CURRENT TOPICS

Southland Times, Issue 17665, 24 February 1916, Page 4

CURRENT TOPICS

GERMANY AND AMERICA.

A writer in the Lyttelton Times who has been looking: through recent London flies, comments on interesting quotations from the German newspapers which throw a good deal of light on the Roumanian question. The news that reaches this dominion concerning Roumanian politics comes through Allied channels, and is liable to be prejudiced, so that it is scarcely possible even to guess what Roumania proposes to do in the war. But the economic position of the country is more easily ascertained. She has grain to sell, and unless it is bought by the Allies, who either do not require it —as in the case of Russia —or are unable to take delivery, it must be exported to the Central Powers. When Britain bought a huge quantity of wheat for delivery after the war it was obviously to prevent the grain from falling into the hands of the Austrians and Germans. But for all that, Germany has managed to acquire a considerable quantity of Roumanian cereals, and the enemy newspapers give the terms of the contract. It appears that on December 23 an agreement was signed regulatihg the export from Roumania of cerals which were bought by Germany and Austria during the summer and also providing for the purchase by Germany of 500,000 tons of the new season's grain. The transport of the two lots is to proceed simultaneously, at the rate of two tons of the new grain for one ton of the former season's. The Roumanian Government guarantees the safe transport by rail and river of both purchases. Of the new purchase of half a million tons ■id per cent, is wheat and rye, 15 per cent barley, 20 per cent, maize, 10 per cent, oats, and 15 per cent, beans and peas. Payment of the new consignments will be made either when the goods cross the frontier or when they leave Roumanian ports on the Danube. Delivery must be completed by the enfi of April, 1016. A clause in the contract provides lor

' inrther purchases should these be found necessary. It is a little curious to find the German newspapers criticising the prices paid for the grain, their belief being that outside the Central Powers and Bulgaria Boumania could not possibly find customers. Kor instance, the Kolnische Zeitung says it views the business with rather mixed feelings. It is, of course, jdeascd to know that Roumania sees at last that the placing of hindrances in the way of the export of grain can only damage herself. Germany and Austria-Hungary can, of course, use Roumanian grain with advantage, as it Is a desirable addition to the stocks Which have been happily found to be sufficient. But the Rhenish journal fears that the desire to be pleasant to Rounaania has influenced Germany and Aus-tria-Hungary, and it is probable that had the Central Empires waited longer they might have obtained more favourable conditions of purchase. It Is clear, it says, that Roumanla needs to export. Who else is in a position to buy Roumania’s grain if the Central Powers declined to do so? The journal concludes that Roumania must be grateful to Germany and Austria-Hungary that these Powers have not utilised Roumania's necessities in an unscrupulous fashion to

