CURRENT TOPICS

Southland Times, Issue 17654, 11 February 1916, Page 4

CURRENT TOPICS

WAR AND ECONOMICS. In the course of a lecture upon “The Effects of the War Before and After Peace, with Special Reference to Finance,” Professor S. .1. Chapman, who bolds the Chair of Political Economy at Manchester University, said it was generally supposed when the shock of war came that certain parts of the economic system would break down, and that the whole thing would be thrown into a state of coma for some time. The Government prepared itself for a period of great distress and unemployment. And very prudently so. Experience, however, showed that this was an entirely wrong view, and what had happened in the last eighteen months should prepare us to face in the most cheerful frame of mind what was to come when the war ceased. Instead of widespread unemployment following the commencement of hostilities, the country was soon experiencing a shortage of labour. So far from breaking down, the economic system had bc_ come increasingly strong ai \ responsive.

Its Increased complexity had not produced greater delicacy, but had brought about greater responsiveness and greater elasticity. With the help of the Government the business system of the country was functioning normally, although a complete revolution hud taken place in it; people went on producing, but producing a different kind of article. Hearing that In mind, he thought we could look forward to the resumption of peace with more than equanimity, and with confidence that the country was not going to pass through a very bad time. Within two or throe years of peace we should have got into our old stride again. The danger was in rapidity of change. That there would be an anxious time he fully admitted. In the labour world the question of wages would have to he re-set-tled. All the debts being brought out of “cold storage" would also cause some difficulty. But lie did not think we need look forward to more than two or three months of difficulty. Things would -bo all right on the side of demand. For at least twelve months the world had had to wait for things which it thought were absolutely essential to Its existence. All this accumulation of demand would bo there to fill the place of the war demand then removed. AMERICA AND THE BLOCKADE. One of America’s present grievances is that without declaring a blockade of Germany wo have instituted a “sort of blockade,” says United Now the Declaration of Paris of ISSG (to which, by the way, America refused to be a party), declared that "blockades in order to be obligatory must be effective.” This was always the Law of Nations. Because the "sort of blockade" 'Which was instituted by the British Order in Council of March 11, 1915. is not, in the opinion of America, “effective ’ in the Baltic, the American Note states that it “cannot be recognised as a legal blockade by the L T nited States." Assuming for a moment that the American Government is technically correct, we are entitled to remind Washington that the blockade of the Southern States declared by the American Government in 1562 was notoriously ineffective, as America then had practically no fleet to enforce it. ’This was well emphasised by The Times on November 8 last, in the following passage: "Our searches of American ships have, it seems, a deterrent effect upon American trade. Did not we suffer grievously from kindred injuries in the civil war Do Americans forget how they practically wiped out the whole trade of Lancashire and plunged its population into dire distress? Did we complain? No; their sufferings were acute, but the sympathies of the w'hole English democracy remained true to the North.” It is well to remind ourselves of these facts now. When England and America were at war in 1912, American ships sank all captured British ships, a wanton infringement of tho- accepted Law of Nation's, which demands condemnation in a Prize-Court before ships or cargoes can be forfeited. Any irregularities that our ships may have committed in this war are as nothing compared with those in the record of America as a belligerent. As a matter of fact, our “sort of blockade” is justified, as the Order In Council itself admits, on “an unquestionable right of retaliation.” It infringes no principle of the Law of Nations. THE BRITISH IN ARGENTINA The British in the Argentine Republic, as everywhere else, have shown their loyalty in the most practical manner bysending their fighting men to the front. Tho day after the war broke out a meeting was called in Rosario, from which a cable was sent to Sir Edward Grey offering to place 100 men free of all expense, “ex quay,” in England, as the commercial phrase runs, these men to be capable of military' service, passed as sound by the doctors, and a large proportion of them with previous military training. Much to the regret of the proposers of this scheme, a reply was received thanking them for their offer, but stating that it could not be accepted. Ten days later a cable was received from Sir Edward Grey stating that, if any man cared to present himself in England, and could fill the necessary' military requirements, he would be accepted. In the meantime three prominent Britons, on hearing of the first reply, undertook to pay jointly the passage of any man who was unable to pay the large sum required for the journey Home or to help him with an assisted passage. Several other members of the community were approached and willingly shared in the scheme, with the result that the first batch of volunteers was soon sent off. Subsequently this work was carried on by the British Patriotic Committee of the Argentine Republic (formed in Buenos Aires), who have been responsible for a constant stream of Britons leaving the country to rally to the flag, and nearly five thousand men have gone in this way to join the army, but most of them have paid their own passages.

