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Otago Daily Times, Issue 17635, 27 May 1919, Page 4

Sir James Allen (Acting Prime Minister) spent yesterday in Dunedin, and accompanied by Mr F. G. Matthews (private secretary), will leave by the express train this morning en route for "Wellington. The Tofua, which is due here on Wednesday night, has on board a large consignment of English, parcel mail for distribution throughout the dominion, IMbags being for Dunedin. The Manuka, due at Wellington to-night, is bringing an Australian mail, which should reach Dunedin towards tho end of the week. The troopship Maunganui which left the United Kingdom on tho 17th inst., has 1028 returning soldiers on board, 514 of whom are for Otago, and tho same number for Lyttelton. In addition there are &0 officers and seven nurses. Her first port of call is Port Chalmers. Following up representations made to him, tho Minister of Internal Affairs has made arrangements, through the High Commissioner, for His Majesty's Stationery Office to supply to tho Government Printer six copies each of Imperial Government publications, which may be considered of interest to members of Parliament or of special interest to the dominion. This wfl] give opportunity for study, at first hand, of the reports of commissions and of parlia mentary reports made in England. The numbers to be procured might well be increased and kept on sale by the Government Printer.

Sir James Allen spent yeetorday forenoon attending to matters affecting returned soldiers. Ho first of all inspected tho arrangements that are being made for employing wounded soldiers in tho making of splints and othor hospital requirements, these occupations being intended as not only oducationjtl, but part of tho curative treatment. Sir James said ho was pleased to have the assurance of the chairman of tho Hospital Board to tho effect that the hospital arrangements for this work would bo completed within a week. The Minister added that tho Defence Department's preparations for the- undertaking would also bo ready at the same time. Sir James also inquired into complaints which had reached him regarding food supplied to soldiers at tho Hospital, and was accompanied by Mr W. K S. Knight (chairman of tho board). Tho Minister spent about an hour and α-half investigating this question, and Sir James informed a Daily Times reporter that steps had been taken to remedy tho grievance by the appointment of a now cook and by increasing the rations, which , will now 'be on tho military hospital scale. •Mr H. L. Tapley (chairman of tho Otago Harbour Board), accompanied by tho Mayor (Mr W. Begg), had an interview with Captain Hall-Thompson (naval adviser) in Wellington with regard to the berthing of H.M.S. New Zealand at Port Chalmers. As a result of the interview all the latest plans of tho Lower Harbour have been sent to the captain of the vessel, which is due at Melbotirno on the 31st inst., with a view to convincing the authorities that there will be no difficulty in the vessel coming into port, or berthing at the wharf. A Press Association telegram fromChristchurch states that as tho tenure of the appointment of Sir Francis Bell to the Legislative Council would expire on July 10 next, being seven years from tho date of his call, and as it is possible that the Governor-general may not have returned to New Zealand from Samoa by that date, Sir Francis resigned from his seat, and has been reappointed to the Council. The Wellington Labour Representation Committee (says the Dominion) has decided to call for nominations for all the Wellington City and suburban seats, in view of this year's general election. The nominations will close before the end of next month, and ballots will then be taken to determine the official Labour candidates. Mr W. Begg (Mayor of Dunedin) and Mr W. D. R. M'Curdie (city engineer), who have been attending the Town-planning Conference in Wellington, returned to Dunedin last night. Mr Begg, in conversation with a Daily Times reporter, stated that the conference was a decidedly userol one, and that good would oome of it. The order paper was, in his opinion, rather overloaded and prevented adequate discussion, especially on important subjects. It was, he thought, a mistake to have two important papers set down for discussion at one sitting, as was done on several occasions. One paper would have been ample. There was also a good deal of overlapping of subjects, but this probably was unavoidable. In Mr Begg's opinion the most interesting section of the conference was that for which the engineers were responsible; everyoae recognising that the engineer must first of all lay the foundations of any plan that was adopted. Mr Begg was appointed to the committee to deal with the Town-planning' Bill, which was discussed clause by clause and amended in several important directions. Hβ felt sure that the Bill would go into Parliament during the forthcoming session, and then something substantially practical -would be taken in hand.

The Rev. E. Palgrave Davy closed his mission in the Knox Church Hall with an illustrated lantern lecture on the Pilgrim's Progress. The mission this week is being held in Trinity Methodist Church, commencing- this evening at 7 o'cloek. The Returned Soldiers' Association has arranged a conference for June 4, wiien the committee of tho association will meet the Commissioner of Crown Lauds in. regard to the returned soldiers' settlements. The members on the various settlements have been circularised and .requested to send representatives, and it is hoped that this meeting will be the means of clearing up many misunderstandings and make for. some improvements in the conditions of the settlers. The association has written to the Minister of Lands urging that the amount of allowance to soldier settlers for the purpose of erecting buildings, etc., be £400. In connection with the valuation of orchard lands, the Land Board has been urged that a report as to the quality of the fruit and a certificate that all fruit farms on offer are free from disease, be obtained from, the Government experts before the land valuer is authorised to make a valuation.

