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Otago Witness, Issue 3278, 10 January 1917, Page 3

The convictions for drunkenness at Port Chalmers last year show a very marked increase as compared with those of previous years. In 1914- 50 convictions were recorded, in 1915 thpy roso to 73, but during 1916 there were no fewer than 126. The cause can scarcely be definitely assigned, but the general increased prosperity as well as tho large number of extra men employed about the docks during the year no doubt helps to explain the figures. The effect of tho anti-shouting legislation may perhaps bo roughly gauged from tho .fact that up till September 102 convictions were recorded, while during tho last four month? of tho year there were only 24.

A mild rubber boom is taking placo in Fiji at the present time (says the Suva correspondent of the New Zealand Herald). Rubber appears as a very small, though largely increasing, item in tho list of products exported from Fiji, but, judging by tho area which has been planted out in tho Itewa district within a dozen miles of Suva, it will figure very conspicuously in five or six years' time. A number of Fiji's prominent men of commerco aro planting rubber amongst their bananas, the idea being that as soon as tho rubber tree* reach a certain size tho banana* will bo dug out.

In reply to a question regarding the pre« parations for the development of hydroelectric power in tho North Island, the Hon. W. Fraser, Minister of Publio Works, stated that the chief electrical engineer, Mr Parry, ami his stall, were still engaged on their investigations. The surveys in the Auckland district with a view to tho initiation of a scheme in connection with tho "Waikato River are being continued." The Mini*/ ter said that at the outset it was proposed to have, ono plant for the whole of the North Island. Subsequently it was felt that it was necessary to have two, and now Mr Tarry was of opinion that three probably would be necessary, on account of the rough nature of a great deal of the country over which the transmission wire 3 would have to bo carried if there were only two installations. Much of the country was unroaded, and in order to carry wires oyer it roads would bo a necessity in connection with the conveyance of material for the construction of the line. By having an extra station the necessity of passing over this country would bo avoided. Mr Fraser said it was probable that one station would be in tho Waikato district, another in the Manawatu district, and a third possibly at Waikarcmoana. He could not say at present which scheme would be undertaken first, but it would not bop: =shM o to undertake any of the schemes •' r the war, for the reason that no money was available, and that it also would bo impossible to obtain tho material. Owing to tho latter difficulty instructions had been given that no further extensions could be undertaken in tho Canterbury district. As there was no immediate prospect of n possibility of carrying out the work, tho opportunity was being taken by Mr Parry to secure a thoroughly exhaustive investigation before preparing his report.

Tho ingenuity of the settlers in tho back blocks is often put to the test in various ways, especially now that labour is hard to pet (says the Wanganui Chronicle). Every minute of daylight is precious to tho farmer, who cannot spend much time in visiting his neighbours, however much he may desire to do so. An illustration of this fact has been brought under notice. At the present time there it. no telephone service between Mataimoana and Kapara, in the Upper Waitotara district, neither is there any wireless station, and yet messages are transmitted frequently in a most novel manner. Mr George Mee, of Kapara, is the possessor of a very fine cat named Sandy, and tho cat pays regular visits to Mr and Mrs James Smith it Mataimoana, a distance of over four miles, and these two settlers ara in the habit of fastening messages to a ribbon attached to Sandy's nock, and sending him out on his errand. Recently assist-

An interesting cablegram has been shown to tiio Gisborno Times by a local wholesale draper. It is related to a shipment of poods, valued at between £I4OO and £ls'X), which lias been sent forward to him by a London house. Tho poods are chiefly I lines which belong to a Manchester do-1 partment. His principals at Homo cabled that if he would return thorn to London ] they would pay all costs and allow him a

This would seem to indicate an increasing shortage in certain lines of goods at Home. Information concerning a meeting of shearers and bushnien, held in Auckland during tho holidays, at which a resolution } to support conscription was passed, was 1 given to a Star reporter. The meeting, which was representative of both parties, I passed tho resolution unanimously, and acquiesced with Sample's (tho Labour

