WEALTH AND WISDOM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23054, 3 December 1936, Page 8

WEALTH AND WISDOM

In the long list of Lord Nuffield’s public benefactions ample evidence is furnished of a determination to use wisely the great wealth which opportunity and a remarkably diverse talent have vouchsafed him. There is no need to examine that list in detail. It should be sufficient to say that it represents giving on a scale that staggers the imagination even in an age when munificent benefactions are happily not uncommon. Lord Nuffield’s two greatest endowments, however, which are also his most recent benefactions, may be re-

ferred to with clearer specification. When, in October, he announced a gift of £1,350,000 to the University of Oxford for the establishment of a Post-graduate School of Medicine, it was remarked that it was not only the amount of the gift but the plan which made its power for good greater than any estimate could forecast. Within a few weeks, the financial implications of his plan having been more clearly envisaged, he increased the amount of his gift to £2,000,000. His action was founded on a conviction of the urgent need for larger provision foi post-graduate medical courses. He had demonstrated for years that the progress of medical science and the conditions under which medical prac tice was being developed were among his main interests. He had accordingly been working to a definite policy, building up a medicaj research and teaching structure to which his Oxford research founda tion would be as the coping. His plan, The Times has said, promises to do more than provide for research under ideal conditions; “ it will raise the whole standard of medicine, in Oxford first, and, through Oxford, all over the country.” To that may be added, “ and all over the world.” for surely there never was a time when interest in the advancement of the humane sciences was more universal. Lord Nuffield might well have allowed his final gift to Oxford —for there had been many preceding it, including one by which New Zea land benefits—to stand as his mem orial. That he is not content to do so is shown by his announcement this week of his intention to create another fund of immense propor tions—£2,l2s,oo0 —to be adminis tered for the benefit of his own workers, after which he will address himself, “ for a considerable time,’ to the duty of redeeming outstand ing promises. “ which have never been larger ” For the example thus offered of enlightened giving the British people ought indeed to be grateful. For the man himself, ana for the continuous purpose that directs the use of his wealth, there ought to be world-wide admiration.

Overseas Mail The Singapore air mail despatched on November 9 from Dunedin reached London on Monday last. Fruit from Fiji and Samoa A Press Association message from Auckland states that the Matua brought 21,000 cases of bananas from Fiji and Samoa, and 1000 cases of pineapples.

Interisland Steamer Late For the second successive day this week the interisland steamer was nearly three hours late in berthing at Lyttelton yesterday morning. Consequently, mails and passengers did not connect with the first express. A special train was not required to bring the travellers south, however, the second express being quite adequate to carry all passengers. Sunshine at Tekapo The meteorological figures for Lake Tekapo for last month show that the sun shone on 27 days, an average of 6.1 hours a day, and rain fell on 12 days, amounting to 4.63 inches. Other figures are as follows:—Sunshine for month, 184.4 hours; for the year, 2137.3 hours; average daily sunshine for the year, 6.7 hours; rainfall for year, 26.53 inches.

Burnside Stock Sale There was a large yarding of fat cattle at the Burnside stock sale yesterday, totalling 309 head. The entry included only odd lots of outstanding quality, but prices on the whole showed an improvement. Extra prime heavy bullocks made to £l6 7s 6d; prime, £l3 to £l4 10s; medium, £lO to £ll 10s; and light, down to £B. Prime cows and heifers realised to £9 17s 6d; medium, £5 15s to £7; and light, down to £3 2s 6d. The entry of 1550, fat sheep consisted mainly of prime sorts, and prices for butchers’ sheep improved. In the latter stages, however, there was an easing in value. Prime heavy wethers brought from £1 7s 6d to £1 10s 6d; medium, £1 4s to £1 6s 6d; and light, down to £1 Is. Prime heavy ewes made up to £1 6s 6d; prime, £1 2s 6d to £1 4s; medium, 19s to £1 Is; and light, down to 15s. Prime quality lambs’ were in the majority in a yarding of 205, and there was a general easing in value. Prime heavy lambs brought up to £1 10s 6d; prime, £1 4s to £1 6s 6d; medium, £1 Is 6d to £1 3s; light, down to 18s. In the store cattle section anything suitable for graziers’ requirements was in demand. A pen of three-and-a-half-year cattle realised £9 13s, and a consignment of two-and-a-half-year steers brought £7 11s. The penning of fat pigs totalled 119, including some good lines from Seacliff and Ashburton. Porkers brought from £2 5s to £2 15s and baconers from £3 to £4. Angling Competition Postponed The angling competition which was set down on the Otago Angling Association’s programme for Saturday at Tomahawk Lagoon has been postponed indefinitely on account of the condition of the water. Weed is very prevalent in the lagoon this year, and the water is practically unfishable. The association proposes to hold the competition towards the close of the season if conditions improve. Fire Brigade Calls The City Fire Brigade turned out at 12.11 p.m. yesterday to Ellis’s mattress factory, Kaikorai Valley road, where a spark from a nearby machine had set fire to some material. At 11.58 p.m. a second call was received from the same factory, where another minor outbreak was suppressed after damage had been done to the building to the extent of about £3O and a similar amount to the stock. Sale of Dairy Produce A ward conference of the Dairy Board last night passed a resolution (says a Press Association telegram from Greymouth) strongly urging, the board to approach the Government, asking that steps be taken to organise the sale of butter and cheese on the local market, and failing action being taken by the Government, that the board request to be permitted to undertake the organisation.

