THROUGH NEW ZEALAND.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19759, 9 April 1926, Page 10

THROUGH NEW ZEALAND.

HIGHLANDERS’ BAND TOUR. A COMPREHENSIVE ITINERARY. The following will be the tour of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ Band through .New Zealand after t-ie close ot the Exlnuition: — .Monday, May 3.— Depart from Dunedin 8.30 a.m.; arrive at Invercargill at 1.1 p.m. Concert. Tuesday, May 4.—Depart from Invercargill at 7 a.m. ; arrive at Dunedin at 11.15 a.m. Send off at 8 p.ui. Wednesday, May o. —Depart front Dunedin at U.oU a'.m.; arrive at Oamaru at 2.21 p.m. Concert. Thursday, May 6.— Depart from Oamaru at 12.9 p.m. ; arrive at Timaru at 1.45 p.m. Concert. Friday, .May 7.—Depart from Timaru at 1.51 p.m.; arrive at Christchurch at 5.5 p.m. Concert. Saturday, May B.—At Christchurch. Concert. Sunday, May 9.—At Christchurch. Free. Monday, May 10.—Depart from Christchurch at S-20 a.m.; arrive at Greymouth 5.59 p.m. Concert. (Note: Faster train may be running on this date, leaving Christchurch at 9.45 a.m., and arriving at Greymoutn at 4.25 p.m.) Tuesday, May 11.—Depart from Greymouth at 7.20 a.m.; arrive at Reeflon at 10.20 a.m. Concert. Connecting with motor to Westport, arriving at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 12. —Depart from Westport 7.o'J a.m. by motor, arriving at Nelson 4.30 p.m. Concert. Thursday May 15.—Depart from Nelson at 9 a.m. by motor, arriving at Blenheim at 2 p.m. Concert. Saturday, May 15.—Leave Picton for Wellington at 2.50; concert same evening. Sunday, May 16.—At Wellington. Free. Monday, May 17.—At Wellington. Concert. Tuesday, May 18.—At IVellington. Concert. Wednesday, May 19.—Depart from Wellington by rail 10.5 a.m.; arrive at Wanganui at 5.52 p.m. Concert. Thursday, Mav 20.—Depart from Wanganui at 8.30 a.m. (slow train), arriving , at Kawera at 12.50 p.m. Concert. Friday, May 21.—Depart from Hawera at 12.50 p.m.; arrive at New Plymouth at 3.58 p.m. Concert. Saturday, May 22.—Depart from __ New Plymouth at 8.25 a.m. ; arrive at Wanganui at 12.35 p.m. Concert. Sunday, May 23.—At Wanganui. Free. Monday, May 24. —Depart from Wanganui at 1.2.4 p.m. ; arrive at Palmerston North at 5.4 p.m. Concert. Tuesday. May 25.—Depart from Palmerston North at 12.28 p.m.; arrive at Napier at 5.6 p.m Concert. Wednesday, May 26. —Depart from Napier at 11.20 a.m.; arrive at Hastings at 11.53 a.m. Concert. Thursday, May 27.—Depart from Hastings at a.m., connecting with express for Te Kuiti at Palmerston North at 5.9 p.m. arriving at Te Kuiti at 2.39 a.m. (Mav 28). . , m . Friday, May 28.—At Te Kuiti and Waitomo Caves, returning to Te Kuiti same afternoon. Concert. Saturday, May 29. —Leave Te Kuiti 10.10 o. arrive Rotorua at 5.20 p.m. Lunch Frankton Junction; arrive 12.15 p.m. Free. Sunday. May 30.--At Rotorua. Free. Monday, May 31. —At Rotorua. Concort. Tuesday, June 1. —Leave Rotorua at 9.30 a.m.; arrive Frankton Junction at 12.48 p. One mile, Hamilton. Wednesday. June 2.—1-eave Frankton Junction at 1.12 p.m.; arrive at Auckland at 3.53 p.m. Free Thursday, June 5. —At Auckland. Friday, June 4.—At Auckland. ConSaturday, June f,—At Auckland. Con-

