THE WAR AND PRODUCTION

Otago Witness, Issue 3196, 16 June 1915, Page 56

THE WAR AND PRODUCTION

NEW ZEALAND LIKELY TO BENEFIT. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S VIEWS. Some rather striking and illuminating references were made to the war and its effects in relation to the production and exports of this country at tiie annual meeting of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society. The speakers were Messrs T. T. Ritchie (president of the society) and Mr John Roberts, C.M.G. Eivch 'spoke in a distinctly optimistic vein so far as the present and future position of New Zealand is concerned, and their lucid words were listened to with the greatest interest by all present. The President of the society introduced the matter by congratulating the agricultural and pastoral interests on the very fine prices which have been realised for their staple commodities during the past season. Probably very few producers realised how absolutely dependent New Zealand was on the Imperial fleet holding command of the sea, and consequently preventing anv T interruption of our trade routes. —(Applause.) When the war began in August the financial and industrial fate of New Zealand hung in the balance until Britain’s naval Supremacy was assured. From that moment colonial trade was placed in a position of absolute security.— (Applause.) Temporary difficulties might occur, such as shortages of instdated steamers, irregular opportunities of shipment, or even the occasional loss of a cargo through submarine attack, but, speaking in broad and general terms, the New Zealand producer had been able to market, to great advantage, his wool, meat, and dairy produce during the past nine months, and to go on increasing his production on a steadily rising market in confidence and security because, and solely because, the Imperial fleet kept watch and ward in the North Sea and English Channel.—(Loud applause.) Continuing, Mr Ritchie stated that the chief function of this dominion in the economy of the British Empire was tho production of foodstuffs and raw material, and the farmers could best assist the Empire, whether in peace or war, by maintaining and increasing their production. In this connection he might very well instance tho necessity for the improvement of dairy herds. Dairy farmers should go in for cow testing and breed only from purebred bulls. Recent Government statistics showed that fully 94 per cent, of the dairy farmers in this country used “scrub” bulls, and that the average cow in tho South Island produced only 1651 b of butter-fat; and yet, in herds like Mr Aitcheson’s, of Kaitangata, and many others, some selected cows gave over 6001 b, and others 5001 b of butter fat. By careful weeding out and breeding only from stock with certified milk records, which were easily obtainable through the Government cow-testing facilities, it would be quite possible in a year or two to raise the average dairy cow to a production of 2601 b, which, at the present price of butter, would mean an increased production in money value of £6 per cow, or equal to an increase in the dairy industry cf New Zealand of practically £1,000,000 sterling. Touching upon the outlook for the markets, Mr Ritchie stated that so long as British naval supremacy was maintained, our surplus products might be shipped in safety to the markets of either Britain or her Allies, and a continuance of the present high values could be looked for. Even after the close of the war (and ho feared that we could not look for a speedy termination of tho conflict) there was not likely to bo anything much of a set-back in prices. Tho agricultural and industrial organisations, particularly on the Continent, would probably require to be reconstructed to a very large degree, but the values of wool and foodstuffs were not likely to recede quickly, and it was confidently expected by many sound judges that, as was the case after the Franco-Prussian war, a period of groat British industrial prosperity would follow. All that signified a high range of values for mr principal products, and farmers might therefore look forward to tho future with every degree of confidence. —(A pplause.) Mr Roberts also spoke in a similar strain. Tho president had referred, ho stated, to tho supremacy of the British navy on tho seas. The result of that supremacy had been of very distinct advantage to the producers of Now Zealand, and in the increased values of wool, grain, and meat there had been a largo accession to tho wealth of the country.— (Applause.) , He did not know whether it had struck anv of thorn what might have happened had the German navy been in possession of the seas. Personally ho could conceive of nothing but absolute chaos in a country such as this. Some of the wool produced might have been stored, b’’t tho grain and fat stock would have suffered very severely, and, in his opinion, ‘ho only thing possible with tho latter would have boon to boil them down; There had been in certain limited quarters an undue disposition on the part of a few individuals to complain about the blocking of the frozen meat industry for some six weeks or two months, especially as In some, cases farmers had been forced to keep their fat lambs longer than they desired. If any remedy could have been devised that criticism could have been applied, but in the absence of any such remedy ho did not think the objectors had a case at all. “It is surprising, nftor aUJ’ continued Mr Roberts, “that we have bad the number of ships wo have bad, especially in view of the risk by sinking by torpedoes and the