was sent by Sandy, and the help duly arrived tho next morning. Christmas greetings were conveyed by the same medium, and thanks returned. It is probable that this was the most singular way of conveying tho season's greetings in any part of the dominion. Many portions of the Fiji Islands experienced very rough weather recently (reports tho Suva correspondent of the New Zealand Herald). At Taviuni the gale was oxtie-mely severe, and many coconut trees were blown down. On the islands of Cicia and Mango, in tho Lau Group, a cyclone lasting for two hours was experienced. Tho wind was very fierce while it lasted, coming in hurricane gusts from the north and northcast, and dying away in the west The banana plants were knocked down, and young nuts on the palms fell, but otherwise there was no damage to speak of, except to the breadfruit trees, the crops of which were destroyed. This will be a serious loss to the natives, as the breadfruit is ono of their principal foods in the season. Upon the publication of the cabled statement that the National Belgian Relief Fund Committee in Now South Wales had decided to discontinue tho transmission of funds, as it considered that the Germans seized tho food supplies that were sent to Belgium, the Government communicated with the High Commissioner in London, asking him for a direct statement of tho facts. In reply, Sir Thomas Mackenzie has cabled that any leakage of supplies sent for the Belgians into Germany was so small as to be practically negligible. Ho added: " I strongly represent to you that the urgency of subscriptions for tho relief of the Belgians is greater than formerly, owing to the increased cost of food, the increase being about 80 per cent. Were contributions to lessen now, the Belgian people would suffer heavily, and they would bo unable to hold out against German tyrani)3'." The war apparently is responsible for many changes (says the Auckland Star). A slim young lady, quiet spoken, and of prepossessing appearance, applied to the Land Board last week for the transfer to her of 317 acres of land at Piako. Tho owner of the land bad been killed at the war, and had particularly requested, prior to his death, that the land be transferred to the applicant. A question from the Commissioner of Crown Lands as to whether she realised tho nature of the task she proposed to undertake, brought the smiling reply that she did, and was already beginning to milk 60 cows, and though she was not exactly prepared to chop bush herself, she had the money to pay for the work, and was quite prepared and able to run the farm. Tho board expressed its appreciation of the young lady's pluck, and recommended the transfer subject to the necessary inquiries. In addressing the shareholders of the Bank of Australasia, at the annual meeting in London, the chairman, Mr F. Y. C. Livingstone-I/earmonth, D. 5.0., after dealing with the balance sheet, referred to tho war loans raised by Australia and New Zealand, and said: "I would ask yon to consider for a moment what our dominions beyond tho sea have done, and more particularly Australasia, for us during the war. Here arc two young self-governing colonies with a combined population of six millions. They have within tho last year voluntarily and for the purpose of carrying on and continuing this war alone raised, within their own borders, loans amounting to nearly £67,000.000, and if neccssrry they are prepared to do still more, in addition to the very large numbers of highly-trained and efficient fighters that they have put into the field."

At the sitting of the Military (Sorvico Board at Timaru on tho 30th ult. Maurice Conncll (Mr O'Brien), farm labourer, appealed. He stated ho was 46, and counsel handed in appellant's birth certificate. To the chairman: His birthday was on December 2, and he was drawn in November. Counsel submitted that appellant was not a soldier until his appeal was heard, and did not como within the Act. Tho chairman disagreed, and pointed out that, when a man on service became 46 he was not recalled. A man, he thought, was a reservist before tho ballot was taken, and from tho time when the enrolment cards wero signed and acknowledged. Counsel admitted that there was no section in the Act dealing with tho point he raised. The chairman said no mi-ienl . had boon lodged on the grounds of

his occupation or physical condition. Captain Pilkington contended that appellant was a i reservist from the passing of tho Act. To counsel, appellant said ho was a farm labourer all the year round. He would have been stocking oats that day if he had not I gone to court. He also had wheat harvesting to do. He suffered from varicose veins, lumbago, and rheumatism, but could work most of the time. Tho chairman said a neat point had been raised. Tho ballot had been taken and the Gazette issued, and on the diay the appellant was called up he was not 46, so he was not entitled to exemption on tho grounds of age. There bad been no case of hardship made out, and tho appeal would be disallowed. Messrs G. M. Thomson and C. W. Cham- j berlain, representing the Fish Hatcheries j Board, on the 3rd appointed Mr Wallace ] Adams to the position of curator of tho ' j Portobello marine fish hatcheries and bio- j logical stat'on, in succession to tho late Mr j I Thomas Anderton, who did so much for j ! tho institution during his lifetime. Mr ] ; Adams was formerly assistant to Mr Anderton, and has been connected with the station ! between seven and eight years. Mr Sidney j Broadley has been appointed assistant i curator. It is the intention of tho board to resume its research work, which was arrested for a time owing to Mr Anderton's illness. j The refloating of tho Antiope, which was \ stranded at Bluff in September, has recalled several previous cases of successful salvage at Bluff. In 1856 the barque William llydo lay ashore for two years beforo she could :bo salvaged. In 1364 the ship New Great i Britain was ashoro for several months, and in 1886 tho Government schooner Kckeno had a similar experience. Efforts to salvage : the Scotia, a steamer wrecked at Bluff in I 1864, on her maiden trip from Home, were ; I continued for over a year, but without sue- . j cess, as her decks buckled by the pressure j I exerted by the compressed air bags used in ; tho attempt. In 1874 an ex-slave trader, tho brig Carl, was successfully refloated by j i Messrs Nierhol Bros., but her sides caved in i when she was beached, and she became a total loss.