Sunday, June 6. —At Auckland. Monday, June 7. —At Auckland. Free. Tuesday, June B.—Sail for Canada by the s.s. Aorangi. SPORTING COMMISSIONERS. A WEEK-END STALKING PAJITY. DUNEDIN TO MOUNT COOK. After a rapid but pleasant shooting trip from Dunedin, through the deer country at Lake Ohau to Mount Cook, Captain Moore, of the British Commission, and Mr C. JM. Croft, Canadian Trade Commissioner, arrived back at Logan Park yesterday. Interviewed, they expressed their delight and appreciation of the wondertul scenery of central South Canterbury and the Southern Alms, together with the s’ -rt that had come their• way. • The partv consisted ..f Captain Moore and Messrs'Croft. F. Anderson, X Oram, and J. N. M'Kenzie. of Oamaru. On Thursday a start was made from Dunedin by motor, and although rain was falling all bad weather was left behind at Kurow. From that time on the weather was all that could be desired. A tent was packed in one car and erected at Lake Ohau, which was made a base of operations for the stalkers. The camp was pitched on the western shore of the beautiful lake, and, after two days’ stalking, resulting in the killing of two deer, the party moved on to Mount Cook, men from overseas were shown New Zealand's famous Alpine resort. A day was spent there, and the party returned to Dunedin, via Timaru, Mr M'Kenzie bidding farewell at Oamaru. “AN EXCELLENT TRIP." “We had a really excellent trip, and I enjoyed it to the utmost,” said Captain Moore. “Although our bag was small, we shot all we saw. What more could we do?" , , “Still, what I have seen of the deer country is sufficient to show the' great sporting attractions New Zealand can offer to overseas visitors. Such trips are worth coming many miles to enjoy, and with unlimited time at his disposal a visitor from the Old World would have a never-to-be-forgotten time in the beautiful mountain country behind Dunedin. “As to the scenery, I can only say that it is magnfiicent. The country where we got the deer is rough and very broken. The going was hard, but I would not have missed the trip and the beautiful views for anything. From where we were camped we could see Mount Cook and Sefton plainly, and the effect of the sunset on the white-capped ranges was trulystriking. Mount Cook was all it has been described, and more. I was delighted with the scenery-, the atmosphere, and the excellent accommodation at the Hermitage. Incidentally, we climbed the Stocking Glacier, and our time for the whole journey was four hours —rather an achievement, I believe.” The genial captain , was also greatly taken with South Canterbury roads. “In fact, all through the trip the motoring roads were very good,” he said, “and the journey is never monotonous.” A CANADIAN EULOGY. Mr C. M. Croft was not less enthusiastic. "If anyone ever asks me where to go in New Zealand 1 shall say Mount Cook,” said he. “The accommodation there is quite all that could be desired, the place is within easy reach of the East Coast towns, and the variety of trips, scenery, and interests make it a delightful holiday resort. “The remaining portion of the trip so delighted me that I intend to see more of this wonderful part of New Zealand if it is at all possible. We pitched our shooting camp on‘ an ideal spot—sheltered, and beside a crystal stream. The beautiful deep blue colouring of the lake is alone worth tne trip.”

WITH CLUB AND SPEAR.

WARRIORS OF ANCIENT FIJI. THEIR WEAPONS OF WARFARE. Practically up to the year 1874 when the British flag was raised in Fiji and the Government was established, tribal wars were frequent amongst the natives. Armed bands raided villages, burning and slaying in true savage style, and a club and spear were necessary parts of every man's equipment. To-day the Fijian native is a quiet, lawabiding inhabitant of the beautiful isles, but the relics of savage times remain as proofs of his prowess on the field of battle, and a selection of the best known native spears and clubs add greatly to the interest that is taken in the Fiii Court. As with most other native races Fijians were not bold fighters from a European standpoint. There was very seldom a direct frontal attack —a standing battle between hostile forces. The warriors preferred to rely on an ambush, a sudden surprise attack, or n sharp, decisive engagement with a vastly inferior force. A great deal of threatening and boasting usually opened any engagement, and after a few of the chief men on one side or the other had been slain, the remainder fled, leaving the field or village to the conquerors. For this reason it was seldom that many warriors were killed in a single battle and the results of the first rush usually decided the day. At the same time the Fijian warrior was a fierce, ruthless fighter, and when a village was taken the inhabitants were slaughtered, that was, if they happened to be about at the time Usually they took to the woods, leaving the enemy in full possession. THE COURT DISPLAY. The chief weapons were the long spear, and the fighting club, excellent samples of which are to be seen in the court, where they have adorned the walls since the day of the opening They represent what might be described as a Fijian armoury, as there are also samples of every style of minor weapon used in the olden days. First and foremost is the “pineapple” club, specimens of which hang in the native house. It is about 3ft in length and is heavier than other J vpes, having a carved head and a knot the size and appearance of a pineapple. At the “businass” end of the knob is a blunt wooden