Intending exhibitors at the Mataura Horticultural Show should note that entries close with Mr John Lowden at 9 a.m. on .Monday, not 1 p.m. as stated in yesterday’s paragraph.

"My husband has not supported mo or my two children for a considerable time,” remarked a woman who was applying lor maintenance against her husband at the Magistrate’s Court at Wellington. "My husband comes to the place where I am employed, jingles his money, and asks me if 1 would like it. On one occasion he said he would go in and out of gaol like a concertina rather than support his wife and children.”

Strong remarks were made at the meeting of the Canterbury Automobile Association in connection with the alleged unwarranted action of the petrol selling companies in bumping up the price, of motor spirits. It was stated that though the stocks of petrol were large the price had been advanced over Us a case, which was far in excess of the proportion Of the alleged rises in freights, which rises had not been paid on the stocks in hand. The Association set un a committee to thoroughly investigate the matter.

The head office of the Department of Labour reports that at present the state of employment in New Zealand is exceptionally satisfactory. Dor some time there lias been practically no unemployment in Wellington, and for several •weeks provincial towns in both islands have reported no applications for work, or, at the worst, only a few occasionally. Yesterday it was stated that the last return shows a record week lit Auckland, where the department failed to find work for only 10 men. That is said to be a record in the history of Auckland.

Jt is probable that the applications for Bcnmore runs will be tixed to close during the second week in March. The examination of applicants will take place at the Lands Office, Dunedin, and at the Courthouse, Oanuiru. At the conclusion of the ballot an auction sale of pastoral runs will be held at Oainaru. There are nine areas for seleetion as small grazing runs, 12 as pastoral licenses by auction, and 16 will be offered at a later date under the Discharged Soldiers’ Act. The total area to be dealt with is 276,366 acres.

From the number of men who have approached the Wellington Defence authorities recently in u more or less intoxicated condition, a casual observer might draw the conclusion (says the New Zealand Times) that these men were in need of "Dutch courage" to help them to face the ordeal. This, however, lias been proved over and over again not to be so, as the men have in many instances shown themselves to he of the best. They usually conn- to light when called upon, and show themselves to lie good and efficient soldiers. The explanation for their lapse on enlistment is in most cases due to valedictory toasts with triends.

Messrs Karp Pros. and Company's Trade’ami Shipping lb-port for .January just, to hand stales iu reference to tint coal trade of Newcastle: —“The effect of the war on the coal trade is plainly discernible in the offeial return in connection with the shipment of coal made at the Government cranes during the- past twelve months, the decrease being over 1.000.00U tons. The restrictions placed by the Federal Government on the export of coal, the difficulty of obtaining tonnage and the high rates of freight have bten the principal factors accounting for tlie reduction in the foreign export. Inter-state and New Zealand business lias also been very quiet. The price of coal has advanced 1/- per ton as from the Ist inst. This will further act in favour of our competitors in oversea markets. A considerable number of wheelers and young employees in the mines have enlisted for active service, and difliculty is being experienced at some of the collieries owing to the stun tage of labour in consequence. Freight rates are still maintained at high level:-, and as very little tonnage is available, are likely to tirnxf

A large and well-represented meeting of the Grocers’ Picnic Committee was held recently, and it was unanimously decided to hold the annual picnic this year at Riverton on the Recreation Ground, on Wednesday, February 33rd. An energetic committee has arrangements well in hand towards it being a very successful function. All proceeds will be devoted to the Red Cross Fund.

The Record Office in Wellington employs about 100 young men as well as a number of girls, and while in the office last week -Mr Okey, M.P., observed to the officer in charge that if lie was on a recruiting expedition lie would make a call at the office. ”1 do not wonder at you making that remark,” replied the officer, "but I can assure you that there is not one man employed here but who has either been at the front and returned wounded, invalided on account of sickness, has failed to pass the doctor, or is married.

Infantile paralysis is prevalent in various parts of the Waikato, 17 cases having been admitted to the Waikato Hospital since mid-December, with 15 cases at present in the institution (writes the Hamilton correspondent of the New Zealand Herald). No case from Hamilton has so far been admitted, the patients coming from widely-separated areas. Only in one instance are there two cases from one house. Dr Douglas, medical superintendent of the hospital, inclines .to the opinion that the disease is not infectious, as lie has been unable to trace any connection between cases. At the same time, every precaution by isolation and disinfection is being taken to prevent the spread of the disease.

