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Southland Times, Issue 17664, 23 February 1916, Page 4

The secretary of the Southland Patriotic Committee has been advised by the Government Controller and AuditorGeneral to the effect that he has appointed Messrs Leary, Cuthbertson and Webb the official auditors to audit tha accounts of the Southland Patriotic Committee. The risk which shopkeepers take when displaying goods outside their shops in windy weather was exemplified yesterday when a considerable amount of crockery outside a Dee street fancy goods shop fell with a crash on to the pavement. Other articles, including heavy bookstands, also went down, increasing the damage done. Altogether a fair amount of crockery was smashed. The splendid donation of £IOOO voted by the shareholders of the Southland Frozen Meat Company at their recent annual meeting has been handed to the secretary of the Southland Patriotic Committee. It will be forwarded at once to the proper authorities in London for distribution by the Committee dealing with sucli funds. As a indication of the development of the mining industry in the Wakamaxma,a witness in the Warden’s Court at Havelock stated that during opening up operations at the new scheelite mine at Mountain Camp Creek as much as 40Ih. of scheelite had been picked up by hand in one day. Also in the new ground now being opened up by Mr G. Humphries the outcrops of about twenty good bearing reefs had been discovered. In this locality, says the Marlborough Press, a syndicate will shortly spend £2OOO in development work, after which It is anticipated that the prospects will warrant the erection of a battery.

"Ever since I left Auckland,” says a New Zealand 'soldier in a letter home, "I have noticed the difference between a cruise and a camp. In cruising you throw all refuse overboard. At Trentham if you peeled an orange for about a quarter of an hour holding the peel looking for a dust-bin. On board things are the old thing again. My porthole is a continuous shoot for paper, tins and boxes. 1 used to stand on deck and trace things for a mile behind. When the Main Body went they were not allowed to tlirow anything over for three weeks, when the Emdcn was caught. A, vessel can easily be traced by a trail of refuse.”

Though in the present times of stress and turmoil the needs of our brave soldiers must be our first consideration, we must not disregard other claims or withdraw our support from our hospitals or other institutions established for the common good. Among such must be reckoned the Young Women’s Christian Association, in aid of which a special effort is now being made which will culminate in the attractive Garden Fete to bo held to-day at Ellesland, the residence of J. T. F. Mitchell, Esq. The aims and the work of the Association, which has now a membership of 200. are such as must make it an influence for good, and therefore it honestly deserves continued and increased support. There will be a diversity of attractions at the Fete and there is no lack of enthusiasm among the members, who are determined to make this one of the most successful functions of the kind ever held in Invercargill.

“I had hoped,” said the Minister of Internal Affairs, at the conference of Patriotic Societies in Wellington last week, "to have been able to lay before you a clear statement of the patriotic funds raised in New Zealand—how they are invested, the interest they are earning, and the amounts expended to date on behalf of soldiers and their dependents. Returns were asked for in accordance with section 10 of the War Funds Act, both in November and January. Many of the Societies have forwarded the information asked for, and to them I extend my cordial thanks. A large number, however, have neglected to supply the information asked for, and consequently I am unable to complete the task I set myself of endeavouring to lay before you a statement as to how long the funds would last in the respective military districts on the basis of the pensions already granted. I may remind trustees of patriotic funds that under the War Founds Act ample powers ara given to enforce the supply of the information that has been asked for, and this information will certainly be required later in the year to lay before Parliament."

r An Auckland telegram states:—At a meeting of citizens, the Mayor presiding. It was resolved, on the motion of the Hon. A. At. Alycrs, “that this meeting affirms the desirability of raisins public subscriptions to present the Imperial authorities with one or more aeroplanes as a further expression of New Zealand's loyalty and patriotism.”