Highways Board Subsidies “The taking over of State highways has increased the commitments of the Main Highways Board, and in future the board will have to keep more strictly to its standard basis of subsidy, £3 for £l.” That statement was made on Tuesday by Mr A. J. Baker, deputychairman of the board, in addressing a meeting of district local body representatives at Nelson. He said that many important works would have to be held over, as State highways had caused an extra call on the board's funds. Though it would be a general principle to keep more strictly to the £3 for £1 subsidy, the board would consider each case on its merits. Picture Matinees for Children By courtesy of Mr S. H. Craig, general manager for New Zealand of Paramount Pictures, Ltd., the J. C. Williamson Picture Corporation, Ltd., and the Regent Theatre Company, Ltd., Dunedin, two matinee picture programmes will be screened at the Regent Theatre on Saturday, December 12, the whole of the gross proceeds to bs devoted to the Children’s Health Stamp Campaign. A programme suitable for children has been specially selected and will be shown in two screenings, the first at 9.30 a.m. and the second commencing at 11.15 a.m. Arrangements have been completed by the District Executive for the sale of tickets at 6d each to school children and the executive hopes to be able to fill the theatre at each session so that the very generous offer of the Regent Theatre Company and its employees may be taken full advantage of. The executive proposes to have the tickets available at schools to-day. Miss Batten’s Intentions Miss Batten is looking forward to flying her own machine again shortly. The wings are now being reassembled and the controls refitted by the engineers of the Auckland Aero Club. The large auxiliary petrol tank is to be removed from the cabin, and the upholstery and seats that were taken out to make room for the tank will be replaced as soon as they arrive from England. “I shall test it quite shortly,” she said, “and I hope during the summer to make an aerial tour of New Zealand. “I think I shall stay here some considerable time—indefinitely,” Miss Batten said when it was suggested to her that the removal of the extra tank indicated that she did not have any more long distance flights immediately in view. Miss Batten is still under doctor’s orders to take things easily.

A Famous Old Ship One matter of great interest to Captain R. G. England, how visiting New Zealand is the fate of the famous old exploration ship Discovery. Captain England, who was associated with both the Scott and Shackleton expeditions, said that before he left England an offer had been made for the ship by a group headed by Commander L. Bernacchi. He had not heard since whether it had been accepted. Commander Bernacchi was anxious to ensure that the ship would not be broken up but that she should be kept afloat as an inspiration to the younger generation. The Discovery had been tied up since 1931, when she returned with Sir Douglas Mawson’s party, under the command of Captain Davis. The Discovery was still in perfect condition. although she had been tied up in the East India Dock for many yean It was intended, if the offer to purchase her were accepted, to use he; partially as a training ship, and there was a possibility that she would visT Australia and New Zealand.

