TOPICS OF THE DAY

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9188, 13 April 1910, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE DAY

The discouragement by the police authorities of the pracNormal tice of carrying arms Conditions and the rough weather Again. last night has had the effect of greatly reducing the number of civilians engaged in scouring the country. A great menace has thus been removed from the streets' and roads, and it is again possible for citizens to venture out at night without being challenged by irresponsible individuals carymg firearms. The recent display of hysteria locally was largely fostered by the methods adopted by some journals. Now that the excitement is simmering down again and a normal and more rational attitude being adopted it is to be hoped there will be no more of this sensationalism. One other point might be emphasised, and that is the warning by the authorities as to the severe penalties provided for harbouring or aiding escaped prisoners. It is believed by many people that something of the kind has been taking place in Palmerston during the past few days, and it is as well that the grave responsibility thus undertaken is recognised.

Great interest is being taken in all parts of the British Empire A in the League of the EmBond of pire's scheme for bringing Empire. children in different parts of the world into touch with each other for mutual correspondence. Over 17,000 children are now members of the comrades' correspondence section of the league, and are in direct communication with each other. The number increases at the rate of nearly 200 a month, and includes many pupil teachers. The most active correspondents are those between 12 and 17. Each child signs a form giving its age, sex, parentage, and address, and stating what are its interests, and in what country it wishes to have a comrade. These forms are sent to the offices of the league, where they are quickly compared with those already received, and the child put in touch with another of the same ago, sex, position in life, and interests, in the country chosen. So the correspondence begins, and leads frequently to steady friendships, and in every case awakens interest and fellowfeeling among children in all corners of the Empire.