Thu Town Clerk (Mr T. W. Walker) lias received the following communication from the chairman of the National Recruiting Committee, Air AV. F. Massey: The Recruiting Board desires to remove a misconception that would seem to exist amongst members of some local bodies whose help and co-operation have been sought. The Board docs not necessarily ask that they should personally canvass, but it does appeal to them as public men with great responsibilities in this crisis to organise and supervise recruiting work in their district, and see that each reinforcement quota for their group area is provided. The Board feels sure there are many men and women suitable for this work in each district, who would willingly join with local bodies to make the scheme a success. Striking evidence of economy in domestic administration, says the New Zealand Herald, is afforded by die returns of butter delivered for local consumption from tiie Auckland farmers Freezing Company’s cool stores. During the period from July 1. 1915, to February 12, 1916, tho quantity has been 15,022 boxes of 561b each, though during the equivalent period of 1911-15, the quantity was 19,655 boxes. A portion of the city’s requirements is met by supplies received through private stores, but the figures given afford a reliable indication of the quantity of factory butter consumed. The shortage lias been xnot to some extent by an increased use Of the cheaper “farmers’ butter.” Air Justice Chapman commented on a prisoner being brought up for sentence at the Wellington Supreme Court on Thursday in uniform (says the Times). “Why was this man brought here in the Xing’s uniform?” his Honour asked; adding. “He should not have been brought here in the King’s uniform.” Air P. S. K. Macassey (the Crown Prosecutor) said that he had nothing to do with it, as ithe prisoner was out on bail. His Honour: “If I had known, I would have directed that he should be brought up in other clothes.” Air Wilford explained that the prisoner v?as on leave from the camp when he came up to Wellington, and that, no doubt, accounted for his being in uniform. A well-known Dunedin motorist has made an interesting discovery (reports the Dunedin Times). As his motor clock was not keeping good time, lie took it to a watchmaker's to have it overhauled, and during the course of his search to ascertain what was wrong with tho clock the watchmaker ascertained that it had been “made in Germany.” The motorist was further informed that most cf these clocks in use in Dunedin were also manufactured in the same country. As tho motorist never did have much time’for Germans, and has a deep-rooted antipathy to them, he docs not quite know whether he will continue to look at a German face every time he goes for a pleasure ride, or whether he will lay violent hands on it and replace it With one made in Britain. In a letter to an Ashburton member, referred to by the Guardian, the London secretary of the Overseas Club states that since tho war broke out, £75,000 has been collected for tobacco and comforts for onr soldiers and sailors; an Overseas Aircraft Flotilla formed, and 35 aeroplanes presented to the Royal Flying Corps so far, and several more promised. representing £60,000; between 10,000 and 11,000 members serving with the colours; over 200,000 booklets concerning the justice of tho British cause ■ distributed in neutral countries. Continuing, the writer says;—“ Our new premises, which were opened on Trafalgar Day, provide accommodation fully equal to that of most of the London clubs, for which a subscription of between £5 5s to £lO 10s is charged.” This iconoclastic war, as viewed by the Irish Homestead: —"Tho exploits of Hannibal in crossing the Alps would, if repeated to-day, win for him about fifty ■lines or thereabouts in the daily papers. [Wellington would probably be just mentioned in despatches for a battle like [Waterloo, and people would forget all about it and him next month unless he ’Provided another Waterloo in the interval. Napoleon was more spectacular than most conquerors, but his greatest battles would be incidents soon forgotten in a huge affair like the struggle going on in Russia. Cortez and I’izarro might have got the D.S.O. for their forays into Alexico and Peru, and the of Thermopylae have been outdone by millions of men who get no £)lace in history at all. Yes, wo have abolished history, and the commotion in the world prevents us seeing the past, as some upheaval of mountain ranges in Bn earthquake might shut out beyond .great new uprisen peaks a distant country that men once saw. There is nothing to do now but to think of the future.” At Thursday's meeting of tho Town Council a committee consisting of tiie Mayor and the chairmen of the various committees was appointed to arrange for a public meeting to promote the recruiting scheme, and the Alayor wars authorised to communicate with Sir Joseph Ward and Hon. .1. A. Hanan asking them to he present. Air ATcFarlane also telegraphed Hon. R. AlcNab requesting ids assistance. Yesterday the Alayor received a reply from Sir Joseph Ward stating that he could not fix a date to .Visit the south until next Tuesday, owing to important duties to which lie had to attend, and the Hon. .1. A. Hanan has replied that he would be unable to comply with the request within the next fortnight. It is desirable that someono ■with a thorough knowledge of the requirements of the scheme should lie present at the proposed meeting, which will probably not be held until it is convenient for someone conversant witli the Scheme to tie in attendance. Yesterday afternoon Dr AlcNab replied that lie •would like to be with them, but would leave for Auckland on March 2, and probably be away a week. Honey production Is one of the sources <of wealth of New Zealand, '['lie industry Is one capable of great development, and Southland offers a very wide field (says tiie Wyndham Herald). Seasons vary, necessitating resourceful management, the .same as in every undertaking. Beekeeping may bo made a profitable sideline on the farm, affording interesting employment to tho farmers’ daughters. It has been shown that tho incidental ■work can be welt performed by womenfolk. The Government have for years endeavoured to stimulate interest in the Industry, employing experts to give instruction when called upon; but people, have otherwise been doing too well to consider beekeeping. A time will come in this country —after tho war, when we receive an influx of population,—when every - productive industry will receive consideration. Then honey-production ■will be taken into account. Tho current season has been a most favourable one for the honey-bee in Southland. The gathering season has been sho?-t, but the bees have had grand fields of clover to operate on. One AVyndham beekeeper has taken no less than ten tous of honey from 100 hives —probably a record for Southland. The monetary value of this yield is between £3OO and £4OO. This achievement shows the potentialities in honey-production. By its proper development Southland may - be further enriched.

