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Evening Star, Issue 21078, 15 April 1932, Page 8

As a means of checking the general downward tendency in prices and at the same time counteracting the policy of deflation that has been in vogue for the last few years, the Palmerston North Chamber of Commcrco < has decided (says a Press Association telegram) to recommend to the Government the establishment of a State central bank and the institution of a controlled currency, with a view to effecting stability in the price level.

A novel scheme tor financing unemployment, hospital treatment, and charitable aid was discussed at the Rural Counties’ Conference at Hamilton yesterday (.says a Press Association telegram), and was unanimously approved. It was resolved that the Minister of Finance be urged immediately to investigate the feasibility' of raising an internal loan by the issue of premium bonds bearing interest of not more than 2J per cent. It was pointed out that premium bonds operated very successfully in several Continental countries. The gambling spirit was led in the right direction because the investors did not stand to lose money. It was an honest way to get cheap money and was much better than gambling. Strong criticism of the Dominion Executive of the Returned Soldiers’ Association for proposing to the Government an amended scale of reductions in the soldiers’ pensions in lieu of the recommendations of the Economy Commission, and for failing to take a direct stand against the Government’s intentions, was expressed by members at a meeting of the executive of the Christchurch branch of the association last night. After a discussion it was decided (says a Press Association telegram) to disagree with the proposals of headquarters, and to urge that further representations be made to the Government and members of Parliament opposing all reductions to war pensions.

Grave concern was expressed at a meeting of the Executive of the Associated Chambers of Commerce (says a Press Association telegram from Wellington) at tho recent issue of regulations by Order in Council under the Board of 'Trade Act, termed the Board of Trade (Cinematograph Films) Regulations, 1932. A letter is to be sent to the Prime Minister stating that the association is keenly concerned with the regulations which empower the Minister of Industries and Commerce to regulate and control the exhibition of cinematograph films and prevent tho opening or erection of any additional cinematograph theatre or theatres in a given locality. The letter adds: “In the absence of any public explanation of this entirely novel use by the Government of tho extraordinary powers it holds under the Board of Trade Act, our, association wishes to place on record its emphatic protest against this act of Government interference with private enterprise.” The experience of the members of the Railway Board, who have just returned from a tour of inspection in tho country districts, is that the rural communities are extremely anxious to retain tho branch services. At many stopping places during the visit tho board was waited on by deputations which strongly pressed the claims of the various districts for continuation of the services, Tho members of tho board left for Wellington to-day, and no doubt tho result of their deliberations will be available in due course.

Enthusiastic reports of the fillip tramping is likely to be given by the newly-created Association of Tramping Clubs were received at the meeting of the provisional committee of that body, when tho rules and constitution were approved (wires our Christchurch correspondent). Tramping clubs have been formed at both the Christchurch Boys’ High School and Christ’s College. Clubs are also being formed by the Girls’ High School Old Girls’ Association and Canterbury College Women’s Association. The association would start with thirteen affiliated clubs, a number of which came into existence because of the hostel movement which the association was sponsoring.

Tho Legislative Council has not completed its consideration of the Unemployment Amendment Bill. Almost the whole of yesterday afternoon was _ occupied in the House of Representatives in discussing an amendment to the Arbitration Act by the Council, which altered the clause relating to piecework by adding a provision for the bonus system. This change raised technical questions of privilege, and the House decided to disagree with tho amendment. A conference is being arranged between the two Houses to adjust the differences. Later in tho afternoon the second reading debate on the National Expenditure Adjustment Bill was resumed, and continued throughout the evening, with no distinctive points; in fact, tho slight interest that had been taken in the speeches was lost when news arrived of the Auckland unemployed riots. Special stress was laid by several speakers on tho large number of business men who disagreed with further wages reductions, as was proved by the fact that petitions on these lines had been signed by 37,248 persons. A local business piau recently managed to secure a loan of £SO because he happened to be a good “ picker.” The business man was in need of a small loan, and he approached a banker who was a personal friend of his. He found the banker very hard atid not inclined to make the advance, but he continued to argue, and at last he made the following remark:—“Look here, Jack, it is not generally known that I have a glass eye; but it is such a good match for the other that if you can guess which it is 1 will lend you the £50.” After a moment or two’s scrutiny Jack pointed to tho left eye. “ That’s correct,” said the banker, “ but how did you guess?” “Oh!” said the client, “ I picked that one because I thought it looked more sympathetic than the other.”