their own advantage. The Hamburgei Fremdenblatt sees in the new arrange nent the instantaneous effect of tiu German advance to the south-east There is no reason why Roumania ant Bulgaria should not now be able to poui their agricultural products into Centra Europe to such an extent that the scare, ity in bread, milk and meat should bt changed to abundance. Bulgaria has already sent 20,000 tons of maize to Ger many. It is not much when one remembers that Germany needs one mlllior tons annually, but it is a beginning. Ii discussing the effect of the new importa tions on prices the Hamburg journal ii vague, but fears that the middlemen anc others who will handle the grain on it; way will absorb a great deal of monej and compel dealers in Austria and Germany to insist on maximum prices, INDIA’S GOAL. Sir Satmendra Sinha, a member of th( Executive Council of the Viceroy o; India, speaking at the Indian Nationa Congress, said; —“The supreme feelinf In our mind is deep admiration for tin self-imposed burden which England ii bearing in the struggle for liberty anc freedom, and profound pride that Indie has not fallen behind the other portions of the Empire. If we have any doubl about tiie ultimate success of Englanc ve might hesitate to discuss questions which can only arise after the war. Nobody is willing to cause the slightesl embarrassment to the Government There is not a single person in our camt who expects reforms as the reward > ol loyalty. I earnestly hope that the spontaneous outburst of loyalty has dispelled for ever all distrust and suspicion between Indians and their rulers. The path is long and devious, and we shall have to travel far before we reach the promised land. When we have so advanced under the guidance and protection of England as to be able not onl> to manage our domestic affairs, but tc secure Internal peace and prevent external aggression, I believe it will be as much the interest as the* duty of England to concede the fullest autonomy.' J appeal to Great Britain to declare ungrudgingly her approval of the goal tc which India aspires with inflexible resolution, and to equip India for the journej thither. Such a declaration would b< the most distinguished way of marking Great Britain’s appreciation of India’s services, sacrifices, loyalty, and devotior to the Empire. The most appropriate moment for such a declaration would be the moment when the victory of Englanc and her Allies will establish finally the triumph of free institutions over military absolutism.” FRANCE IN RUSSIA. Another instance of the means which are being taken to bring about more effective co-operation between the Allies appears in the fact, not hitherto announced in this country, of the despatch of so important a French commander as General Pau to represent France ir Petrograd. He arrived there in the middle of December, and it is understood that he is to remain there for the future, and to be associated with the Russian Imperial General Staff. His presence, like that of General Jilinsky in France, and of the Russian military mission in Britain, should make a considerable difference. In the Allies' conduct of the war. The importance attached by France to the position of her military representative in Russia is evident, for General Pau is one of the great triumvirate —Joffre. Pau, and de Castelnau —which was at the head of the French army when the war began. Indeed, but for the fact that ill-health forced Pau to retire from the field, he would certainly have run de Castelnac close for the position of right-hand mar to Joffre. As it is, he is tliought ol alongside de Castelnau and Foch, the commander of the armies in the north Like Joffre, Pau is a southerner, and he left an arm on the battlefields of the Franco-Prussian war. His men are saic to have a great affection for him, anc he knows nothing of politics and drawingrooms. He was also a rival of Joffre for the supreme war command, but there has never been the least jealousy between them.

Advice has been received in Invercargill that the sentence of seven years’ imprisonment for manslaughter, passed upon Louis Fosbender at the June sittings of the Supreme Court last year, has been reduced by his Excellency the Governor to two years. Fosbender’s term of imprisonment therefore expires in May, 1017. AVhilst working the breaking-down bench saw at his mill on Tuesday morning, Mr Gorton, sawmiller, Tuatapere, received a nasty' contusion to his face through a flitch coming off the saw.— Guardian. A party who passed through Blackmount the other day informs the Tuatapere Guardian that shearing is now practically over. From a muster of 12,000 sheep something like 300 bales of wool have been obtained. The clip is now being delivered to the railhead at Tuatapere by two large waggons. At the Bluff Court yesterday morning, Carl Jacob Hansen and Clare Mason were charged with interfering with and assaulting members of the Chinese crew aboard the s.s. Arri.no at Bluff. Both were fined £2, in default one month's imprisonment, Hansen, who is an tranaturalised German, has been detained at the request of the military authorities, and will be interned at Somes Island. During the past three weeks the main strength of the Government Printing Office has been concentrated on the work of printing the rolls connected with the iiew Recruiting System. The work, Which is now practically completed, lias bien one of the biggest Jobs ever undertaken by the Government establishment. AVliile it was being carried out other ordinary work had to stand aside, including tire printing of various Departmental periodicals issued by the office, such as the Journal of Agriculture. Subscribers and others taking these publications will understand the reason for delay in their receipt this month, namely, the carrying out of a national war measure of the first importance. Two prominent officials of the Christchurch Citizens' Defence Corps returned on Tuesday from a visit to Wellington. Their object was primarily to ventilate several grievances on the part of returned soldiers and others, and ascertain the workings of the Base Records Pay Office and the Soldiers' Information Department. They came hack with certain misapprehensions removed, and paying a warm tribute to the efficient manner in which these departments were working. AVhilst in the capital they visitor! the AA’ar League Recruiting Office, where they found one innovation which could be introduced with advantage in other places—viz., the presence of a doctor and dentist all day at the office to examine recruits as soon as they' register for service.

