LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14707, 15 June 1911, Page 4

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

THE LATE MR. F. A. CLAUDE. Sir, —In this morning's paper I have read with regret, of the. death of Mr. Claude, the hero of the runaway train incident; no doubt owing in a large measure to the strain caused by his successful effort, to stop the train, that only for his pluck and promptitude might have smashed into the outward express, the result of which it would be hard to determine. Under these circumstances, I sincerely trust that, when the House meets Parliament will vote a decent, grant, to his widow and children. i'riAxcis Hull. ' Auckland, June 14. PHYSICAL EDUCATION. Sir, —In passing one of the Slate schools, I was struck by the antiquated system of training the children. Many of the exercises are good in themselves, but are not correctly performed. I do not blame the teachers; this is not their forte. But surely in order to teach one must first bo taught. Might 1 suggest that the teachers first be trained by an expert, and then they in their turn might train the children. Technical details, I take it, would Ik? out of place here, so I content myself with merely introducing the subject. It would lie interesting to hear what, someone else has to say. ,F. S. Lazknbt. COLONIAL PHYSIQUE. Sir.—Your sub-leader on "Colonial Physique," stating the large proportion of rejects in the examination of New Zeal a tide rs for tho navy deserves the careful thought of all our people. As to our teeth, I have at intervals for some years urged the Government to appoint a Royal Commission to try to find the principal cause or causes of their early decay, and I hopo you will use your influence in the same direction. Such a Commission should have no dentist on it, though their evidence would bo of great value before it. In connection with the subject of national physique, it is worthy of note that the deterioration of teeth keeps pace with tho spread of tho total abstinence movement, and that protective duties lead to an excessive proportion of the population being drawn to the towns instead of to the healthier country, both being policies verypopular just. now. Percy Holt.

AN INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION

Sir, —I was much interested in the proposal to hold an international exhibition, and still am. To change this proposal to an industrial one, however, practically wipes out my interest. Auckland is, and will become more so. the premier citv of the Dominion, and I think it would bo better to wait five years, or even longer, and then have a first-class exhibition, rather than talk of such an event, and ho content with a domestic affair. As the Mayor says, get the city in order, and then demonstrate to others its charm and attraction, and its fine situation as a business centre. I hope the people will not be content with anything but an international exhibition, I hope they will make their claim that it, shall lie held in this city, and stickto it. If the Government, cannot give a subsidy for 1913, wait till they can, and make the exhibition worthy of tho name. W. Todd Smith. June 14. PURE WATER. Sir,—ln your leading columns voit have touchcd upon the greatest need of any city— pure water. Every year since I came to New Zealand in 1£64 I read of deaths caused by enteric fever. I believe since I arrived in Auckland over 1000, including all ages, have died of low fevers. I believe pure water and clean surroundings are essential to health. Lately we have had a plague scare, and by all means let. us do everything possible to prevent that, dreadful disease; but let, us also fight the disease which is alwavs with us, and by killing it we will h 0 also doing all we can to prevent plague. Dr. Purdy lectured once at Levs Institute oil insects carrying disease, and told us how enteric fever has been stamped out by use of crude petroleum, and I I>elieve overvl>ody will support the authorities if they work as assiduously against mosquitoes as they are now working against rats. Let us make ourselves fever proof, and wo will also be on the right road to make ourselves plaguei'roof. John Ghkkn, 17, Lower Queen-street, Juno 14.

LINCOLN REDS. Sir,—Every now and .again since the introduction of tho Jersey cow. and again in your issue of (lie ft.li inst., there is an inquiry for tins dual-purpose row— (hat, yields well both meat and milk. Your farmer renders will do well to keep an open eye on the shipment per Dravton Grange noted in your issue of the 10th inst. Up (ill lately ,'it, agricultural shows in England (.hero has l>een no special class for Lincoln Reds. When shown, it was in allcomers' or open classes: hut (hey had so persistently taken top place for general 'purpose cows that it was urged they should have a special class. Not being a farmer man I do not know if that was done. A while back, strolling round the homestead of an oldstyle Lincolnshire farmer, an old cow that had "done well at the bucket" and was now fit for meat was booked for the market I was told .she'd " fetch £22 10s to £23, ' which does not look bad from tho beef view. Lincoln Rods had been their only brood for generations back. L- 0. CftAXWELL. THE SHEFFIELD CHOIR. Sir,—The Sheffield Choir will doubtless attract very large audiences, and it would be a, relief (o many to have some ollicial notification of the measures that are to lw taken to prevent accidents. The shed in which they will perform is, I am told, a large iron building, to which access is normally obtained only by two narrow stairways. In view of tho great crowds that, may 'bo expected, wo should like to hear that, proper provision for numerous other inlets and outlets is to be provided, so that in the always possible case of panic there will Ir> no unnecessary danger. 1 am also informed that beneath the room in which the concerts will be given is a largo warehouse, in which are to red miscellaneous goods, many of which, such as flax or brandies, may lie of a highly inflammable nature. Is it. too much to hope that, the authorities will inform the public what steps are to Ik? taken for fire prevention? The Harbour Hoard, in granting the use of one of its buildings for purposes other than those, for which it. was built, is assuming a heavy responsibility, and the public lias a right to learn that it is fully alive to this. M. 0. luvine.

