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Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume X, Issue 18, 5 January 1920, Page 2

In view of the predictions that gigantic sunspots would occur this month, it is of interest to state the actual position. Mr E. G. L. Morleyj who is a constant observer at the t Atkinson Observatory, Nelson, in reply to a question put by a “Colonist” representative, said that the solar activity during December bad been distinctly less than that experienced for some time past. A group of spores appeared for a time eanier in" the month, but otherwise the sun bad been clear. Six thousand negroes gathered in New York -to celebrate the-sailing' of. the first vessel of Black atari Line, manned, by negroes, and run in.l the interests of. negro trade. .'“lt. will; fie a terrible day when the. blacks draw j the sword to fight for their liberty,” said one of the chief, speakers. Whenl he referred to the rule -of the White' man in' the South there were cries frota the audience of “We’ll' get him;” The unusually dry weather befog" dt'perienced fo' North Taranaki is having a serious effaA in the country', says ah exchange. There has been' but very uttl« growth and pastures are becoming dried up. Hay crops too are veiy light paddocks fo some instances hardly being worth saving. “Is the Union Jack kept too much in the locker?” The question suggested itself to two New Zealanders during their recent tour through the United States- From qpe side of America to the other they saw the Stars and Stripes floating everywhere fo the breeze. Outside and inside every school and public building, above every factory, bank, and business house it was unfurled, and at shows or other public functions it was invariably the only decoration used- On some of the larger buildfogs the flag was not even allowed to become invisible at night time, but was illuminated the whole night through by searchlights. While, of course, the British are noted for an undemonstrative characteristic, it is yet questionable whether exhibition of the Union Jack would not fo the long ran. have a stimulating effect on patriotism.

A Wellington contractor informed a “Post” reporter that the serious shortage of cement was not likely to be relieved until the end of February or the beginning of March next. He stated that one company was not now in in a position to supply the general public. All the companies were experiencing great difficulty in securing coal. A consignment of cement from England was due in Wellington towards the end of February, but the landed cost would be at the rate of 4/2 per bag dearer than the New Zealand product, and the quality was no better. It was useless to look to Australia for cement as the shortage there was very pronounced and cement companies declined to quit for delivery in the Dominion- The position just now was a very serious one, as many big contracts in the city were practically suspended. Many men would find that their services were not required when they returned to their jobs after the holidays.