spike that acted as a pickaxe and made an effective start to the work of pulverising the victim's body. The club is carved from iron-wood, and beautifully ornamented with a handle grip of coloured fibre. A LABOUR OF YEARS. The production of such a weapon was a slow laborious business, and the. finished article was greatly prized by the owner. A chief would select a young; ironwood tree from which the club would ultimately be fashioned, and after bending the then pliable stem to produce the curve for the head of the club, with natural grain, ha would fasten it and reserve the tree for a grandson. After many years the tree would grow to the desired thickness, and the grandson, then having reached man’s estate and himself a chief, would send one of the ancient “Matais” or tribal carpenters to cut down the tree and carve out the club. The only tools were of,the most primitive typo, and cutting and carving was a slow and laborious business, but In time the cinb was prepared, and the original curve of the wood- was worked into the head. Fastened to the pineapple clubs In the court are strings of white shells which signify that the clubs are in the house of a chief. Wherever one goes in Fiji, the chief’s house in any village may always he found by the ornaments of white shells. No commoner may hang them in his hut, and their presence attached,: to the clubs signifies that the house is under the club law of the tribe and its head man. NATURE'S DESIGN. Then there are the two “Hibiscus” clubs, efficient fighting weapons used in some parts of the islands in old days. Though the art of cutting clubs has practically died out, there are many of these in the possession of collectors, and some are of a very great age. Perhaps the best collection in the world is in a German museum, where it was placed by an ex-German resident of the Islands. They owe their name to the fact that the designers of the club copie 1 the hibiscus flower, the flat axe-like head being a rude copy of the profile shape of the blossom. They are also made of iron wood, and are beautifully carved. Utility is apparently sacrificed for appearance, yet at the same time the clubs are obviously capable of doughty deeds, and in the hands of two infuriated natives would account for many skulls. A “RETRIEVER” CLUB. Another club in the court, and quite the most formidable sample that is displayed, has a rather interesting history. It comes from Kadavu, where many years ago It belonged to a family of chiefs and was handed down from father to son. Despite the many sudden deaths in the fami.y and the many battles through which it passed the club was never lost, until it became understood that it possessed magical properties. It is now a legend that the club will always return to the owner —if it s stolon and taken away in a canoe it will leap into the sea and return to the shore whence it came. Certainly the legend was never disproved, for the club remained in the family until it was presented by the reigning chief to the late Dr C. A. Brough, resident medical officer at- Kadavu, as a mark of gratitude for having saved his life. It is an enormous weapon, that only a big powerful man could wield. Where it was fashioned nobody knows, for even th“ wisest of the natives cannot name the tree from which it was made, and it is certainly not grown in Fiji. It is black, hard as s rock, and not unlike ebony in appearance. PLAIN FIGHTING WEAPONS. There are other examples of the ordinary Fijian fighting weapon in the court. These are plain clubs will curved and pronged heads, made to cut as well as crush. The under side of the heads are. roughened to take the layer of paint that was daubed on when the owner was on the warpath. , ~ „ , The spears are of immense length, and were used to repel attack rather than as throwing weapons. Some are more than “Oft in length, and the points are plain or heavily barbed. There are also small throwing clubs, with thin handle, about IS inches in length, and round wooden head, perhaps six inches in diameter. Tina type of club was stuck into the loincloth ot the owner, and if throwing was impracticable he could use it in a hand-to-hand encounter. BOW NOT POPULAR. Lastly, there is a sample bow and a selection of arrows. The bow was used to a certain extent in Fiji, but as a fighting weapon it was not popular. The arrows made of plain sharpened wood, and the bows were about 6ft in length. On occasions bows made their appearance in a battle between tribes, but the natives were indifferent marksmen, and preferred to deal out destruction with clubs and spears There was, however, a very general use for the bow and arrows in a certain class of Fijian warfare. When an attacking party approached a village the chief objec in view was the burning of every hut eitln r to Incapacitate the defenders or as an item in the cheerful scheme of destruction. The method usually adopted was to stand off with the bows and shoot arrows with blazing grass attached, into the dry thatched roofs of the Mints. Luder the blazing tropical sun the thatch iv-as usually as drv as tinder, and once the fire had gained hold the village was doomed.

highlanders band.