THE POLICE IN IRELAND. Sir, —One of the Home Rule delegates was reported to have said recently that, an Irish town of the size of Wellington would he policed by the British Government with at least. 6000 police. I have before mo the exact number of the Royal Irish Constabulary previous to Iho recent census:—236 head constables, 1624 sergeants, 384 acting-ser-geants, and 7892 constables, total 10,136. This was according to tho estimated poplat.ion before tho census, ono policeman to every 500 of the population, almost exactly the same as London and Greater London is policed. Union Jack.

THE MORMONS. Sir, —In tho Herald of .lune 10, under the heading of News in Brief," it. is stated that during the last year the Mormons transported 555 English girls to Salt, Lake City and Utah. In a letter published in tho Herat.!) of May 30 " From Our Own Correspondent," dated London, April 21, we aro informed that "Mr. Churchill has boon questioned in tho House, and lie says that no instance is known to the police of the offer of money bribes to emigrate." On tho sixth" of last March Mr. Churchill, in referring to this matter in the House of Commons, stated that, "while there was no official evidence that young girls had been induced to go to Utah, the matter was ono that, had caused deep concern, and ho intended to have it, exhaustively investigated." More than three months have now elapsed sinco .Mr. Churchill made that statement, and, needless to say, had the investigation revealed the slightest suspicion of nefarious conduct on the part of any Mormon missionary, the, news would have been Ix-fore now cabled to every English-speaking community. Charles Hardy.

EARLY HISTORY.

Sir, —Tn a recent issue it, was stated that, the schooner Sea Breeze, 70 tons, was the property of Captain .lames Tautiri. That was not so, as the registered owner was the late Mr. S. J. Edmonds. "Timi" Tautiri was a full-blooded native, anil the vessel's first master. Tho schooner was subsequently in command of Captain Tom Fernandez and other masters. Moreover, Messrs. Monk and Morgan's factory did not, occupy the present Town Hall site, but an allotment, now vacant, two removes further south in Upper Queenst root. It is now owned by Mr. W. Richardson. The Into Mr. Edmonds was also owner of the Kate, a. cutter that \yas pillaged and burnt, by rebel Maoris at Whakatano at tho time the Rev. Mr. Volknor was murdered, of which outrage Moko Moko and a nnmlx'r of other natives wore convicted and duly executed at, Mount Eden. And, by the way, the Sea Breeze and her sister trader to Russell, the Sylph, were both topsailed schooners, but _ that, may have boon only a detail in rigging " Mehcatoji.

Till': WORKMAN AND HIS CRAFT.

Sir, — think workmen as a whole might take exception to the remark of "Mercutio" in the. Supplement, of the Herald of the 10th inst., in which he says When workmen were proud of their crafts!" Now, wlk docs the workman not fake a pride in his craft. If he does, what is the result to him? To deal with the first: A workman cannot take an interest, in his craft if he is driven. Piecework has l>ccome general throughout the world's centres of industry and production, and as piecework is paid by resultsnot accuracy in all points of construction—but in quantity, one man cannot enter into accurate details of construction if he is placed in competition with other workers who want £.s.d., and not a conscientiously produced article. Many workmen, I admit, are quite without a conscience; but if a workman has a conscience, and does his work quickly and well, ho does not do it quickly enough for his employer, and hence lie is left, in the race of life, with a choice of sacrificing either conscience or getting out of employment. This is the state, of things that at present prevails universally in the world of commerce and production. If you want houses and articles of to-day to stand as a memorial to this epoch of the nation's history you must demand (it is doubtful if you will get it) a slower speed universally, a better rate of pay in the older countries, and in certain trades and crafts in the newer, and with a higher standard of "craftiness," if I may use the term, in the individual workman, whether manual or by brain. Then perhaps this age of shoddy may pass away, as its productions do, so very rapidly, and give place to lasting and better things again/ R. C. Heath. Waihi, June 11.

