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Southland Times, Issue 17936, 30 January 1917, Page 4

In response to a letter from Mr G. J. Anderson, M.P., enclosing a communication from the secretary of a meeting recently held at Mataura in regard to the cost of living, the President of the Board of Trade and Minister for Commerce (Hon. W. D. ;5. Mac Donald) states that this matter is receiving the earnest consideration of , the Government at. the present time.

An Auckland wire states that Albert J. Arlow, formerly a commission agent in Auckland, and latterly in business at Samoa, arrived by the island steamer last night under sentence by the military authorities on a charge not divulged. He was committed to Auckland gaol. A German brought from the islands under escort is understood to be charged with being in the possession of .firearms.

A largely-attended meeting at Riversdale to consider organisation in respect to the agricultural industry was held bn Sunday night. Representatives from practically every settlement on the Waimea Plains attended. It y’as resolved that this meeting and the people of Waimea Plains urge on the Government that the calling up of farmers and those engaged in attendant industries be stayed until the organisation the Cabinet has promised to institute is working sufficiently well to’ maintain farms in their present productive conditions.

At a meeting yesterday of the committee of the Otago A- and P. Society (says the Dunedin Times) considerable concern was expressed by several, members at the fact shat nothing has been yet decided by the Board of Trade in connection with the guaranteeing of wheat prices, and that in consequence various avenues of trade were much) contracted, if not stagnant, besides having the effect of curtailing future prospects of wheat-growing. It was resolved to send a telegram to the Minister of | Agriculture, protesting against the deI lay.

Another 10,000 names will be drawn from the register of the First Division of the Expeditionary Force Reserve next month, at a ballot which will commence on Monday next. This is to fill any shortages existing on that date in the 27th and 28tli Reinforcements. So far some 10,600 members of the First Division have been chosen by lot in the three ballots taken, the number being apparently arrived at on the assumption that two out of every three men would be exempted on one ground or another, as there were only about 3500 vacancies to fill. When next month’s ballot is completed, over 20,000 names will have been drawn —quite a large proportion of the 85.000 odd names originally on th# register.

Bee-keeping as a possible sphere of Industry for returned invalided soldiers was advocated by Cr. F. W. Walters at tlie last meeting of the Piako County Council. One settler in the Waitoa district had, he said, lately despatched two tons of honey in one consignment. Already three tons had been taken this season, and the settler —who had by no means put in all his time at the itdustry—expected to take as much as six to seven tons of honey for the season. He got. Cr. Walters thought, od per lb wholesale. This was the industry for returned soldiers, and the Hauraki Plains was a natural harvest field, being covered with white clover. It was also understocked, and much pollen was going to waste. He would like the Farmers’ Union to take up the matter.

Figures showing the enormous development of the fruit-growing industry were given by the Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald at the. Nurserymen’s Conference on Wednesday. The annual increase in the acreage planted since 1911 has been as follows: —1911. 9120 acres; 1912, 2361 acres; 1913, 2525 acres; 1914, 3302 acres; 1915, 35SS acres: 1916, 2390 acres. In six years there had been an increase'of over 16,000 acres of true commercial orchards. Since 1908—that was. since the great forward movement began—--19,500 acres had been planted in modern, up-to-date orchards. Since the registration of orchards was provided for, 100.000 orchards, large and small, had been registered. The orchard tax, collected from commercial growers only, had so far produced £I7OO.

The third valuation of wool under the system of requisition of all wool by the Imperial Government was completed on Thursday, says the Dunedin Times, and the time for growers’ protest in connection therewith will run out in a few hours. In this series some 11,000 to 12.000 bales of wool have been handled, making a total of 26.000 bales of wool catalogued and valued up to date. The prices arc generally recognised as quite good, and protests have been few and far between. Compared with last season, wools, on the whole, show more condition, and although well grown for the most part, it is noted with surprise that some showy high country southern crossbreds evince a “tenderness," mostly iiogget wool, a feature not much in evidence in clips submitted earlier in the season. The work in connection with the commandeering scheme has involved a strenuous time to all concerned, and growers no doubt will appreciate the fact that their agents have not spared themselves, while the fact that protests have not prevailed to any extent speaks volumes in regard to the careful work of valuers, arbitrator, and umpire.

