CURRENT TOPICS.

Southland Times, Issue 17010, 6 April 1912, Page 5

CURRENT TOPICS.

AUSTRALIA'S POPULATION. A census bulletin lias boon issued by the Commonwealth Statistician (Mr G. H. Knibbs), in which the population of Australia is classified according to birthplace. Of the total population of 4,455,005 recorded by the census of 3rd April last, 1,181,787 persons were born in Victoria, 1,315,032 in New South Wales, 415,004 in Queensland, 395,478 in South Australia, 1 14,550 in Western Australia, 193,770 in Tasmania, 31,868 in New Zealand, 51,991 in undefined portions of Australia, 572,729 in Great Britain and Ireland', 91,842 in continental Europe, 36,442 In Asia, 4958 in Africa, 11,278 in Ameri'cii. and 3410 in Polynesia. The number of persons born in Australasia showed an increase of 705.449 (of which Victoria claimed 181,957) as compared with the 1901 census. The only other Increase was that of African born Australians, who were 2089 in excess of the census of ten years before. British born Australians showed a decrease of 86,430, and others of European origin a decrease of 2731. Persons resident in the Commonwealth who were born in Asia number 10,572 fewer than in 1901, while there were 0953 fewer Polynesian bom inhabitants, and 1229 fewer of American birth. The total population of Melbourne and suburbs was 588,9*1, of whom 428,871 were Victorian born, 57,686 were born in other Australian States or New Zealand, 90,051 were born in Europe, 3436 in Asia, 1022 In Africa, 1751 in America, and 164 in Polynesia. In Victoria, outside Melbourne and suburbs, there were 726,580 persons, of whom 581,348 were born in Hip State, 51,107 in the rest of Australia or New Zealand, 82,731 in Europe, 3240 in-Asia, 476 in Africa, 1232 in America, and 115 in Polynesia. ’ SIMPLIFIED (?) SPELLING. Mr William Archer lias given a clear and complete explanation of the aims and objects of the Simplified Speling Soeslety. Mr Archer never does things by halves. He is convinced that spelling refojfcn is necessary ; and lie is. therefore, in the most uncomprising way g, nyu speler. In a recent article on the subject he explained that in the imeedlat fyuetyur, the soeslety ha2 tu main objects—(l) Tu organlez edyucashonal opinion in faivor ov reform ; (2) tu enlieten the public miend on the subject and accustom the public ie tu a form ov speling which at least acheevz simpllsity, ceven if it duz not acheev it in the best conseevabl wal. If, when the public miend iz sufishently edyucaited, a mor radical reform Iz dezierd, this speling wll male wai for its sucsesor without cny trubl.. That, therefore, is what ho calls “ aul rlet." Mr Archer realises, though, that wo may hesitate to tune our type writers to this new system. People will ask, he- admits, “Whi inflict upon us, at this tlem of dai, tho anolans ov a nyu ana uncuuth speling ?” To begin with, he answers, It would save " edyucaishon tiem.” On this point aul authoritz ar agreed. Sum plais the waist ov tlem. at mor than a yeer, no wun estlrhalts It as much les. And tiem meenz lief ; and this waist ov lief Iz going on, yeer out, yeer in, from jeneraishon tu jeneralshon, whairever the English, langwaij iz spoecen. From every point ov vyu, In-fact, as he poln'ttib Vlhe. absurditiz ov the curent speling Involv very seorius detriment tu the mental eflshenay ov our rais. The obvious difficulties, too. that suggest themselves may easily be brushed aside. Mr Archer goes on : The speling I am yuezlng inevitably givz a shoe tu the unacustomed ie : but tu a jeneraishon: acustomed tu It from yueth upwerdz it wil give no shoe, and it will pozes the oenly byuety ov which speling Iz calpabl—nalmly, the byeuty ov fitness for its purpos. Aul ov which convlnsiz us that wee hav. for yeers paast, trected the lalt Artemus Ward with les considoralshon than heo desert’d. LIQUOR IN PRANCE. The French Chamber has Just inflicted a serious rebuff bn tbe reformers who have for some years been endeavouring to lessen tlie facilities for drunkenness, which are among the greatest social dangers of France. Since 1881 It has been possible to open a place for the retail sale of intoxicants after going through the mere formality of making a declaration ; in 1879 the number of such places was 354.000 ; in 1889 it had risen to 410,000 : in 1909 to 480,Q00, or nearly one in eighty of the population, or one to every thirty adult males. Indeed, in certain districts of the department of the Not’d —mining districts, presumably the proportion Is one to every fifteen adult males. A bill for their limitation has been passed by the Senate. It provides that In places with a population of 600 or less the number of houses where drink is sold shall not exceed three, and one more is allowed for every further 200 inhabitants. But this only applies to new establishments ; no existing public house Is to be suppressed under the bill. The outcome of " alcoholism" In France was forcibly illustrated by M. Augagneur, formerly Governor-General of Madagascar. The consumption ,of alcohol per head of population has more than doubled since 1830. In 1860 theie were 135 murders ; in 1911, 350. Tho number of lunatics in 1835 was 11.000 ; in 1911 it was 75,000. In the SeineInferloure the number of conscripts unfit for service Is 30 per cent ; in the Orne an agricultural region mainly ■ 55 per cent. And it may be added that in the decline of population in certain rural districts notably in parts of Normandy drink is a potent factor. BDQDICAL DISCOVERY. An amazing announcement is made by an American lady, Mary E. Walker, M.D. She has discovered a method of reviving those who suddenly suffer from heart failure, and is so certain of the enormous effect it will have in saving life that she is reported to have said: “If the Nobel prize should be accorded me, I would immediately creci a Nobel sanatorium on my estate at Oswego, N.Y., so that the. 40.000 Swedes, in the city of New York could be treated and cured by myself, when treatment for lung troubles should bo needed." The following is an account of the discovery; "Many who have died from lung troubles, and had passed the expectorating period, could have recovered but for the spasmodic coughing, when there was nothing more to raise, and the heart in an angry mood, so to speak, had rushed the blood out so rapidly, and in such quantities, that the heart failed, because tho blood had all passed without giving time for replenishing. When, the heart takes on tho mood just stated it is like all moods in this regard it will spend its forte in a little time if placed under restraint. What to do. —Take the extended left hand and place just below the heart, with the fingers pointing to the centre of the chest, and place the right hand over the left, with the fingers touching the wrist of the left hand, and hake a hard pressure, and continue the same until the heart has assumed normal action. The ribs will prevent a pressure sufficient to stop the circulation, hut will be sufficient to control the same.”

