvement of tho syllabus. Tho conference have discussed and adopted a number of recommendations m tho direction generally of sim-P.-F - ng tho syllabus, accentuating essentials, and smoothing the path of teachers, iwitu'u.arly of the lower grade—teachers who have not had the advantage of extended training, and who are often handicapped rather than helped bv the latitude the present syllabus allows them J.he recommendations will bo considered by the officers of the department The conference at a later stage gave nio attention to matters of administration connected with the work of the inspectors. Delegates from the coal miners arc to meet the representatives of the Coalowners' Federation in Wellington on Wednesday next tn discuss the demand of the men tor a new agreement. The condition* the men are asking for (wires our Wellington correspondent) are stated fn involve. Tf granted, a heavy addition to the cost of owl. The men are seeking an increase of Gj per cent, on the present rate of wages Inr miners working on -tonnage rates, who are able to earn the average, of Ids Id per shift, and fur alterations of existing conditions, involving, according tn the° mine owners, a reduction in output. The miners propose also that there shall he a Dominion agreement, in place of the local agrements. The additional Wav Remilaturns gazetted last night appear to have a direct bearing upon this dispute. Thev provide that the Governor, if satisfied that any industry is essential for lire pub- , welfare, may declare that iruustrv to no an essential industry. The succeeding page oi the ‘ Gazette ’ declares that coal mining is an essentia! industry. Th o new regulations proceed then to provide that it shall he an offence to incite, encnnnnre or procure a strike, or n . lock-out whuii’ nuerteres with the effective conduct of mi hurry and naval operations, the production or transport of goods for war purposes the loading and despatch of ship* and t.ie manufacture, production, siipnlv. delivery, or carnage of goods or arth-lo-declared to be essential' for the publiueitare. I nese new regulations appear to be almost unlimited in their scope, and they clearly will apply to am- person concerned in a dispute that threatens to dislocate the con I mining industry or anv oilisr essential industry.

An unusual haul was made hr four Auckland anglers while fishing for kinghm at Russell recently. ()„ the wav to Die fishing grounds a school of porpWp* '™ s seen to be following t ], e ] a um hj. An °}}° h . v trolling was unenece.is.u.. nut finally Mr Irvine was successiu. in harpooning one of the porpoises, ino launch was slowed down, hut aft-i tao porpoise had taken over 200 yards of fine the engine was put at full speed to keep pace with the fish. A great fight , l 0( for and finally tlio pine, poise was haulod_on hoard, ft'was found c"*!,'' oc '- r *- On arriva! at the fishing grounds several kinglish, in sulendid condition, were landed, the largest weighing about ■ 901h. Subsequently Mr Uompson hooked a ma-ko .shark. ' This smirk is one. of the strongest fish of its kind, and. _as a rule, will make several of the water after being caught, but tne one caught by Mr Thompson only made one lean, and- contented itscif with numerous rapid runs in its efforts to escape. The. fish was placed on the rod for D, hours, and finally ‘ harpooned and inkcn on board. It was about 6ft long, and in firsl-rhiss condition. It is seldom that a make shark or porpoise i.s caught under such circumstances, and when the two fish wore shown at Russell they excited considerable curiosity.

At- an inquest at Aratapu (Northern Wairoa! concerning the death of two Mam-: children, who were drowned at Kairara, on 1 ebruary 5, a pathetic tale was u,ilolded of the sufferings of the Native? j n that locality during the recent flood. Evidence showed that the floor] water? rose quickly, and the Maoris had considerable difficulty in escaping to high land. The father of the deceased children. I\hare Rangi. with his wife, had conveyed two other children to a point of safety, and was returning for the two deceased, when a pile of logs and debris was earned away, releasing a largo bodv ol water, winch swept away the house and children. In his, efforts to save his children Whare Rangi sustained a fractured

Word was received at Grevmoutii yesterday that work had ceased at tho Otira tunnel. It appease that a dispute has arisen hot ween one of the tunnel foremen and ono ot the fitters, who claims to have been wrongly dismissed. Tho trouble at latest reports was still unsettled. At the Narrow Neck Camp, near Auckland. where the Maori Reinforcements are in training, the Young Men’s Christian Association some little time- ago opened a hut for the use of the men. The hut G P roomy structure, nearly 70ft in length." A good pigno,_ gramophone, and various games are provided. In addition, a library ot about 150 hooks, with a plenteous snpply of illustrated papers, magazines, etc meets the need? of the more studious! Free _ stationery is provided, with tlm familiar red triangle sign at the top of the letter heads. Weekly eon-certs are very popular. The hut is under the. snnervision of Mr S. .1. Gilbert, of Dunedin, and a-u excellent programme of uilerestin'r 1 natures helps to fill up the, leisure time of tho soldiers in training. Passengers by the ferry steamer Maori from Wellington to Lyttelton were provided with a little diversion not provided on (heir tickets just as-the vessel was enlering Lyttelton Heads early this morniim A telegram received by the Union Com! pany states that the Maori made a fast trip from Wellington, and when she was abreast of the entrance a prisoner appeared on deck and jumped overboard. The vessel was stopped, a boat quicklv lowered, anfethe man was rescued in r few minutest*' In spite of the delay thus occasioned. , the Maori berthed at the Lyttelton wharf at 7.25 a.m.. and connected with the first express for the south.. A P.A. telegram from Christen nrch states that a man, a member of the mnforccme.nts. who was beimbrought to Christchurch to answer n police charge, created n sensation when the Maori entered the harbor this morning by jumping overboard. The alarm was given and flip steamer put bark, and a boat was lowered. The" man was a strong swimmer, but was overtaken and /■aught. • He had a lifebelt under his coat. The Maori was delayed 20 minutes. ‘ I