It is proposed, on the return of tlia Aurora from Boss Sea, to make a presentation to Sir Ernest Shacklcton from people in the dominion who recognise the courage and resource displayed by him in his repeated and finally successful efforts to rescue Iris companions who were stranded on Elephant Island, in the Weddell Sea, says the Dunedin Times. This has been described as one of the finest and bravest of rescue achievements in the thrilling history of Polar research. Sir Erne.st Shacklelon’s work throughout lias been of the most unselfish character, and it is pointed out by Dunedin citizens who are helping in the movement to recognise this, that the carrying on of the work of Arctic and Antarctic research appeals to many people because of their recognition of the fact that, irrespective of its value to science, it is owing to the dauntless courage and fine spirit which animated the earlv trading adventurers of Britain, in Polar seas and elsewhere, that the national character has been largely built up. The return of the Aurora may be looked for next month, and it is sincerely to he hoped that she will bring with her the men who were left at Boss Sea when she drifted away in the ice.

The Dunedin Star states that the Invercargill woollen mills have been purchased bv a Dunedin syndicate, who intend to commence operations at once.

The Chamber of Commerce Association, says a London cable, is drafting a Bill to reform coinage and weights and measures, suggesting that the tlorin be used as the unit, being the tenth of a sovereign.

The weather was fine for the anniversary holiday at Auckland yesterday. The principal attraction, besides the Takapuna race meeting, were a regatta and the district rifle meeting. A feature of the latter was the large proportion of cadets included in the 200 odd entries.

For three days past Invercargill has sweltered in a heavily oppressive atmospheric oven, and most of the townspeople are wishing for rain to cool the air. Of the three days' roast Sunday was the warme-st, when the mercury in the shade rose to 86 degrees. Yesterday the shade temperature was 84, anti on Saturday it was T9.

The arrangement made by the Overseas Committee for the shipment of 2000 crates of Bluff cheese in Wellington by a Home steamer did not eventuate. The Rosamond was the only vessel available to carry cheese from the Bluff to Wellington, and it was found there was not sufficient time to catch the Home liner in Wellington. Efforts to detain the latter failed and the shipment had to be abandoned.

The oat crops are ripening apace, says the Wyndham Farmer. On Thursday the binder was let into 20 acres of Garton grain sown September 27 on Mr John E. Mitchell's farm, "Bamborough," Tuturau; and the neighbouring holding of "Thistlebank,” the property of Messrs Lchany and Colyer, promises to furnish a close runner-up with a field sown on the same date. Further along the Tuturau district Mr William Muir, junr., has a nice patch almost ready for cutting; and. in fact, the whirr of the reaper should be a familiar sound around the smiling slopes of that country 10 days hence.

The turnip crops of Southland have become assured by the recent rains, says the Wyndham Herald. A good start, enabling the turnip to send down its taproot, is the main thing. Crops at Mokoreta this season will be good. The straw is short and the heads are well filled. Mr W. Murray will have his crop ready for the harvester by the middle of next ■week. Crops in the Tuturau district will be lighter than usual owing to the dry weather, and the harvest i.s coming in fast. Cutting will begin in about 10 days.

In no branch of the New South Wales railway service has more rapid progress been made in recent years than in that of signalling, and the consequence is that to-day the equipment in this respect ranks witli the most up-to-date in the world (says the Sydney Telegraph). At an industrial and models exhibition last week an example was shown of electric-ally-operated points and signals, by which the operator is able to locate the position of a train merely by looking at an electric diagram of the network of rails in the signal box. Perhaps the most novel feature, however, was the "beam light” signal, a form recently introduced in the United States. The lights are so designed as to give the required signal by both day and night, and the driver, therefore, has before him a signal of exactly the same form and colour In both daylight and darkness, and Ills view of the signal consequently is quite independent of any defect in colour sense.

The latest figures issued by the Discharged Soldiers’ Information Department (up to 17th January) give a very good idea of the work that has been done by that department since its in-

ception. The total number of men on the register to date is 6592, of whom , 6558 have been disposed of, 595 are "under action,” and 483 are not ready

for action (these include men returned by recent transports). .The cases disposed of are classified as follows;—(a) Men who have work to return to. and men who have re-pnlisted or returned to military duty, etc., 2358: (b) men placed in employment, 1289; (,c) men •who have signed "Assistance not required." 1228; (d) left New Zealand or cannot ascertain address, 151; (e) men ■who have not responded to repeated communications, and men who have accepted work the department found for

them, but failed to start work, 532; total, 5553. There are 110 men on the "Employment Wanted" register, and there are 439 men convalescing, not ready for employment, and not yet discharged.