The Manager of the Corporation quarry reported to the Town Council on Thursday that lie had received a circular from the Inspector of Quarries on the question of efficient storage of explosives at the stone quarries. As the present magazine in use at the Greenhllls was not up to the regulations he recommended that a new one be made at an approximate cost of Xu. —The report was referred to the Works Committee.

Mr W, B. Scandrett intends to lose no time in prosecuting his candidature for the Mayoralty after the Kaster holidays, and in this issue announces that he will address the electors in the Victoria Hall on Wednesday evening.

A Wellington telegram states that St. Paul's pro-Catheclrul was broken into on Thursday night and some collection boxes were rilled. How much money was taken can only be conjectured.

A Melbourne cable stales that an Australian manufacturers week will be held all over the Commonwealth during the first week in October.

At Thursday's Town Council meeting the Waterworks Engineer report that during March the amount of water pumped from the well was 2,4117,095 gallons, and from the Gin. bore 1,190,5X10 gallons had been pumped, making a total of 11,618,195 gallons, or an average dally consumption of 258,142.5 gallons.

During his recent visit to Wellington Mr G. J. Anderson, M.P., was able to arrange with the railway authorities to stop the early morning express at Edendalo from May 1. After that date a passenger carriage will be attached to the early goods train from Invercargill to Edendale. where the express will pick up the passengers. This will enable settlers Throughout eastern Southland to benefit by the fast express.

According to returns published in last week's "Gazette,” Canterbury and Otago are the only districts in the dominion in which there are more spinsters than bachelors, the numbers being 2299 Knd 2705 respectively, which is equal to an excess of over 11 per cent, in Canterbury and over 169 per cent, in Otago. In the Auckland district there Is an opposite state of affairs, there being 7263 more bachelors than spinsters, which means that the excess Is equal to 25 per cent. Bachelors are defined as those twenty years of age and upwards, and spinsters those fifteen years and upwards.

The exceptionally fine weather of the last few days has induced hundreds of people to travel and the traffic at the Invercargill station, both by incoming and outgoing trains has been very large. The expresses, especially, have been full trains. The railway staff has, as usual, handled the traffic efficiently and there is no mishap to record. Yesterday the ever-popular sea resorts on the Bluff line were the drawing attractions and some 800 people hooked for Bluff and Ocean Beach. In consequence of (he holiday rush there will be no admission to the railway station either to-day or on Monday except by ticket —a precaution that is advisable in the interest alike of the public and of the staff handling the train?-.