YESTERDAY’S PROGRAMME. Yesterday the band of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders again played in the Grand Court during the afternoon, the bright sunshine making conditions ideal for the big audience that filled all the seats and the central portion of the area Lance-corporal C. J. Spaughton was again the conductor in the absence ot the bandmaster, Mr F. J. Ricketts, and under his baton the Highlander musicians again delighted all who were present. The programme was in keeping with the spirit of the day, and many light numbers were played. The audience showed it appreciation of every item in no uncertain fashion, and demands tor encores were frequent. The afternoon programme opened with the selection from “ Oberon. This bnl liant overture, with its beautifully constructed opening movement for the horns, was written by Weber under distressing conditions of failing health. The opera was specially written for production at Covent Garden Theatre, London, the first performance being given April 12, 182 b. Weber conducted 12 representations, and was preparing to return to Dresden when he died on June 5, 1826. “Le Jour de Fete ” followed with the ’Ballet Egyptien ” After selections by the pipers and Highland dancing by members of the band, Bandsman E. Edwards played “The Meteor,” a clever xylophone solo, and marches and light numbers concluded the concert. Owing to circumstances there were several changes in the evening programme, but it was nevertheless a most enjoyable one, and the audience was as large and as enthusiastic as ever. After the bandmaster's march, “ The Vanished Army,” the overture “ Raymond was played, and “ Three Dances from Henry Vlh” followed. A selection from Sullivans “-Mikado ” was amongst the most popular items of the evening, and a delightful item was the piccolo solo, “Silver Birds” (Le Thicre), played by Bands man F. Taylor. “Le Thiere ” is the penname of a singularly gifted man. Not an academic musician, but one of the born kind, his record of work is remarkable. A star performer on the piccolo himself, lie has composed many fine solos for that instrument, besides essaying numerous adventures in the wide field of musical art.

IN LIGHTER VEIN.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION. OUTDOORS'AND IN. A breezy description of the Exhibition and its attractions were given to radio listeners from the Exhibition station last evening by Mr G. A. Wycherley, of Dunedin. “ Once through the turnstiles, there bursts upon your view the Grant Court," he commenced. “ It is grand, especially when the big band is playing in the rotunda. These kilties play wonderful music. Some of them also play the bagpipes, which the ignorant Sassenach do dares to be more fearful than wonderful. The band, too, acts as the official barometer; if it is in the rotunda you will know the weather is fine; whereas if it has disappeared into the recesses of the Festival Hall it is because the weather is too wet for the drums or too windy for the kilts. TOUCHING AUSTRALIA. “Now, let us get into the pavilions, where, there are to be found many fine exhibits, most of which have been described to you already by various coin-

