RIVALRY OF THE ARGENTINE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12650, 30 April 1903, Page 6

RIVALRY OF THE ARGENTINE.

Tiut the rivalry of the Argentine will have to be reckoned with by the. producers of Australia and New' Zealand is a fact that has been unwelcomely obtruding itself upon our notice for several years past. The wide expanses of fertile prairie lands and well-watered uplands, in spite of.natural drawbacks, are capable of an'enormous volume of production,, ofwhich fact the Argentine

producer is now fully cognisant. From, a few Italian families who found wheatgrowing profitable on a generous soil, the population has steadily increased, and, acting upon the examplo of some of the more enterprising landowners, a considerable meat and dairy produce export trade has been developed. The awaken* ing of the Argentiuo is one of the most striking examples of the growth of: a nation in virtue of its fertile soil, and bears testimony to the energy of the European population who have revolutionised the country. Prior to 1880 the Argentine did not grow sufficient wheat for its -crwn requirements, having to import both wheat and Hour from Chili. By 1891 Die exports of wheat reached a total of over 1,500,000 tons. In spite of the ravages of locusts and the devastation of droughts tho productiveness of the Republic has been rapidly developed. Of late years, however, the Argentine has become a competitor in the British markets for frozen meat and dairy produce, and when South • Africa offered new and promising markets Government agents went to spy put the land to such purpose that a lucrative trade has sprung up. During the currency of the war the Argentine exported considerable quantities of produce to the Cape. Ameng other things, in 1899 that country seHt to South Africa 46,000 tons of maize, 26,000 tons of lucerne hay, 12,300 horses, 2109 live cattle, 9050 sheep, and 874 mules. Since the war the Argentine has largely contributed towards the re-stocking of the country with cattle and .sheep, and the Government of tho Republic, with commendable enterprise, has had lines' of steamers specially fitted up for the purpose of carrying live stock. Instead of a navy the Argentine lias a mercantile service with which it means to push its advantage in the markets of the world. When we learn that experts h'ave estimated the area of land in the Republic available for ffheat-grwing at no less than 240,000,060 acres, we may arrive at some idea ef the possibilities of the Argentine when the- whole of this magnificent estate is brought into full production. Although a considerable portion of that area is chiefly devoted to cattle ranching, still most of it ia estimated to be good wheat land. For the pastoral and dairy industries the large areas in tho west and south of the Republic should prove ideal country. Taking even a low estimate, the wheatgrowing area could be increased to about 20 times its present dimensions, and then an enormous scope of country be left for pasture lands. The most recent information -concerning the exports of the Argentine would seem to indicate that portion of the wheat lands has been withdrawn from, cultivation and. set apart for pasture. The wheat export fell from 1,929,700 tons in 190U to 650,098 in 1902, while the meat export increased from 2,372,960 carcasea in 1900 to 3,429,222 in 1902. An increase of 1,056,262 carcases in the space of two years shows an enormous development of the frozen meat trade. At the same time the export of frozen beef largely increased. The amount of trade with South Africa last year is & significant fact that cannot be lost sight of in this colony. During 1902, Sir J. G. Ward tells us, the Argentine shipped to South Africa 393,266 frozen sheep, 210,203 quarters of beef, 6000 toDS or wheat, 74,120 tons of maize, 23,292 tons of bran, 1,242,593 bales of hay, 870 tons of sugar, and 23,086 boxes of butter. Tho total quautity of beef exported by the Republic in 1900 was only slightly in excess of that sent to South Africa last year, showing how rapidly the oiif> put is increasing. But in addition to ' enormous areas of fine agricultural and pastoral land, the Argentine has very large flocks and herds. In 1898 there were 28,000,000 head of cattle and 110,000,600 sheep in the Argentine, and it is at least probable that by this time ' the havo been (largely aug- "'• mented by natural increase. The' flockow"ners of the Republic own more sheep than those of Australia and New Zealand put together,' so that it will be quite easy for the Argentine to enormously increase its export of frozen meat in the future as it gets freezing works into operation and the country opened up by railways and other means of communication. The rapid growth of the dairy industry is a factor that intimately interests this colony, and it ia all tho more regrettable that at a time when the competition of powerful .rivals is beginning to be felt, auy relaxation of the regulations that have built up our reputation for prime dairy produce ' should have been permitted. The difference iu distance gives thp Argentine tremendous advantage over New Zealand in the British markets, and when the flocks and' herds of the Republic liave been improved the rivalry will be still more potent to do us harm. Consequently it becomes tho bounden duty of the producers of New Zealand to strain every nerve to maintain the higb , reputation they have already gained.

