THE CURE FOR NEWFOUNDLAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22121, 27 November 1933, Page 6

THE CURE FOR NEWFOUNDLAND

" It is difficult," observes The Times, " to recall any parallel to the position of Newfoundland." The unenviable distinction 'of Newfoundland' at the moment is that of a country of the Empire which, by reason of its own mismanagement of its affairs, is about to lose its status as a dominion. The report of the Royal Commission, presided over by Lord Amulree, which was set up to investigate the plight of the little dominion, unravel its causes and suggest remedies, is an outspoken document. The Commission clearly holds tbat if the country's financial difficulties, in respect of which it has latterly been practically under the administration of a receivership, arc to be satisfactorily straightened out, causes that have contributed largely to the creation of tbem must first be eliminated. It declares that a complementary requirement to measures of financial relief is that tho form of government should be temporarily modified in slieh a way as will serve not merely to check the unfortunate tendencies to which the present system has given rise, but also to promote the rehabilitation of the island on sound principles. The basic recommendation, therefore, is that the existing form of government should be suspended, and that the island should return to the status of a Crown colony, in which circumstances the British Government would assume general responsibility for its finances in the meantime. The adoption of this proposal rests with Newfoundland herself. Tier Government, which is prepared to accept the Commission's recommendation, regards the terms offered by the British Government as very generous. That there is likely to be considerable opposition to the adoption of that course is, however, also indicated in a cabled message, the chief ground of objection being the loss of responsible government. It is certainly a rather humiliating prospect that is in store for the dominion, but the terms of the Commission's report , clearly indicate that the situation calls '

for drastic remedies. The island has accumulated a burden of public debt which it cannot possibly carry, and has to be saved from imminent peril of a financial collapse. Canada had assumed responsibility for payment of portion of the island’s interest obligations, but she is unwilling to extend further assistance, and Newfoundland has now only Great Britain to lean upon. The extent to which her financial position is attributable to maladministration in public affairs is indicated in the Commission’s findings. The financial difficulties, it states, have been largely due to reckless waste and extravagance, and to the absence of constructive and efficient administration engendered by a political system which for a generation had been abused and exploited for personal or party ends. The Commission was satisfied that for years there had been “ a continuing process of greed, graft, and corruption ” which left few classes of the community untouched by its insidious influences. All things considered, there is wisdom in the view that the Commission’s recommendations, are framed in the best interests of the country. The process that is contemplated should mean a thorough cleansing of the Augean stable. And when rehabilitation has been achieved Newfoundland should be ready to make a fresh start with responsible government in a purified political atmosphere. She is the oldest colony of the British Empire, and only in August last was celebrated the 350th anniversary of the island’s annexation by Sir Humphrey Gilbert in the name of Queen Elizabeth.

Was it an Aeroplane? An extraordinary Press Association, telegram from New Plymouth states that six residents of Oka to declare that they saw an aeroplane crash in flames four miles out to sea this afternoon. Inquiries have been made over most of the North Island towns and all planes have beer, accounted for. Launchmen fishing in the vicinity say that a great shoal of fish, into which sea birds, including a large, albatross with a 12ft wing span, were: diving, causing spray which in the sunlight; resembles smoke, possibly deceived the observers. Overseas Mails The Makura, which is due at Wellington this morning from Sydney, is bringing 22 bags of Australian mail and 12. parcel receptacles for Dunedin. The mail is expected to reach the local Post Office to-morrow afternoon. The Monowai, which is due at Auckland, to-day from Sydney, is bringing nine bags of Australian mail and seven parcel receptacles for Dunedin. This mail is expected to come to hand on Wednesday afternoon. Broadcast from Geneva Mr Caldwell, an Australian member of the International Labour Office staff, will broadcast from the League of Nations station in Geneva to-day, at 815 a.m., Greenwich mean time, (New Zealand summer time, 8.5 p.m.), on 31.3 metres, Mr Caldwell's subject will be “World’s Work and World’s Markets. Otago Art Society’s Exhibition j The exhibition of the Otago Art Society in the Pioneer Hall is still proving a centre of interest, and attendances have been consistently good since it was opened. The season of the exhibition will conclude on Wednesday, so that those who have; hot yet ■ availed themselves of the opportunity presented by this admirable display- to study the work of local and other New ’ Zealand artists should endeavour to visit the exhibition during the next two days. The comprise a selection of 300. pictures in oil and watercolour as well black and white sketches, lino cuts, photographs, and specimens of craft work. Many of the best artists iu the Dominion have'contributed to the display, and there is an excellent selection of work by local artists.

