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Evening Star, Issue 16676, 7 March 1918, Page 4

The Otago Motor Club have received a notification from tho ladies of Berwick offering to entertain wounded soldiers on some Saturday afternoon. An invitation ia also extended to the Regimental Band. The Motor Chib, who, with tho assistance of the ladies of the districts visited, have successfully carried out several of thcec enjoyable outings, will probably set aside a Saturday early in April for this event.

The Methodist Conference decided this morning' to cable £IOO to Chaplain Luxford in London for use among tho chaplains, especially in the front lines in France. It was mentioned that the only persons allowed in the front line with the soldiers wero the chaplains, even Y.M.C.A. officials having a place further back.

Importers ot" goods from the United States have to face the problem of further! dolay in the arrival of goods. Tho following cable was received from New York by a firm of manufacturers' agents in Sydney on February 18, and the information has been forwarded on to Auckland :—" Cargo steamer sailings have been suspended; sailing ships available. Kate of freight on general merchandise, 40 dollars per ton of 4Qf cubic feet. Can only insure, free of particular average, including war risk, at 8 per cent. Shall wo ship orders?" Owing to tho congestion of traffic on the railway lines in the States, duo to the demands ot" the Government for war purposes, difficulty is experienced in getting goods delivered to sea ports, even wnore vessels are available, and now that everything will have to come, by sailing vessels it necessarily means still further delay in getting supplies to New Zealand. Another cause of delay is that manufacturers in the United States find difficult to get timber delivered by the railWays, and are thus at a loss to provide cases in which to despatch goods. A similar difficulty exists in those' trade-3 requiring tins for their manufactures to be despatched in. In Xew Zealand the position is becoming somewhat serious regarding tins, and at a meeting of a patriotic body at Auckland on Friday the 'Star' states that one firm of wrote, suggesting that if school children would gather the tins in their particular industry they would buy them, and the money cdnkl be devoted to war purposes. For some considerable time (savs the 'Sydney .Morning Herald" of February 28) a question has stood on tho business paper of tho State Parliament bv Or Arthur, asking the Government to' consider the case of Frederick Wilholm Hecht, the State returning officer for Alexandria. Day after day the intimation " answer deferred " has been given to the inquiring member of Parliament. Last night, however; the Premier said that the matter had been discussed at a mooting of the Cabinet that day. and it had been decided to ask this officer to resign. Mr Holman said that there was no personal objection to the officer, whose position had be»o under review. There was no doubt, however, that he had been a subject of Germany before the war. and had served in the German army. His name had been removed from the Xew South Wales commission of the peace, and the Cabinet could see no alternative but to call upon him to resign tlie position he held in connection with the electoral law of this State.

Or Shaddock (chairman of the Electric Power and Lighting Committee) said last evening that City Councillors would he pleased to hear that the editor of the 'Electrical Times,' a technical paper published in London, in the course of some comments on the last annual report of the Dunedin Electric Power and LMitin:* Department, said : "In passing, we mav compliment Mr G. A. Le-.vin. the Town Clerk, on the admirable manner in which, he has prepared the annual report, which is of a length and exliaustiveness, relative to the town's progress approached bv few if any, of the officials of English towns of the same size."

A wrote to the Wellington ' Post,' asking the correct wav to address, or introduce, officers, particularly second lieutenants and lieutenant* Tnquines made in official quarters elicited tno following reply:—Lieutenants and second lieutenants, generally known in the service as "subaltern officers," are Addressed on the off parade, both by civilians and soldiers, as " Mr " P-iv'te "-id unofficial letters are addre«ed* \s "J Jones, Esq.," Regiment, etc. The military rank 0 f lieutenant or second lieutenant is inserted only in official communications. The only time that a subaltern is referred to verbally as lieutenant or second lieutenant is when he is awaiting trial by court martial. A subaltern's card should always be inscribed in the iollowmg manner :—" Mr J Jones Regiment," etc. Letters addre«ed to a captain or officer of higher rank should always bear tho officer's rank and unit! but, in addressing such officers v-rballv it is unusual to use tho rank without "the surname unless tho person addressing thofficer concerned is on terms of friendship with him. Thus, a stranger would usually address a senior officer as " Major Brown" or Colonel Smith," but these officers' tnends might address them merely a=> Colonel" or "Major." A cantain is never addressed merely as 'Captain." Hi* rank and surname should always bo stated' but his tnends would naturally address urn by his surname or a nickname. Chaplains (who ao not hold military rank) a!-,, not referred to as captains, majors, etc! The compound . term of "ChaplainColonel, Chapkun-major," ct<- b equally incorrect. A chaplain wouid bo introduced to a stranger as " Mr So-and-bo, but m tho service lie is colloquially addressed and referred to as "p'ldre" Letters should bo addressed to him as" follows : " Rev. John Smith. Chaplain to the forces, etc.