The arrangements made for enlisting recruits in Invercargill do not appear to be quite complete. A young man came into town last evening to answer the call, and was first directed to the Albion buildings. Ho could see no sign or placard intimating the whereabouts of the Recruiting Office, and the place was in darkness. He next tried the Soldiers’ Club (about S p.m.), but though the doors were open there were no lights and no one in attendance. On visiting the Police Staticui the recruit was advised to try tiie old Garrison Hall, hut he failed to gain admission there. After a fi\i it less visit to the new Drill Hall the recruit called at the Times Office in search of further guidance. We were unable to make enquiries into the matter last evening, but on the face of it there is room for improvement in local retroiting arrangements.

A sad affair is reported from Mount Albert. Auckland. A young lady resident sickened two days prior to her wedding day, and died of infantile paralysis about the hour arranged for the ceremony. Canterbury farmer* have been down Otautau way on the look out for cattle feed, and we understand that in some cases definite arrangements have been made to receive stock by local farmers. —Farmer. The Arrow Press says that a Southland sheep-buyer was operating in that district last week, but there appeared to be considerable disparity between the values placed upon their stock by local sheep-owners and the prices at present ruling in Southland, with the result that only a few small lines changed hands. The New Zealand Times states that Cabinet is considering the desirability of increasing the separation allowance paid to the wives of privates and non-com-missioned officers of the Expeditionary Forces. The present allowance of 1/- a day is lower than the amounts paid in Australia, Canada, and South Africa. A Christchurch resident wrote to the Recruiting Board at Wellington upon the point of issuing badges to men over military age who do not look it. He received a reply stating that the Board had considered the question, and had decided in the meantime to take no action in the matter. The Board, however, would he prepared to give further consideration to the question if in future it was shown that there were a sufficient number of cases to warrant a distinctive badge being adopted. A breach of promise action in which £IOOO damages were claimed was before Mr Justice Denniston at Christchurch on Monday. The parties belonged to Amberley, the plaintiff being Miss Irene F. lies, and the defendant Ernest Stackhouse, the son of a well-to-do farmer. The action was partly heard, after which a settlement was arrived at. It is understood that the plaintiff accepted £325 in full settlement of the claim.

Last year the Dunedin and Invercargill Automobile Association eacii promised £IOO towards metalling the Main South road between Waipahi and Pukerau. The promise was received .too late to allow of a sum by way of subsidy being put on the Public Works Estimates last session. Mr Malcolm (member for Clutha) has had considerable correspondence with the Hon. Mr Fraser in regard to the matter, and lias now received a definite assurance from the Minister that, if the £2OO promised by the associations is spent tills summer, he will place on the Estimates a subsidy of at least pound for pound for expenditure whenever the money is vailable. On Sunday afternoon, states the Wyndham Farmer, a distressing accident befel a well-known district man, in Mr James Milne, son of the late George Milne, of Wyndham. It appears that the victom, who was a married man with a young family, and is employed at Edendale, was on a visit to the farm on Wyndham flat of his uncle, Mr Robert Milne. He was standing behind a black pony, a strange horse passed by, whereupon the pony with its hind legs. Milne received the full force of the kick in the right eye, with the result that the eyeball was burst, and he was badly cut over the eyebrow. Dr Baird was summoned, and on the medico’s advice the unfortunate man was conveyed to Southland Hospital. It seems certain that he has lost the sight of the injured organ.