Speaking at the drawing of the McHardy section at the Palmerston Opera House, Mr Mr P. A. McHardy gave a striking testimony to tho value of advertisement. He remarked that at first he was inclined to be disappointed at the response, but Mr Sutherland, of Wellington, had advised the committee to commence an advertising campaign. They did so with immediate success. Before the advertising was commenced money for tickets was coming in at the rate of £5 or £6 a day. After a week’s advertising the dally receipts had increased from £lO to £2O. The receipts steadily increased then until ’it had come in at the rate of £3OO or £IOO a day. The total receipts were in tho neighbourhood of £IO,OOO. Mr McHardy added that this was a striking illustration of the truth of the saying that “to make money you must spend money.”

A party of motorists from Dunedin had an interesting time on Saturday morning on the Clyde-Cromweil road, in the vicinity of the recent wash-outs. In avoiding the boulders at one point the machine backed over an embankment, and was only brought up 15ft. below the road surface by a clump of trees. How to regain the road was a problem, but fortunately some tools left by surfacemen were discovered near by, and the motorists set to work to build a track. Just as their labours had been concluded the coach came along with a welcome reinforcement of four willing men, and the car was soon back on the road. Next morning, however, further trouble was encountered; this time near the Bald Hill Flat, on the Clyde-Rox-burgh road. Here a cloud-burst had created a gap 20ft. wide by about 12ft. deep in the roadway. While the motorists were reviewing the situation they were joined by the occupants of two other cars, and the whole party set to work and made a track down tho bank by the side of the road. Within two hours they had got to the other side of the crater, and were sailing merrily for home. It was hot work, though.

In a letter to Mr W. W. H. Field, M.P., the Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald) says:—“ With reference to the deputation which waited upon me on November 24 in regard to the damage caused by grubs to phormium plants, and the consequent deterioration of the hemp produced, I have the honour to Inform you that the department has been fortunate in securing the services of a highly-qualified entomologist, who will devote his time more or less exclusively for a year or more, as may be found necessary, to a thorough study of the'problem arising out of the ravages of the pest referred to. The man referred to is Mr David Miller, and he is taking up his duties at once, under the biological section of the department. He will visit the principal phormium fields as early as possible, and pursue his investigations forthwith. The question of whether the hemp-millers or the owners of phormium fields, or either of them, will be called upon to contribute to tlic cost of the work will be considered when the expense involved is definitely known. X trust that the result of this arrangement will be the devising of practical measures for the control of the pest.” The Star's representative at Christchurch telegraphs; —A peculiar feature of the recent registrations is that, although a number of farmers and other men who live in the country, and who are accustomed to riding horses, have enlisted for the infantry on finding the mounted branch full, and some drivers in the city have also done so, many city men, labourers, tradesmen, artisans, and clerks, whose daily occupations do not take them anywhere near horses, have signed on only for mounted rifles. Another unsatisfactory feature is the large proportion of men who are not prepared to go into camp until some little time has elapsed. Again, there is a larger proportion than formerly of men who, having registered, fail to present themselves for medical examination. All the time the number of men who have been classed as temporarily unfit, and who have been provided with the opportunity to have themselves made able to comply witli requirements without cost to themselves, but who have failed to report again to the recruiting officers, is growing larger. In view of these facts, the situation is exceedingly unsatisfactory for the Christchurch area group, whic.ii lias not only to fill up the shortage in Us quota for the 13th Reinforcements, but lias only three weeks in which to find its quota for the 14th Reinforcements. That means that over 110 lit infantry men should bo found within three weeks.

In the Magistrate's Court yesterday, Mr G. Cruickshank, S.M., presiding, judgment was given for plaintiffs in the following cases:—Andrew Wood v. G. F. and A. J,. Burgess (Invercargill) for £i!, costs 14/-: Meredith and Fraser v. Daniel Swan (Invercargill) for £1 16/2, costs 11/-: Roopo and Co. v. A. Jones (Gore), for £1 0/6, costs 10/-; Meredith and Fraser v. Frank Dunnick (Waimatua), for £9 17/9, costs £1 17/6; Itoope and Co. v. C. Shore (Invercargill) for £ 1 17 costs 5/-: Reid and Gray, Ltd. v. Wm. English (Bimehills) for £3 14/6. costs 16/-; .Ucid and Gray, Ltd. v. Wm. Brown (South Invercargill), for 7/3, costs , r >/-; .1. D. Campbell v. John Droscher (Invercargill) for £2 2/-, costs 11/-; same v. P. B. Clarke (South Canterbury) for £•’’> 6/6, costs I I/-: ilallcnsteiu Bros., Ltd. v. John Thomas Hill (Invercargill) for 16, -, costs 5/-; Beid ami Gray, Ltd., proceeded against Mrs Agnes Wishart for the recovery of £6 10/-, the price of supplying a pump and installing it on her property at Makarewa. Mr Mervyn Mitchell, for the plaintiff, stated that no guarantee had been given that the pump would draw water, and no complaint had been made until six months after the installation. The defence was that a guarantee had been given, and, after hearing evidence, liis Worship said Reid and Gray, Ltd., should recover, and ho gave judgment accordingly.