Sir 'Joseph 6. Ward, Minister of Railways, spent a busy day in Dunedin yesterday. Hβ received a large number of deputations on private business, and, in company with J[r J. A. Millar, M.H.R., visited the extensive work' now being carried on in connection with the now railway station, for Dunedin in Lower Stuart street. Sir Joseph proceeds to Christehurch this morning, and thence goes on to Wellington, but returns to Dunedin probably' on TueEday.

Mr R. A. Alley, whose business in. this oolony, aa already stated in these columns, is (o make inquiries with regard to the prospect of business between this colony and Canada, arrived in Dunedin on Tuesday night. In Auckland and Wellington, he considers, the prospects of trado are good, and those two porta, ho says, will be the ports 1 of call for the North Island for the proposed steam service between Canada and New Zealand. With reepect to the ports of call for the South Island, he will not decide on them until ho has visited the Bluff. Mr Alley proceeds south this , morning. The eteamera it is proposed to employ in. the service will be devoted entirely to cargo purppse3, their speed being 11 knots, or thereabouts. Two steamers of 8000 tons and two of 5000 tons will be employed, the inrger alternating with the lessor in their visits to the colony. "There are," says Mr Alley, "85 millions • of people in Canada, and you can reach the whole of them through the steamers and the subsequent aid of tho railways of Canada." f ,'•■■■■ Wβ understand that the proprietors of the Roslyn tramway have definitely decided to run their cars on Sundays, It is anticipated by tho management that they will bo able to start the service on Sunday next. In the meantime it is understood the cars will run in the afternoons only. The. pro-., prietors are to bo commended for having responded to the representations that have been made to them, and wo trust tho Mornington Council will promptly follow suit when they get-their permanent cars in, , v use, and roliove the residonts of the sister suburb from the disability under which they, have for eorno time, suffered through the stopping of Sunday cars, , 'I .

"A"record year of succoes in every reepect" was .the phraso made use of by Sir J, ,6. Ward last evening in reference to postal .and telegraph business, when making a presentation to Mr M'Nickle, oAhe Telegraph Department. During the yea» ending

31st March,' Sir Joseph 6aid, the department had established a record for the number of'telegrams-tent, and the Postal Department for the number of letters, etc., passed through. The money order business had also eclipsed all.previous years, and above and beyond all, the British subject had shown.hie confidence by the way in which lie hadj in. .the, deposit branch, put through money : in a, larger aggregate than we have over ltnbwn. before. A statutory meeting of the City Council was'held last night; present—His Worship this Mayor (Mr J. A. Park), Crs Scott, Muir, Sraithwaite, Tapper, Christie, Crust, and Hally* It was resolved to striko a general newerage rate of 4d in the pound for the year commencing Ist April, 1903. The - Benevolent Trustees held their weekly meeting yesterday, when there were •present—Messrs P. Treseder (chairman), K. Wilson,. J. ;(3reen, W. Talboys, and tho Eon. H. Gourley. Tho Secretary reputed that James' Smith, aged 86 years, since "last'meeting. The South Canterbury Cliarltable Aid Board wrote asking for contributions, in support of a woman and two children who had received relief from the Dtmedin institution while she was here. As

the : woman had come from Invercargill, and liiid only remained in Dunedin for a Giort .time; the secretary was instructed to refer til© South Canterbury Board to the Southland Board. Accounts amounting to £134 12s-7d -were passed for payment, and* 26' cases of relief were dealt with.

Crown tenants who have not paid tlicir tenia up , to the 31st December Inst aro to bewailed i)pon< forthwith to pay on or before the 18th of next month.

Messrs • Robert Gleudinfng and James Hazlett have joined the board of directors of the Perpetual Trustees, Estate, and Agency Company of New Zealand,

Mr E. H; Carew, S.M., presided over the sitting of the Magistrate's Court, held yesterday, and gave judgment for plaintiff in the. (use ■ Tliomas Maxwell against John Wells, of Otokin. The claim waa £2 15s, fof saddlery, jnd the judgment carried with it'costs amounting to 18s. AH the other cases wore .adjourned, confessed, or struck out. • • .