The ship’s doctor on an oversea liner now in port at Auckland has seen many months’ service on the battlefields o'f I’ranee and m other regions in the war zo, ‘°- He is Dr Moore. In both France amt Mesopotamia he saw extensive operations, and towards the end of his last active period Dr Moore was engaged £ti the transporting of wounded prisoners Horn Ivut.

„M r Hugh Mitchell, secretary of the utago Provincial Council of the New Zea- - land Farmers’ Union, has received tho following letter from the secretary of the Department of Agriculture I have the honor by direction of the Hon. W. D. S. S i lac Donald, Minister of Agriculture and Industries and Commerce., to acknowledge the receipt of yonr letter of Istmstant, enclosing copy of a protest from the Greenfield branch of the Farmers’ v '™ n > lather with a copy of a telegram ol 2(th ultimo from the secretary and chairman of the same body, with reference to the enforcement of the Rabbit Nuisance Act and the Noxious Weeds Act during the war, and in reply to inform vou that your representations will receive every consideration.”

Notification of Sunday services as enumerated below appears in onr advertising columns;— Anglican: All Saints’. Presbyterian: First Church, Knox Church, fit. Andrew’s Kaikora-i, North-east Valley, Caversham' Peninsula. Mornington, Musselburgh St’ lEiv, Chalmers. Methodist; Trinity.' Central Mission, Mornington, Cargill Road, Belleluiowes, AVoodbangh, N.E. Valley, Dundas Street, Kew, Abbotsford, Ravensbourne, Roev’b Maori Hill, fit. Kilcla. Congregational • Moray Place, Leith Street, St. Clair, Kink street. Baptist: Hanover Street, Boslyip Oaversbiim, North-cast Valiev, South Dun«!m. Church of Christ; Tabernacle. South Dunedin, Mornington, Roslyn. N.E. VAkv PiUeul Street. Choral Hail. Theosoph’v’ Chvistadegnhians, Playfair Street Hall S.niiv tuul Scientists’ Church. ’ ’’ “ It’s gey fine is this Watson's No. 10. I never tasted any other whisky half so <mid." —[Advt.]

the K.nkoriii Band will play :l programme ol selected music in the Bob.mical Gardens to-morrow afternoon. Several items new to Dunedin audiences will be introduced,' and given n lino day the concert- should ’be n most enjoyable one.

Speight’s alo and etout are acknowledged by tho Dominion public to hs tbs best on the market.—j.Adrt.l

United 81 arr-Bowkci t invites members and advertises £I,OOO for clisnosal.

Ladies recommend Martin's Apio! and Steel rills, bold by all chemists and stores. See you get the genuine.—[Advt.]

Aharon s climate for a restful holiday; ir-G.ors from ‘-hrislcljuroh thrice wcckK* - most enchanting- drive in (he world; wdh modern accommoclation. The healthiest, town in the Dou.inicn.-—[A.'lvL] At Oddfellows' Hall, Albany street, tomorrow evening, Madame Reprah will deliver a. lecture, 'The Unite- of all Great, Religion.:.’

te air-on. s No. 10 is a litllc dearer than mo-i whiskies, but- is worth ibe monev.— [Advu] I oc poll on me qc,c>l ton of the amalgama-i-ion of Si. Hilda with the City has'been fixed lor Marcli i. A meeting of those in favor of amalgamation is p, he'held on Thursday evening, when a working committee will be formed.

A programme of Scottish solos, part songs, etc., will he presented to the Burns Club'* meet mg on ‘Wednesday in the Art GallonHall.

t New season’s photographic goods; excellent stock now arrivin'.'. Cameras from 6* Bend your order early to H. J. Gill, 11 and la J: rod crick street, Dunedin. ’Phone 1 144. —[Advt.] ’

A public meeting under the auspices of tin; Second Division League ins to be hold in the Early Settlers' Hall on Monday evening. Uno Ponins-ula Ferry Company advertise their amended linie-iafclc, which'comes into force on Monday. 19th hist. Tho boat having Portofccllo at 6.20 a.m.. and the one leaving Dunedin for Portobeiia, at 6.20 p.m . have, been wihldrawn. owing to the fact Hint there are not, sunirient people, travelling on these uvo trip- tn warrant, them being run. Another alteration is tint the fin.tnrdny morning boat, for Portobeiia will leave a I 9.30 a.m. instead of 10 a.m. There are several other alterations.