Preparations for the “ Back to Dunedin ” movement are now actively proceeding, and various sub-committees are functioning. A meeting of the executive was presided over by His Worship the Mayor (Mr R. S. Black) yesterday, when reports and suggestions were submitted and put in hand for development. It was obvious that the efforts should result not only in making the city attractive to visitors daring that week, but it should be responsible for increasing business amongst shopkeepers and also be the means of diverting the minds of the citizens from thoughts of depression. Mr G. A. Wycherley was appointed organiser of the movement, with Mr Ben. Ellis as his assistant.

The steamer Wainui has landed at Dunedin about 600 cases of Victorian oranges. Coming to a bare market they are realising firm prices. The same vessel brought a large consignment of grapes—so large as to cause prices to drop below the expected level. Some late red plums from the Matangi orchard at Eaniscleugh have been quickly accepted in the wholesale marts, and apples also from tho Alexandra district have sold readily, since they escaped injury by the October frost.

Tins week trout in considerable numbers have appeared at the mouth of the’ Leith, apparently waiting for chances to enter that stream, and many Dunedin anglers have thus been provided with the opportunity of unlookedfor sport. Instinct brings in the fish to prepare for spawning. At such a time the females are not in the best condition, but the preponderating males are all right for the table.

Responding to the representations of the Otago Acclimatisation Society and others, the Minister of Internal Affairs has agreed to have a short open season this year, from May 2 to May 15 inclusive,' for tho shooting of pukeko, and he has also fixed the limit of those birds that may be taken by any one person in any one day at twelve. Shooting can bo done only in the counties of Bruce. Maniototo, and Taieri. No one is allowed to shoot unless lie is the holdef of a native game license or is the bona fide occupier of the land upon which he is shooting. Something in the nature of a Scottish national gathering was held in St. John's Presbyterian Church, Wellington, last Sunday evening, tho occasion being a service in braid Scots by tho Hev. T. W. Armour, of Knox Church, Christchurch. The ‘ Dominion ’ reports that the pipe organ was not used for the Psalms. Mr Lawrence Hnggitt acted as precentor, taking the key from a tuning fork. Tho Psalms chosen were old favourites—the “ Old Hundredth,” the historic “ Now Israel may say,” “ The Lord’s my Shepherd,” “ Thou hast, 0 Lord, most glorious,” and “ 0 thou, my soul.” Green vegetables, abundant in the Dunedin market, are being sent as far north as Wellington this week, ami some bare gone into consumption at Invercargill. Canterbury onions are now plentiful boro. They are turning out well.

Prebate was granted by His Honour Mr Justice Kennedy . to-day . in the estate; of Hance Strain Martin (East Taieri). Adam Paterson (Owaka), Edwin Booth (Dunedin’), Catherine M mire (Anderson’s Bay), Catherine Winifred Wise (Oamaru), and Surah Burk (Dunedin).

To-day was the anniversary of the arrival of tho Philip Laing in 1848, The postal authorities advise that the Monowai left Sydney on Thursday for Wellington with sixteen bags of Australian mail and two parcel receptacles for Dunedin, which should reach the local office on Tuesday afternoon. The Government Astronomer advises that a comet has been seen by a Stratford observer with a Sin telescope. With a lijin telescope the comet was just discernible.—Wellington P.A.

Save your eyes. Be wise and consult W. V. Stunner (optician, 2 Octagon), thus conserving good vision for old ago.—[Alvt.] Owing to the huge success of tho Portobello dance last Saturday night, it has been decided to hold another dance tomorrow night. Dagg’s Dance Band has been engaged.