From time to time articles have appeared in the Australian newspapers regarding the American organisation which calls itself "The Ingathering of Israelites of the House of David,” whose headquarters are at Benton Harbor, Michigan, U.S.A. For some time past an agency of this body has been established near Sydney and the Department cf Home Affairs and Territories is frequently applied to for passports for persons who desire to proceed to America for the purpose of joining the “ingathering." This Department now reports that careful inquiries have been made into the object and working of this organisation, and it is highly undesirable that Australians should proceed to America for the purpose of joining it. The institution at Benton Harbor is presided over by a man and woman, who call themselves "Benjamin" and "Mary," and one of the first conditions for qualification as membership Is that candidates must hand over to "Benjamin" and “Mary" the whole of their earthly possessions. Evidence has been obtained which justifies the Government in warning the public to make very careful inquiries before they have anything to do with "Benjamin" and "Mary" and "The Ingathering of Israelites of the House of David."

Among the novelties to be seen at tho exhibition of carnations on behalf of the Red Cross funds now being made by Mr W. H. Hardy, the noted grower, are ■what he calls his twin picotees. Hurdle's Sensation No. 1 and 2. The picotee was never known to sport, either at Home or In the colonies, but Mr Hardy has raised a picotee from a liney seed with two distinct flowers, one with a heavy Crimson edge, and the other with a light rose edge. Both arc much larger blooms than is usual with the picotee, and are particularly strong growers. Either for eize or quality finer blooms could not be seen. Mr Hardy has also on view a last year's seedling, a large champion yellow ground fancy carnation with no fewer than five different colours on the same plant, which is also a strong grower and absolutely safe against bursting, a point that Mr Hardy is always striving for. Another fine dower to be seen is the "King of Spain," greatly praised in growers' lists, but Mr Hardy has a seedling of the same colour, but a larger bloom and brighter in colour, which hj* l lias named "King of Waikiwi." There arc other novelties which w.ll interest dower lovers and carnation specialists, and the exhibition, which is behind -Mr T. D. Kingsland's residence at Waikiwi, should be visited by large numbers to-day and to-morrow. The sixpence charged for admission is handed over to the Bed Cross funds.

When washing with "Xo Rubbing Launch y Help” all you have to do is to boil your while clothes and soak coloured clothes, woollens, etc., rinse well, blue, and hang out; when dry they will be snow while. T. \V. McGILL & CO.

tjimply steep, Loll, nn.se; don’t rub. Use "Easy Monday" Laundry Help. Clothes spotless. I;- packet lasts eight weeks. Grocers.

Beautifully clean clothes without rubbing. "Easy Monday" Laundry Help does it. Rackets, 1/-; does eight weekly washings.

The summer holidays are approaching and many people will be arranging for me vacation tna. they have so well earned. Holidays are necessary in the beat of times, and they are au me more necessary in these days wnen those who are not nghtlng are snouldering eztra burdens. I’lic utmost eltort of the Empire’s manhood and womanhood is caued upon, and it is essential that everybody should keep absolutely lit. There must bo hundreds, in lact thousands, ip. .Southland for whom a change is essential, and these will bo interested In bags and trunks in which to carry their belongings. A little good advice may not be cut of place. Thera are bags and bags. You can buy a suit case, a Gladstone bag, a kit bag, or a brief bag, that will last one journey, or, for a few shillings more you can buy a real leather article that will last for years. Which is the better bargain? Is any argument needed? Go to Ritchie und Co., Dee street, where you can buy guaranteed real leather bags, and whsre you will have the biggest selection in Southland to choose from. You run no risk. You get an absolute guarantee—and you will gst satisfaction. You will also get better value, because Ritchie and Co. are large buyers and can sell an a small margin.

It is proposed that the Rt. Hon. W. F. .Massey be tendered a banquet, to he held at Pukeknhe. as a welcome from his constituents on his return from England (says the Xew Zealand Herald). The organisers arc the members of the Franklin t’ounty Council. Mr Massey is to be asked to fix a date, and to make the event his first official appearance after his return to New Zealand. Cabinet Ministers, members of Parliament, and representatives of local bodies in the district are to be invited.