The Gisborne Times states that the local Council’s beach caretaker, Mr Thos. Hanlon, although sixty-three years of age, lias been sent for by the War Office, and lie proceeds shortly to London to take up a position on the Hecrniting Staff for the English Expeditionary Forces. Mr Hanlon spent twenty-seven years in tho Imperial Army, and took his discharge at Calcutta with tho rank of .Sergeant-Instructor. Ueferring to his age, he said that age did not count now; it was a man’s service papers that ■were responsible for an appointment, for a position could be found for every competent Imperial man. The War' Office has sent Mr Hanlon £IOO to pay the passage money of himself and his wife Home. He was attached to tho Dvth (Cumberland) Kegiment ami went to India in 1 S7ii, and was through several frontier engagements ami the Afghan War. He also took part in the Delhi Durbar in IS7O at the proclamation of Queen Victoria, and later participated jn several small punitive expeditions against rebellious tribes. During his service, sometimes the Imperial troops •were on marches lasting three and four months. Most of his time was in the Punjab, round lienares, at Lucknow, finishing up at Calcutta, where lie took his discharge and returned to London. Hoping to make a fortune, lie came to New Zealand about seven years ago.

A Press Association telegram from Auckland stales that the Hon. \V. \\ Glister ( Posi master-general in Australia) arrived aboard the Niagara on .Monday. When questioned regarding his visit, ho said: —“I am over here to have a look at the New Zealand postal service and to examine! the postal administration, buildings, appliances, anil everything appertaining to the service with a view to seeing whether we can beg. borrow or steal anything to improve the efficiency of our own service, and to learn from comparison whether we are behind or ahead of New Zealand in our postal activities.” A growl from a tourist appears in tho visitors’ hook at the Tourist Gtlice, which appears to he a justifiable one. Apparently the gentleman, who hails from Victoria, was inconvenienced on arrival at Bluff’at a late hour at night, for the remark reads, “A bit slow at Bluff. Cannot better arrangements be made to meet, and arrange accommodation for tourists arriving after hotels are closed.' No arrangements to take charge of luggage, no licensed porters.” Bellowing this entry is one by a tourist from S><l- - whoso' remarks are brief and to the point. He says “Hot !I? ?” Some difficulties are being experienced by local ironmongers in procuring new stock owing to tho fact that factories turning out their goods aro being utilised in making munitions of war under the direction of tho Munitions Department, added to which is tho difficulty in securing space on New Zealand bound steamers. Many orders have been broken up owing to the shipping problem, sometimes only a quarter of the order being landed in New Zealand. A letter was received by a local hardware firm which said: “The monthly cahle„from our London office reports that the difficulties arising from war conditions are not lessoning in any degree in respect to obtaining supplies or tho facilities of transport. In spite,.of the freight advances mentioned in our last report further increases are possible." The result is that prices of articles have generally Increased, sometimes to a considerable extent. The following are examples of the increases which have been brought about; Barbed wire, which was sold at £ls 10s per ton before the war, now fetches £.12; galvanised wire, previously £l2, Is now worth £27, over 100 per cent, increase: nails have risen about £7 per ton, and roofing iron will now bring £3O as against £2l in pre-war times.