heavy rates of war insurance.” This conjestion to which I have referred has been very acute of late, and will continue until the end of next month, but by the end of July exporters can look forward to an abundance of ships, provided none of those on the way Homo arc. sunk by submarines. Everyone will have to boar the inconvenience cheerfully for tiie next two months, for the present position is unavoidable, and cannon be r, modi; d in any way whatever. I think, however, that there is every cause for satisfaction with the outlook so far as tho future is concerned. —(Applause.) JOTTINGS. The sum of £3 has been received by tho Chief Postmaster from tho postmistress at Horse Shoo Bend. It represents tho contributions of herself and other settlors to tho Belgian Relief Fund. Tho Manawatu Racing Club has given £IOO to the Hospital Ship Fund anil £IOO to tho Serbian Relief Fund, in addition to donations of £SOO already paid to the Patriotic Fund and £2OC for Belgian relief. Major A. B. Charters, one of the Wellington Education Board’s inspectors, who left in command of tho First Infantry Reinforcements, for Egypt, has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and placed in command of an advanced base. Tho wounded never had such a fine time in their lives (writes a newspaper correspondent in France). They live in tho best hotels and chateaux, are petted and waited upon by women of high society, and receive presents of cigars, cigarettes, and chocolates. They have free access to the street cars, concert halls, and theatres, and it is amusing to watch some of them in the fine hotels or at tho Opera Comiquo and Theatres, where they possibly feel like fish out of water. As for the wounded prisoners, they are well taken care of. As a member of the Rod Cross Society, it has been my sad privilege to meet the Red Cross trains that bring in some of the wounded prisoners. We help them off the trains before they are sent to the, various hospitals, but it is strictly forbidden to hand them any luxuries. For instance, a young girl who felt pity for a German prisoner at the railway station, and offered him some refreshment, received a box on tiie ears for her pains from a French officer’ on guard! Lieutenant F. O. H. Jolhe, of the 2nd East Surrey Regiment, reported killed in action in the North of France, was born at Patoa, Taranaki, February 11, 1890, and educated at Cheltenham College, England. Lieutenant Pollie was a nephew of Mrs Matthews, wife of Captain Matthews, assistantstaff officer, Canterbury Military District. Advice has been received in Christchurch that Major A. B. Charters, an old Christ’s College boy, has been promoted to lieuten-ant-colonel, and placed in command of the advanced base. Before joining at Trentham he was lieutenant-colonel of the 17th (Rnahine) Regiment, but left New Zealand for Egypt as major, in command of the First Infantry Reinforcements. The lieutenantcoloneT is an inspector of schools for the Wellington district. Lieutenant F. Morgan, of the Carterton Company of Territorials, has been offered and accepted a commission in the next Maori contingent leavinr the dominion. Tho treasurer of the Taieri Patriotic Committee has received a further instalment from the Riccarton residents, East Taieri, of £3 13s towards the British Relief Fund, and £4 towards tho Belgian Fund. Dr J. M. Bell, of Canada, until recently New Zealand Government geologist, has been given a commission in the Black Watch. Dr Bell is married to a daughter of Mr Harold Beauchamp, of Wellington. The late Major John Southern Maidlow, R.F.A., who was killed in action at Mons last August, loft unsettled property valued at £2553. Ho had not long returned from New Zealand, whore ho hold tho position of Assistant-director and Instructor in Artillery Duties.