Members of the Military Meelical Board ! arc put at their wits' end at times to detect ; between tho schemer and the genuine recruit. One man who appeared before tho \ board in Masterton could see nothing. . Tho ! printing on the wall was just one blurr to I him. He could see only the vision of a real live man standing in the corner of the room, ! and could not name the colour of the clothes j worn by tho vision. "Your eyes are very I bad," remarked tho examining officer, "but j just come over here and go through a little : physical drill. Now, do as I do." With i this the officer wont through a few exercises, every now and then putting up one or two • fingers, with the recruit following with surj prising exactness. Tho exercis business placed the man off Irs guard, and the certificate passing him as medically fit had ; written across it in bold words, "Eyes clear."

Speaking at the send-off to the Hastings section of the Twenty -fourth Reinforcements, the Hon. Dr Jl'Nab made some interesting and pertinent remarks. They had come, ho said, to the point in this war that anyone who wanted to be in at the finish must be sure of getting into the next reinforcements. Germany had called up her last man, even those who had taken part in the war of 1870, and every man, woman, and child had been assigned a war station. This was the last round. England had changed her Government with the one solitary purpose of ending the war. Germany was trying for peace, but to consider peace now would mean that the present generation would hardly have passed when war would break out again, and all the blood spilt would have been spent in vain. There could be no peace until Germany was driven from the Allies' territory, and this was going to be done during the coming summer Referring to compulsion, he hoped that no distinction would be drawn between the volunteer and tho conscript when they both got into khaki. Every one was a soldier of the Empire and was entitled to equal respect. An Australian soldier, writing to his parents, says: "There is a big movement among the Anzao mounted division to erect a bronze equestrian memorial on the banks of the Suez Canal, where everyone who goes through '"an see it, to those of our comrades who have fallen out hero on the desert. Of course, as far as we have been

I able, wo have made our mates' graves wherever they fell, and where possible have placed crosses, with particulars on, and looked after them ns well us we could; but they arc scattered all over the country, poor chaps, and some of the men have been neither found nor identified. The graves that are made cannot last long after wo leave the desert, because the wind keops blowing the sand away, and the dirty Bedouin will come back and probably usethe crosses for firewood; so that we all think the idea of the movement the best in the world, and we are paying for it ourselves, and do not require help from the public, whom wo know would subscribe enough in a day if necessary. It will bo a lasting tribute to the 'boys,' and will be located where people from all parts of the world can see it. Wo are still eating dates and will be sorry when they arc finished; so will the horses—they like them better than we do."

A Press Association telegram states that the. effect of the war on the building trade in the Greater Auckland area is reflected in the number of building permits. Last year the permits issued totalled 1647 for buildings estimated to cost £255,937, showing a doe:*ase of 294 permits and £52.316 in cost when compared with the previous year.

A special troop train was run from InvoroargiU to Lyttelton on the 4th instant to convey back to camp those men whoso leave has expired. TJio train followed the ordinary express, leaving Invercargill at 6.30 a.m. Stops wero made at Gore, Clinton, Balclutha, and Milton, and Dunedin was reached just before 11.30 o'clock. The crowd on the station was large, mainly, of course, composed of the relatives and friends of those leaving by the train. A refreshment car was taken on, and from what could be seen the men looked likely to be well provided for. They bore a cheerful attitude, like brave fellows; but sadness was only too apparent on tho station platform.