ihe annual inaugural address" at th« Otago Medical School was delivered yesterday by_ Dr Church. There were 'present over oO first year's students, including eign. ladies. Dr Linda Ferguson, who presided as Dean of the Medical Fpcultv woa accompanied on the platform bv Mr John Roberts, O.M.G. (Vice-ChancellVof the Otago Lniversity), and a large number ot members of the University Conned "and of the stalls of the Medical and Dental fcchools were also present. The dean in reduced Dr Churc'h a, the chairman of tne_ committee of the council, and one of then- own graduates. The senior students attended miorco. In the course of Irs remarks Dr Church said the Otago Medical *Mt?A - Va f./T a well-equipped and wellstaffed institution. Those in authority had tried to give and had succeeded in obtaining tne very best teachers. Son» of *hn professors had a world-wide reputation' In the earlier days, in the development of this school, it was customary for some mm to ta.ve one or two years' istruction here and then proceed to one of the older medical schools m Great Britain and Ireland to complete their course. That was not now necessary. The Otajro University cou d give all the training and instruction that was necessary to make efficient practitioners, provided that the students availed themselves of their opportunities. The schools in the Old Land were, in a sen*o new schools, some of them not so much up to date as our own. What a new university in a new land could not give, but what an old -university or medical school m an old land could give them, was a history and traditions. Both of these wove wore important adjuncts, but they were, fortunately, not essential to the making of medical practitioners. The members of the Defence Expenditure Commission arrived in Dunedin last night, and were met by Colonel Kicholls (O.U) and Captain Myers (A.A.G.). The sittings of the Commission will open at the Magistrate's Court at 10.30 a.m. tomorrow-

Mr Paulin telephoned at 2 p.m. :—N.E. to S.E. winds, and electrical roin showers in about 24- hours.'

The Obago and, Southland men of the party of returned soldiers who have got to Wellington will reach Dunedin by the train timed to arrive at 9.25 to-night. It is understood that in- respect to the Coal Miners' Federation's demands for a iurthor increase of 20 per cent, in rates and wages, the Mineowners' Association have roplied, stating that they see no reason to warrant such an increase at the present timo.

In answer to a question by Cr Lunn at last night's meeting of tho City Council, Cr Carroll (chairman of tho General Committee) said that the question of a fish market was still under consideration. A sub-committee had been set up to consider tho matter, and they would meet nest week.

Tho very fine weathor is most favorable to all harvest work, which is nearing completion, says tho 'Wostorn Star.' The crops are good, but nist has appeared in places, and, in some instances, is verybad. We understand that some crops are suffering from a disease which is quite unknown locally. There is not the slightest doubt tho long spell of fine weather is not altogether favorable. Thora is nothing liko an occasional sou'wester, accompanied by heavy showers, to keep the pests away.

Chief interest in tho recent sitting of the Canterbury Military Appeal Board at Kaikoura centred in the appeal by the management of Fcron Bros., Christchurch, for exemption of tho manager of their Kaikoura freezing works. Evidence was given to ths effect that the industry is a valuable one, of growing importance- to both tho Kaikoura fishermen and tho consumers of fish in Christchurch. Tho appeal was based on those -grounds, and also becauso of inability to get anyone to take the place of the present manager. The board deferred decision pending further investigation.