The delegates to the conference of the locomotive engine-drivers of New Zealand were welcomed by the Mayor of Christchurch on Wednesday. The president (Mr .1. Henderson) said the last council, with the General Manager and Minister of Railways, it ad endeavoured to secure improvements, and a petition to Parliament had been referred to the Government; hut so far nothing had been done to improve wages and conditions. The Federation had felt the effects of the strike of PM:’, and the present war. The executive did not agree as a whole with the Federation of Labour's manifesto, and lie thought they should strive to tiring the war to a conclusion as soon as possible, and uphold the integrity of the Empire. Mr Henderson expressed tiie view that Hie scheme of federating the three railway societies would do much good in dealing with matters affecting the railwaymen as a whole. The Mayor of Christchurch said lie would do "all in his power to encourage local building, for lie believed New Zealand could turn out as good locomotives as any other part of the world, and the slight extra expense should not he grudged, because the money was to he retained in the dominion. The war had taught the lesson of self-reliance in manufactures, and lie would like to see the railway workshops largely extended to turn out the whole of the rolling slock required in tlie dominion.

The suppliers at the Mataura Dairy Factory had tiic sum of £3379 distributed among them last pay day against £2X7,1) for the corresponding month of last season. Last season Is per lb was paid for butter-fat against is 2d this season.

Notwithstanding the unfortunate results from the Zeppelin raids on English towns, there is confidence on the part of business people in London and the manufacturing centres that the marauding aircraft will ere long he effectually dealt with, as will be scon from the following extract from a letter written by a largo Manchester firm to a Dunedin business man;—“We are going to ‘dish’ those Zeps. Just as completely as we’ve managed their undersea rats; in fact, we've got three already, of whose destruction there has been no mention in the papers. We have an army now of over 6,000,000, and more to follow if required. We go slow to save life, Dut the Germans are already doomed and damned.”

The possibilities of trade between New Zealand and Russia were mentioned in a letter from the Russo-Britisb Chamber of Commerce, Petrograd, read at Tuesday's meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. The Petrograd Chamber stated that the time was opportune for a substantial increase in the trade between Russia and the British Dominions, which could supply many of the articles formerly imported into Russia from Germany and Austria. The antagonisms created by the war would cause an enormous diversion of trade, and the Allies should bo seeking to turn to tlie changes to the best advantage. It seemed highly desirable that the British Dominions should establish direct communication with Russia, and the first step should be an effort to bring the business men of the two countries into touch with one another through the chambers of commerce and other organisations. The Wellington Chamber received the letter. i

The Wakatip Mail states that Mr T. W. Brebncr, district traffic manager. New Zealand Railways, paid a visit to Queenstown last week and had a conference with the deck hands of the Lake Wakatipu service in reference to the recent demands made by them for better treatment in relation to hours and wages. It is understood that the men received little or no satisfaction, and were told that their representations would bo forwarded to the general manager lor his decision. The men are therefore asked to continue on the same line as hitherto, awaiting the pleasure of the heads of the department. Meantime there is considerable discontent among the staff, and It is feared that a crisis will result if certain concessions are not made. Already two or three resignations are in, and there is talk of more following. A representative of the Mail, speaking to Mr Brebner, asked that gentleman if he had any statement to make to the press. He replied that the men of the "Wakatipu service were working under the shipping Union rules. The deck hands of the service, lie said, were treated better in relation to wages than those employed on ocean-going vessels, in that they received £8 10/- per month, as against £7 5/Tlie outcome of tho men’s demand is awaited with interest. Hard and Soft Hats, 2/6; new shape Collars, 3 for 1/6. UNDRILL’S Sale, opp. Post-office. x Amethyst Band of Service to-night, 7.15. All children and young people cordially welcome. Good programme; happy games. Id collection. —(AdvL) Navy and Black Serge Skirts, medium shape, good quality, can be procured at bargain prices at THOMSON & BEATTIE’S End-of-Season Sale. The usual prices of these were 12/6, 15/-, 17/6, and 21/-. Sale prices, 8/6, 10/-, 11/9 and 15/-. These goods were only received a month ago, having been delayed through shipping difficulties. x