Lieutenant-colonel John Findlay, 'who has been awarded the D. 5.0., was a very keen volunteer in Canterbury for many years, having at one time been closely associated with tho late Colonel Hayhurst, of Temuka. He did very good service in tho South African war, from which ho returned with tho rank of major. A farmer by occupation, he is a married man, about; 45 years of age, and went to South Canterbury from tho Taicri, where he had a big holding. On settling in South Canterbury as a farmer at Seadown, he joined the South . Canterbury Mounted Rifles, and then held the rank of lieutenant. On disposing of his property at Seadown, ho bought a fairly extensive holding from Mr John Studholme, at Coldstream. When the war broke out he immediately volunteered, left with tho Main Body, and has been in the firing-line ever since. His name has been mentioned more than once in despatches. Ihose who know him best declare him to be a born soldier, an ideal leader of men, and a man of very high character. The war has (Sir Henry Lucy writes in tho Sydney Morning Herald) had far-reach-ing influence upon tho British peerage. Viscount Clivo, eldest son of the Earl of Powis, •who had died of wounds received at tho front, is the 56th heir to a peerage who has been killed. The fact that so largo a proportion of men whoso heritage is the best of all things in this life have risked all to fight for their country reflects honour upon a class of whom hard things have often been said by others than Mr Chamberlain, it remains true, as he put it in an unforgettable sentence, that our old nobility toil not neither do they spin. But when liberty or the safety of tho, country is at stake they prove themselves 'worthy representatives of the barons who bearded King John at llunnrmead, or who fought at Crecy and Poictiers.

Mr M'Laughlin, who is in charge of thelocal Government Tourist Department, reports that the number of people who booked trips for the Christmas holidays was really wonderful—in fact, there wore more people travelling than ever, and tourists are still taking out tickets to the various holiday resorts. Milford Sound. Mount Cook, Queenstown, Stewart Island. Rotorua, and the other recognised holiday places have all been visited by tourists in greater or lesser numbers. It is pleasing to note that the Milford Sound trip has been particularly popular this year, and there are a great number on the track at the present time. Queenstown. as usual, has also been freely patronised, and a trip which is becoming increasingly popular is to Clyde, Pembroke (with its two glorious lakes), over the Crown Range, Queenstown, and home via the Kingston-Gore railway. A goodly number has been booked by Mr M'Laughlin to Stewart Island and other localities nearer to Dunedin. It is a matter for congratulation that the scenic beauties of the southern resorts .ire becoming increasingly popular, not alone with outside tourists, but also with those who live in tin. towns in Otago and Southland. Far fields are no doubt green fields, but it will be gratifying to the Otago Expansion League, and particularly to Mx A. Bathgate (its president) to know that our own people, as well as tourists from outside, are at last beginning to realise that in Otago there are some of the most beautifu! spots in the world. The steps which have been taken by the league to advertise the charms of the scenery in Otago are now bearing fruit, and that fact will without doubt encourago the league to redouble its. efforts to put Otago in the verv forefront of the dominion as a place which should be visited by anyone in search of a holiday which will cither stimulate or rest the mind by its glorious mountain

scenes or its quiet vales and vivid-coloured lakes. In days to come, for instance, no visitor to Quecnstown will consider ho has Seen the full beauties of this locality till ho has gone- in the steamer to Kinloch, journeyed up past the grand mountain Boenory to that haven of rest —the peaceful Eouteburn Valley—climbed the Lake Harris saddle, and looked down on the scenic gem, Lake Mackenzie, and the magnificent Hollyford Valley with its nobleriver flowing into the sea' at Martin's Bay. Opportunities for leaving New Zealand are to bo further restricted by the Government. In referring to the matter at Auckland, in reply to an inquiry, the Hon. A. M. Myer 3 (Minister of Customs and Munitions, and Acting Minister of Finance) said it was quite evident that it was incumbent on the Government very carefully to consider all future applications for permits to leave the oountry. This was especially so in view 6f tho possibility that it might bo necessary to organise tho whole of tho man and woman power of tho dominion, not only for military, but for industrial purposes. Hence persons of any age, military or otherwise, would find it very difficult to obtain permits to go away. Mr Myers added that it might also be observed in tho interests of those responsible for the upkeep of persons residing in the Old Country that emigration to England would have to bt restricted.