Supplies of Fruit Consumers of stone fruit in Dunedin are likely to be seriously affected by the disastrous frost ■which recently attacked the Central Otago orchards. A merchant stated on Saturday that the crop would perhaps be more than a quarter, but certainly less than half of the large yield that was expected. As there would be a. strong dehiartd in the North Island, where the prices were always higher than those received in Dunedin, the local market would be very bare, and the tendency would be for prices to harden. What' the consumer would have to pay, however, would be difficult to forecast, for, owing to the scarcity of money and the natural thrift of Dunedin people, the consumer really controlled prices in the local market. This was illustrated by the low prices which had been received for strawberries and cherries. So far as stone fruit was concerned no assistance could be expected from Nelson, where attempts to grow apricots had failed and peaches . were only ,on trial. Actually large quantities of stone fruit were sent to Nelson from Otago every year. It was not expected that the apple market would be affected by the frost to any appreciable extent, as large supplies could be obtained from Canterbury, Nelson, and Hawke’s Bay.

Tangi Honours to White Woman A unique ceremony took place at Ruatahuna recently, when, the Natives accorded ceremonial tangi honours ■ to the first white woman, so far as is known, to die in the Urewera Country. The deceased was Mrs Agues Johnson, a sister of Sister Jessie, who has been attached io the Presbyterian Mission in that district and is well known for her work among the Maoris. As a tribute to Mrs Johuson’s memory and a mark of respect to Iter family she was buried with Native ceremonial seldom, if ever, extended’ to a white woman. The tangi was attended by it large gathering of Natives from ail parts of the district and many eloquent orations wore made regarding the estimable qualities of the deceased. The grave was entirely lined with rare Maori mats and the earth surrounding the graveside was strewn with greenery.

Money Lost and Found A roll of banknotes worth £2OO, which lin'd been dropped in an Auckland'restaurant by an elderly man, was discovered by another customer some time , later, lying on the floor beneath a corner table. Other people who had been at the same table (reports our correspondent) had not noticed the money on the floor, and the owner, who had drawn the notes from the bank only a few hours before, was at first unaware of his loss. The discovery of the money tv as reported to the manageress of the restaurant by the finder, a city business man, who left his card'in case the owner of the notes should return. He took the money with him, and locked it in the office safe. About an hour and a-half after he had first 'eft the restaurant, the owner of the money found that the roll of notes was no longer in his pocket. He returned to the restaurant and inquired if any money had been found, indicating the table at which he had taken his meal. The man was informed that another patron had discovered some money under a corner table, and the finder’s card was given to the claimant. Proof that he was the owner of the notes was. given by the elderly man when he showed the finder his bankbook, which revealed a withdrawal of £2OO made that day. The notes refunded, £5 changed hands, the incident closed.

The Byrd Expedition No advice has yet been received from Rear-admiral Byrd whether the Antarctia ships will call at Dunedin. The manager for Messrs H. L. Tapley and Co* J, H. Duncan) expressed the opinion on Saturday that Wellington will be the onlyport of call in New Zealand. He based this opinion on the fact that the delay* to the ships on the voyage from America had been serious, particularly with respect to the Bear of Oakland. As Duncan has many details to discuss with Rear-admiral Byrd, he will leave Dunedin on Thursday for Wellington meet the leader of the expedition on his arrival. In a recent radio message sent to Rear-admiral Byrd urging that the ships shouldi call at Dunedin, Mr Duncan asked for definite advice ag to the date of the arrival of the vessels at Wellington, but no reply has yet been received. The date originally given for the arrival of the ships in New Zealand waters was December 3, and Mr Duncan says that he has received no further information in regard to the definite movements of the expedition. Big Game Fishing “ Swordfishing off the coast of New Zealand was inaugurated in 1904,” said Mr G. Morpeth, of Hamilton, when referring to Mr A. B. Campbell,'who died of heart failure while fly-fishing in the Waikato River, near the Huka Fishing Lodge, on Monday. Mr .Morpeth said that in 1904, his father, the late Mr H. D. Morpeth, of Waihi, conducted a fishing party of 30 in the steamer Fingal off Mayor Island, Tauranga. While fishing with land, lines for hapuka at dawn one of the party hooked a fish which was certainly not a hapuka. The fish broached against the rising sun, but, owing to lack of suitable equipment, it .was impossible to play it. The fish broke the line and got away, but not before it was identified ag a swordfish. Mr Morpeth got into touch with Mr J. A. Thomson,' then of Auckland, and now of England, and Mr Thomson, in company with the late Mr Campbell, devised tackle and undertook swordfishing in earnest. A good deal of experiment was ■ necessary before the right kind of tackle was evolved, but Messrs Thomson ' and Campbell persevered, and to them belongs the credit of successfully initiating biggame fishing off the coast of New Zealand. Workers for Social Welfare ■ "I .wish to .express the sincere appreciation of the Government for the help given by you and-your kindred organisations throughout the city and. the .country,” said the Minister of Employment (Mr A, Hamilton) at the annual meeting of the Wellington Presbyterian Orphanage and Social Service Association in Wellington last week; Every member of Parliament knew and appreciated the work done. It was one of the arguments against State charity that it would be undesirable for all charitable •matters to be easily and impersonally handled. Contacts were made between reliever and relieved that were beneficial to both. Those who, did not give missed one- of the deepest pleasures, as well as one of the greatest duties, that life had to offer.

