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Otago Daily Times, Issue 21258, 12 February 1931, Page 10

The total subscriptions received in Dunedin up till last night for the earthquake sufferers’ relief funds amounted to £12,397 19s sd. The Otago Daily Times list now stands at £7756 5s lid. A scheme recently proposed by the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce for the assistance of farmers has borne fruit, according to reports. One of those interested stated last week that there had been several instances of the partial adoption of the scheme. Some of the stock agents had met farmers by writing off substantial balances and making a fresh start with them. In other cases the charging of interest had been suspended. Though good patronage is still being accorded the Milford Track, it is reported that the Sounds cruises of the Hinemoa have not been well supported, and so few have been the bookings lately that the trip which was to have been commenced last Friday had to be postponed. It is not yet definitely known whether the trip will be started on Saturday, or whether it will be further postponed.

The members of the Tramway Committee, accompanied by the tramway manager and engineer, paid .a visit to Mosgiel yesterday afternoon, where they were interested spectators of the road construction work now being carried out by the Mosgiel Borough Council in Gordon road. Mosgiel residents who have to travel over some of the city roads are hoping that good may result from the visit, and that in the course of time some of the city streets will be treated in the same manner.

There was little improvement in the tone of the Burnside stock sales yesterday. The prices realised for fat cattle were about equal to those quoted at the previous sale, while lambs were sold at lower rates. The demand for ewes was firm, and this class was sold at a slight increase in values. Pigs showed a slight drop in price. So far as quality was concerned the yarding of fat cattle was very disappointing. The entry included some prime heifers and bullocks, but no extra heavy animals were forward. Competition was not brisk and the gale opened quietly. Heavy bullocks made to £l3 ss, medium to £l2 10s, light to £8 ss; heavy heifers to £9 15s, medium to £B, light to £7; heavy cows to £9 10s, medium to £B, and light to £6 ss. Approximately 1500 sheep were forward. The quality was indifferent, the bulk of the- entry consisting of medium to very fair ewes and a few pennings of good wethers. The demand generally was firm and ewes were sold at an advance of about Is per head, but prices for wethers were irregular, and showed no appreciable change. Prime wethers sold to 15s, medium to 13s, prime ewes to 12s 9d, and medium to 9a 9d. Wethers sold on a basis of 21d, and ewes about lid per lb. About 800 lambs were offered. The quality was good, a small number being extra prime. Competition was. fairly keen, but the prices. quoted were in excess of export buyer’s limits. Prices generally showed a drop of about 2s per head. Heavy lambs sold to 15s, average weights to 13s, light to 11s 3d, and inferior sorts to 9s. The prices realised for beet quality lamba were equivalent to 4|d and 5d per lb. The store cattle 'entry, which consisted of about 100 head, was of indifferent quality. The yarding included one pen containing three bullocks, but the balance comprised plain young steers, heifers, and cows. There was little life in the sale and several pens were passed unsold. Very fair three-year-old bullocks sold to £6, young steers to £2 9s, and light heifers from £1 17s to £2 2s 6d. The pig entry consisted of 32 fats and 34 stores. Mostly porkers were included in the fat entry. The prices realised for porkers were equivalent to about 6d and for baconers about 6f,d per lb. A resident, of Christchurch, who forwarded copies of the Otago Witness Christmas Annual to friends in Cornwall and Scotland, has sent us the terms of the acknowledgments received by Mm from them. One wrote:“My wife and I were so pleased at your kindness ia sending us a greeting for 1931 and at the form that the greeting took. It is quite delightful and makes me long all the more to see the reality of what is so delightfully represented, and how well pietdrially it is done!” The other wrote its follows:—“ Ten thousand thanks for the Otago Witness. I. have always beard what a beautiful country New Zealand is, but how much so I never realised till your paper came. There can be few places in the world more splendid and wonderful. It makes one long to see it.”

In connection with the disposal, of the Arthurton Settlement at Waipahi, which was. opened for selection by the Otago Land Board, the one applicant withdrew his application, and the board decided to hold the settlement back from selection in the meantime.

Successful angling at Hawea is reported in a telegram received yesterday at the local office of the Government Tourist Department. An angler caught six large fish, all in, excellent condition, last Saturday, evening. The weather is reported to be settled and the river is falling.

Mr Justice Ostler has granted probate in the estates of the following deceased persons:—Maria Edith Pryde, of Dunedin (Mr Lang); Margaret Moodie Ormiston Callender, of Roslyn (Messrs Stewart and Payne); Thomas Fraser M'Phereon, of Dunedin (Mr A. I. W. Wood); and Emma Barker, of Milton (Mr G. H. Thomson). Letters of administration have also been granted in the estate of Alexander M'Cullough, of Oamaru (Messrs Ongley and Grater).