At last night's meeting of the Returned Soldiers' Association, it was announced that subscriptions to the Otago Soldiers' Club aro now payable. The Building Committee has received permission to collect funds for the club during the peace celebrations, and the committee desires that every member will do his utmost to assist in obtaining the necessary money. Collections will be taken up at every performance, and the secretary will be glad to receive »the names of men willing to take boxes. > Our Cromwell correspondent informs us that the announcement that the Government had declined Mrs J. Cowie Nioholls's offer regarding the Mount Pisa run and its inactivity in preparing for any subdivision are causing considerable comment locally. It was expected that if the run -was to be subdivided at the end of the present lease in 1921 the preparation of a survey would now 'be in hand. A Press Association telegram states that the position in connection with • the supply of gas in Auckland is still critical, although, the Gas Company does not' anticipate any immediate likelihood of having to again reduce the pressure to consumers. The anxiety will not be relieved, however, until a reserve stock has been established. A conference was Beld last night in St. Andrew's Bible School between men of the Trinity Methodist Ghnreli and the St. Andrew's branch of the Presbyterian Men's League. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather there was a fair attendance of the men of the two churches. The subject of discussion was Church Union, and this was introduced by Messrs A. Burn and J. Farquharson on behalf of St. Andrew's, and Messrs E. Rosevear and H. Chapman on behalf of Trinity Methodist. A motion was carried that two members of St. Andrew's co-operate with two members of Trinity Methodist to hold meetings of the various Presbyterian, Methodist, and Congregational Churches in and around Dunedin during the next two months further to discuss the matter. A Press Association message from Wellington statea that the departure of the Maori for Lyttelton has been postponed till 3 p.m. to-day. The vessel is one fireman short, and the stokehold crew refuses to sail unless a full complement is obtained, contending that it is not safe. Our Hawera correspondent states that an interesting discussion which took place at the Taranaki Provincial Conference of the Farmers' Union culminated in .Mr Buckeridge intimating his. intention of resigning his position of organising secretary Mr Buckerdge moved in tho direction of extending tho scope of membership to include persons engaged in pursuits which were essential to the primary production of the dominion. Ho said his aim. -ivas to bring about. a better understanding between the farmer and labour generally, and he thought the best way of doing , that was by admitting to membership all those who had any share in the work which was essential to those producing or marketing the farmer's produce. A good deal of discussion followed, and though sympathy was 6hown the feeling was that the scope of the proposal was too far-reaching, as it meant that workers in almost every industry would be able to be admitted to membership. The motion was lost. Mr Buckeridge then said he was so convinced that his purpose was right that he would have to take other means to realee it, which would necessitate his resigning the position of organising secretary to tho union. Delegates expressed the hope that Mr Bnckeridge would not take the step indicated, but he said he could see no other course open to him. His future work would i& in the direction of bringing about a better feeling between the farmers and labourers. Mr Buckeridge is recognised as one of the ablest advocates of co-opera-tion along the West Coast. '

Mr A. Davidson presided over the monthly meeting of the M.osgiel District High School Committee last night. The board advised that the appointment of Messrs J. H. Hicks and (too. M'Leod to vacancies on tho committee had been approved. Following up a suggestion from the board re mid-winter's holiday, the committee decided to close tho school during Duncdin Winter Show Week and the Monday following. Mrs Vintinnor was appointed janitor and caretaker of tho school. The Works Committee reported on tho details attended to during tlie month, and pointed out some email necessary repairs. It was resolved that, these bo attended to. Accounts totalling £14- Is 9d were passed for payment. Messrs Cameron and Hicks were appointed a Visiting Committee for Juno. Tho rector reported that tho school work was progressing satisfactorily, and that tho attendane was -well up to the average.