The recruiting organisation for Wellington City made Its first public effort on Alonday nigtit. The Alayor (Mr Luke) and Dr Newman delivered recruiting addresses at tiie Patriotic Exhibition of British Goods now being held there. Botli speakers remarked upon the number of young men present in the crowd, and made pointed appeals to them, but the crowd listened w-ithout enthusiasm. Such applause as was forthcoming—ajid that was not much —came from middleaged aud elderly folk. The young men listened and said nothing. A definite appeal was made to men to come forward and register then and there, but not a man came. The Mayor of Wellington had never concealed the fact that he is a convinced conscriptionist, and he is in tho present recruiting movement because it is the only - thing offering. Dr Newman, on' tho contrary - , believes in the voluntary system, and regards conscription as something to b© avoided at all costs. However, there was no doubt about the sincerity of botli men in their whole-hearted, enthusiastic addresses to eligible men, but it seems (wires the correspondent of the Dunedin Times) that addresses to crowds are no longer effective. No organisation for a personal canvass can be made until tho rolls are available, and they are not available yet. One of the trades very - much affected by the war is that of the chemists, many of the lines stocked by them having advanced to abnormal prices, or are else unprocurable altogether. The drug market depended a great deal on the output from Germany, which is now entirely cut off, and English firms are meeting with an ever-increasing demand from ttye military authorities, making it impossible for them to send the usual quantities to colonial buyers. In many cases drugs have increased to sixteen times their former value, ten times being common. Phenacetin, antipyrin, atropine, salicylic acid and other drugs, and many of the bromides have increased to such an extent, but local pharmacists say that money cannot purchase many drugs essential to their business. Innumerable lines, as in other trades, have risen 10, 15 and 20 per cent., but these increases are not borne by tho consumer, for prescriptions made up have not increased in price except in cases where the now very expensive lines are used to a large extent. Cod liver oil. for which the demand is good, has risen in price and is now worth eight times as must as it was a year and a-half ago. The principal reason for these large increases is that the demands of tho War Office are so heavy and orders have to be cut down.

“The achievements of the Fleet have far surpassed the anticipations even of the most ardent believer in British sea power,” says tho current issue of The Navy, , the organ of the Navy League. “In every variety of operation upon which the Navy has been engaged during tiie past year, there has been a brilliant demonstration of those fighting qualities, accompanied by skill, daring, and resourcefulness, which have for centuries been the proud tradition of the British Fleet. The British Navy has discharged, to a degree unexampled in the whole course of its history, its great trust as the guardian of the liberties of mankind. The Commander-in-Chief and tiie officers and men in all our fighting ships deserve tho warmest congratulations of tho British race throughout the world for Uieir unswerving zeal, devotion to duty, and spirit of self-sacri-fice. Tiie Navy is silent. It is unseen by the masses of the people of the Empire; but it is more apparent now than ever before that tho Navy is nevertheless the trustee of freedom’s birthright. The Navy League desires to acknowledge with the Warmest gratification the unqualified success wlucii has attended every branch of Admiralty administration since the beginning of the war. Tho strongest representations have been made by tho League to H.AI. Government that there ought not to bo, and that there must not be, any interference with tho full play of tho sea power exercised by tiie Fleet by any other Department of the Government except tlie Admiralty. Tiie League strongly appeals for the support of tiie public opinion of the Empire in demanding that no secret agreements and no international tribunals of any land whatsoever shall tie permitted during the course of tho war. or in the future, to limit or restrict tiie activities of the Fleet in executing tho primary objects of its existence.”