PRACTICAL SOCIAL!I. Sir, Supposing socialists "were really socialists among themselves, and had "all things in common," like the early Christians, they would win the world to their cause by principles, instead of waiting for legislative power. Look at the number of socialists there are in Auckland, and yet there is not a single practical socialist among us all. for we are all working for an ideal. Let us suppose that the socialists in Auckland agreed to share their earnings and profits in a common fund to the extent of one-half of what each man makes per week. Then wo should have a practical socialism as far as it could go under an individualistic system. I put it to the socialists of Auckland, and of New Zealand generally, will you resolve yourselves into a semi-co-operative communion? Will you enrol a list of socialists who are earning a weekly wage or making business profits, and request each member to bring half his ■weekly earnings or profits to the common fund? And will you use the money to provide your own stores from which the members shall be supplied goods of all kinds, free, according to their needs, on condition they contribute half their earnings to the common fund, while at the same time the socialist store competes in the world with competition itself, and is yet not of it. You can do this if you like, and you can thus give a practical illustration of socialism as far as it, goes under present conditions. If you cannot work in harmony now on such a simple plan of semi-co-operation, what guarantee has the public that if ever you do get into power you will enact laws for full co-operation? You cannot do it? Well, then, your socialism is a farco and a humbug. If you cannot find at least ono thousand people who will start a semi-co-opera-tive organisation of tho moans of life among yourselves now, then you arc not going to organise a million or more people later on if ever you come into political power. J. B. MOHTON Bahxks.

VALUE OF ENSILAGE. ,Sir. The price of butter has risen. Shortage for domestic use in To Kuiti. Thousands of pounds lost by last summer s drought. Yet the Government spends thousands in experimental farms, where farmers could learn how to prevent this loss. Why slumber so soundly, farmers? Read these two cablegrams in last Monday's Herald:— (1) Iho temperature at St. I/Oiiis has registered 104 degrees. Groat heat-wave experienced in Missouri. The weather has l>ecn the hottest since 1836." (2) "A heat-wave at Chicago has broken all previous records." The Northern Hemisphere is experiencing great heat, so that we may expect similar conditions in the Southern Hemisphere next summer, when wo shall once more have to face drought., cattle dying, and heavy losses. The only remedy or way to cope with such dire diseases is to grow suitable green stuff, and build silos. This is my text and warning to farmers. Almost, every farmer can learn what green food to grow, and how to build a silo. There is always more feed than stock can consume in tho flush of spring, and this, added to green stuff purposely grown, would feed a largo quantity of stock if made into ensilage. Should the summer season be moist, there would be no b>ss, for extra young stock could be bought, and the dairy herd would ho benefited by having plenty of grass. I do not intend to dilate upon the many great advantages of ensilage; hose who arc ignorant can learn from others, from hooks, or from the experimental farm officials; and those who are well acquainted with the money-making results of silos will not require my warning. Some have them, others are too la/.y or too old to try them. I would strongly advise those who intend to make ensilage to grow the most, suitable green stuff, according to the character of the soil, and not to rely solely on grass. There was an exhibit of ensilage from the Mental Hospital some months ago, and mention was made in ho llkuald of the scientific experiments carried out, at, that, institution. Perhaps the worthy head of that, establishment would publish his experience of silos and ensilage, and thereby confer a lioon upon farmers, who as yet havo not much faith in ensilage. It seems so foolish to learn how to make two blades of grass grow where only one grew before, and then to allow the extra growth to go to waste, when by saving it stock would thrive in scarce seasons. Yet, this is occurring every year. Three or four farmers could club together, try the experiment, and test the value of ensilage. 1 should like to state that, 1 am not. a business man. 1 have nothing whatever to do with the Government, experimental farms, and I merely write this because 1 have studied agriculture, and 1 wish to benefit, farmers. J would ask farmers who have installed silos to write to the papers, explaining their experiences, what to grow, and how to make them, for the good of all. That which has benefited you will benefit others, so pleas© take the trouble to diffuse your knowledge. Uncle Tout.

DEFACING MOUNT EDEN. Sir, —Some years back you raised your voice against tho disfigurement of Mount Eden by tho planting of the. pinus insignis. Some of those have happily disappeared, but: a worse, and that a lasting, calamity has como upon tho mount. I allude to the destruction of ono of the spurs of Mount, Fdcn —the one nearest the city, and overlooking tho silo of the-projected Grammar School Buildings, in order to provide space for a reservoir, and the covering and defacing of tho surrounding slopes with tho matter removed. Surely a site for the reservoir could easily have been found without destroying a geological feature, and so lessening tho interest; possessed by this domain. I. understand tho spoliation is without the sanction of the Domain Hoard. Any talk of townplanning and beautifying after this wanton vandalism is more hypocritical drivel. Again, tho attention of the Domain Board needs to ho drawn to tho breaking into tho sides of the crater it-self, apparently for the purpose of removing scoria. Much dam ago and defacement of the crater wall is being done. Mauncakawa.