One of the directors of Messrs Roes and Glendining, Ltd., has just visited the earthquake area, and has spent several days in Napier and Hastings, His report to his company confirms everything already published as to the immense destruction that has taken place, and definitely- states that Messrs Ross and G-lendining’s buildings and stock are completely, demolished. As the company was not covered by earthquake insurance afc Napier, the direct loss to it, we are in* formed, will total slightly over £70,000. A delegate, speaking at the meeting ofi the Gas Institute in Dunedin yesterday* said that the Fuel Research Committee, which already, had done excellent work itr many quarters in New Zealand, would 1 be even more useful if it would assist the smaller gasworks that could not afford to set up a laboratory or to keep a. 1 chemist. With such assistance these companies would be able to obtain the full value of the coal they used. Another visitor remarked that the Dominion analyst was always available to analyse samples.

A meeting of coal mine owners waa held in Wellington yesterday (says our, special correspondent) to consider certain aspects of the rationing of work, not as a general principle, as it is probable that each mine, will act independently in this respect, but to confer regarding certain features of the case of the Blackball mine. The Blackball mine has been idle. for several weeks-because of the reduction of hands on account of the reduced output. The men have - demanded sharing the work bn their own terms, and it was this matter which was chiefly discussed yesterday. It is possible that n conference will be held on Monday next between representatives of the mines and the Blackball Company to consider this question.

An animated discussion took place at a meeting of the Wairarapa Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union yesterday on the question of lifting the embargo imposed by the Meat Board on th« export of “ light second grade ” lambs. The opinion was much divided on the question (says a Press Association telegram from Masterton), and after hearing the representative of Messrs Borthwick and Sons, Ltd., and William Perry (a member of the Meat Board) and debating the question at considerable leangth the executive decided to set up a committee to investigate and report to an early meeting of sheepfarmers. Mr Perry strongly opposed the establishment of ■third grade lamb or any lifting of the embargo on its export.

The suggestion of the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce that a State lottery should be organised to secure money to rehabilitate the towns damaged by the earthquake was discussed by the executive of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce yesterday. The executive was unanimous that such a scheme should-be opposed, and were strongly of the opinion that the rehabilitation of the stricken area was a national affair and that the Government should make an early announcement regarding how far it proposed to go in the matter or rehabilitation and relief of sufferers. Whilst the executive was deeply sympathetic and was assisting in the local collection of funds and felt that Dunedin would do its full share, it was evident from the opinions expressed that a strong feeling existed that it was primarily a matter for Government action. The discussion showed that some were holding back in their contribution* because of the possibility of the Government eventually paying the damage out of the Consolidated Fund, -which would mean that additional taxation would bt necessary.

Mrs J. W. Munro has lent to the Otago Early Settlers’ Association a copy of the first issue of the Lyttelton Times, dated January 11, 1851. A large amount Of space is given to accounts by passengers of the voyages of the first four ships to reach Lyttelton—the Charlotte Jane, ‘he Randolph, the Sir George Seymour, *nd the Cressy. They all left England ■within a circumscribed period, and the first-named arrived at Lyttelton on De;ember 16, 1850. The fact, then, that ■the newspaper was printed on January ll says something for the enterptise of the pioneers. The editorial policy of the paper is dealt with in the leading article, which covers over a page, and a column of shipping news, covering a month’s operations, contains a really surprising number of arrivals and departures, showing that even in those early days the port of Lyttelton was a fairly busy one. Arrangements in connection with the Chamber of Commerce visit to Gatlins district on Tuesday next were discussed at the executive meeting yesterday. So far about 40 members have notified their intention of making the trip. It is expected that the number will be double this, and will be fully representative of business interests of the community. It was decided that as the visit was in the interests of the development of the province generally and not a pleasure jaunt, the earthquake disaster should not interfere with the arrangements. ' It takes more than the failure of the electric lights to deter Taranaki farmers from the thorough.enjoyment of relief, in the shape of dancing, from the arduous tasks of the day. At a ball, at Warea, held recently, the lights failed during the second sitting of supper. . The drivers of two.motor cars quickly stationed their cars so that the headlights flared through the side and back doors of the hall Another removed a battery from his car and arranged a temporary light for the orchestra. This completed, dancing continued as if tiiere had been no interruption.