To be dismantled and dismasted to serve in the humble capacity of a coal hulk and then to be .suddenly renovated, fitted up and rejuvenated for the purpose of cargo carrying has been tho unique experience of the iron barque Antlopc, which was due to sail from ■Wellington on Saturday for Kaipara, to .load timber for Australia. No other vessel in New Zealand (states the Evening Post), probably In the world, has passed through such a metomorphosis. There are other eventful incidents attached to her career. Port Glasgow was her birthplace, and she was built in Consequently she is lifty years old now. For many years sho was a familiar trailer from London and Liverpool to Australia carrying general cargoes and returning with wool. Then for some years site was out of the Australian business, being engaged in the South American trade. When the war was on between Japan and Uu.ssia site was captured hy the Japanese, and sold as a prise to American buyers, who eventually put her in tho AustralianPacific trade carrying lumber from Puget Sound or Eureka to Sydney, thence coal from Newcastle to the Hawaiian Islands or San Francisco. in December of DM! she left Newcastle ior San Francisco and was chartered to load a cargo of timber on the Pacific Slope for Sydney, was purchased h.v the Papnroa Coal Company for the purposes of a hulk, and made tlie* voyage to New Zealand under Captain Holm. Sho arrived in the dominion about nine months ago, and the intention was that she should end her days as a hulk. Her masts were torn out and till her gear was cleared away. When the want of shipping space became so acute, she was bought by the Otago Holler Mills Company, and was then entirely refitted and equipped after evert - spar, yard and mast hart been taken out of her. Her hull is quite sound, and it is anticipated that sho will maintain her seaworthiness for many years yet.