THE manuka CANAL ROUTE. Sir, —A canal connection with the Manukau other than the Whau route would be commercial suicide for Auckland. It. is right and lx'st for all. Some Otahuhu friends tell us the Whau canal would cost, more than twice as much as their cutting. Yes, but when the Whau is once through, the expense is ended, except for upkeep. The other proposal would entail continual expense, in dredging, bridging, and fixing for miles on each side. The Whau is fully ten miles nearer the objective of trade, and Onehunga frontages are none, too roomy for their prospective requirements. On all economic grounds the Whau is preferable. It would encourage settlement on a poor part of (lie country; it would ensure safety for shipping, etc., from hostile cruisers. To direct tho canal by Otahuhu would mean hundreds of empty houses, for Auckland would have to bo re-built, on the Tainaki banks, bringing sorrow and ruin to hundreds of young people. Further expensive city improvements should be delayed till this route is fixed and ground secured. The need for a passenger central railway station should l>e well considered. T have l>een over all the suggested canal routes and adjacent country. J. Vincent. Rose Road.

GAME IN THE WATKATO. Sir, —Why doesn't the Auckland Acclimatisation Society advertise in the local papers what game may Ik* shot during the, season, or give up the work which appears to bo too strenuous for them; and let. the Waikato Society take up the running. A shoot ist at To Awamutu told mo a few days ago of a. spot close handy where there wore plenty of rabbits, and added: "You can get partridges I here also, as they are fairly plentiful." It goes without saying that these birds have already been shot. Is it not a crying shame that this port, of thing can go on with impunity in our midst? I am satisfied if shootists knew it was illegal to shoot partridges until such time as they have been gazetted open to shooting, as specified under ho Act, they would not be shot, but then so few people know, and these valuable, birds, which are just getting a hold, are ruthlessly shot by some unthinking persons. It seems to mo that, the Auckland Society lets the shooting of these birds go on, so that, they can say thoy are not, doing too well, and so try and belittlo the work of the one who went to the trouble and expense of importing them. W. A. Johnston. 9, Princes-street, Richmond, Juno 12.

ROADMAKIXG IN MOUNT EDEN. Sir, —Can you please inform me why it is that when road formation is to be undertaken a start is invariably made in the winter months, when men can only work half-time, and travelling is anything but joyous? The Mount Eden Borough Council has gone in for an extensive road improvement scheme, and as usual it has chosen the winter to turn the roads topsy-turvy, thereby causing respectable law-abiding citizens to become homicidally-inclined savages. For a splendid example, I would refer yon to the Epsom Road, connecting tho Mount Eden and Dominion Roads. For truly exciting travel, this road has no equal. The footpath formation has been discontinued for a period, and the path now ends in _ a dangerously acute slide of 4ft or sft. Brilliantly lighted as the road is, with at least four lamps at intervals of about 200 yds, it, is dangerous for people to attempt to travel it after dark. The only outlet, for surface waters has been carefully roaded over, with the consequence that after rain the road becomes of the Venetian variety, and is impassable, except one cares to wade through running waters. There may be. some good reason for roadmaking in winter, but I am certainly of" opinion that the footpath should bo made safe for foot passengers whilst tho work is being done. I do but ask why these things should bo? A.L.

GOVERNMENT " SWEATING." Sir, While speaking at, a. meeting of tho Women's Social and Political League, at Wellington, on the 6th inst., the Hon. G. Fowlds defended the largo payments made to tho Chief Justice for "special" work, on flie grounds that, the Grey and Tall Governments had acted similarly. If I were to perpetrate a burglary upon the propert,v of tho Hon. G. Fowlds, would ho consider my action immune even from criticism, because burglary has not l>cen unknown in the past? Mr. Fowlds also said " that it. should l>o held that such service clone in the judge's own time should not lie paid for was quite in keeping with the inclination to ' sweat,' which he Opposition and its class had shown in the past." Wo find that while the Chief Justice was engaged upon tho Native Land Commission Mr. Button, of Auckland, was paid £1747 to do the ordinary work of the Chief Justice. For his services on the Commission, and for expenses, the latter was paid in all £4019, in addition to his salary of £2000. I think it is clear that, instead of using argument, Mr. Fowlds resorts to the wily tactics of the politician, presuming that because his audience is composed of women, any sort of claptrap is good enough to servo up to them. In regard to "sweating," I may state that while I think tlie Ward Government could easily refute the charge of "sweating" their Chief Justice, and the heads of their various Departments, yet when if, comes to the great mass of the lower-paid employees of the State t.ho case is very different. I have worked in Britain, America, and New Zealand, and while in this Dominion I have been employed part of the time in two Government Departments. Whilst there I can state unhesitatingly that I, have seen more "sweating" and tyranny exercised than in anyjother place where 1 have been. If the great mass of the men and women of (his country use. their thinking power they cannot fail to realise quickly that the present Government does not servo their interests. When the awakening conies politicians of the stamp of the Hon. (J. Fowlds will be in little demand at gatherings such as the Women's Social and Political League. P.F. Waihi. THE AUCKLAND ACCLIMATISATION SOCIIvTY. Sir,— have read with interest the letter