Thursday was a busy tramway day. Easter shopping caused a steady traffic all day, and in the evening, with the shops open late and the gathering of citizens to welcome the member for the town in his capacity as a Minister of the Crown, the streets were thronged and their appearance was brilliant and animated. The trams carried large loads all the evening and the receipts were large, as will ho seen from the figures in another column. Yesterday, again, tram business was exceedingly brisk all day and last night it was anticipated that the takings would approximate to £6O. As the tramway receipts for each day are not counted until the morning of the following day the exact figures were not available last night.

Probably the champion crop of Dun oats In this district has been threshed by Messrs Ralton Bros., at Heddon Bush. The crop of about 40 acres has put up a record of 110 bushels to' the acre, and is In grand order. This is not the only crop worthy of more than passing mention, as splendid crops, although not so far threshed, are to be seen on all sides. Messrs John Cowle and Sons also threshed a fine crop of about 15 acres of Dun oats which returned over 100 bushels to the acre. Winter feed In the Heddon Bush and Turl districts is assured as the turnip crops are at least up to the average of the past six or seven seasons. The South Hillend dairy factory Is still receiving a large supply of milk, in fact much larger than for the corresponding period of last year, owing to some of the suppliers having paid more attention to the profitableness of their herd. The matter of culling the dairy herds has been an Important question with our local dairy farmers, and It is likely that matters In the dairying industry will be carried on on even more methodical lines during the Incoming season.

The Y.M.C.A. Field Service Department was greatly valued by belli officers and men at the Bth Regiment Territorial camp at Gore. The officer commanding, L tout.-Col. Boyne, in a letter to the general secretary of the local Association, expresses his great appreciation of the services rendered and the elevating Influence of the Department. He also speaks highly of the able and courteous manner In which Mr Cox, who had charge of the Institute, carried out his duties. As tangible proof of his appreciation of the Y.M.C.A.'s provision for the men under canvas, Colonel Boyne enclosed a donation towards the expenses incurred in connection with the institute.

For the opening day of the Easter holidays the weather was perfection. Yesterday was a day of beautiful sunshine and the atmosphere was delightfully fresh. The day was spent quietly, but most folk were out of doors. All outdoor pastimes were enjoyed under ideal conditions, and of course all who had gone to the popular holiday resorts, Bluff, Ocean Beach and Riverton beach near at hand, and Stewart Island and Queenstown further afield, counted themselves among the most fortunate. As regards weather Easter this yaar lias repeated last Easter's experience, and in consequence there is a strong fooling among the bowling fraternity that the Easter tournament should be re-instituted. Local bowlers felt yesterday that a great opportunity was being lost, and certainly there never was a day more suitable than yesterday for the game. More than one citizen remarked yesterday that if any of the tram lines had had an attractive resort at the end of it the Council would have reaped a harvest. Had the Waihopai Bush been Improved and thrown open crowds would have visited it, and had there been an ocean line there would have been thousands of people on the Riverton beach. These things will come in time. The beach line is remote, but no time should be lost in beginning ihe work of beautifying the Waihopai Bush. Thus the Lyttelton Times; —The tribute that was paid to Sir Joseph Ward on Wednesday by the officers of the Stale Guaranteed Advances Department was a lilting recognition of the fact that this groat branch of the public service practically owes its existence to his genius. The original advances to settlers scheme was given form by Sir Joseph's efforts and when it had been placed on the statute book in the face of the almost tearful protests of our Opposition friends, he went to London and put the venture on a financial footing by raising the first loan at a time when tbe British investor was much more suspicions than he is now of "socialistic'' enterprises. A timid politician would have quailed under the predictions of loss and disaster (hat were showered upon him in those days, but Sir Joseph was undaunted and the cheap money that he brought to Xew Zealand laid the foundations of prosperity for many thousands of our farmers. Only those people who remember when Interest at the rate of lent or fifteen per cent., with high procuration fees, was charged' on-short loans can realise what cheap money has meant to the dominion. • Since Its Inception

the scheme has been ■ enlarged to benefit almost every section of the community, and the retiring, I’rlme Minister, whose controlling Inlluence lias heen felt till the- lime, wus able to say on Wednesday that.some £1.1,000,000 had been lent by the State and that the losses incurred by the Department on its advances had amounted to something loss than £tioo. The record Is an absolutely amazing testimony to the soundno o; of the principles thru have been applied in connection with the State loans. Whatever may he the politicaj fate of Sir Joseph Ward in tlio future, the State Guaranteed Advances Department will remain a mighty monument to his progressive intiUncis and contruclive ability-

The Dominion literary and musical competitions to be held In Christchurch, commencing: on' May' Hth, will be the largest and most attractive competitions yet hold in New Zealand. The Committee have arranged a liberal prize-list, and entries are being received from all parts of the Dominion. The Society has been fortunate in securing the services of efficient adjudicators, Mr J. M. Clark (of Wellington) and Prof. Ives (of Melbourne) being -the judges of elocution and music respectively. Arrangements have been made for competitors to travel at excursion rates from any part of the Dominion, the same privilege being' granted to parents or guardians travelling with competitors under the age of twelve years. Entries must bo forwarded to the secretary on or before April lath.