Have you seen the large display of Ladies’ Woven White Bloomers in PRICE AND BULLEXD’S Kelvin street windows. There has been a very big demand for these popular Washing Garments. They are extra large size, and have elastic bands to waist and knees. They are selling at the absurdly low price of 1/a per pair. Another line just to hand and shown In the adjoining window is an extra long ribbed Collar Vest for ladies. This is a splendid valuable line, and is selling rapidly; low v-shaped at neck, short sleeves, and well woven, and priced at only 1/-. Special inducements for cash are now the order of the sale in each department, and an early visit will bring its own reward. Price & Bulleld, Buy for prompt cash and save your money. One of the most effective ways of saving your money Is to buy for ready money from BAXTER’S —if you buy on credit you keep paying for other people’s bad debts. x The travelling public can obtain all Newspapers, Magazines, Latest Books, All brands of Cigmettes, Tobaccos and Confectionery. No half-holiday at the Bookstall. O. RODGERS, Proprietor, x Ulcerated sore legs are not infrequently met with—numbers of people are so afflicted. These sores are usually on the shin or ankle, and sometimes will almost surround the leg at these parts, pain is sometimes severe at night. Rest, of course, is very essential, but many people cannot possibly do this. Too rapid healing is not advisable, while a gradual healing process is the path of safety. The treatment recommended by Mr H. Sommerville, chemist and optician, Bank Buildings, Dee street, Invercargill, is successful in healing long-standing leg ulcers even in the case of people who have to work hard. x

•The reason why the B.S.A. Company are able to give such good deliveries of the B.S.A. motor cycles is very largely due to the fact that the British Government have recognised the tremendous efforts of the B.S.A. Company to supply various forms of munitions and military equipment, which have been necessary for the successful carrying out of the present war. The B.S.A. Company are turning out such quantities of military rifles, machine guns, and other munitions, also a very large number of the special military folding bicycle, having spent something over half a million pounds in the erection of special buildings and plant for this purpose since the outbreak of war. Their Daimler Works at Coventry have also been placed almost entirely at the disposal of the Government, and are turning out huge quantities of motor transport and aeroplane equipment. A largo number of B.S.A. motor cycles have also been purchased by the British and the Allies for military purposes, and in view of the tremendous output of other munitions by the B.S.A. Company, they have been allowed to retain a portion of the motor cycle output for the export trade, which is giving an opportunity for the New Zealand agents to obtain good deliveries of this machine, the sales of which have more than doubled throughout the dominion the past year, it is, of course, impossible to say for a certainty, that future deliveries will he as good, and intending purchasers will be wise to take out of the stocks which are due to arrive in Invercargill during the next few weeks. G. W. Woods and Co. are Southland Agents for the B.S.A.

SYNOPSIS NEW ADVERTISEMENTS,

On page 1— Found, ring. Dost, overcoat. Wanted, general. Dost. Miebclin tube. Wanted, ploughmen, lads. Wanted, woman for housework. For sale, marble-top cabinet washstand Dor sale, nice bungalow by Colin McDonald. Knd-of-scnson clearance sale at H. and .1. Smith’s. Tenders called for erection of motor garage at Tuatapere. On page 3 Cot sandals for your children at Kingsland's. On page 4 Convincing reductions in household drapery at McGrucr, Taylor’s great sale. On page 6 Grand Pictures at '2 and 6.45. Popular Pictures at 2 and 6.45. "Dorothea Spinney" in V.M.C.A. gymnasium to-night. Notice re purchase of artillery horses. Fnusual values this week at H. and J. Smith's. On page 8— Property sale, at Orepuki by .1. R. Mills and Son, Feb. S. Clearing sale a.t. Rrmedalo by ,i, R, Mills and Son, Foil. 15. Special entry at In’gill horse bazaar Saturday, Feb. 1-. Sale of privileges, Clifden Racing Club, by .1, 11. Mills and Son, Feb. 11. "Dwelling at Clifton for sale by Wm. Todd and Co.