signed by C. F. Burrows, To Arolia, and, having just returned" to Auckland from a shooting trip to that, district and the Thames, I can at once deny the statement of Mr. Burrows about tho plentiful game. So far as I could ascertain, one could walk miles without seeing a pheasant, and this was my experience throughout my trip. Certainly 1 saw rabbits, but otherwise I would have had no use for my gun. If Mr. Burrows were to take a trip North of Auckland he would see more pheasants in one day than he would see in the whole year at, To Aroha and in the Waikafo, and why? Because such energetic societies as the Maugomii and Whangaroa prosecute people for shooting out of season and without a license. The lino of £80 for shooting game out of season, which a. man had to pay in the Bay of Islands district, last season, would make many would-be sportsmen in the Waikafo districts sit up; but we would see more game in the country if convictions of this kind were enforced. I have been quito amused at. the reports re the importation of English pheasants. Did the Auckland Acclimatisation Society know, when they ordered he English pheasant, that the Chinese is a much stronger bird, and will soon kill out, the English pheasant, which is an impotent bird? Why all this useless expense to obtain new blood, when exchange and new blood could lie obtained in New Zealand, as is done in a poultry yard? That, is, Mangonui pheasants could be brought to the Waikato, and vice versa. It, is an easy matter to obtain signatures to any petition in New Zealand, and 1 feel sure the Government will recognise this when they compare lie signatures which cost nothing with the 700 signatures which, according to Mr. Burrows's own statement, cost, each person Is, the amount necessary to make them inemliers of (lie Waikato Acclimatisation Society. Hawks are si ill simply swarming in the Auckland Acclimatisation Society's district, and if they really wish to wake up a bit, let them offer a. fair reward for hawks' heads, and not leave it, to the Waikato Society to do all the work out. of its small revenue, whereas the Auckland Society has, I am told, over £1000 annually for this and other acclimatisation purposes. W. A. JoUNSTOif. ;

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. Sir, —As a lover of the horse, I would like, through your columns, to enter a_ protest against the cruel overloading that is lx'ing practised in Auckland. Whilst in Allwrtstroot on Thursday night I witnessed a distressing caw. Thro© noble, horses wore staggering under ,a burden of several tons, ami tho driver was whipping (ho poor leasts. They had to stop from sheer exhaustion. A Fiuknd to the Dumb Brutes.

Sir, —Lovers of a " square, deal" for the horse may be interested in the following: — Driving last week into (he country from To Arolia, I arrived at a farm house as the owner brought homo his miserable "team," and proceeded to " feed" them. The feed consisted of a small tin of musty chaff. Whet; I asked him where was the oats, he gave mo a look of incredulity, but seeing 1. was not joking, said no one out there feed the horses on oafs; he, for one, could not afford if. Tin} poundering of a cheap piano from the interior of the house, gave a possible explanation. F firmly declined (his man's invitation to dinner, and left, but. not before I had seen that every horse had sore shoulders, and one had its leg raw from the rubbing of a chain. Further on 1 passed an even worse team ploughing. This team (two of which were hacks), appeared in the last stages of starvation and exhaustion. Evidently they were denied even musty chaff. They were streaming, and were being urged on to their work by cries, blows, and sticks from their driver, a small half-caste boy. From a passing farmer T learned that one horse, had already succumbed to starvation. While admitting that it was a deplorable state of cruelty, he added (hat "it, was none of his business," and rode on his way. There are inspectors for almost everything in New Zealand, but none for a square deal for the long-suffering horse. Humanity.

THE AIM OF A TIT. Sir,—ln Saturday's issue. "Tohunga" dis-j cusses at some length the aim of art. It,: seems to mo that "Tohunga" takes too slight a view of tho importance of teehrii- ; ealities in art. He may he quite right in j saving that, the majority of people are, quire j uninterested in them, but that is probably I because they are not interested in art at. all. | Music is far more universally understood j than painting, and in music no performer j can afford to disregard the technical side of bis art. ]f ho did, the public would be very quick to criticise and condemn. I may say also, by the way, that New"Zoalanders appreciate good music, whether it, bails from | Germany, France, or England, and I' have not heard of any widespread demand for a j New Zealand school of music. Painting ! tends ever to Ixtcome more, and more cosmopolitan, or rather international, and New Zealand painters cannot afford to cut themselves off from tho art culture of Europe. Tho relation of tones, for example, is just as important in a picture of Mi I ford Sound as in a picture of a Dutch canal. As for the man who can appreciate a bad picture of Milford Sound, but not a good picture of a Dutch canal—well, science will provide him j with photographs in colour in a few years, j and then, as far as ho is concerned, the artist may go, but he will never have any art. whatever emotions he may have. Again, ! it is constantly being dinned into the ears j of artists that they must aim at popularity. Had some present-day critics lived in tins 16th century they would probably have advised Raphael to paint the snow-capped peaks of tho Apponines, or Michael Angelo to carve the favourite horses of tho Medici, or model the Cardinal's little dog. Fortunately, art in the 16th century was too instinct with human interest to trouble itself much about inanimate nature, or the brute crea-1 tion. I know that there have been great j landscape painters, but it was very seldom that Turner painted an accurate portrait of a place, and no one cares whether Corot.'s frees grew at Fontainblcau or Cornwall Park. They are the work of a man who understood and loved trees, and who has enabled thousands to see with his eyes, and has not tried to see with theirs. Jas. Fitzgerald. 62, City Chambers, Juno 12.