Private advice has hoen received that Major G. F. Hutton, commanding tho 10th (Nelson) Squadron of the Canterbury Mounted Rifle Regiment, has been slightly wounded. Mr H A. E. Milnos, principal of tho Auckland Teachers' Training College, has asked for the privilege of organising and leading the Auckland quota of a special battalion of 1000 men, which, it is proposed, should be supplied for_ active service by the educational services of the dominion (says the Auckland Star). In referring to tho matter at the meeting of the Education Board on Wednesday, Mr G. J. Garland expressed the opinion that Mr Milnes was especially well qualified to fulfil such a position. Members of the board concurred.

No fewer than four members of Mr D Macpherson’s survey camp arc members of the Expeditionary Force (remarks the Otautau Standard). Two, Corporal Tom Seddon and Lance-corporal Morris Roderique, have been wounded in action. James Gibson, who has weak eyesight, accompanied the main body as a cook, and tho last member to bo accepted is Ned Norman, who left with the reinforcements on Saturday week. All were members of the Otautau Football Club, and Tom Seddon was also a well-known amateur athlete. Included amongst those members of tho Now Zealand Expeditionary Force who have returned from Egypt, invalided home, is Corporal Stecnson, son of Mr W. H. Steenson, Ure street, Oamaru (says the Mail). Corporal iStccnson was stricken with pleurisy, and, having made a recovery, was desirous of going to the front, but the medical officers would not permit him to do so. It is reported in The Scindian (Napier Boys’ High School magazine) that 100 old boys of the school have answered the country’s call to arms. Over 50 cricketers who played last season under tho banner of tho Nelson Cricket Association are on active service. Mr Jacob Marx, of Mnngatoki, near Eltham, has offered, through the Mayor of Eltham, tho sum of £IOO to assist any men of the district who have offered for service and who may need assistance between the time of offering and the time of going into camp. Mr Gill, of Westport, has been advised that ho has been recommended for a commission as major in tho Bth Roinfoi’cements. If tho Governor approves Major Gill will report at Trentham on July 15. An Oamaru gentleman whose name it is not desired to disclose some time ago made an offer of free insurance to any man going to the front. A married man leaving on Saturday has taken advantage of the offer (says the Mail), and is now insured for £2OO in the A.M.P. office, tho policy carrying the war rate of 5 per cent, per annum. Licutenant-ooloncl E. R. Bowler, writing on April 12 to Mrs Bowler (who resides in Gore) from the island of Lemnos, stated that ho was one of three officers who wore in charge of the landing operations on the

beach, .and that he hoped to have the honour of being the first New Zealander to land. Mrs Bowler has received two cable messages since stating- that her husband is well.