Novelty In Trees One of the most interesting of the many novelties amongst plants exhibited at a rose-show in-Wellington'(states the Post) was a dwarf Japanese cypress tree,. The Japanese'have made a special hobby of cultivating dwarf trees, and this specimen, a tree said to he 500 years old, was only a couple of feet high, yet with all the characteristics, except size, of a fullygrown tree. It was lent for exhibition by Mrs Forbes, and- had been presented to the Prime Minister by Admiral Imamaru when the Japanse training squadron last visited these shores. ; ■ . Tarawera Eruption Relics

Some further relics of the Tarawer* eruption of 1886 have been- unearthed by .Mr R. Smith while clearing land for a camping site on his property; at the buried village, Te Wairoa, which is situated about lO miles, from, Rotorua. The lower part of two chimneys and well-preserved fireplaces, which were deeply covered with volcanic mud at the time of the eruption, have • just been uncovered and several articles, consisting mostly of houseliold utensils, have been found. These are. in a good state of preservation, although they, have' remained buried for a period of ■nearly 50 years. On one of the fireplace* were found a kettle, a go-ashpre (or camp oven) and other cooking utensils "in' the exact position in which they had been left after the evening ineal immediately prior to the disaster. They Got No Worm Two Hawera residents are consoling each other for inadvertent early rising. One was wakened by a tapping about 5 a.m., and struggled out of bed to open the door. He was wide awake before he found that it was only a bird smashing a snail on the roof. The other’s,experience was worse, for it saw him rise , at 5.30 a.m. on Sunday because another occupant of the house when he answered an early morning knock at the door thought he recognised the caller, and in his sleepy state asked if the visitor -wished to see -—. When got up he was confronted by a Maori he .had never seen before, who was looking for someone equally unknown to the whilom slumberer. Impressions of America The opinion that American people were hopeful that President, Roosevelt’s, national' recovery scheme would prove a success wag expressed by Sir’ Benjamin Puller, who arrived in Wellington on hi* way back to Australia-, from America last week. Sir Benjamin said that, conversations with business men had given him the impression that most of the people were in favour of “giving it a go” with the view of getting the wheels of industry once more moving. Sir Benjamin said that He saw a good deal of peaceful picketing in places not showing the Blue Eagle, and many notices to the effect that certain shops were, not employing union labour. He added that a stroll round the -principal stores did not give the impression that there was any depression. In one store he visited there qiust-have been at least 5000 people on the ground floor alone. > ’ The White Butterfly There arrived in Palmerston North last week the first consignment of the second batcli of white butterfly parasites that are to be liberated in Hawke’s Bay and nearby districts to raid the destructive caterpillars. The batch consisted of 300,000 cocoons collected in England-and shipped to the Dominion at a temperature that kept them in a retarded state. ‘ On arrival at the Plant Research Station they were transferred to the insectariura and are how emerging into life. Later in the year they will be liberated where it is, deemed liecessary, although 160,000 are earmarked for Hawke’s Bay, the farmers there having combined in raising funds for - the carrying out of the work of destroying the butterfly. A second consignment of 120,000 arrived in Wellington on Thursday last, and will al»e be incubated bn arrival. City Police Court There was, a clean sheet at the City Police Court on Saturday morning. , - The Railways Department advises that on and after Sunday, .December 3, tha usual Dunedin-Oamaru Sunday trains will sto;j when required at Deborah. - , Williamsons are the, ring-making experts.' You will find a nice selection, and quality is guaranteed. Their charge* are always fair—3l Princes street.—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. Save your eyes. and consult W. V. Sturmer, optician (2 Octagon), thus conserving good vision for old age.— Advt. Those who are requiring an engagemenf ring will do well to inspect our rings.— Peter Dick, ring specialist, 490 Moray place, Dunedin.—Advt, ■ ' "