Mr F. Waldegrave, Undor-secrotary to, thd Justice Department, is in town. Sfr Waldegrave has oomo eouth. chiefly on private business, and will be here only a day or two.

Mrs Julius Hyman, an old and respected resident of Dunedin, died yesterday morning at hoi , residence in London street. The deceased lady was born in 1838, and was married in 1859. She was tho only daughter of Rabbj Danzigger, of the city of Dantzic. She arrived in Victoria in 1852 with hor husband, and 10 years later came to ■ Dunodin. Sinco retiring from business th 6 deceased iady has devoted much of her times to charitable works, and she was a worthy helpmeet to her husband in his position as president of the Jewish congregation. .Mr and Mrs Hyman celebrated their .golden wedding in 1900, when the service in tho Synagogue was followed by a conversazione in the Choral Hall, at wliioh citizens of all olasses and' creeds tendered their congratulations. The death of their son while in England in 1879 was a sovere blow to the worthy couple.

Five seamen from the barque Port Sonnoclmn, now at Dunedin wharf, were arrested yesterday afternoon , on a charge of' embezzling' the ship's cargo. They will bo charged .with tho' offence at the City Police . Court this morning.

Tho wmarkaWe rate at which tho Gaolio revival ia progressing in Ireland is shown by some official figures published at Dublin. Two years ago tho Gaelio Leaguo adininie-' tered funds amounting to about £1200. Tho total of'its receipts in the current financial year is expected to be £10,000. Two yeaTs' ago there were eearceiy 200 branches "of tho league; now there are 500.> In the same period the number of national schools giving tuition in Gaelio has increased from 113 to about 3000. The latter tolal is being added to almost daily. Last yeai , the league 501d'213,000 copies of books in Irish, and issued 40,000 pamphlets, Mid many books, put on t'he market by the ordinary publishing houses obtained a largo circulation/ Tho league claims that the workers in the Gaelio cause, who are now reeruited from • all political and religious camps in Ireland, " have preached most effectively against treating, drinking, gambling, against immorality and vulgarity in the theatre, music hall, and concert hall, and against inanity and vulgarity in literature."

A remarkable invention in connection with modem telegraphy, known by the name of the Delaney System of Rapid Automatio Telegraphy, has just been offered to the ' Cpmmonwclath Government. The Delaiicy'system increases the capacity of a single telegraph wire from the possible 60 woj-ds 'po'r minute of the ordinary quadruples now used on the principal Australian lines up to a practicable commercial speed of from 1000 'to 2000 words per minute. No electro-magnets are employed; no repeaters for long distances aro needed, and thoro is, no movement of any parts for the transmission or reception of signals. The system is eaid to work well in bad weather or. good, and it can be operated over a telephone circuit without disturbing conversation. Mr P. D. Delaney, the inventor, uses the idea! principle of alternating currents, and utilises the statie capacity of tho linos, which is the great hindrance of tho existing systems. , ' In his offioial explanation of the patent (saye the Age) he points out that the transmission of messages by- his invention is purely mechanical, the recording being effected by the passage of a current .'through chemical tape. The system bmploys four instruments—(a) A Morse key perforator: (b) an automatio high speed transmitter; (c) an automatdo receiver; and (d) an automatio sound transmitter, the combined operation of which— with the addition in the case of ocean cables of a cable transmitter'device—produces results which' are said to render present methods completely out of date. Mr Delaney'e advocates claim that under favourable conditions and over short lines a capacity of 500 ft words a minute can be reached. It is further urged that applied to both telephony and telegraphy the system makes for much greater oheapnese iu rates and , construction cost. .'

The therapeutics of the'cake-walk afford an aspect of that exercise which has not been generally considered. The London Horning Advertiser correspondent in Berlin states that Dr Samuel/J. Metzer has just tried, the- following experiment. He asked a girl to.skip as long U3 she could. To her waist were attached bottles containing soup full of microbes. The girl skipped as long as she could, and then the soup was taken from the bottlea and analysed. It contained only a few living microbes; in eome bottles there was not a single living microbe. 'After this experiment the doctor is convinced that continual vibration exercises a disastrous effect on the health of microbes. The- cake-walk danoe would appear to be the very remedy. If it is the least graceful of danoes, it may be considered the most efficacious and least costly of antiseptics.'