.Motor Mentor Fined Mr W. A. O’Callaghan, of Hawera, president of the North Island Motor Union, and a member of the National Safety First Committee appointed by the Minister of Transport, Mr R. Semple, was charged in the Magistrate’s Court at Palmerston North before Mr J. L. Stout, S.M. on Monday, with driving a car at the intersection of the Square and Church street on October 14 at a speed which might have been dangerous to the public. The defendant was not present, but Mr H R. Cooper appeared on his behalf and entered a plea of guilty. Seniorsergeant Moriarty said the defendant had driven over the intersection at a speed of 30 miles an hour. There was very little traffic about at the time. Mr Cooper said the defendant had no recollection whatever of the alleged offence. The magistrate imposed a penalty of £l, with 10s costs. Plain Speaking Needed “ This country has been suffering from after-dinner speeches, good afterdinner speeches particularly.” said the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr W. E. Parry), in responding to the toast of Parliament at a social function commemorating the amalgamation of the Thames Harbour Board with the Thames Borough Council. “I have listened to the good after-dinner speeches made by distinguished visitors to this country, and I have been astounded at the little information they contained. I have failed to understand what they meant, even when they had finished. I consider the dangerous situation the world is in to-day is caused by such utterances. Why cannot we have plain speaking with common sense? I want to know what is being done in the world today, and only plain speaking can tell me and the people of this country. “ Showboat ” Cabaret The floating cabaret, “The Showboat,” which sank to the sea bed alongside the eastern reclamation at Auckland on Friday night, after 11 holes had been bored in the hull, is now practically free of water. All the lower-deck compartment had filled with sea water, which a pump drew off/ Shipwrights have made permanent repairs to the hull. This was the third attempt within two months (says the New Zealand Herald) to damage the cabaret. The first occurred when someone went on board and released one of the forward mooring chains from the capstan. The tug of the tide snapped a steel hawser, but luckily a stout rope held. Then, about a fortnight ago, an attempt was made to flood the craft, but the rising water was detected. A week was taken to prepare for the cabaret on Saturday night last, and everything was in order when the third attempt was made on Friday. A member of the staff said he was hopeful that the dancing floor had not been damaged, but some days would elapse before that could be known.

Road Courtesy Two things which impressed Mr E. T. Norris, former registrar of the University of New Zealand, on his recent visit to England were the good behaviour of the English crowds, and the courtesy on the road among motorists, this latter being in contrast with what was sometimes experienced in New Zealand. In an interview with a Dominion reporter, Mr Norris said he lived at Twickenham for a time, and on Saturday afternoons and Sundays the place would be crowded with people—families and many children who would be playing games, boating, and swimming. “I never heard any language you could take exception to,” he said. “ Also, we could not help noticing the courtesy among motorists on the roads. It struck us.” Mr Norris also comes back to New Zealand im-: ’“'pressed by the courtesy and helpfulness of the London bus drivers to the visitor to London. They never failed to give the exact information required, he said. Flight of Orders Anxiety about the flight of manufacturing orders overseas was expressed by the president of the Wellington Manufacturers’ Association (Mr lan Matheson) at the annual meeting of the association on Monday night. “ Undoubtedly,” he said, “ manufacturers are experiencing much better trading conditions than they have for many a long day, and it is to be earnestly hoped that no ray of gloom will appear during the coming year. For this reason it is particularly distasteful to me to have to express considerable concern at the rate at whic orders are now going to overseas producers because of the increased cost of producing in New Zealand. The Government has expressed its intention to deal with this question on the completion of the present negotiations being carried out in London by Mr Nash. One would have felt happier had the Government shown greater activity in nreventing the orders leaving New Zealand. I fear it relies too much on the fact that New Zealand factories are now very full of work. I also fear that by the time the adjust- \ ment in cost is effected by the Government many a bench in New Zealand will be vacant for want of an order that has gone overseas in the meantime.” # For Good of Club There was an amusing interlude at the annual meeting of the Avondale Golf Club, Christchurch, during the ballot for the committee. While the scrutineers were at work, the chairman (Mr H. Lightband) said he would be glad to have any member’s suggestion for the good of the club. One woman member rose and said that she wished to recommend that the clubhouse be closed on wet Sundays.— (Loud laughter.) Mr Lightband asked whether there was any seconder for the motion. Up jumped another woman member, who seconded the recommendation. “I have never been one to burke discussion,” said Mr Lightband. and he then asked whether there was any member who wished to say anything about the motion, “Mr Chairman,” came a voice from the back of the hall, “ when you asked for suggestions you said ‘ for the good of the club.’” “That’s right,” said Mr Lightband. “I rule the recommendation out of order.” —(Loud laughter.)

Tenders are invited by the Public Works Department for the supplv of the following:—Diesel road rollers, portable bitumen sprayers, portable mechanical loader, wheeled tractors, portable washing boilers and frames, electric motor-driven centrifugal sewage pumps flexible steel wire rope and friction control geared winches. Details are published in this issue. The United Starr-Bowkett Building Society this evening will dispose of £26,000 by sale and ballot. Suggestions for the holidays: Fishing Tackle, Torches, Electrical Gifts suitable for Christmas, Wedding Presents, Rogers Radio Sets.—Barth Electric, Ltd., 36 George street, Dunedin.—Advt. Eye Strain.—For eye comtort or Better vision consult Stumer and Watson Ltd., opticians 2 Octagon Dunedin.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