Somewhat of a surprise has been sprung upon the Lyttelton Harbour Board by the Sydney Harbour Trust in connection with the purchase of the dredge Manchester, which has been delivered to the Trust. The Sydney authority has informed the Lyttelton Board that it omitted to mention pre-’ viously that the arrangements arrived at in a conference with the Lyttelton engineer. Mr Cyrus Williams, provided for tlie payment of the purchase money in Sydney and not in Lyttelton or Christchurch. On Wednesday, when the Lyttelton Board was informed of the belated condition, the members were very surprised, especially as the amount of exchange involved is about £SO. Mr Cyrus Williams stated definitely that he had not mentioned the place at which the purchase money was to bo paid. The original conditions proposed by the Sydney Trust were road by the Board and it was found tli at there was no suggestion that the money should be paid in Sydney. It was decided to adhere to the principle that in the absence of special arrangement the place of delivery was the place at which the purchase money should be paid, and Lyttelton was the place where the Sydney Trust's officers took over the dredge.

Writing in the "Maoriland Worker” Mr Robertson, M.P., says;—We supported the Liberal Party as against the Massey party on condition that a new Government was formed. There could only be one reason which would justify us in keeping Die Liberal party on the Government benches —viz., that we would get better legislation from them than from the others, and use our position to assist the growth of the Labour forces in politics generally. To get this better legislation it is first proposed that a new executive be formed and, secondly, that when formed It bo of such a nature that we could legitimately ally ourselves as a distinct party with it for certain purposes. It was necessary, therefore, as a consequence of our vote on the no-confidence motion that we attend this conference and make our desires known in regard to the new Executive. Had we not done so matters would have taken a turn that would have made our previous vote worse than useless.

The custom of observing "April Fool's Day” leads thoughtless individuals to fall into various kinds of errors of judgment, but ono of the most objectionable forms of joking Indulged in on that day is the leaving of a message on a person’s desk, asking him or her to ring up such and such a number, the number given being that of Sunnyslde Mental Hospital. This alleged joke v.-as perpetrated in Christchurch on so many persons on Monday morning (says the Press) that by 10 o'clock the Mental Hospital authorities were compelled to request Hie Telephone Exchange officials not to connect anyone with tire institution until after 1 p.m. Quite apart from the inconvenience caused to the Mental Hospital employees by the serious waste of time involved in answering the telephone every few nlihut.es to no purpose, a little thought would surely show the would-be clever persons that none but the unfeeling could find anything to be amused at in the afflictions of those poor unfortunates whose maladies necessitate treatment at a mental hospital. For it is evident that the idea that these afflictions are amusing, is the basis of this misguided form of humour. On the Exhibtion fancy counter fashion has poured her cornucopia of novelties. The spot is as attractive to ladles as a flower garden is to hoes on a sunny day. Floral bows, all the colours of the garden, at 2s 3d. Mounds of novelties In collars and ties from Is upwards The most recent things in coloured hose at 3s lid. New shapes in bags for travelling and shopping with shoulder cords. 3s lid to 12s 6d. Hew motor veils, 3s lid. One thing of interest to Men Just now is the great range and great values in Overcoats at UNDRILL’S, opp. Postoffice. SYNOPSIS* NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. On Pago 1— ■Wanted, young man. ■Wanted, person to care for baby. Tenders received for supply of varnish. On Page 7 Dominion Competitions. May 14 to 24. Borough of Invercargill re election of mayor. O Metcalfe teaches elocution. Fullers’ Pictures, 2 and S p.m. Hayward’s Pictures, 2 and S p.m. Tom Burrows, Municipal Theatre, todallr Scandrett address to electors next Wednesday. Education Institute meeting postponCd. . Riverton Racing Club’s meeting Bth and 9th inst. °X. Z. Railways Easter Holiday ExCU i r nvercargill Starr Bowkett Society P O'Neill’s superior quality drinks at moderate prices. On Pago 12— , Wyndham mid - monthly stock sale, April 11th.