missioners. My complaint, however, is that the Governments and exhibitors generally have not sent us the things which the cables have made best known to use. Take Australia, for instance. We know Australia is that island which you pass on the right-hand side coming from China to New- Zealand. We are told now that the emblem of Australia is Wattle and Gum, whereas the news we get of the doings there rather point to the fact that what they get most into their heads is Bottle and Gun. “ The New South Wales exhibit here is mostly photographic. Very pretty, especially the single storey bungalows along the harbour; but here again our public would like to have seen, say, a model of the Upper House that is causing so much trouble. “The Fiji Court attracts many folk, middle-aged men whose hair is thin. They gaze with envy on the upstanding hirsute adornments of the happyfaced native attendants These ‘boys’ sing melodiously at intervals. You listen, enraptured, as you do at an Italian opera, wondering what it is all about. Good Friday was a cold, wintry day and the boys sang something which the Commissioner assured us was an Easter hymnBut by the twinkle in his eye I think* it must have been a Fijian, version of ‘Show Me the Way to go Home.’ These boys from the tropics probably felt that way, anyhow.” AT THE FIRE. Now-, in a big Exhibition such as this, accidents are unavoidable. For instance, there was a fatal file here the othei mghl As the bell clanged and the engine rushed to the scone, four figures were noticed in the midst ot the flames. And the figures ran and ran and could not escape; they went on running until they collapsed in heaps which looked like a vow ot Conan Doyle’s plasms. They were wax figures. THE EXHIBITION JOYLAND. “Speaking of the Amusements Tara; this is really ‘the’ spot It isn t a healthy spot, though, for here it is that you quickly contract tnat awful itch called ‘(Jhocolitis, which costs you many a bob before you are cured of it. “But let me tell you about some or the amusement devices. There is the Scenic Railway—or Seasick Railway as some call jl upon which thousands ol thrill-seekers are rushed in car-loads over a course which resembles that of true love in its ups and downs. The third dip, too, always reminds you of the time the lift-rope broke Then there’s the Whip. Get used to the VTiip and you will become familiar to readers of the Police Court news as a speed-hog who persists in cutting corners a r 50 to 60 miles an hour. Ihe Dodgem is' another lure to .the deyd-may-care motorist. Missing ’em by a hairbreadth is great fun; on the other hand, if the chap who just beat you for that suit-case of chocolates is in the same batch ol dodgers—into him like one thing. He deserves it. Shrieks and squeals come from the wriggling Caterpillar. “Many additions have been made from time to time. There were treasure hunts in which, if you dug hard enough in the right place, you might unearth £SO tor vour shilling. Numbers of competitois in this stunt subsequently qualified as models for that famous print, ‘Every Picture iells a Story.’ Then there was the band contest week, during which band music reigned supreme. Band music, however, was not the only thing that reigned, and the local champion band were chagrined when a North Island band beat them in the quickstep, being better on the marsh, so to speak. The sports ground having dried up, it was decided to hold a fire brigades demonstration in order to wet it again. The pageant and military tattoo also went well, though numbers of people complained that they could not see the tattoo owing to the Maori warriors wearing football jersevs. ,- Nevertheless, the Maori haka vied with the Scottish scena in popularity, many people, however, preferring the Highland dancers, who certainly danced with their tongues in their cheeks. A fireworks display has also been one of the listed attractions, and would have gone off well if only the fireworks had. But here again the old saying ,‘A damp squib gathers no applause,’ held good. The Exhibition directors obviously have no reciprocal treaty with Jupiter Pluvius, against whorti an anti-dumping law is badly needed.” GOVERNMENT KINEMA. A striking incident at the kinema in the New Zealand Government pavilion earlier in the week demonstrated in marked fashion the wonderful publicity value of the screen. A party of six visitors entered the model theatre after two of their number had concluded the business of booking seats for the Central Otago ami Lake Wanaka trip. By a strange coincidence the film “ Lake Wanaka ” was showing at the moment they entered, and the two intending tourists watched the beautiful views of the place they were to visit so soon. So impressed was the party with the film and the scenes it showed that immediately the kinema session was ovui the four remaining members returned to the Railway and Tourist Bureau, where they also hooked tours to Wanaka. Such an incident proves the appeal that the New Zealand and Empire publicity films have for Exhibition visitors. The effect of the good work that is carried out daily by the officers of the department will be felt long after the Exhibition is a thing of the past, and New Zealand should benefit greatly from the direct appeal that has been made ta tens of thousands of interested patrons. Yesterday was another busy day at the kinema, and an excellent programme attracted large audiences at every session. To-day a particularly attractive selection of films has been made, and there are no fewer than five pictures to be shown. “Up and Over ” is a Canadian scenic film of special worth, "Jenolan Caves ” is an Australian film that has already delighted many audiences in the kinema, and " Gannets ” is a beautiful Nature study film taken at Cape Kidnappers. There is also “ The Manufacture of Steel and Wire,” an educational film of more than average worth, and nn exciting sporting picture, “ Swordfishing in New Zealand W'aters.” EXHIBITION CABARET. Just as the big pavilions and courts of the Exhibition must be examined on a definite system if the visitor is to gain the full benefit of his stay in Logan Park, so must the Amusements Park feature- 1> attended one by one. The afternoon and early evening is always a popular time for those who delight; in the various devices and sideshows, and the evening is never complete unless the cabaret is visited. Once in the spacious hall, and under the glowing lights of the big Amusements Park feature, the hours fly by on speeding wings, and the only regret is when the closing hour is announced. The clever band, under the direction ot Manuel Hyman, holds the attention ot all —it is an ideal musical combination for dancing, and the latest melodies are played in novel and attractive fashion. On the perfect floor hundreds of dancers may glide in comfort; in fact, during one busy evening there were 250 couples dancing at once. The service is all that could be desired and two marble bars provide refreshments for patrons. Last evening was another session of success at the cabaret, the perfect weather conditions being ideal for dancing. This evening another happy throng will be present.