OUR VETERANS. Sir, —A great; many letters have been written about the veterans who took part in the Maori wars, 1863-64. I was .pleased to see that one has been rewarded, and well j he deserved it: but others equally bravo have go no unrewarded, and that makes the neglect more conspicuous, and it is pathetic in the extreme to think that these brave veterans, who risked their lives in the olden days, should bo treated like this:- Very few are left, and I think some honour should be conferred upon them to gladden 'heir few remaining years while alive, rather than that a monument to them should be j erected after they have gone. I allude to! those who rook part in the historic battle! at Pukekohe, 1863-4, during the Waikato war, tho little garrison numbering 19 in all, consisting of the following settlers:—.Joseph j Scott, Alexander McDonald, J. Comrio. James McDonald, George Eastern, .lames I Easton, John Roose, Elijah Roose, Thomas Has tie, — Hodge, and nine special constables and brahmen. The doorway not j being finished, Scott stood in the opening | and defended it bravely, and escaped injury with the exception of a bullet grazing his eyebrow. _ The entrenchment, consisted of logs 4ft high and inch timber 6ft high, and ditches beneath. Three hundred Maoris rushed the stockade, and a brisk engagement ensued, and so confident wero the Maoris that they would defeat, them that they put on the copper ready to roast them for supper. Tho garrison ran short of ammunition, and tho Maoris seemed to divine the cause— only a few rounds remained to each. But they were resolved to die game, when a relief party, consisting of men from different military posts—lßth, 70th, and Ist Waikato— attracted by the firing, hurried to the rescue of the stockade. On hearing the advance sounded the Maoris fled, leaving their dead j behind. Tho settlers cherish the old church for its memories, and woo betide the man ; who would cover up the bullet-holes. There | were threo Cornishmen in the redoubt, viz., Scott and the brothers Roose. The only I reward given was to Scott, who received a! New Zealand medal and his commission as I captain in 1874. D. McFahland. Auckland, Juno 6, 1911.

"A CHINAMAN' OX MISSIONS." Sir,—ln reply to your article on the subject, "A Chinaman on Missions." let me state that at one Chinese col lege alone there arc 350 educated Chinese young men, who are pledged, voluntarily, to become preachers j of the Gospel to their own countrymen, j When in Wellington about. IB months 'ago I| heard the Chinese Consul for New Zealand, a Christian and a graduate of two American j Universities, speak in high terms of Christian work in China. Every student of Eastern affairs knows of "China's awaken-I ing. ' F. A. McKcnzie, formerly Chinese \ correspondent, of the London Daily Mail, lias ; declared most emphatically that to the Chris- j tian missionary belongs tho credit of " awakening China." Other facts could lx>| given in abundance to prove that the Cinna-! mon " educated, civilised, and equipped with a sound knowledge of modern civilisation." to quote from your article, are not, as a i whole, opposed to Christian work in their j country. Had the Chinese writer, whose book is reviewed, studied more deeply the : state of religious thought in Europe, lie would have liee.n aware of a double current, j and would not have l>een "astonished" at recent and increasing "missionary zeal." j Count Okuma, of Japan, one of the* greatest' living statesmen, said lately: "The fatal] defect in the teaching of the great sages of J Japan and China is that, while they deal j with virtue and morals, they do not suffi-1 ciently dwell on the spiritual nature of man: j and any nation tlyit; neglects the spiritual, ; though it may flourish for a time, must ! eventually decay. The origin of modern j civilisation is found in the teachings of the ! Sago of .hidea, by whom alone the necessary moral dynamic is supplied. 1 would refer all readers of your article to an article in a recent number of the Century .Magazine, entitled "Christianity in China." It is written by Professor A. K. Moss, of Wisconsin University. U.S.A., and is based upon personal observations made in China. The writer shows that the teachings of missionaries are not "harmful to the people of China, etc. I would also refer your readers to the _ article in a late issue of the London Magazine, from the pen of Dr. Morrison. London Times correspondent, at Pekin. and j an authority on Eastern subjects. Dr. .Morri-1 son was asked, _ "What about, the mission- j ariesV" "Nothing but good ' was his reply. ; Probably no other foreigner has knowledge j of what the Chinaman, ignorant or possessed i of ' modern education. l*elieves regarding! Christianity as has Sir Robert Hart. Sir Robert has given, and still is giving, active support, to the work of Christianising China. ; Here is his eulogiuni 11j>on the missionaries: j "The missionary cause depends for its success on its own inherent excellence, and the commission our Lord gave to His disciples. | 'I ho adverse criticism of some will not hurt 1 it, and the support, of others will not specially advantage it, and .1. think it liest. left in j the hands of the missionaries themselves.! who are really their own surest and best I critics. .1 know nothing but, good about j them. ' Is it likely that a. man who has j lived at the centre of Chinese life, and has j si km it fully half a century in self-denying i service of the Chinese race, would write thus of a body of men and women if lie deemed their work productive of bail results? | Tc Aroha. June 9. Wit. C. Blaiu.