It is understood that tho public will never be able to travel so freely and without question from New Zealand as has been tho case in the past. Although six months have elapsed since hostilities ceased the passport system is still in operation in Now Zealand (says the Dominion), and all wishing to travel beyond our shores have still to satisfy the officials of the passport branch of the Internal Affairs Department that there is no just" cause or impediment why they should not bo allowed' 6O to depart. This has been found to be tho case by quite a number of surprised and indignant persons, whose applications for passports have had to bo refused. As is pretty well known, people have always had to bo armed with passports in order to be able to travel about Europe. Tho war has taught England that there is some virtue in the custom, and, though nothing is definitely known hero yet, there are those who believe that tho passport system has conio to stay. Tho Ven. Archdeacon Woodthorpe will lecture to-morrow evening on " Industry and Politics, or the Organisation and Control of Industry in the Democratic State." This is one of the series of lectures which the Dunedin branch of the Empire Service League has arranged for the winter months. It was originally intended that tho lecture should bo given in the Allen Hall, Otago University, but as that hall is not available for to-morrow evening Archdeacon Woodthorpo will speak in the Medical School, King street, .opposite tho Hospital. The subject is very interesting at the present moment, and as it is in the hands of an acknowledged authority a large audience may be expected. The chrysanthemum fete, to be held on Wednesday, June 4, promises to be a great success, as already a large amount of support has been offered. As the whole of the proceeds are to be devoted to the Returned Soldiers' Memorial Olub Building Fund, it is hoped that the public will respond generously to the appeal. For the Dunedin Horticultural Society's show, which is to be held on Wednesday, satisfactory entries have been received. In the decorative and floral section the entries are numerous, and these in themselves should prove quite an attraction. The vegetable classes also promise to be strong, and should prove interesting. The chrysanthemums will not be as numerous as usual, but the quality shoiild be up to a high level. The St. Kilda Fire Brigade received a call to Onslow House at 8.10 ajn. yesterday. On arrival the brigade found that its services -were not . required, for the alarm had evidently been duo to a defective chimney, the smoke from which had penetrated one of the rooms, evidently giving the impression that the building was on fire. It was found that no damage had been done.

The shcrtago of coal in Napier has become so acute that the position is intense, and there is very little prospect of supplies being available in reasonable quantities this winter (states the Daily Telegraph). The Government is controlling what little coal is available, and that 13 being conserved for the use of freezing works, which are full of Government meat that roust be kept frozen to save waste. There is no hoiisehold coal available, and the winter will have to be faced without coal. Fortunately, some of the merchants have a good supply of firewood on hand, bull -the price is high, and consumers are not prepared to pay the cost at present. One merchant told a Telegraph reporter ihai a few years ago'he was able to purchase firewood on the trucks at 9s per cord, but now the price is 555, and the supply unsteady and difficult to get. In order to try to augment Napier's supply at least two dealers are at present in Wellington seeking to impress on the Government the airaokrte need that exists for coal. The three local meat works are short, and the majority of householders axe on short commons, and, unless the Government provides a plentiful supply in the near future the difficulties will become intolerable.

With regard to the Parapara iron ore, Dr Maclaurin, giving evidence before the Industries Committee at "Wellington on Friday, said that it laboured under the twofold disadvantage of containing too much phosphorus for the acid hearth process and too little to produce basic slag as a byproduct. At the present cost of coal, and at the rate of wages obtaining in New Zealand, he considered that pig-iron could not be produced here to commercial advantage for a considerable time. He held that the Government should take over tho Paxapara leases and conserve the iron ore for future generations. He knew that tho committee >had received other evidence to the effect that the production of iron from Parapara ore was -now commercially possible. Private companies had also received reports to that effect. The Taranaki ironsand had been found to be not so good for the production of steel as was generally supposed. Hβ favoured, however, the calling hi of British or American experts to advise as the possibilities of both the Parapara ore and tho Taranaki ironsand.

Norway (states the Scientific American)intends to help out the restoration of tho devastated part of France, in the front zone, by planting a belt of Norwegian forest trees. Much enthusiasm has developed for the scheme, and it is intended to begin the work immediately. The scheme comprises the planting of 250 acres annually, for five years, and the money is streaming in to Consul Heiberg, at Christiania. The idea is to send a forestry party of about 50 Norwegians fully equipped with trees, tools, tents, and stores, so as not to impose the slightest burden on France. The tentative zone for planting the belt of trees is from Ardennes towards the Belgian frontier, behind Arras, where there formerly was fine forest; but action will be taken in accordance with the desires of the French.