Australian newspapers have been informed that Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the Lender of tho Opposition in Canada, will accompany the" Prime Minister, Sir "Robert L. Borden, to the Imperial Conference, which is to be held in" London in the middle of June.

Before Eygers was executed for tho Runanga minder he gave directions as to tho disposal of his effects. He had previously stated that £SOO of the money found with him was his own pronertv. and this he repeated, directing that "it should he given to Mrs M'Mahon. He emphatically denied that he had been pn'ty the. murder of Coult-hard, stating imit it had been done bv another man who had been paid £SOO for the <\ec4. "1 am not guilty. I have not had justice '■done to nie." he was heard to sav in a louder tone, and he proceeded to express his appreciation of the way in which he bed boon treated bv the ' saol officials. He could not. he added, say the same for the police. ■■ In my last two minutes, as I stand before my Maker," he nmrluded. " 1 did_not shoot John Coulihard. That is all. sir." Daring his incarceration (reports the 'Press') E.ggers has had a warder in continual attendance upon him. His behaviour had been exemplary, but the {'act that lie had determined, if possible, as shown hv some of his letters, to commit suicide, had resulted in a- particularly hm\ watch being kept noon him. -Though he continually protested his innocence, even the clergyman who had been in attendance upon him had no doubt of his guilt. _ Unless some action is taken shortly it is stated that in the near future 'the Federal Government may be faced with a. se-ious shortage of kerosene in Australia, which may become acute in April (says a Melbourne message to the Australian papers). The position is said to have arisen largely over the difficulty of obtaining Ireight. imports of kerosene having become less. and. in some eases hrvine; ceased, while one leading firm, which is stib importing, is running out of stock owing to the Iwavy demand. YUiat appeared to be an aeroplane with Mils wan seen by several "people in Ghnstehureh on Tuesday evenin- between 7 o clock and 7.15. It seemed to be travelling m a south-westerly direction at a rate estimated at something like ?0 miles an hour, and was at a. considerable nwct.it. To some, at first sight, it looked bko a planet but its fairly rapid movement dispelled that idea.. Others surmised tan., it was a fire baloon, but to other observers it looked like an aircraft under cona-ol Tt seemed to pass alone the edr'o ot a dark bank of cloud in the southern sky, and was finally lost to si-rht. A telephone inquiry (says the 'Press') elicit fmm lho_ Aviation School at Sookhurn the lniovmation that it was not one of the mac-nines ,-om the school: it was also sta.ed tnat the machines are not us-d at night-time for flights. An officer stationed in one of th* Defence departments in Christchnreh recent iy received a packet of drawinn- fasteners n-om the Government Printer, we.lmgton. lo his surprise he found printed noon the box the words "Made 1A -Austria. CMobo Hote 1 Wdera on Sun-daw evening at about 6.15 Rivcrton was saved from a serious outbreak of fire, says the 'Western i tar 1 6 appears that some motor evclist, '"'^.V 111 ' tno afternoon divpst ?c l Hrn-c l ' of his overalls and placed them amount eorno boxes on tho north side of i; Riser and Co.'e bond store. Whether he cropped a match, a box of which was iound near tho scene of tho fire or a cigarette butt can only bo surmised -H any rate tho clothes wore found smouldering, ami the cases and side of the. birildinowere m flames when discovered by M r ■{ Uevens There « pientv of water do-" by and wrdh wiling :K ]r. tho incipient outbreak was seen extinguished. A Canadian .Army Medical Boa-rd was in eonsu ,ation on a soldier whoso dhea*c liad baffled the regimental doctor r n usual symptoms rendered diaunod-, difficult. The patient, momentarily forgotten was Atoning intently, and presently, forget L.ing all else in the intensity of his interest, surprised tho doctors and himself by an spontaneous utterance e\-pre=*in<> strong disagreement. The astomsliM doc" tors began to rebuko the soldier for hi* breach of discipline, but were presently amazed to learn from his rather rcluct-in* answers to their questions that- he wes an eminent surcjeon from the Western States who. from love of adventure, had enlisted in the ranks. A case of linguistic violation of the War Regulations was bruught under tho notice of Mr Day, S.M.. at the Waimate t-rato's Court on Tuesday fsavs the Oama.ru Mail'). A man named Josoph Oook was changed with having uttered the unpatriotic sentiment: "Wo would be as well off ynder the German fia"-." It was shov.-n that tho defendant m.-x-ie the statement in the hearing ,of a. constable. The defendant denied that ho was disloyal and in support of that denial adduoad "the fact that he had once, enlisted. Ho naid ho had had a few drinks, and that had he J**", iu '" s "S hfc senses a policeman would bo tho last person ho would make such a statement to. His Worship inflicted a fine of 55. and the defendant would prob-i-hlv a.gree with Othello as to the unwisdom of a man taking into his mouth an enemy to steal away his brains. The 'Daily Telegraph' (London) has increased its price to twopence, cays a cable message to the Australian papers. The new price will remain in fore? for tlieduration of the war. The Primo Minister states that the NewZealand Government have decided to grant tho sum of £IO,OOO to the fund for the relief of sufferers by the Halifax dieaster. During the month of February the Government Film Censor (Mr W. Joliffe) had under review a total length of 448.720 feet of films, bringing up the total for the 11 months of tho financial year to 5,515,300 feet. One film was "turned dowli," and there wero 16 " cuts." Since he first '.started on his official duties 16 months an-o Mr Joliffe has censored 7,422,300 feet'°of film, "turned down" 40 pictures, and' made 267 cuts. "It is evident," Mr Joliffe remarked to a reporter on Thin-sday, " that the censorship is kesping cut of New Zealand films which are likely to be refused. There is no doubt about'that. The proprietors are not submitting to me the same class of filma which they used to do. lie tono generally, is inyjroviou "

