THE Otautau Standard AND WALLACE COUNTY CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 15th 1913.

Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle, Volume IX, Issue 427, 15 July 1913, Page 4

THE Otautau Standard AND WALLACE COUNTY CHRONICLE Tuesday, J uly 15th 1913.

THE STRIKE IN SOUTH AFRICA. The strike on the mines m Johannesburg is ole of those things likely to occur. It ir.us 1 ; be remembered that the mine owners — the Rand Lords — havo for years controlled the labour market. The number of men m a position to strike are the competent men underground, who are mostly U ornishmen. We know the bellicose traits of the Cornish character. It is one of the events of history that when the six Bishops were sent to the Tower m the reign of James 11, one was Trelawny» a Cornishman, and the rage of his fellow countrymen was so great that they threatened to march to London to rescue him. In their historic declaration : " And shall Trelawny die then forty thousand Cornishmen will know the reason why. ' ' The same feeling of comeradie and looal patriotism seems to have been evinced on this oooasion, judging by the telegrams. The military police have baen called out and the great mining town is praotioally under martial law. The sympathy of New Zealanders will go out to the miners m this struggle. It is well-known bow persistently the " Rand Lojrds " havef endeavoured to secure cheap abour. One of the most important events m the career of the late Mr Seddon was his opposition to Chinese labour, a question that went far to turn out the Unionist Party m Britain. We have not at present sufficient information as to the cause of the trouble, but we have undoubted sympathy with the miners m their battle with their wealthy cheap labour employers. Their method of obtaining redress, however, is quite reprehensible, Brigandage, ruffianly behaviour, incendarism and looting are not the means to insure the practioal help of the publio m a fight. The steps taken havo resulted m a series of bloodshed and strife. As pointed, out by Premier Botha, the hooligan element has been paramount, and he strikers have jeopardised their cau&e by associating themselves with this blackguardly , element. In times of strenousness, there is not always the chance of just reflection,. Prompt aotion is Called for, and the fighting instinct is strong m our race. No doubt the aotion of the mob, with whioh probably the oppressed miners had no sympathy, was responsible for calling out the military, and now it will take weeks of labour m Parliament and thousands of pounds of money to bring order out of the chaos created. In the process the general hope of New Zealanders will be that the miners will get justice and that the claims of men toiling to create wealth m the bowels of the earth will be recognised and adequately paid for.

Band of Hope meets next Monday evenng at 7.30 p.rr. Miss Powell will address the meeting, arid the usual programme of songs, recitations j eto., will be given. Farmers are very busy at present drain ploughing, and it is stated that never before has so much of this class of farm work been carried out as this year, practically «very paddock whioh it is intended to cultivate having to be treated to this process. Subsoil ploughing is also being extensively done on many farms. The annual installation of officers of the Rebekah Lodge, 1.0.0. F., will be held m the Town Hall on Thursday evening, and thafc of the Aparima Lodge, 1.0.0. F., on Wednesday, 23rd inst., m the Wallace Hall. Afc the latter ceremony, members of Lodge Waikiwi, to the number of 20 or 30, will be present. Afc the Ploughing Matoh held afc Gummies Bush on Wednesday, A. Lindsay was successful m winning the Open Class, whioh is the third occasion on which he has scoured ohampionship honours this year, and stamps him as a ploughman abovo the ordinary, as suoh a performance has never previously been equalled m the Western Distriot. The Heddon Bush Football Club held a V9ry successful ball m the Publio Hall on Friday evening last, with tho objeofc of providing funds to purchase the neoessary uniforms for the club. Tickets were purchased m a very generous spirit by supporters of the club, and the result is thafc a suffioienfc sum was raised for the purpose. ' It is the intention of the club to compete for the Banner next season. W. Seatte-' says :— Silence won't make a business, nor will the silvery tongue overdone make one. But do know that right here m Otautau, we give the fine art finish to our Pioture Framing. To those interested m piotures, come along and talk piotures with us.

Winter feed, despite the oontinued bad weather and severe frosts, is holding out well, and farmers are finding that the turnips have filled out better than anticipated.

A very sharp rise m prices of sheep was noticeable at Friday's stock sale. The shortage oi stock m this province is now being keenly felt, and those farmers who are under-stocked are beginning to feel qualms for the future.

Special thanks were given at a meeting of the ffirummond Ploughing Match Committee, held on Monday, 7th inst. , to the donors of speoial prizes, as their kindly help contributed very materially to tho success of their match.

" Topios of the Day," by Bystander, will be found on page 1 of this issue. In reply to a question put by Mr J. C. Thomson, M.P., m the House of Representatives last week, the Hon. Mr Herries said that during the last year the rolling stook m tho South Island had been increased by 479 waggon 3. The programme m hand for the current year involves the construction of between 1400 and 1500 tour-wheeled waggons, a considerable number of which will be placed m traffic on the Hurunui-Bluff seotion. "I am hopeful that this will relieve the pressure that has existed m this connection. However, I may point «ut that during gluts of traffio, such as are occasionally experienced m New Zealand, especially m connection with the grain season, difficulties are inevitable, and no matter what number of waggons is available, it would not be practicable to provide sufficient to meet all the demands of the traffic at a given moment, and if the waggon supplies were arranged upon these lines, thousands of trucks would lie idle during the slack portions of the year, and would deteriorate for want of use. Large additional expenditure would also be involved m providing the sidings to hold the trucks during their periods of idleness. I recognise the desirability of adequately providing for the reasonable requirements of the traffic, and will continue to make every effort m that direction."