Never does the naval man, face a task ■without some comment that has a quaint twist in it (says the Auckland Star). The warship had anchored off Napier; all aboard knew something at least of the disaster that had befallen; every available man-had been assigned some definite duty ashore. The last party of bluejackets was pushing off in boats, and* a six-foot marine dejectedly watched their departure. “ Look at 'em,” he remarked to the one civilian aboard. “Poor little three-foot-sixers! Think they’ll be any use at the end of a crowbar? An here’s me, six foot o’ me, and my job’s nothin’ else but to mind the ship’s blinkin’ keys! ” Naval discipline is a wonderful thing, but even it is not completely repressive. Stories are often told of how the. old war horse, pensioned to days of peace, has scented battle again, and rushed by instinct into the fray. Mayhap this same instinct lurks -in the soulless mechanism of a motor car (says the Auckland Star) . There was evidence of it at Mangere Speedway on Saturday afternoon. An old spidery construction, low swung and rakish, just the type beloved by the. youth who desires speed or the impression of it, had been used to convey two enthusiasts to the motor sports. Up on ,the bank they left their old racer, still'proudly displaying its number “:15,” while they sought out a vantage point. Round the dusty track whirled the competitors for two heats of a race. Then No. 15. seemed to fee] the old call within its vitals. Untended, it glided forward, gathered silent speed as it passed a man calmly lighting a pipe, hastened over the edge of the bank—and found an inglorious end in a gully half-filled with empty oil drums. At the end of the afternoon it was hauled back from the track fringe of its former exploits, and when last seen was speeding homeward through Newmarket, none the worse for its sudden yearning.

Prominent clerics attending the Anglican General Synod in Christchurch refused to comment on the statement made by Canon Peter Green, that “the day has come, when some humane men realise that it .would be-merciful in .circumstances to permit suffering persons to end their lives -without pain,” “ That is his own affair,” said the Bishop of Waikato, ■when the statement,was referred to-him. “ It cannot be accepted as the opinion of the whole Church,” he continued. Other clerics were of the same opinion.

A Christchurch banker has been telling stories of his early days on the West Coast, when he used to purchase gold from the Chinese diggers and prospectors. True to the description in Bret Harte’s poem, the “ heathen Chinee ” was up to all sorts of tricks to beat the buyer. One method was for the yellow man to blow on the delicate scales when the dust was being ■weighed, thus increasing his cheque by an appreciable amount.; The bank man detected the dodge and afterwards used to make the cunning gold-seeker stand "’ell back during the process of weighing. Another trick was to put transparent stiesy stuff on the gold to'increase its weight.

To those of Scottish descent who have in their hearts a deeply rooted reverence for the shrines of the land of their-for-bears, the intelligence that the battlefield of Bannockburn, one of the most historic places in Scotland, is in danger of being cut up for building purposes will undoubtedly cause considerable consternation, and with a view to securing assistance to avert the desecration of that hallowed spot, Lord Balfour of Burleigh, a director of the National Bank of New Zealand, has, on behalf of the National Committee set up for the purpose of formulating a scheme whereby the battlefield might be preserved, issued an appeal for aid. The scheme, which is being conducted under the patronage of the Prince of Wales, has as its principal object the acquisition as a Scottish National Memorial the battlefield on which Scottish freedom was won for all time. Executive and national committees have been set up and have secured options to purchase a considerable area, forming the essential parts of the traditional battlefield. To carry out the purchase and to lay out and maintain a suitable portion of the ground will Require a sum of at least £25,000, and the committee is now issuing an appeal with a view to raising that sum. Subscriptions marked “Bannockburn Appeal” may be remitted to the head offices or branches of the Bank of New Zealand or the National Bank of New Zealand, Ltd.

The Railways Department announces jn this issue particulars of fares and train arrangements in connection with the Dunedin Jockey Club’s autumn races toThe flying squad for 1931—The Austin. All Austin cars have wings, not only the well-known wings emblem on the radiator, but wings of speed, silence, and smooth running in every moving part. Each Austin model is the embodiment of mechanical perfection in its class from the sturdy little “ Seven'' to th big liner-like six cylinder, and may be described with every justification as the “Flying Squad.” Visit the Showrooms, Austin Motors (Otago) Ltd.. 284 Princes street. Phone 13-215. —Advt. W. V. Sturmer, G.A.0.C., D. 5.0.1., optician. Consulting room, 2 Octagon, Dunedin. Most modern scientific equipment for sight testing.—Advt. A. E. J. Blakeley and W. E Bagley. dentists. Bank of Australasia, corner of Bond and Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office). Telephone 12-359.—Advt. S. E. Ferguson, G.P.0.C., consulting optician, watchmaker, and jeweller. Consult us about your eyes; our advice and long experience are at your disposal. Optical repairs a speciality; done at shortest notice.-—45 George street. —Advt. Just arrived: Winner cold water stocking dye, to dye your faded stockings to fashionable shades—gunmetal, suntan, nude, new brown, beige, bulrush smoke grey, dago, rose glow copper beech florence mills, cocoa; 6d .tube, post 7d. from H. L Sproeen Ltd. chemists Octagon.— Advt. Pat Hannas popular record on cricket now available on Vocalion, 2s 6d each. Lists post free.—Barth Electrical Supplies, Ltd., 56 Princes street, Dunedin.— Who is Peter Dick? The most reliable Jewellers, Watchmakers, and Opticians, 690 Moray place, Dunedin. —Advt.