Aβ' will be "scon" from our advertising a benefit concert will be given in the Garrison Hall on Wednesday, 6th May/ in aid of the widow and family of the lato Petty-eßicer Jaincs Coats, Diinedin Naval Artillery. The deceased was cut off very suddenly ,jn the prime of life by an attack of congestion of the lungs, leaving s widow and five young children quite unprovided for. The programme will be,a very' attractive 'one. Most of the leading artists "of tho city mil take part, together with-f.this Moray Place Congregational Church' choir. Colonel Eobin, 0.8., has kindly 1 given permission for all Volunteers toiKitend|ia'mia{nrm* • .

Tenders are being invited by the Publio Works Department for the manufacture and supply of about 971 tons of eteel and ironwork for the superstructure of .tho Staircase viaduct, Broken River bridge, on. the Midland railway.

Tho operetta " A Dress Rehearsal" was, by request, again repeated at St. Joseph's Hall last evening, when the performance proved even more successful than on tho prior 'occasion. The same performers again acquitted themselves admirably > n 'heir parts, and the ladies of St. Josoph'e Social Club can be congratulated on the success, of thoir efforts. As the hall was filled the club's funds ehould be materially assisted. Among those present last evening were Dr Verdon and Monsignor Mackay (of . Oainaru). ■

! Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Cβ. will sell on Saturday, 2nd prox., at their saleyards, light harness horses from Southland. The N.Z.L. mi MX Company sell at.Balclutha ov Friday, Bth May, three-quarterbroJl wethers am 1 , ewes. J The Dunedin Slock Agents' Association mill hold a sale of live stock at Weupiata on Tucs- : day, 12th May. I Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co. and ' Ulessrs Dalgety and Co. announce that their monthly stock sale at Palmerston will be held on Monday, 4th prox. : Onr announcement yesterday as to the date en which intending candidates' are required 'to enter for the examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music and Hoyal College of Music may prove misleading. lEniries for both the theory ami the practical examinations close to-morrow, the Ist May. The annual licensing meeting for the district of Chalmers will be held on Thursday, 4th June. The annual licensing meeting for the Mount Ida licensing district will be held on Friday, 6th June. Notice of applications must be lodged on or before the Htli May. The Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association will hold a clearing sale of stock, implements, etc., at Clcnoniarn, C'atlins, on Tuesday, sth prox. A. grand Japanese fair will be opened in St. John's Hall, Koslyn, to-dny. A large variety of Jnpnnese goods has been secured. In the evening there will be a. performance, when a comedietta entitled " The Mousetrap" will he produced. Mr 11. Cni3t thanks the electors of South Ward foi returning him to the City Council. Messrs Park, Reynolds, and Co. will sell on .Monday, 18th May, at their rooms, a dairy farm at Lower Junction, N.E. Valley. The annual meeting of t||o Outram Societies' Hall Company will bo held-on Thursday, 7th 'prox. • ■ •

To let, butcher's business, 2 storeys, brick, slaughter yards.—C. Wilkie/ Mosgiel.—Atlvt. Carter and Co. have now fuh stocks in all departments. All the most fashionable at lowest possible price3.—Carter k Co.—Advt. Pearl Necklaces.—Very choice selection, suitable for evening wear, newest designs, just opened.—Hendy, hairdresser, Princes street.— Advt. Ladies in quest of a now winter jacket or mantle should not fail to see the grand selection at MoJlisons.—Advt. Intending purchasers of jewellery or watches naturally wish to make a selection from.the newest and daintiest goods obtainable. G, and T.\You»e, 88 Princes street, have the largest and best selected stock in Dunedin, and give the best value.—Advt. Prevention is Better than Cure—" K.P." Fluid is a certain preventive against plague and other infectious diseases when freely used according to directions. When diluted it docs not stain the containers.—Advt. Who is Peter Dick?— The most reliable Watchmaker and Jeweller, opposite Coffee Palnce, Moray place, Dunedin.. Charges stricHj moderate.—Advt.