The delay m the replacement of the approaches to the Orawia bridge has caused a great deal of loss and trouble to the settlers of Upper Merrivale and Eastern Bush districts. The suppliers to the dairy faotory have been particularly hard hit, and the loss has been severe. Unless work is pushed on with vigour during the next two months, it is probable that several d. iry herds will be sold, as the owners will nofc face the dangers and uncertainty of fording the river with milk for another season. The member for the Waiau Riding is m the unenviable position of being blamed very largely for the delay, and things want to be hustled along with some degree of alaority now to modify the feeling bf impatience and dissatisfaction prevalent m the distriot.

One lucky farmer m the Nightcaps disdistriot is chuckling as the result of having an abundance of feed for stock, "while some of his neighbours have bare paddooks. In a round of the district a week ago, he passed a farm where the owner was rounding up his ewes on the last break where the /ground was soft and the turnips thin. The wily highlander with the green fields and succulent feed saw tho opportunity. " They'll be for sale, as you'll not be having too much feed." " Yes ; what will you givo for them?" A price was named. " Right," said the owner, to the astonishment of the Celt, "they're yours." The i sheep were shitted, and a little way along the road the new owner refused L6O on his bargain. Tho optimist this year is the man with big turnips dnd plenty of them, the pessimist the man who has none.

The annual sooial of the Otautau Presbyterian Church has been fixed for Friday, 15th August, and a meeting of ladies of the congregation is to be held on Friday, 24th inst., to make arrangements tor carrying it through. It has also been deoided to hold the Flower Show m February, and steps, are being taken to run this on much more pretentious lines than formerly. Ifc is probable an effort will be made to attabh a "Competitions Sooiety" to the programme, and the industrial seotion will be muoh more m Already various steps are being taken to organise guilds or working olubs to ensure the suooess of the undertaking.

The Direotors of the Woodlaw Dairy Faotory Company met on Wednesday last to consider the provisional balance-sheet submitted by the secretary. Very general satisfaotion was expressed afc the result. The company during its first season was disappointed at the failure of some expected suppliers to make good, and had looked forward with a certain degree of trepidation to a season with a very limited supply. The result, however, has been most encouraging, and ls Id has been paid throughout the year for butter fat, a prioe only exceeded iby very few factories m Southland this year. Suppliers have expressed their gratification at the outcome, and intend increasing their herds for the incoming year. A number of farmers who held baok m some doubt as to the wisdom of the project of a faotory on the Woodlaw ridges are satisfied it is a good thing, and there is likely to be a good increase m next season's supply. The most recent cables from Home give promise of a first-class season ahead, oheese having advanced- LlO a ton within the last two months, and there are already buyers on the market.

On Sunday evening, Rev. A. Macdonald, M.A., delivered the speoial sermon, "The Old Paths," to a large congregation. The mild weather of the past three weeks has completely altered the aspect of affairs for the majority of stock-owners. Holders who, early m June, were anxiously looking out for turnips, are not now at all keen. Stock have done remarkably well since the middle of June, and what was expected to be a trying time of tho year has proved the reverse. Many a farmer who expected he would have to part with a considerable percentage of his stook is facing the balance of the winter with complacency, and sees a reasonable prospect of carrying his entire stook on to the spring feed, oPwhich evidences are not lacking that this will be early, and luxuriant. Very general regret will be felt thatMi3s Mary Saunders, assistant at the Otautau Public School, has been compelled to resign her position, under direction from her medical adviser. Miss Saunders has been suffering from her throat for some considerable time, and had just taken up her duties after a month's leave of absence. The brief respite, however, had not proved sufficient, and Miss Saunders finds it imperative to seek relief m a warmer and drier climate. Her many friends wish her a speedy and complete recovery.

A social m connection with the Orawia Presbyterian Ohuroh takes place m the Orawia Publio Hall on Friday evening, when a good programme is being presented. A meeting of the Otautau Athletic Sooiety will be held m tho Main Street Sample Rooms on Friday, July 18th, at 8 o'clook. All members are requested to attend.

Knox Bible Class purpose holding a sooial m the Prcsbyfcorian Church hall tomorrow evening, commencing at 8 o'clock sharp, when it is to ba hoped there will be a large attendance of members and others interested m tho movement.

A meeting of all subscribers to the Otautau Public Library will be held m the Library Rooms at 8 p.m. on Thursday next for the purpose of adopting the Rules of the Library as compiled by the committee

Thanks to all those who participated m our bale. Taking into consideration tho scarcity of money, we did really better than we expocted, but we want our customers to know that we have still dozens of Overcoats m Gents', Ladies', Boys' and Girls', which we are offering at very special prices to compete with Inveroargill. Don't go to Inveroargill. We will treat you well.— Co-op.