GENERAL NOTES.

HERE, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE. The weighty elbow of a lady visitor to the Auckland Court made short work of the glass top to one of the kauri gum exhibit cases yesterday afternoon. This is the ninth pane of glass that has been broken in the court, and the commissioner, Mr A. T. Brainsby, devoutly hopes it will be the last. The Canterbury Court baa also suffered greatly, many square yards of plate glass being broken since tim Exhibition opened. The Sports Ground will again come into the limelight this morning. The past five weeks have shown that outside events are among the most popular attractions at the Exhibition, and there should therefore he a large attendance of spectators at the basket, ball tournament which opens on the Sports Ground. Teams representing Otago, Canterbury, Wellington, Southland. North Otago, and Auckland have entered, and on Saturday a big North Island v. South Island match will be played. A benefit concert for the hand of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders will be held in the Festival Hall on April 21, when the admission charge? will he 10s, Ss and ?,?, The takings on that evening will be distributed amongst the men of the band and the public will therefore be given an excellent opportunity of showing, in tangible form, its appreciation of the excellent work that has been done bj tho

Highlander musicians. A programme of special merit will ba played, including a new composition from the pen of the bandmaster. Mr F. J. Ricketts. Its interim title is “Dunedin —New Zealand,” and it is a descriptive piece inspired by the opening ceremony of the exhibition. All the incidents of that great day will be faithfully followed by the music and special instrumental effects, such as bugle calls, will be introduced. The outstanding event in the Southland Court yesterday was the arrival of the mammoth cheese which was placed on exhibition just inside the main entrance and opposite the court office. The cheese is certainly a credit to its manufacturer and if the qaulity is in proportion to the sire it will be worth sampling. Soon it will be cut up and sold to visitors, who will have a chance of winning one or more of the cold and silver coins in the interior. There is also a guessing competition for the weight of the new arrival, and ho who wins will be given a smaller cheese to the value of £lO. The weekly meeting of the Exhibition directors was held in the official reception room last evening, there being present Messrs J. Sutherland Ross (in the chair) W. R. Hayward, C. Todd, C. Speight, P. L. Halsted, P. Barr and H. F. Sincock. A proposal to hold a special Children’s Day was left in the hands of the general manager.. It was decided to give full publicity to the' fact that the Exhibition will close for certain on Mav 1. Members remarked that throughout New Zealand there appeared to be an entirely false opinion that an extension of time would be decided upon. . Booking is now proceeding at The Bristol for the concert to be given by Waitakf High School boys in the Festival Hal! on Monday evening. To many it will be a new role for the old school, and. as the programme includes numbers by a choir or 200 voices, in addition to vocal and instrumental solos, a snlendid evening’s entertainment is assured. As the Dunedin Scottish societies are anxious to entertain the men of the 93rd Highlanders’ Band, the directors are prepared to arrange for a curtailed evening concert in the near future, in order that the men may have a portion of the evening to themselves. The matter has been left in the hands of the general manager. Mr C. t> Hainsworih. There will ho an interesting demonstration at Hie Plunket Society’s quarters at the Exhibition to-day and to-morrow, when foods will be shown suitable fur children from nine months to 18 months of age. The system of feeding in this connection will be fully explained.

TO PREVENT WAR.

