The Rangitikei Advocate TWO EDITIONS DAILY. THURDAY, JANUARY 31,1918. FREEDOM OF THE SEAS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11449, 31 January 1918, Page 4

The Rangitikei Advocate TWO EDITIONS DAILY. THURDAY, JANUARY 31,1918. FREEDOM OF THE SEAS.

THE phrase, “The freedom of the seas, ’ ’ which -has beeu in enemy months for a long time, has at last received from Count von Hertling, the German Chancellor, a definite interpretation. For a long time it has floated about, inchoate and formless. Nobody knew what it meant except that in a general way it was to impose some restrictions upon Britain’s sea power. In his speech to the von Hertling, however, gives ns some indication as to the interpretation German Juukerdom gives it. He said that it was of the 1 ‘highest importance thst England should abandon Gibraltar, Malta, Aden, Hongkong, the Falklands and other strong points Jof advantage.”. The “other strong points” not particularly named, which Britain might be asked to abandon for German satisfaction, would probably include Egypt and our Indian possessions, and any posts of ours on the Persian Gulf. The posts named, however, have a peculiar significance for Germany, Their possession by Britain has been extremely inconvenient for the Germans during the war. It was due to the possession of the Falklands as a naval “base that Admiral von Spee’s squadron was sunk in its hurried and frenzied flight after its dread discovery of the avenging, fleet. Gibraltar imposes an absolute barrier to the entry of any Gorman craft throught the narrow rift into the Mediterranean except what can sneak pastunder water. Aden bars the water pith into tjhc Red Sea. Malta

fuTiiishes an iudispensiblo base from which the Mediterranean may be swept of Hun shipping, and Hongkong gives sate harbourage and a passage way out tor the ships whose duty if is to keep watch and ward upon the Northern Pacific. What Hun, whether “All , Highest,” bumptious “von,” or the more cannon fodder “Herr,” but what would object to our occupation of the splendid positions named. They have been very much inconvenienced thereby.

Possibly on the very strictest interpretation of international rights we have no valid claim to the positions which have given the Germans so much annoyance in their efforts to see the world. If any nation can claim to build a mighty fortress, which, in the eyes of the alien, frowns in lla ughty insolence upon a narrow water way used by all nations on the jdea of territorial continuity Gibraltar belongs to Spain, Aden to Turkey, Hongkong to China, to Malta Italy Ims the title which juxtaposition is supposed to confer, and on the same basis of nearness the Falklands should belong to Chili 'or the Argentine. But under international morality, which is altogether a ’ different matter, the right of the occupying Power is indefeasible until that Power is ejected by some stronger Power, when the title reverts to the latter. International morality is., in fact, the morality of Bill Sykes and international law, while stuffed with pious and humane platitudes is actually the law of the jungle, which is “red of tooth and claw.” The Kaiser, himself, told Mr Gerard, the American Ambassador to Berlin, that there was no such thing as international law in existence. Consequently restitution on that plea is out of the question.

It is not the fault of the British Empire that the world has forgotteu what the German Hag looks like. The intractability of the German wild boast 'itself has necessitated its caging. And Great Britain docs not occupy all these vantage points in the world, like the German robber Barons on the Rhine, in the old days, for. the purpose of levying piratical tolls upon travellers. Although the Empire flag flies proudly over the impregnable Gibraltar fortress, we make no charge for navigating the narrow waters at its foot, but on the principle that territorial waters extend three miles from the shore the Strait belongs ot us or is, perhaps, divisable between ourselves and Spain. And all ships are free to come’and go on all the seas at will. There can ho no question, therefore, of giving up a single station until that happy clay of the establishment of the international Millennium, the day of universal repautanco of territorial greed and of universal restitution which pacifists see dawning all around] the ‘horizon. They are not worth much from an economic point of view, but recent events have given cause for gratitude to those men of expansive views—those Empire builders, who, with a prescience truly Imperial and prophetic, seized those points which have enabled us in these latter days to forbid the use of tho seas to the ghoulish enemies of the human race.

It has not yet been decided if the Defence Expenditure Commission will he open to the Press.