Measles are reported to bo fairly prevalent in Duncdin at present, several cases being under medical treatment. A great deal of trouble- will be saved tbe Military Servico Board when men who are called up learn that physical unfitness is not a ground of appeal to the Military Service Board, but purely a matter for the Medical Board to deal with. Every 4ay appellants come before the Military Servico Board pleading unfitness, but unless they can bring evidence of rejection by the Medical Board the Military Service Board haa no option but to dismiss the appeal or adjourn it to enable the appellants to bo medically examined. Not that the appellants aro always to blame, for they often complain that they cannot get the Medical Board when they want it. In this connection anyone who follows the proceedings of the Military Service Board must be struck with the waste of time and inconvenience caused through lack of coordination between the operations of the two boards. In the natural course one would expect that the Medical J iard would precedo tho Military Service Board in its Work, and thii3 give all intending appellants a chance to know how they stand physically. As it is, numbers of difficult oases occupy tho time and thought of tho Military Servico Board, when all tho time there is a likelihood that whatever its decision may bo, the matter may really be determined by tho dictum of the Medical Board. At Balclutha on Friday the Military Service Board adjourned six cases for medical examination. Another ground of com-

plaint is that even when the Medical Board Las dealt with a man who has been called up, the Military Service Board is sometimes left wondering what its decision has been, and of course tho appellant himself does not know.

Our Alexandra correspondent informs us that a resident of Galloway wishing to have a cold plunge on the 2nd filled his bath out of the tank. He discovered tho water remarkably hot, and on placing the thermometer in the tnnk found that it registered 95 degrees. There are many complaints about tho excessive heat.

Major John Studholmo, of Coldstream. who lias just been awarded tho D.S.O. for his services with tho New Zealand Expeditionary Force, is a son of tho late Mr John fitudholme, of Merivale, Christchurcb. lie is a New Zealandcr by birth, and was born in 1863. Educated at Christ's College, ho went from there to Oxford University, ■where he took his M.A. degree. He was at one timo lieutenant of tho Canterbury "Yeomanry Cavalry, and later major in command of tho Ashburton Mounted Rides Ho left with tho 6th Reinforcements, in command. Ho was through the Gallipoli campaign and took part in the evacuation. On Returning to Egypt ho was for some timo ta command of tho Zoitonn Camp, from ♦here being given tho appointment of Military Secretary of the New Zealand Expedi-

• tionary Forces. He went on from Egypt with General Sir A. Godley to Flanders where he has been ever since. Major Studholmo twice unsuccessfully contested the Ashburton seat for tho House of Representatives in the interests of the Eeform Party. Ho also took a keen interest in all local affairs, being a member of many local bodies. He •was always keenly interested in educational matters, for a time being a member of the Canterbury Education Board, and also of fhe Lincoln Agricultural College. Major Studholme was also the means of instituting a Chair of Domestic Economy at the Otago University, the first of its kind at any university in New Zealand. At Rotorua last week the Bishop of "Waiapu (Dr Sedgwick) unveiled a monument erected by Mr H. Tai Mitchell to the memory of his lato father, Mr Henry Walker Mitchell, who was for many years an official of tho Land Purchase Department. Tho monument, which stands just inside the gates leading to the Maori Church at Ohinemutu, is in the form of an obelisk, on a base of three square blcfks of concrete. It bears an inscription stating that Henry Walker Mitchell, who was born at Dollar, Scotland, in 1835, was for over 40 years a respected and trusted friend of tho Arawa tribe, a member of which ho married, and he became an officer of tho Land Purchase Department, settled at Ohinemutu, and in 1881, with Judge Fenton, tho Hon. W. Rollcston, and chiefs of the Ngatiwhakauo tribe, founded tho town of Rotorua, and that ho died on April 5, 1915. Addresses in English were given by tho Bishop and the Rev. F. A. Bennett, and in Maori by tho Hon. Dr Pomare and several local chiefs.

The total number of offences reported in Duncdin for tho past year was 1475, as against 1519 for 1915. Last vemr the number of offenders arrested for theft was 135, as against 189 for tho previous year.

A Press Association telegram from Wellington states that the Teachers' Conference unanimously resolved that the Minister of Education (tho Hon. J. A. Hanan) bo congratulated on* his fair stand in refusing a request for the subsidising of denominational schools.

A ballot which has been taken by the Auckland watersiders on tho question of tho cessation of work between 10 p.in and 7 a.m. resulted as follows (states a Press Association telegram):—Yes, 512; No, 59. The proposal to cease work bet wen the hours named was thus carried by 453 votes.

Last year 7C6 offenders (including 54 women) wore charged with drunkenness in tho Duncdin Police Court—an increase of 29 on the previous total. Since, however, antishouting legislation was introduced, in September last, thero has been a marked decrease in tho number of offenders arrested in Duncdin for drunkenness.