An announcement regarding war funds was made by the Hon. G. W. Russell .at the conference of Patriotic Societies on Friday at Wellington (says the Post). He stated that the Bank of New Zealand was handing the War Funds Council the sura of £IO,OOO for administration, and it was probable that one district patriotic society would hand over £15,000 for the same purpose. He hoped that the West Coast would pass its funds over to the War Funds Council for administration. Local committees would then be set up in all the centres on the West Coast, and the Council would be in a position to take the entire responsibility for everything that might be required for soldiers from that district. There were other districts which might also consider the question. “It all depends on whether they are likely to be strong enough to carry through with their own cash," remarked the Minister.

The Clutha County Council's decision not to issue traction engine licenses unless bonds for £SO are signed as indemnity against damage to roads and bridges, through careless driving, is, with the near approach of the threshing season, causing a good deal of concern in the Clutha district (states the Dunedin Times). Each bond lias to be guaranteed by two friends of the engine owner. The owners say they will not take up the bond, and according to them, the farmers say they will not guarantee them. Last year’s traction engine licenses have already expired, and the millowners will be liable to prosecution if they drive their engines on the road without possessing licenses. The position was fully discussed at a meeting of mill-owners at Clutha on Saturday, and a motion to - the following effect was carried: —"That the Clutha mill-owners refuse to sign the bonds till after the meetings of the different branches of the Farmers’ Union in the district, and in the event of the farmers declining to take them up the prices for threshing, chaffcutting, and all engine work will be raised*; the Farmers’ Union to notify their respective decisions to the millowners by Saturday, March 4, and till that date the threshing mill-owners will continue working on as usual.” In case of any engine-owner being prosecuted in the meantime for travelling without a license, it was agreed to “pool in” in paying the expenses arising from the prosecution. The question of wages to mill-hands was then discussed. It was pointed out that it would be utterly impossible to get men for the mills at 1/- an hour (last season’s wage), and it was agreed to notify the branches of the Farmers’ Union that the rate of wages for this season would be 1/3 an hour for threshing and Gd a ton for chaffcutting, as from Marcli 1.

In the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, before Mr G. Crulckshank, S.M., Sergeant James Edward Stokes made application for exemption from the annual training camp. Mr AV. J. Hawley, Collector of Customs, appeared in support of the application, and Sergeant-Major Laffey in opposition to it. The SergeantMajor stated that the application was based on the allegation that the absence of the applicant from the Customs Office would cause inefficiency in the service of the public, and undue hardships to such officers as were left to carry on the work. The applicant in the box gave evidence that he personally desired to go to camp, but had to apply for exemption by order of the Customs Department, by which he is employed. He had had annual leave in November for two weeks, and ins absence had not then greatly affected the work of the officer. Mr Hawley gave evidence that the staff was much” smaller than it had been before the war, and the position had been worse since November. Sergeant-Major Laffey pointed out that if the application were granted it would be quite competent for any local firm suffering equal hardships through the camp to make similar applications. His Worship said that it wnij rather strange that the matter should have been referred to him. He would have thought that the Government could manage the affair. It was a fight between the Customs Department and the Defence Department. The application had better stand over till Wednesday next in order that some arrangement might be arrived at. Failing such arrangement tlie question would have to he settled by the Court.

A distressing fatality occurred yesterday afternoon at a bathing pool in the Waihopai, near Mr Prain's residence, a lad named Robert Hamilton, son of Mr Robert Hamilton, I'last Invercargill, being drowned. It appears that some boys from the Waihopai School went bathing after lessons were over, and the deceased got out of his death. Some ladies passing noticed that he was in difficulties, and hastened to Mr Praia’s house for assistance. The lad’s body was recovered within ten minutes, and though Hr Sale was on the scone immediately, efforts at resuscitation were of no avail. In order to reassure parents whose children attend the Waihopai School swimming classes it should be mentioned that last evening was not a class night. In face the instructor, Mr Henry, had intimated to the pupils that there would be no swimming that evening, and pupils have been specially warned against bathing when the instructor is not present. Even when Mr Henry is in attendance boys are forbidden to go beyond their depth, and parents have no reason to fear that the swimming classes in the Waihopai, so valuable to the health and development of the children, are fraught with the least danger*