. , f Mr A. W. Rodger, junr., of Birohwood, returned to Bluff by the s.s. Moeraki from Melbourne on Monday. Mr Rodger, who was accompanied by his wife and family, had been absent from Southland for twelve months, during which time various portions of England and Scotland were visited. Stevenson's Piotures will be soreenflfcm the Otautau Town Hall to-morrow evening, when a capital series will be shown. >£ho Emerald Necklace" and "The Great PjpQv dleton Round-up " are star piotures. dramas include "The Passing Shadow," "The Cattle Rustlers," and "Thp Rival Engineers"; "Pathe Gazette" is still to the fore ; while the comedies and oomics, "Polidor and his Patient," " Oalino as Station Master," and "The Amateur Ice Man" are among the best yet shown. "Making Brilliant Signs" is a clever film, showing the industry from beginning to end. Prior to the commencement of tho • pictures, (weather permitting) the Otautau Brass Band will give a short promenade concert.

Our advertising columns call attention to the visit to Otaut iv of Miss Powell, Do* minion organiser W.C.T.U, who will .peak on Friday evening upon the work among the Maoris. Miss Powell spent a week recently amongst the Pahs m Hawkes Buy, and had some very interesting exweriencofl, which she will relate. Great benefits hsve resulted from the work of the Uniou among the natives, who are holding t.> their pledges ip the face of great temptations." The meeting will be enlivened by musical items, recitations, etc, and the audience should have a good time. Members of the Bird) wood Hunt and Otautau and Clifden Hack Bucing Clubs will eagerly wntch the progress of a Bill m the House of Representatives, which ix being intr^dnced by Mr George Hunter, member for Waipawa, and a prominent support rr of racing, m tlie form of a Gaming Act Amendment Bill. It is a brief measure, the following being the text of th« one operative clause : — '• Tho Miuister of Internal Affairs may, on the application of any racing, trotting, or hunt club not being the holder of a totalisator license, grant to rhnt club a license to use the totalisator on one d_y. Not more th m thirty licenses may be g__n'ed under this ..etion m any one year, .and of that number not more tban seventeen _B|all be granted to racing clubs, nor ten . M^Hlnt clubs, nor three to trotting clubs. Licenses may be granted under this section notwithstanding that there b j the total number of days on wliich the totalisator may be used exceeds the number prescribed by Seotion 6 of the Gaming Act, 1910." During the last few days, one cannot help noticing the large numbar cf people flocking m and around Glen, Glen and Co.'s Drapery Stores, and judging by the satisfied faces and largo parcels that are leaving the premises, patrons are getting bargains Out of the usual run of bargains. We are informed that the present Sale at the Bargain Stores has, so far, taken on exceptionally well with the public, and as fresh bargains are being put out daily, there is no doubt that Messrs Glen, Glen and Co. will havo a record Sale During this w ?ek, special bargains m Remnants, Ribbons, Lvces and Embroideries will ba displayed, and Lidies' Coats are to b_ sold uuder half-price. The New Zealand* Loan and Mercantile Agenoy Company, Limited, and reduced have received the following oabl.grara. from their London House nnder date lOih inst: Tallow— The market for fine beef tallow is dull. Wheat — The market for wheat ia quiet, but steady, and the outlook is uncertain. Wool — As compared with last sales' closing rates, prioes for scoured crossbred, coarse crossbred slipe, medium greasy crossbred, fine greasy crossbred and medium crossbred slipe are lowac^about I per cent., and about par to - (Jpsr cent, lower for medium and inferior merino. Competition for merino continuejfciative, and prioes are firm, but for oros_nd the market is slightly weaker. >JT For Influenza take Woods' Great . Peppermint Cure. Never fails. 1/6, 2/6 Just landed, the ■ best assortment of English and Colonial Tw eods and Worsteds for J. Allan, Ladies' and Gentlemen High-class Tailor, Otautau. Will those who v require anything m the abov» lino, please call and inspect. Fit, style and workmanship guaranteed. Call early. For Children's Hacking Cougn at night, Woods' Great Peppermint Oure, l/6> 2/6 Gentlemen that are out m all weathers can buy an Oil Coat al Thomson and Beattie's that will defy the heaviest rain. This coat combine! m one a. riding or driving coat, beinj extra double-breasted with extra protection for chest and shoulders. Sole only at Thomson and Beattie's. The air is j ust now full of " bar gains," and* it might reasonably b said that those who give the bigges reductions will get the business Well, Robertson Bros, will certain.; command a fair share, as a peep at thi window should convince all of th genuineness of the bargains offeree at this progressive store. Anothe feature, or inducement, we should say is that Robertson Bros.' stock c Drapery is particnlarly fre3h and w liable. Of course ' there cannot b bargains unless quality goods accom panics the reductions. Residents cai get both these essentials at Robertso Bros.' Store.