The Defence authorities have decided that only unmarried men will go into camp during February and March. No married men of the Second Division will enter camp before April. The sheep dog trials which were a new [feature at Woodville Show, elicited 2-1 entries and were watched with the keenest interest C S. Hay was successful in getting first place with Tommy Atkins, J. Corrigan’s Marvel being placed second, O. S. Hay’s William Wallace third, and K. McDonald’s Joffre fourth.

Several licensing cases were heard at tine Pahiatna Court yesterday, viz,, Khapjmann, hotelkeeper at Mangatainoka, and four residents of that district, for after hours broaches; and Robert Burns and Tom Digger for-an,offence, respecting liquor in theno-liceuse area of Pouoroi. Fines ranged from 20s to 10s.

Asa result of representations to the British Minister for Munitions by Mr Myers, 407 tons of sheet iron, consisting of 473 tons of corrugated and 150 tons explain, will be released for use in New Zealand. It is due to arrive shortly. * The iron will be proportionately taken into store at tire four chief centres, and distributed for essential purposes. The price is fixed at £7O per ton.

The Hon. G. W, Russell stated that the Board of Science and Art that the Imperial Government would not at present he allowing war trophies to be sent to the Dominion. After the war an allotment would he made.' The position in New Zealand was complicated through Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin being disposed to challenge right of Government to concentrate war trophies in the National collection at Wellington. The Dominion Museum was situated in the capital city, which must have priority where there was only one specimen. Ihreegood meals a day, agreeably varied, are needed by all busy folk. Nowadays the cost is increased hut can be kept at rock-bottom by dealing for groceries exclusively with Hodder and Tolley. Spot cash over the counter, no booking, no canvasing, no delivery,—so their prices are lower !*

At tlio Horowheuua Show yesterday, Mrs T. Cameron, Bulls, won the ladies’ bracelet for driving com petition.

At the Woodville Show yesterday the Jiorse-leaping, hunting style, was won by ,1. J. Bryce’s Twilight with H. Hassall’s 'Micky Free second.

Sir Joseph Ward stated yesterday that the way is now clear in regard to the publication of the times of closing of the outward overseas mails although the names of Vessels will not be announced. The alteration will bo inaugurated very shortly, but he was unable to say whether a corresponding change would be made in regard to incoming mails. The triennial Licensing Committee elections are to be held this year throughout Now Zealand on Tuesday, March 12. The voters’ register will be the same as that for Parliamentary elections, and the electoral rolls are now in course of preparation. The day is to be observed as a half-holiday from noon onwards, and all hotel’bars will bo closed. The High Commissioner hss telegraphed in regard to bomp that the War Department understands that there are French ships, running from Australia to France and suggests that hemp should he shipped to Australia in local steamers for re-shipment by that route. They state that "in View of the inward tonnage situation, it is considered most undesirable for such hemp to life brought to the United Kingdom for re-shipment. A deputation which had travelled a long w«y, waited upon the Wanganui Education Board last night, and asked that a sciiool should be established at Smith’s Mill, on the Rne(ihi branch railway line. It was stated tha r the nearest school, at Uinunmi’ , was too far away for the children, who in the winter monthw ould have to travel in the dark. On the motion of the chairman, Mr Fred Pirani, if wasjdecided to establish a side school at Smitn’s

Mill, and the deputation expressed pleasure at the decision.

For the Eeilding A. and P. Show, which takes place on Tuesday and "Wednesday next, excellent outvies have been received, and the stock which will be competing is of very high cl-ss. King events, which are always such a great attraction, include a sheep dog trial on both days, and the very bgat dogs in the Dominion ‘will compete: some of these animals do cvervthing but talk. The usual tside lines of A. and P. Shows will be in evidence, and visitors can look forward to an enjoyable day’s outing.

The illustrations in this week’s issue of the Sporting and Dramatic Review are of a variety and merit to command widespread attention. Half-page photorgaphs got the Wellington Cup and New Zealand Trotting Cup victors, and snapshots of principal events at both gatherings are striking features, while the Takapuna Jockey Club’s meeting is represented in masterly fashion. Tropical series illustrating Swar incidents adds to the general interest of the production.

