TIMELY TOPICS

Northern Advocate, 20 July 1935, Page 8

TIMELY TOPICS

SELECTIVITY. “Selectivity” (says an English paper) has become the most desirable quality for experienced buyers of radio receiving sets in Europe. If their sets lack this quality, they cannot tune out the torrent of words with which dictators literally are flooding European air. The smaller sets now are completely at the mercy of shouting propagandists expressing contempt for any other thought than their own dogmatic notions. The dictators are multiplying powerful broadcasting stations which drown out the uninsistent, uncontrolled programmes of de-

! mocratic countries. In Eastern Euj rope, especially, it becomes increaslingly difficult to escape the everlasting propagandist din. Fortunate is the resident in a dictatorial country who has access to a set with a high degree of selectivity. At least in so far as radio feeds his [thinking, he can still be master of his own thoughts. He can cut through the thick walls of aerial propaganda, which would imprison the questing minds of millions. In countries ruled by dictators, “selectivity” has become a word whose implications may not ibe sufficiently appreciated by those fortunate being who have taken its benefits as a matter of course. <s> <s> <s> , <S> ❖ Words That Tell a Story. LYING IN ABRAHAM’S BOSOM. —This refers to the ancient Eastern custom of a dear friend reclining his head on the bosom of another while sitting at meals. In Luke’s Gospel it is recounted that John, the beloved disciple, rested his head on the breast of Jesus. Hence the saying, “Lying in Abraham’s bosom,” refers to “the happy m Death ”

<S> <?> Words of Wisdom.

Goodness lies in abstaining not merely from injustice, but from the desire .for injustice. —Democritus. <9> ■>> <s> Tale of the Day.

Man (to neighbour) : “I wish you would sell that dog. Yesterday, my daughter had to stop her singing because your dog was whining all the time.”

Neighbourj “I'm' sorry, but your daughter started it/’

LOCAL AND GENERAL

liouvines. 4 In our Library section today, “The Bookman” deals with the' battle of Bouvines, the seventh centenary of which was celebrated with military pageantry by the French nation. Exciting as well as educational is the review.

Air Mail Service. The Postmaster-General, the Hon. A. Hamilton, stated at Auckland yesterday that he had received jno advice as to the date in 1937 by Which it was hoped to have the Empire air mail service in operation. He had no information to communicate concerning the progress of the scheme.

Cur/16 Exhibition. A great deal of interest is being taken in the coming antique and curio exhibition which is to be held in the Presbyterian Sunday School Hall at an earjy date. Collectors report that in private homes in Whangarei there are some wonderful antiques, some of which are over two hundred years old., '*

Paddle Steamer Aground. The paddle steamer Lyttelton, whicn is engaged in towing logs cut from McKenzie Bush, on the Waipu Road, ran aground on a bank at the entrance to the Portland Channel yesterday. The tug was making her way up the harbour, with a barge in tow. The vessel was later refloated without damage. Pleased Exhibitor.

Mr. M. Snow, who organised the! model section at the Whangarei Win-; ter Show, has received a letter from ( one of the leading Auckland- ex-; hibitors, expressing gratification at the. manner in which the entries were returned, and promising to make his collection available for the Whangarei Winter Show at any time in future.

The Democrats.

Dealing with the position of the Democrat Party, in his political address at Whangarei last night, Mr J. G. Barclay, Labour candidate for Marsden, said that the people who were joining up 'with the new movement were, to a large extent, the same that had followed Dr. Campbell Begg and his New Zealand Legion. “It is a red herring,” he said, “drawn across the trail to sidetrack the electors.”

.“Tri-Cleaning” Case. The case regarding the use of the trade term “Tri-cleaning” was concluded before Mr Justice Fair in the Supreme Court yesterday, when legal argument was heard from both sides. The action was brought by the New Zealand Supply and Laundry, Ltd., of Auckland, for*an injunction to prevent the New Zealand Tri-Cleaning Company, Ltd., from cleaning under that name. His Honour reserved his decision. Coincidence. A lady from Whangarei visiting the Maungatapere Women’s Institute took part in a guessing competition to name a beautifully dressed little doll. “It’s Matilda,” she said, and refusing all advice to put down a more likely name, wrote it on her slip. When the result was ‘ announced Matilda was found to be the correct name. Taking her prize home the lady entered her sitting room, where her small son was doing his homework. “What a beautiful doll, mother,” he exclaimed. “Yes,” she said. “What is her name do you think?” “Oh, Matilda,” he answered after a pause.