The following are extracts from the Navy League’s New Year Message to its members throughout the world:—“ln the presence of the gigantic struggle, now In progress, and upon the course of which the British Navy exorcises a dominant influence, no discussion of naval policy, as understood in pre-war times, is possible or desirable. . . The Navy League desires to acknowledge with the warmest gratification the unqualified success which has attended every branch of Admiralty administration since the beginning of the war. The strongest representations have been made by the League to H.M. Government that there ought not to be, and that there must not he, any interference with the full plav of the sea-power exercised by the Fleet by any other department of the Government, except the Admiralty. The League strongly appeals for the support of the public opinion of the Empire in demanding that no secret agreements and no international tribunals of any kind whatsoever shall bo permitted during the course of the war, or in the future, to limit or restrict the activities of the Fleet in executing the primary objects of its existence. The League urges that an Admiral should be appointed to the War Council of the Cabinet." Beautiful Indian Lace for sale at Amethyst Hall for missions. Friday, 3 p.m., peace prayer meeting. Band of Service, 7.15. Come and welcome. —(Advt.) 2/- to 5/- in the £ having on Underwear. —Undrill’s Sale, opp. Post Office.

“The Vivax" or long life Tie, with patent lining. This Tie is of the wideend variety, and will not curl or break. THOMSON & BEATTIE. LTD., have just opened a parcel of these direct from London by post. Make a point of seeing them. Smartest colourings and designs. Price*, 2/6 each, A GOOD PLACE TO STAY: RAILWAY HOTEL, INVERCARGILL. Right opposite Railway Station. 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. All brands of Cigarettes, Tobaccos and Confectionery. No half-holiday at tho 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, red, inflamed, stiff, sometimes scaly, and the 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. Sommerville, chemist and optician, Bank Buildings, Dee street, Invercargill, has had the necessary experience, and now sells tho medicine and ointment to effect a speedy cure, and at moderate cost. - x BUSINESS CHANGE. We beg to announce having disposed of our Cycle and Go-cart business to Mr H. Ibbotson. We take this opportunity of thanking our customers for the liberal support extended to us, and we strongly recommend our clients to extend their patronage to Mr Ibbotson, who intends specialising In the Cycle and Go-cart Business, and in so doing his customers are sure to receive the best possible satisfaction. For the convenience of our clients we have arranged that Mr Ibbotson can receive the outstanding monies on our behalf for which he is authorised to give a receipt in our name. We are now devoting our entire attention to the Motor Business in the White Swan Buildings, a few doors north of our late premises, opposite the Junction of Dee and Yarrow Streets. We are specially concentrating on the Motor Cycle Business, for the conduct of which we have a better equipment than any other garage in the dominion. It is our special aim to devote our undivided attention to the Motor Business, and by so doing our customers can rely on receiving the greatest possible attention and satisfaction. WILSON & FRASER, TRIUMPH GARAGE, WHITE SWAN BUILDINGS, DEE ST., INVERCARGILL. In order to make room for our New Season's Goods, which will shortly be to hand, we are 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 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 rpiHion 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 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 be as good, and intending purchasers will be wiseUo take oat 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— Wanted, clerk. Wanted, general. Wanted, waitress. AV anted, ploughmen. To let, 8-roomed house. AVantod, 'small furnished flat. Auction sale of fruit —Exchange Rooms Tenders called for erection of brick shops. On page 5 AVilson & Fraser announce sale of cycle and go-cart business, and in future conducting motor business only—See advt. On page 6 Grand Pictures at 2 and 6.45. Popular Pictures at 2 and 6.45. Get-Bich-Quick Availing ford—Municipal Theatre. Notice re purchase of transport horses Notice re St. John Ambulance Assn. On page 7 McDonald’s monster boot sale begins to-morrow. On page 8— Duy a good comfortable easy chair from Broad, Small and Co. Dipton stock sale, February' 2S.