LEAGUE OF NATIONS UNION. With the desire to stimulate among the secondary schools a lively interest and kowledge ot the great, world movement for peace which is embodied in the league of .Nations, the Dunedin branch has, during the period of ths Exhibition, promoted com petitions for ■postt'rs” among the youn ft people of (he high schools throughout New Zealand. The success of these from the propaganda point of view has been unqualified. The latest competition, organised by Mrs Denton Leech, who is in charge of the stall, has produced some remarkably good work, although the entries were not as numerous as in the former series. Ihe successful designs cro now displayed on the walls of the stall. The judging was carried out by two pro fessional ’poster” artists, who most generously gave their services in this respect, for which the council of the branch desires to tender thanks to them. The competition was divided into two classes, accoiding to age. In Class A (competitors to be under 16 years of age) the prize goes to Miss G. B. Stevenson, a pupil of Columba College, who is only a couple of months over I 1!. Her design, thougn erring on the geometric form somewhat, show's a clear conception of the aims of the League of Nations, and also that some research was necessary to acquaint herself with the national flags of so many countries. The work is clean and decided in outline. Incidentally, perhaps unwittingly, the young artist has emphasised a point that many people lay stress upon—namely, before there can be real co-operation among nations there must be a universal language such as «speranto. to enable races to understand each other. In Class B (for those between 16 and 21 years) the prize is awarded to Miss Jean Mackay, of the Wellington Technical Col lege. A drawing that catches the eye at once by the depth of colour and the arrangement of background to the Angel of Peace, whose drapery consists of a clever combination of flags of the many nations composing the league. The general layout of this picture shows a true feeling for the principles 'that underlie successful poster work. A poster that is highly commended is that of Miss Helen Glasgow, also of Columba College. It is beautiful and spiritual in conception, the rising sun driving the mists of war from the face of the world. It is well executed ns a painting, and hears careful scrutiny, but fails ns a poster owing to tjje delicate colouring which detracts seriously from the force. The use of stronger colour would do more justice ro the design. It should be noted that all drawings become the nronerty of the Dunedin branch; they will be used noon other occasions, and can be lent to other centres, or at the discretion of the council may be presented to schools. [Published by Arrangement.] LISTEN TO THAT VOICE. In a recent issue we spoke of the wonderful hands of the Marvel Boy Glass Blower. It was pointed out that rtexterops manipulation was the great secret in successful glass-blowing, but. it should be explained, the Marvel Boy Glass Blower does not teach merely through the eye of (ho visitor, for. as he works, ho explains in the clearest of voices, every process as entered upon. “Listen” and “Watch” are constantly repeated words; hence, visitors are not only interested in what they see hut, in every sense of the term, are educated. Without question nowhere in the Amusement area of the Exhibition is a shilling spent to better advantage than at the stand of the Marvel Boy Glass Blower. It is quite optional to buy the article om secs made, but hundreds are doing so. and, seemingly, their object is not so much to have a souvenir of the Exhibition as it is to have *a memento of wonderful work they have themselves seen executed. EXHIBITION CATERING. TO THE EDITOR Sre,—Ths explanation that my letter yesterday has produced is anything but satisfactory, but it is pleasing to know that the executive were not responsible, for, and did not countenance, in any way the increased charges levied by the caterers on Saturday and Monday. It is ridiculous to say that the additional wages paid to the waitresses and other employees were responsible for an increase of 300 per cent, on the charges for the day. A better understanding of the excuse put forward would be forthcoming it the caterers told the public plainly and unquivocally what proportion of that 100 per cent. Was distributed among the employees. Methinks that it was not a great deal, it any; but the fact remains that scores ol people did uot get fair treatment —tea and a supply of cakes, etc., were ail that were obtainable for the three shillings. The management should take steps to prevent anything of the kind happening again, though 1 do not think it will be attempted, for “once bitten, twice shy” holds good in this relation. —I am, etc.. Indignant. (The caleifr demos that there was any increase to the extent of 100 pel cent, in the charges.—Ed. O.D.T.J GOOD FRIDAY OBSERVANCES. TO THE EDITOR. Sis —ln comparing the action of a modern community with the hysterical action of an ignorant, inflamed mob in the early stages of history, the Rev. Bryan iving has shown small grasp of the real essentials of the case. The action of our modern communityin flouting the sacred character of Good Friday is only oiie of many such actions which indicate a reasoned and deliberate conviction on the question and therefore 18 much nioie serious and calls for deeper study than the action of an illiterate magic-he lieving people which was neither the result of reasoned belief nor consistently and repeatedly practised. Mr King also overlooks the fact that if'the action or belief of a largo number is open to suspicion, then tile action or belief of a minority—and that a daily dwindling number as knowledge improves—will much more likely bo wrong. The learning and knowledge are rot all on one side to-day. Rather have things reverted their order, the many bni'i more clear-headed, clear-thinking, a"d rational than the visionary minority.—l am, ctc.,^