In our Saturday's Issue appeared an advertisement of the Floral Gymkhana and Demonstration to be held under the auspices of the Caledonian Society ol Southland, who wish to point out that entries for ail events are free except for piping (adults) the entry fee for which is 2 6.

That is perfectly true. The readymoney svstem saves time, saves money, and saves worry. 'The moral is obvious; Buy Groceries on the most approved principle—that is for prompt cash at Baxters, Dee street. x

Towels made in England. If you want Towels that will wear get ones made in England. THOMSON & BEATTIE, Ltd., have these good lines on offer at their End-of-Season Sale. Size, -42 x 22 at 1/6 for 1/4 Vs, and 1/9 for 1/7. Size 54 x 22 at 2/- for 1/10. Anybody in want of a serviceable Towel should see these.

The Prompt Service Store in Tay street have on view in their Clothing Department a wide and up-to-date selection of boys' wearing apparel. Mothers would do well to pay a visit to this progressive drapery firm and inspect foi themselves the exceptional values which are being offered. The following bargain prices speak for themselves. Boys’ overcoats 9/6, 12 6, 14/6, 15/6, 17/6. suits 12/6, 15/6, 19/6, 20/6, 25/6. Boys’ knickers 1/11, 2/11, 3/6, 3/11, 1/6. Boys golf hose 1/11 per pair. Braces, 6d per pair. Khaki handkerchiefs 2/6 per halfdozen. At H. & J. SMITH, LTD., Prompt Service Store. x

To ensur eeevry visitor to the Colossal Summer Sale now on at Messrs Price & Bulleid, Ltd., Tay street, getting their requirements properly supplied, the firm has for To-day (Saturday) freely replenished the sale tables. Right through the house there will be an abundance of attractively priced lines in all departments, millinery prices are keener than ever, and to ensure a complete clearance in this department ail prices for trimmed millinery will be further reduced.

Sheets, table-cloths, everything in the v/ashing made spotless without rubbing by using "Easy Monday ’ Laundry Help. "To be safe, never feel sure.” —Old Proverb.

In time of peace prepare for war —in times of health prepare to ward off the enemy, disease.' In summer weather most people are susceptible to chills and the resulting coughs and colds, therefore a bottle of Baxters Lung Preserver should be kept handy In home, shop, or office. An occasional dose will do much good—benefit the throat and lungs, and tone up the system generally. "Baxter’s” has stood the test of 50 years, and is still the favourite with people who recognise real merit. Large bottles, 1/10, sold everywhere.

The largest and most up-to-date Garage in the Dominion is now being constructed for Messrs G. W. WOODS AND CO. on the same site as their old premises. In the meantime the Garage is in Leven Street, and the Offices upstairs in the Federal Buildings. Full stocks of cars and accessories are now on hand. x

HOW FIRESTONE TYRES ARB MADE,

These "double-distance” Tyres ere made from pure up-river Para Rubber, and finest Sea Island Cotton Fabric—both the finest obtainable. BUT HOW they are made is a Firestone secret. Fiiestone chemists have special formulas—blends that make Firestone Treads, Cushion Layers, Breaker Strips and Side Walls absolutely unequalled for toughness, heat resistance and mileage capacity. Firestones have extra quality in seven places—they give "most miles for the money." Use Firestones’. If the garage can’t supply, get particulars from P. H. VICKERY, Southland Agents.

SYNOPSIS NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.

Oi2 page 1 — Lost, bap. Lost, cheque. Lost, brooches. Wanted, clerk. Wanted, bushman. Wanted, manager. Money to lend. Wanted, horse, cart, etc. New school books at Noble's. Tenders called for house at Riversdale On page 3 Albion Pictures—2 and 7 p.m. Grand Pictures —2 and 7 p.m. Popular Pictures —2 and 7 p.m. Mr Edwards resumes teaching Jan. 29. Miss Kmery resumes teaching Feb. 6. Try the A.C.M. for soldiers' sweets. Ingiis Todd resumes teaching Feb. 5. Tools of all kinds obtainable from Smith and Laing. 021 page 6 In'gill Stock Agents sale of sheep and cattle at Kapuka on Wednesday,