There are only two serums cases of sickness in tho camp hospitals at the present time (says Saturday's 'Dominion'), and In each instance tho soldier concerned is suffering from a disease that cannot be attributed to Iris military service. The general health of the camps is very good. Tho mimbor of men in hospital on Thursday was 120, but all except a few were suffering from slight ailments. The measles outbreak appears to have subsided completely. Only one additional case of measles has been reported among the soldiers since February 19. Counsel appearing before tho Military Service Board at Auckland last week made fervent appeal fa.- an extension of time on behalf of an organ braider, who, he said, under contract to build an organ in St. Mark's Church, Ramuara., Auckland. The military , ' representative remonstrated. '"Organ building is absolutely non-essen-tial," bo said, Mr Bernard" Page, city organist, was called to give evidence as to tho length of time required, and other dotails, concerning the construction 01 an organ. By a naivo reply to a query, he ' caused much amusement. "Po you agree with Captain Baldwin that < -jan-bvulding is non-essential?" asked ths chairman. " Well, I cannot very well.'" replied Mr Page, "it.is my bread and butter." Our Christchurch correspondent wires >— Dr Thacker stated at a'meeting of the Lyttelton Harbor Board yesterday that he had been told that vessels leaving New Zealand for Australia were not filled with cargo. Mr A. Kaye (chairman of the board) said that when in Wellington he had made inquiries from the Government, and was informed that there was not likely to be a largo number of vessels available in the near future, but the Canterbury people were no worse off than the people in other parts. The Imperial authorities were making a groat effort to get the Australian wheat Home as soon as possible. The Minister of Internal Affairs, referring at Wellington yesterday to the question of the compulsory service of British subjects residing in a certain allied country, said that advice bad been received that an agreement had been entered into on the subject between the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Russia. Recent Press cablegrams indicated that the agreement had been with the United States. So far, however, official advice has not been received respecting this agreement. Provision has been made in each agreement that if persons liable for service refuse, after due notice, to return to their own country, they be compelled to undertake military service in the country of their residence, unless thev can furnish documents delivered by their diplomatic or consular authorities certifying their exemption from military service. It. is suggested that those interested should, if in doubt as to their legal responsibilities, communicate with the British Ambassador resident in the country in which.they are residing at present.