Monowai’s Cruise. The steamer Monowai, which is on a Cruise of the Pacific Islands, is due badf in Auckland on Wednesday. Among the passengers are Misses V. Campbell, L. Symes and C. Harrison, of Whangarei. The ship spent two days at Samoa, including a call at Pago Pago, en route from Vavau. The passengers greatly enjoyed the coastal -views, tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and village scenes about Apia. Last Wednesday night a “hard upV, party was held. Smooth seas and fine, hot weather are being experienced. On Thursday the Monowai called off Niuafoou Island with the “tin can” mail of 5.400 letters.

Health Stamp Campaign. In connection with the 1935 “Health” stamp, which the Post Office will issue towai’ds the end of the year, the department has been fortunate in securing the voluntary assistance of Mr L. H. Hooker, of Hawera, whose organising abality has been frequently shown in connection with altruistic objects. Mr Hooker, who is a member of the Hawera Hospital. Board, will carry out an active campaign with the object of interesting all sections of the public in the twopenny “Health” stamp, one penny being for postage, the other penny going without deduction to the funds of the various children’s health camps throughout New Zealand. An attractive design has been prepared and the stamps are to be printed in Australia.

Henry Wilson’s sale of Thomas’ stock draws to a close shortly, therefore in the intermin prices of all doubtful or soiled stock, remnants, etc., ladies’ boats, frocks and jumpers are decidedly in buyers’ favour. A visit just now will well repay anyone.

Milk and Energy. The relative value of milk as an invigorating food, of vital necessity <.O children’s diet, may be gauged from the following comparisons;—One glass of milk has the same value as 2 lb. ox potatoes; 2 eggs; 2Aoz. of meat; l 2 oz. of macaroni: or 1.1 oz. of canbage.

Fatal Collapse. While being examined by a visiting doctor yesterday. Thomas Stuart Cai* ier collapsed and died suddenly in Victoria Hall, Waikino. Mr Carter was about 80 years of age. No inquest will be necessary as a medical certificate was given that death was due to heart failure.

Prolonged Peril. Unable to return into the building or to summons assistance, a tenant of the A.M.P. Building in Queen Street, Auckland, Mr Stanley Ash, was forced to stand nearly an hour last night on a narrow ledge, five stories above the street. When finally he was able to attract attention a large crowd gathered, until a police constable was able to rescue him.

Mortality Amongst Cows. Following eating mangels, which are believed to have been frosted, eight dairy cows belonging to Mr G. J. Goskill, of Waioeka, Opotiki, were found dead. Mr Goskill fed 24 cows on the mangels and then turned them out. Twenty-four hours later he discovered eight of the animals lying dead. Mr Goskill came to the conclusion that death was caused through eating the mangels, and he has communicated,the fact to the Department of Agriculture in Wellington for further advice.

Novel Mode of Travel. In these days when- there are so many varieties of travel it yet remained for two youths to blaze the trail between Gore and Mataura per medium of roller skates (states the Southland Times). , The distance of eight, miles was accomplished in the splendid time of 35 minutes, the bitumen surface being declared “reasonably” smooth over the entire journey. The youths’ presence at Mataura was the source of considerable interest. They anticipated that the return journey would take somewhat longer on account of the east wind blowing.

Paper Mills. A definite commencement was made with the work of establishing a paper mill at Whakatane on Thursday, when 2500 sleepers, the first shipment of 18,000 required, were landed at the mill site, wharf. The contractors for the construction of the company’s railway to link the bush with the mill commenced work yesterday. The preparation of the mill site involves the expenditure of £30,000,- and it is expected that contracts for the erection of the mill and equipment will be let early next year. The whole project is estimated to cost £ 500,000 and the output to be 30,000 tons per annum. The directors anticipate - that the mill will be completed and working by the end of 1936.

Elderly Man’s Suicide. A resident of Otahuhu, Mr Thomas Ritchie Boswell, aged 72, died in the Auckland Hospital shortly after 5 o’clock yesterday morning 'from the effects of a gunshot wound. Mr Boswell, who resided in Nikau Road, Otahuhu, was found in his bedroom shortly before 4 o’clock suffering from a bullet wound in the head. A pea rifle was by his side. v He was removed to hospital in a St. John ambulance, but died soon after being admitted. He had been in ill-health for some months. An inquest was held yesterday afternoon by Mr F. H. Levien, S.M., coroner. He returned a verdict that death was due to shock following a self-inflicted pea-rifle wound. Children’s Health. “The Plunket, Society and kindred institutions in New Zealand compare mere than favourably with those of any other country, and their work has gained New Zealand a well-earned reputation as a country of bonnie babies,” a prominent member of the Whangarei society said this morning. The speaker added that the, question of malnutrition among school children was: “Are the mothers supervising sufficient care and thought to the diet of their growing children? Is their food,, especially school lunches, promoting a healthy and energetic growth? The importance of wholesome and invigorating food to the health and welfare of New -Zealand’s future ’ citizens cannot be overstressed.”