The enormous size to which freshwater cols grow in certain waters is indicated by a specimen caught recently on a hook in Lake Omapere, near Kaikohe. It measured 3ft tiin in length, and weighed and is said to leave been the largest specimen known to have been caught in the lake during recent years. Unavailing efforts have been made to stock the lake with trout, and it is believed (says the New Zealand Herald) the fruitless results are duo to monster eels preying on the young trout.

An in foresting experiment in th use of coal gas as a substitute for petrol in tbeT propulsion of motor vehicles is being carried out by an Auckland resident, who has fitted a touring car with a steel cylinder holding 150 cubic feet of compressed gas. Tins charge, says the' Herald, is stated to leave carried the car over a distance of ten miles, at a cost of about one penny a mile. Cars ire being run in England on gas carried in a bulky’balloon-like envelope, hut. as in the case of this experiment, the principal disadvantage lies in the restricted radius over which the car can he operated.

It was not until 11 a.m. yesterday that the ferry steamer Maori put in an appearance at Lyttelton. The delay was due to the vessel having cast a blade of the centre proneller when just oustide Wellington Hoads. The passengers say they felt a shock, and immediately the engines raced. There was no excitement, and the vessel proceeded on her course to Lyttletou at reduced speed. The trip occupied about fifteeu hours. The propeller could not be repaired to-dny, the dry dock being occupied, and the Maori left for Wellington last night, with only the starboard and port propellers-in use. She will probably be docked at Lyttelton on Thursday.

The motor cycle races were watched with great interest st the Woodviille Show yesterday. In the -five mile race,four riders competed. S. Whitehead (20sec), riding a 7 Indian, came first, A. Boag (oosec) on a Norton cycle ran second, and R.- Jones- (ffifecc) -on an. AL A, G. took third place. Time, Gmin. 54sec. (Winner’s time, smiu 40sec.) The 10 mile race also brought four starters, and was won by Whitehead (-10), with Boag (140) second, and A. Anderson (SOOsec) third. Time llmin 347 sec. Rider’s time, llmin 17 sec. Whitehead thus carried off the £5 prize donated by Mr G. Hunter for the 5 mile and the £8 donated by Mr W. H. Gaisford for the long run, together with the challenge rose howl presented by Mr B. C. Gaieford.

The public has formed itself into a co-operative society of buyers and money-savers. They have unanimously selected Lloyd’s, Ltd., of Marton, as their shopping headquarters. At the end of each month they sit down and compare other’s prices with theirs; then they figure out the savings they have effected by trading at Lloyd’s. Admission to the Society is free. Your membership starts with the first purchase you make across the counters or through the mail. Line up with the throngs of members who save money there daily and finally read their advertisement on page L*

If you have home-separated cream for which you desire a ready and all-tho-yeir-round market, we are at your service. Wo specialise in home-sepirated cream and 'give the highest market price. Maoiiland Dairy and'Produce Co., Ltd., F.O. Box 185, Wanganui.*

News has heeu received in Wellington that Mr Ernest Bohon, of the editorial staff of the Melbourne Herald, a former New Zealand journalist, who has been ill for some months, is no better, < Hisc oudition is reported to'be'.very~grave. Speaking Tat t the Levin Show vesterdav>■ the Hon. W. D. S. Mac Dor.aid that the next Government loan would be raised in a couple of months’ time. The war had cost New Zeaslud £(>7,000,000, and that money had gone not into reproductive channels, but to destroy what had token the labours of centuries to develop.

At the Auckland ‘ Police Court yestrdeay, James Whyte was committed for trial on '. a charge of bigamv. The ‘evidence showed that the accused was first married at Toko nine years ago, and that his wife was now living in Auckland. For nearly two years the accused kept company with a domestic, who believed lie was single, and who bore a child to him, and they were married at a registry office in November last. “His legal wife suing tor a divorce, and the accused had promised to legalise the second marriage when lie could do so. Whyte pleaded iguilty to the charge of bigamy, and was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence.