NOTES AND COMMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13672, 13 February 1908, Page 4

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

THE RHODES SCHOLARS. "It would l seem," says the London. Times in summarising the report issued by the

trustees of the Rhodes Scholarship fund, " that ■both m intellectual and athletic competitions the scholars have gained for themselves a distinct place in the University. The number now at Oxford is 160. Twentyeight were elected in 1906, 23 of whom were from the colonies aria"five from Germany. The number entering in 1907 is 73, of whom 45 are from the United States, in which there is an election only in two years out of three, 22 from the colonies, and five Troni Germany. . . , The distribution of the men throughout the University is fairly proportioned to the relative size, of the colleges. . . . The distribution of the work is also •very general, and in accord with Oxford's chosen paths to intellectual distinction. Among the distinctions won, during the year by scholars are the Chancellor's prize for a Latin ;essay, a Vinerian law scholarship, a. Burdett-Cknite scholarship in natural science, and a law scholarship at Gray's Inn, all gained by colonial scholars. ... Turning to the examination results in the honours schools and for the B.C.L. degree, the record shows that eight first, 17 second, 14 third, and two fourth classes were gained by the scholars during the year. . .■ ; , Americans distinguished themselves by taking five firsts to three won by colonials. In economics three Germans gained a diploma with distinction, wlwle one German and one American took the degree of Bachelor of Letters. An Australian scholar passed all the final examinations in forestry preparatory to talcing up an appointment in India.

WHAT IS WRONG THE FRENCH NAVY? "On all sides" aw instability and anarchy," declaims M. Charles Cbaumot, the reporter of the French naval estimates for 1908. " Our sacrifices?," he «ays, "would seem to be predestined to sterility. In vain do wo multiply expanses. Parasite organs are developing to the detriment of the central body. The administration is absorbing the substance of the fighting fleet. . . . Sailors, engineers, gunners, administrators, instead of being fra.teroa.llj united in loyal and indispensable co-operation, are pitted against each other in the most -regrettable hostility. There is no longer confidence in tlie future. The steady methodical progress of foreign fleets is an object of envy, and there is discouragement on weeing that we appear condemned for a long time to a humiliating inferiority." "M. Chaumet," says the Times Paris correspondent, "urges the appointment of an extra-Parliamentary commission to draw up a pl?/n for the reorganisation of the navy. That commission should be mainly composed of naval officers, but should also include the, high officials of tlie Admiralty, a few well-known specialists, and several Parliamentary authorities on naval affairs. The Government would utilise the conclusions of that commission, modify them if necessary, and propose a Bill for the reorganisation of the French navy towards the end of next year, so that it eoukl bo voted before the close of the present Legislature." -

THE FRENCH DAY OF REST, All employers of labour are fully aware of the fact that one of the essential conditions of good,work and satisfactory output is to intersect; the periods of labour with periods of rest. When the rule is transgressed, it is generally by those men who, to use the current expression, are their own masters. In France, says Engineering, not only are the hours of labour longer, but work commences generally at a younger age, and is continued to far older years than in this country, and this formed one of the considerations which recently induced the French Parliament to legislate upon a compulsory ■ " day of rest' in the week. As enforcing a. principle this is perfect, and nobody would raise the least objection provided the men worked when they should and took refet or found diversion on the day appointed by Parliament for such rest or diversion. So far us our information goes, adds Engineering, the French workman is not over assiduous in the shops and factories, and would require less than the workmen of other nations legislation in the matter of rest. 11l the Government yards, in fact, they appear to have reversed the natural order, and to rest six days in the week. In the coal mines the average out- | put, per minor per year is under 300 tons, as against the average of over 400 tons which rules in this country, where the work- j ing conditions are not easier than with our neighbours. In the matter of a regular day of rest, France has always been behind this country. But a movement to obtain that one should be established was commenced years ago, not by Government or trade unions, but by eminent philanthropists, arid the progress due to their action was a very evident one. The question stands on such a sound rational basis that legislation might have been deemed unnecessary, and the progress allowed to grow until the day of rest became an institution. A large number of French firms have commenced the Saturday half-holiday practice. Both employers and men are giving their, attention to this departure; there are precautions to be taken, and if the law does not intervene, and a free course be allowed to private initiative, a satisfactory solution will be'arrived at, without a crisis of the nature of that which was caused by the brutal application of the law pa the compubory day of rest