j Hardly a stock sale passes at AVallacc- ■ town without losses of stock from pens | being reported: hut yesterday a record 'must have been reached when seven fat ■ bullocks, taken from different pens, were I missing. Strange to say the whole of I the bullocks had been sold by one firm, {Enquiries instituted up to a late hour Mast evening failed to elicit anything {satisfactory, but no doubt more will be I heard of the matter. Opinions yesterday : were decidedly in the direction of a het- | ter system of control of stock being I inaugurated. Various ideas were venti- : luted in this direction, but in any case j it would appear that something drastic is necessary to cope with what happened ' yesterday, and, in a lesser degree, at j many previous sales. | The evening classes will resume at the Technical College on .Monday next, and a glance at the prospectus, which is to he had free of charge, shows that several new classes have been added to the large number In which instruction lias previously been provided. Apprentices aro catered for generously, and they cannot afford to overlook the concessions granted to Technical College students under tho Engineers’ and Carpenters’ Arbitration awards. Courses of instruction aro provided for both men and women in art and aid crafts, commerce, domestic science, engineering, carpentry, cahinetmaking, plumbing and other branches. Free education is given to all with sufficient educational qualifications and the fees for other students are so low that they bar no one from attending tho classes. Some excitement was caused in Queen street, Auckland, about 1.20 p.m. on Monday by the fusing of tho motors of a tramcar, which was proceeding towards Wellesley street, en route for Dominion road. Tho car had stopped to admit passengers, and when they were safely inside the motorman moved the lever, which, ordinarily, causes the tram to proceed on its journey. In this case the car moved only a few feet, and then there was a bright flash, accompanied by an explosion, which sounded like the hursting of a motor car tyre. The passengers were not greatly alarmed until three more explosions took place and flames and smoke issued from the iron box in front of the motorman. The more timid jumped to their feet, but they were calmed when the conductor remarked loudly that it was “all right.” An attempt was made to start the tram by means of 'the lever at the rear. As soon as this was done flames issued from this box, with such a noise as to cause half the passengers —men as well as women—to rush out of the car. Finally, after Symonds street tram traffic had been held up for about a quarter of an hour, tho car was towed to the depot. 2/- to 5/- in the £ having on Underwear. —Undrill’s Sale, opp. Post Office. Lloyd George says: “Of the three enemies Britain has to fight, Drink is the worst.” ‘ Who takes a drink now is Britain's foe. Soldiers are giving up their lives for you. Will you give up your Drink for them —(Advt.) A GOOD PLACE TO STAY: RAILWAY HOTEL, INVERCARGILL, Right opposite Railway Station. x A chance for every patriot to invest well, and do good at the same time. Mrs Lee Cowlc’s house will be sold Thursday, noon, Rialto. Help the soldier boys.— (Advt.) The first glimpse of Fashion’s changes can be viewed at THOMSON AND BEATTIE’S this week. New Costumes, Coats, Rain Coats, Blouses, Jerseys, Ready-to-wear Hats. Neckwear, etc., are just opened and placed on view. x 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 Tho travelling public can obtain all Newspapers, Magazines, Latest Books, ivll brands of Cigarettes, Tobaccos and Confectionery. No half-holiday at the Bookstall. C. RODGERS. Proprietor, x Eczema is the most common and most annoying skin disease that flesh is heir to, and, as many have found, is extremely hard to eradicate. A portion of the skin becomes irritable, smarting, burning, rod, inflamed, stiff, sometimes scaly, and tiie intense itching is hard to put up with, giving rise to much suffering and broken rest. Obstinate cases of this complaint are really difficulty to cure unless experience shows the way. Mr R. Sommervilie, chemist and optician, Bank Buildings, Dee street, Invercargill, has had' the necessary experience, and now sells the medicine and ointment to effect a speedj cure, and at moderate cost. x In order to make room for our New Season’s Goods, which will shortly be to hand, we axe thoroughly overhauling our stocks in all departments, throwing out all Remnants and Oddments. So that these will sell quickly, they are being marked at extremely low prices. They comprise smart, up-to-date goods and materials, by viewing which the public will have an opportunity of securing some extraordinary bargains. Remnants of Tweeds and Dress Fabrics; Remnants of Silks; Remnants of Voiles, Muslins, Prints, Poplins, Linings, etc,, etc., all to clear at half marked prices. We invite inspection. PRICE & BULLEID. x Have you heard the good news? Colds fly before “NAZOL”—coughs are stilled, and sore throats soothed by this honest specific. Get a bottle for your household to-day. 1/6 buys 60 doses. 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 neceasary 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 large number of B.S.A. motor cycles have also been purchased by the British and the Allies fer 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 be as good, and intending purchasers will be wise to take out of the stocks which aro 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— Wanted, boy. Wanted, clerks. Wanted, ploughmen. Wanted, married couple. Wanted, deck hands for steamer. Southland H. and C.A. Board tenders called. Wallace County Council tenders called. For .sale, young hens, mixed strains, at 2/6 each. On page 6 Grand Pictures at 2 and G. 45. Popular Pictures at 2 and 6.45. “The Man who Stayed at Horne,” Municipal Theatre. Grand Garden Fete, “Ellcsland,” to-day at 2 o'clock. Electors —Vote for .Jacob Alswcilor. Meeting N.Z. .farmers' I'nion, Feb. 26. .l.owis's will lie closed all to-day, being the annual picnic. Send your boy at tlio front a delicious fruit cake from the A.G..M. tearoom. Southland Technical College—Evening classes resume February 2S. On page 8— l.umsden stock sale, tel). 25, Kapuka stock sale, Feb. 22. Sale of general merchandise by Win. Todd and Go.. Feb. 25. Furniture sale by Wm. Todd and Co., Fob. 24. Clearing sale at Five Rivers, March S. Dispersal sale at “Mount Wallace,”