THE INSOLVENCY LAW. Sir,— regard to Mr. Sidney Herbert's remarks pertaining to the insolvency ] av ? and a trader's liability, I agree with him th' far, that there is an amendment needed in the Act; to definitely specify what, conslitJ ' projK'r books of account. If this were -d« a it would then be made, char to all trade 10 and so help them to have such a system Jf book-keeping in their businesses as.' w ou n ensure their proper position. I ,]n r. "J agree with Mr. Herbert when lie ilvs h!°; a trader should not be held liable when u places his books in the hand- of ciiialifw'*! accountant, and by so doing relieves h'im. » of all liability. May f risk Mr. Herbert j can an accountant take over such liabilit I when he must of necessity lake fi;riirc'- «\ V J jto him bv the. trailer. For instance , S accountant going to chock a, trader's ?toofe 1 ; sheets, which perhaps meant some wool ' I work for several persons to compile: and *i | is practically upon the basis of a man', stock-in-trade that his Imancal position i, arrived at, and in sue!, a -a, the auditor must take ar, least such figures dealing w j|i ; the stock as are given him i.v IV ?rar'-> ' | Personally J think the duly of ; , n auditor i is to watch the dealings of a trader fro m » | financial standpoint, and t » 1 .. able to* slio? lat any given time v.!:>■ 11 >.■ that trader il j carrying on Jus bu;-in< -s on sound lines or I not ; but to say that to load him with tk> ! whole_ responsibdit; , to my minri, i- a most I unbusinesslike. liro,,o M ; j,.,,. .My opinion i« ! that a trader should certainly !-■ lM m I sponsible for the- whole cf his trading under | all circumstances. MKunrAYr '

'"I 11>11 Y AXI) ri;t)ITT OF GOVTS ON A FA KM."

Sir,—Several letters have apjynrod in U, O IT Kit a 1.1) commenting favourably on tho utility and profit of goats on a farm. Mr' V. ilks .appears to have proved conclusively by practical tests .and experience that 16 goal, as a noxious weed (the. hardy and very objectionable blackberry especially) exterminator, is bard to beat, being at the sanw time profitable, from the value of the ], a j r ("mohair") and flesh, and in supplying nitrogen to tho soil. There is, however," another important, use, and profit., front J lO goat, not included ill the enumeration quoted, viz.. as a- good, safe, and delicious milk-supplier. From the many breeds of goats Mr. Wilks has apparently a flock of the Angora kind (native of Apia-Minor). In India the goal, is very mm h valued amongst the natives Ithe Mahomedans prefer the flesh of the goat), and estimated in propertion to the size of udder and capacity in giving quantity and quality of milk, tho lie.st kind and roost prized is the Mtrti. a native of Guz-erat, in the Bo ml my Presidency a comparatively small animal, rarely stand' ing over 2ft, hair long, and fine. The surti in common with till broods of goat, will browse on noxious and poisonous weeds and plants, fruit, arid rose trees, and thorny bush and " baljool." pods for preference! Tho natives sav that no plant, flower, or young treo will live and flourish once it lias had the tooth and breath of the goat in its hark I have known my old quiet and sedate molley (gardener) to get into a- towering passion over the advent of a stray goat into our garden, calling the animal (with every blow of his big stick on her back) his ancestors (as usual) and his relations everything ho could think of at the time, which meant that he considered the garden ruined, and as well as I can now remember the niolley was not far wrong, from the number of dead plants, etc., thrown out a week or so after I have often seen young trees planted alone the sides of new roads killed bv goats. I have seen the services of the, Government utilised in sowing of "babool" seed alone the sides and slopes of new embankments and cuttings of roadways, with the object of t!» roots of voting trees spreading out and | keeping tho soil together and intact during the heavy rains of tho monsoons. (The "babool" tree, a quick grower, and very hard wood, might with advantage ho introduced into New Zealand. Gum arabic of a clear and fine quality is obtained from this tree). The goats are fed on the jxtds of the " babool " trees, and afterwards allowed to wander about over the earth work. So much for and against, the goat. His' disqualifying _ attributes to outsiders are, apparently, his principal value and recommendation to the farmers of the Dominion, as long as his fences are strong enough to keep the animals away from his fruit tree?, etc. I believe in absence of weeds and thorny bush they soon take, to fee rough, ooarso grass. If tho milking breed ("surti") could be introduced here they would soon become very popular and pets of the people in town and suburbs. insuring a good wholeI some supply of milk at little cost and trouble. . A handful of grain morning and evening is all that is necessary when the goat is on the string, as he invariably is. Europeans living in military cantonments of India keep goats to supply tho needful' milk for the family use, to, bo on the safe side, knowing, as they do; tho daßfW of using the milk supplied by the native milkman. When the goat is in health, and given grain, a quart of milk morning aid evening is about the average supply of & "surti." Kx-M.W.'O.LA.