A special train was run through from Invercargill to Christehurch on Saturday to pick up the southern men whose leave of absenco from camp had expired. The train reached Duncdin at 11.30 a.m., and made a stoppage of half an hour, during which time a number of other men joined her. The railway station presented quite a stirring spectacle, crowds of friends and relatives, and members of the general public, assembling to witness tho departure of the train and give the men a hearty send-off. As the train left tho station loud and hearty cheers were exchanged between the occupants of tho carriages and the people on tho platform. The carriage platforms were crowded with men, and several went the length of clambering on to the roofs of tho carriages.

In a recent issue the Melbourne Ago stated that as soon as tbe holidays wero over the Federal Treasury officials would bo actively engaged in carrying out the final arrangements for tho raising of the new commonwealth war loan of £13.000,000. As

was the case with tho previous loan, a special appeal is to be made io employers throughout tho commonwealth to help their employees to invest in the loan through a system of extended payments, and letters dealing with thi3 aspect of tho matter will bo addressed to employers. Tho details of the arraTigeincnts in these cases will be much as they were during the last loan, when employees paid 2s 6d or 5a for each £lO of loan taken out. The issue is at par, the rate of interest is 4jj| por cent., and

subscription lists will close on February 8, the loan taking the form either of inscribed stock or of Treasury bonds at the option of the subscriber. Bonds and transfers of inscribed stock will bo froo of commonwealth and State stamp duty, and interest free of commonwealth and State income tax. In addition, investments in the loan are to be exempt from the operations of the wealth levy. Instalments instead of being payable in four amounts have been extended over a term of 10 months, payable at the rate of 10 per cent, per month, but people who wish to do so may pay in full immediately, receiving an extra 15s per cent, interest.

It was stated at the sitting of the Military Service Board at Wellington on Wednesday that the- exemption of policemen would be sought, on the ground that it would bo contrary to the publio interest to send them to the front. The military representative asked: "Is it tho intention to apply for the exemption of men who joined the force, say, only last year?" The Commissioner of Police replied that latterly the department had taken on practically no police at all. The last lot taken on was only six, and special care had been taken to ascertain that they were not liable for military service. As a matter of fact, they were not recruiting, so they had to make an effort to retain every man they had in the service.

There arc rumours in Christchurch that a rise in the price of coal is contemplated. It is stated that this will apply to both New. Zealand and Australian coal, and that Newcastle coal will bo increased by 5s a ton, on account of increased wages and other expenses. Inquiries made from coal merchants show that an increase has been under consideration, but has not been definitely decided upon, nor has the additional price been fixed. A rise is believed to be certain, but. the merchants, apparently, are waiting until they ascertain the result of a conference of miners in Wellington and fresh demands by waterside workers, which may affect the cost of handling coal.

On the occasion of the recent visit of tho Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald to Gisborno ho was addressed on several important matters, including tho necessity of the Government taking action to make the Germans interned on Somes and Motuihi Islands do something towards maintaining themselves whilst in custody. Tho main speaker was Mr Birrell, who remarked that the German prisoners in New Zealand were being fed up, he presumed, like fighting cocks, and took some men to look after them. Could nothing bo done to utilise tin's labour? Aliens had offered to enlist. Could nothingbo clone to utilise their services also? The Germans wero using our prisoners, and why not do the same here? Tho meeting, ho went on to say, was not for the purpose of considering tho interests of individuals, bur tho interests of the whole country, and he believed the people of leisure should give some share of their time for the benefit of their country. Tho Minister said that this was a matter that would be dealt with directly after the holidays. The Government had realised for some time that it was an absolute waste. Men were being kept on Somes and Motuihi Islands, and many of the prisoners wore married men. and tho Government had to maintain their wives and families as well. Some scheme would have to be evolved to utilise this labour under the constitution:'.! law of the country, and that would be clone. The prisoners themselves were prepared to go to work. Touching on tho treatment of prisoners, tho Minister said that we woro not lighting- to do what Germany had done. If we were (o carry out the same systems, tho same kind of treatment of prisoners, there would bo no reason for tho war. " We are treating these prisoners as human beings should be treated," he added. These men, if utilised, would bo paid wages as prisoner of war. The enlistment of aliens, he explained, was a very difficult question that was also receiving consideration. Thermal action at Walmangu a few days ago was more than usually active, and culminated in an eruption on (ho flat leading to Gibraltar Hock in the afternoon, creating a mud volcano of 30yds by 60yds. Tho boiling mud and water were thrown to a height of bctwoen 350 ft and 4Coft, and during tho 20 minutes or so that the outburst lasted tho sight was an awe-inspiring one.