Two daughters of the late Mr Archibald Miller, of (Jlifden, are at the present time serving the Empire by tending wounded soldiers (says the Otautau Standard). Nurse Agnes Miller is at present with the nursing staff of the Serbian army, after a previous wide experience in her profession in Now Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and England. Nurse Jane Miller was one of the first 60 nurses selected from New Zealand during the present war, and sailed in the Rotorua. So good has., recruiting been of late in Wanganui that the supply far exceeds tho demand. _Major H. Peacock, N.Z.S.C., who left New Zealand in charge of the Maori Contingent for service abroad, returned to Auckland by tho steamer Rivcrina on Tuesday. Major Peacock was taken ill before leaving Australian waters, and had to bo placed ashore at Albany. Ho has since been in hospital, anl is now well. - Ho intends going into camp with the next Maori Contingent, which is to be assembled in Auckland in the near future. Tho Defence Department acknowledges the presentation of an excellent mounted rifle ho iso each by Mr H. T. Ellingham (Horokia, Danneyirke) and Mr R, E. Jeffer(luriroa, Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay). Captain Rice has been called upon at short notice to proceed to Trcntham (says the Wyndham Herald). Ho is to receive an important command. Captain Rice has for a considerable time been desirous of getting to tho front, and left for Trentham on Friday. Of the Fiji Contingent in Belgium, fighting with the Allies, six have been killed in action, three have died of wounds, and 12 have been wounded, out of a total of 43 in the trenches. The West Coast and Nelson commercial travellers, by their efforts in connection with the Queen of the Carnival contest at Greymouth, succeeded in ' raising £IBOO towards the Belgian Relief Fund. In a troop train which recently passed through Aramoho (Wanganui), conveying some 500 Taranaki men to the Trentham camp, there was posted on a window tho following pithy notice: —“Dangerous goods —Consignor, 'W. F. Massey. Consignee, Kaiser Bill. Destination, Berlin.” The Australian Bridging Train, which numbers 280 skilled mechanics, was presented by Lady Munro-Ferguson with a Roberts’ Salamander travelling cooker, subscribed entirely by tho residents of Port Melbourne. Australia has now sent over 40 of these travelling kitchens to the front. A Recruiting Association has been formed at Ruvaka, Nelson. A circular letter is to bo sent to every young man in the district fit for active service, and this will bo followed by a visit from a member of tho committee. The services of Dr L. B. Burnett, of Rangioru, have been accepted by tho War Office and he will leave for England on July 1 by the Paparoa, acting as medical officer for the ship (says tne Lyttelton limes). During his absence Dr Ethel Sands will have cnarge of his practice. A correspondent writes: “It has been mentioned that some soldiers at the front were bitterly disappointed at getting no letters. Would it not be a kind action for those who can to send papers, etc., addressed somewhat thus—‘For any soldier at the front, especially for one who may have no letters by this mail.’ The address of the sender might, if desired, bo placed inside, and it could then be known if the action were appreciated. Many persons could thus materially help, at so little trouble to themselves, to keep up the spirits of the otherwise disappointed ones.” Owing to complaints to tho effect that Auckland was not receiving a fair share of tho appointments to commissions in the reinforcements, Mr O. J. Parr, M.P., recently placed the matter before the Minister of Defence (the Hon. James Allen). He pointed out that he had been informed that out of 30 appointments made during the last month, only two had gone to Auckland, and ho asked if that was a correct statement. In the reply Mr Parr has received from Mr Allen (the New Zealand Herald states), the Minister encloses a copy of a return ho has had prepared, which shows that the appointments of officers from tho four centres have been as follows:—Auckland, 118; Canterbury, 113; Otago, 122; Wellington, 125; —total, 478. THE SALVATION ARMY. The work amongst the troops at Trentham conducted by tho Salvation Army is signally successful. Not only has the organisation tho largest building on the camp grounds for this- purpose, but the attendances of the men continue to steadily increase Chaplain-captain Garner, affectionately termed “Padre” by tho men, speaks eloquently of his hundreds of proteges who avail themselves of tho up-to-date conveniences of the institute. WOMEN’S KINDNESS. AN APPRECIATION. Nearly every day letters are received from Otago boys in tho ExpeditionaryForces expressing great appreciation of tho comforts that have been supplied to them by the Otago Patriotic Association. A letter was received on Friday by the Mayor, signed by a large number of Otago boys at present in camp, at Trontham, thanking the association for its gifts. The letter says: “Daily tho value of the gifts given to us by the women of Otago when we left becomes more evident. The weather is neither warm or cheery here, but thanks to the comforts received, it is quite bearable. It is quite cheering to see the Otago men turning out in their jerseys and balaclavas for early drill, and when we appear at tho water taps with our little bags containing soap and other comforts, one hears all round envious remarks. ‘Another lucky Otago man.’ So you see though not yet on active service, we are receiving immense benefits from the gifts. Why, wo even use our mittens. Each day wo feel more and more indebted to tho

ladies, and we ask them to receive our warmest thanks for their kindness and forethought.”