GROCERS IN THE DRUG TRADE.

Sir,As a chemist I wish to draw attention to tho disadvantages under which pharmacists labour in this country and Australia. No business of profession is so cruelly, harassed by unfair competition, absurd legislation! and lack of adequate protection from the authorities as that of the pharmaceutical chemist. More than 75 per cent, the drains consumed hero are supplied by* unqualified persons, grocers, drapers, and general storekeepers. These people have practically taken away the backbone of the chemist's business, and have left him nothing but the dispensing of prescriptions to live upon. The inevitable consequence of this illegitimate competition has ensued, and it it now almost impossible for a chemist to make a living honestly. He is compelled, in self-preservation, to charge prices for his goods which do not differ greatly from actual robbery, and is obliged to resort to practices even more reprehensible. Ido not wish, to imply that these evil doings are common, but that they exist is an indisputable fact. Even in the dispensing of proscriptions, serious irregularities occur. Substitution is not unknown, detection being made difficult by the habit of confiscate? the customer's prescription. This is distinctly illegal, as a chemist has no mots right to steal the prescription than he fc»* to annex tho customer's umbrella, but the custom is so general as to be nearly universal. The Poisons Act is practically 1 dead letter. So is tho Food and Drugs Act, Fraud and sophistication are rampant, but no 0110 ever hears of a prosecution _ nn«or any of its sections. It; is an interesting reflection that lx»fore a man can get a license to sell a bottle of beer he must produce evidence of a good character, etc., yet any Tom, Dick, or Harry can take, out a license to soil tho deadliest poisons without any trouble whatever. As a matter of fact, too average storekeeper ignores tlx? Act in tow. and sells anything ho can, without bothering about tho law. I have known a grocer (unlicensed), sell a one-pound bottle of chloroform to a customer without tho least inquiry as to the purpose for which it .was required. The Pharmacy Act is perl taps the ra® preposterous farrago of asinine legislation the Statute Book can show, and its various amendments are worthy of the original- L™ laws relating to the sale of opium , is a case in point. Because there are a Je* score of Chinamen in the. country, the linnet' ling of this drug is a source of endless vexation to chemists. Jf half a dozen half-g ral ° opium pills are wanted in a midwifery case, a lengthy entry must l>e made in a specis opium register, specifying the bill P®*" ticulars of the sale of three grains _of tne article. Of course, no sensible chemist ooei anything of the kind, and a foolish law lS deservedly ignored. On tin' other hand, * well-known murderous soothing syrup, 0 Yankee manufacture, which openly staW upon tho lalxd that. it contains morphine sulphate, is sold broadcast by every storekeeper in the Dominion, without any restrict whatever. In Ibigland this wrcc „ < nostrum lias to he distinctly M* f " Poison," and can only he sold hv » 1" perly-qualificd chemist. and any '"bin? 1 mcnt of the I;nv carries a penalty of for each offence. Optimists have tela IB that legislation will bo introduced m . 1 future to remedy the present " ,1 l ) '] IT . state of affairs, and that grocers will to 0 bidden to dabble in drucs and other m*tt«. they do not understand. Ido not. be ' e this for a moment. l>eoau.-c 1 am t . that no Government in New Zealand, * over pa it v it belongs to. will ever risk alienating the numerous body of ,toreloV'P • with i heir huge voting power, m °"' r do justice- to the numerically weak !'' |< " '' cists. Expediency. not; mstice. w ." , e ' he tin- mono the rulers of this oomj cralie community. Meantime, lam r < , our for emnlovmetir itt any capacity * . will enable'.no to save up enough «J» '»■' and mine from -country *v Inch !!ki no prospect tor educated. intelligent. * . ■workers of the highest, tvpo, and a lows like myself, with fan ilies .impendent. upon us, to perish for want of bread. - ( •y \\O(.K. v

The 1'.1.C. warehouse at * always inienviiig to everybody. •a - it is advisable to keep in close On the one hand a procession of - • staple goods at reduced prices. « » ' on--I)nL of economical habit can '£ ro ' liwr tbe Other, the meea-t-uig meoywfc once, things which, even it not. * | lU , r oilwill lie of greater assistancer\GToKWrite us now.— D.LL-, ,V<.bLLI> L x