ftlr Keith Murdoch, the well-known. Australian, correspondent, refers thus to President Wilson in a recent character sketch: " But he is no weakling. Ho has vanity ', and an overwhelming sense of his own power upon popular opinion. He is fond of making the strange threat of leading the mass of thought in any country against its present Government. He thinks the United States stronger than she is, and is never tired of ascribing to the American army great deeds which it never performed and for which it would have been unfitted until at least another year of hard war>> experience. Indeed, ho believes that he won the -war—even more, that bis speeches in Washington put new heart into the European soldiers at the very moment of despair and defeat. He is convinced that the Tommy and the poilu were inspired to great and victorious, efforts by the enunciation of Wilsonism. That is unbelievable. But it is true.' And no European leader dares to undeceive him. The leaders at present play a different game. They wish lo make American 6ympathy. permanent They -wish America and Western Europe to be joined in a definite co-operation for the peaceful rule of the world, and the security of to-day'e victors. And so they do not correct Wilson.' They do not tell him what every Allied soldier knows— that the American army muddled- its operations; that its' broken system of transport at Chateau Thierry delayed and ruined Foch's master-stroke of October; that the real contribution of the United States to the winning of tiio war was moral and financial. True, Foch could not have dared his strokes if ho had not known that these hundreds of thousands of American soldiers were in Europe, ready to servo as a reserve. Their presence enabled him to throw in British and French an 3 dominion troops to the last man. But America plays an infinitely moro important role in the peace than die played in the VBX,"

On Saturday, tho Mayor of Christchurch (Dr Thacker, M.P.) was waited upon by three members of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, with, a request that he should assist them to receive pay as members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force I hey stated that they joined ihat force", but on arrival in England were granted leayo without pay to join the R.N.V.R., in which they received Is 3d per day as pay with no allotment. Dr Thacker is forwarding the particulars to Sir James Allen with a reqnast that the representations of those men (who represent others similarly situated) should receive consideration. Dr rhaeker express* the opinion that these discharged B.N.V.R. men should be available to take up work on tho dominion's coastal steamers, in view of the allegations that there is a shortage of mea for euch wor<c. It is reported, (says tho Christchorch Press) that Mr J. J. Graham, a .former Mayor of Wookton, and a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, will contest the Lyttelton scat in tho Liberal interest - Present indications point to the possibility of quite a small army of candidates seeking the suffrages of tho Lyttelton electors. Its sitting member, Mr Janies M'Combs, M.P., will be a candidate;' Mr W T Lester, Mayor of Lyttelton, has announced Ins intention to offer his services; and other candidates spoken of are Messis Orton Bradley and Mr G. Armstrong, J.P. (Mayor of Akaroa). Mr H. G. Ell, M.P. for Christchurch South, has also announced his candidature for the Lyttelton seat. " Regarding the EUesmere seat, represented at present by Colonel the Hon. R. Heatoa Rhodes, it is stated that Mr James Coop, Little River, has been asked to be a candidate in the Liberal interest. A conference of South Island Atitomqbile Associations has been convened by the Canterbury Automobile Association, and is to be held in Christcburch towards tho end rof next month. It is expected that there will be present, in addition to represent tatives of automobile -associations in Southland, Otago, Nelson, Madborough, South Uinteiibary, and representatives of the West Coast and Ashfcurton branches of the Canterbury Association, Messrs P. 'S. M'Lean, president, and Beauchamp-Plattsj secretary, of the New Zealand Automobile Association. A large number of questions of vital importance to motorists, including the question of speed limits, traffic by-laws, and roads will be discussed. In. the Port Chalmers Court yesterday morning a first offender, for drunkenness, was convicted and discharged. Mr J. 'Wateon, J.P., was on the bench. A Saddle, a Sidecar, a with your Harley-Davidson Motor Cycle and Sidecar. 1919 models now to hand.— Particulars from the Otago Agenis, W A Justice and Co., 290 Princes street, Dunedin. —Advt. 400 boys' shirts for half-aterown eachstrong, striped flannelette shirts, Hi to U with bands, 2s 6d (postage 3d).—At sons.—Advt. Never too late to mend. To improve your drink order Watson's No. 10.—Advt. j The art of washing dothes clean without rubbing! Slice irfto capper 6oz of the pure Golden Rule" Soapf add small packet of "No Rubbing" Laundry Help; boE briskly for thirty minutes, then rinse thoroughly blue, and hang out. Result will delight you.—Hunter and Etheridge (Ltd.).—Advt. Electric Incandescent Lamps, Drawn Wiro Metallic Filament. Philips Manufacture 16* 25, 32, and 50 candle-power.- Prjoe each. Special terms far quantity orders — Turnbull and Jones (Ltd.), Ekctrio Engineers.—Advt.

For Chxonio Chest Complaints. "Woods' Great Peppermint Cure.—Advt.

A. E. J. Blakeley, dentist, Bank of Australasia,/corner of Bond and Rattray streets (nest Telegraph Office), Telephone 1859.— Advt.

Eyestrain! —Consult Mr Peter G Dick. D.8.0.A., F.LO. (London;, consulting and oculists' optician.—Peter Dick, jeweller, etc 490 Moray place, Dunedin.—Advt. *