The position in regard to the potato crop appears to those connected with the business more serious as time passes, and the outlook is none too bright. From inquiries made by a 'Star' reporter, it would appear that there is a great possibility of the supply of potatoes this year being considerably short of the average, as information which is beini; obtained from day to day proves beyond all doubt that the ravages of the'blight have affected the potato crops; very materially. This is further borne out by tho fact that growers are now hastening on the gathering of crops, which is about a month earlier than the usual time. _ ( 'J here was no business in the Police Court this morning. The members of the Otago Military Service Board left for Lawrence this moriimS They afterwards proceed to Southland.

Mr J. L. Stout, S.M., presided for the first time in the Magistrate's Court this morning. The Queensland Insurance Company sued Benjamin Finlavson (of Otahutij for £9 18s. fire premiums. Judo-. menVwas given for the plaintiff company by default, with costs. William J. Duff sued Samuel Forsyth (of St. Kilda) for £2 13s Bd, on an account stated. Judgment was given for the plaintiff by default for the balance due on the claim (19s 8.1). with costs. There was a fair attendance last night at the Dunedin Horticultural Society's sweet pea and dahlia show. Mr Kerr's orchestra supplied the music. Amongst the exhibits not for competition were° a fine table of pot plants forwarded by Mr Tannock from the corporation gardens, a remarkable lilium auratum grown by Mrs Holland, and a collection of potatoes from the garden of Mr James Beadle, of St. Clair. Tho show was very capably managed by a committee of which Mr 1). S. Irwin is the president and Mr R. Harming the secretary. The monthly meeting of tho Anderson Bay School Committee was held last evening, when the following members were present :—Messrs Campbell (chairman), Bishop, Bone, Williams, Kirkwood, Downing, ami M'Lean. The head master reported that tho average roll number for the month of February was 285, and the average attendance, 275. The head master was complimented on tho excellent results obtained at the recent proficiency examinations. The Visiting Committee reported having visited tho school and found everything satisfactory. Messrs Bishop and Kirkwocd were appointed a Visiting Committee for the month. The election of officers for the Dmerlin branch of the New Zealand Railway C facers' Institute for the year endiinr Ma'vh 51, 1919, was held recently, and i-'./.dted as follows :—Chairman, Mr W. E. Smith (goods -foreman, Dunedin) ; vico-chairm-n Messrs J. Brown and E. P. Moir (traffic office); delegates to conference—Messrs 11. L. Gibson (station master, Middlemtrch) and \V. A. Marshall (station master, lawyers Bay) ; committee—Messrs H. Green S. Pi-ingle. G. Greig. V. L,. Brown, T \ Harwood, R. W. Mnckav, P. K. \Fa"tiy L. W. Hawkins, E. J. Walsh, A. Uoodloj-) and J. W. Humphreys; branch secr.-trrv, Mr Y\. Bishop; branch treasurer, Mr j.' Vv. Henderson. You 4an rely on Watson's No. 10 being good. It has a world-wide reputation.— LAdvt.] Xs T o lady should be without .Martin's Apiol ana Steel Pilh. Sold by all chemists and stores throughout Australasia.—-fAdvt.l For Progressive People.—- No Rubbing" Laundry Help, '-Golden Rule" Soap, ideal goods tor every home. Hunter and Ethendge, Ltd.—[Advt.] Tho patriotic service next (Sunday afternoon in the Octagon Hall is to he conducted by the Itev. C. H. -Garland, principal of tho LMethodist Theological Institution. It is not often that, Dunedin has the opportunity and privilege of hearing Mr Garland. His Worship the Qlayor (Mr J. J. Clark) has conl sented to preside. The collection will be donated to military camp fluids. Watson's No. 10 whisky is a little dearer than most whiskies, but is worth the nionev -[Advt.] Eyestrain!—Consult Mr Peter G. Dick, D.8.0.A., F. 1.0. (London), consulting and oculists' optician.—Peter Dick, ieweller etc 490 Moray place, Dunedin.—[Advt.] '