THE MATERNITY HOME.

Southland Times, Issue 17968, 8 March 1917, Page 4

THE MATERNITY HOME.

At; is generally known the Government recently decided to acquire Mr J. E. Watson’s Trafalgar property in order to make use of it as a Maternity Home. A' committee of ladies has been formed to raise a sum of money sufficient to furnish the building suitably for this purpose. The movement is one which deserves cordial support, and'it may be anticipated that the committee’s appeal will meet with a ready response in all parts of the district. That the people of Southland should do something to assist in the establishment of this institution is a reasonable request for the Government to make; it was, in fact, almost a condition of the purchase of Mr Watson’s property—a property admirably suited in every way for the purpose. The committee of ladies which waited upon the Hon. G. W. Russell in Invercargill made out a strong case for the establishment of a St Helen’s Home in Invercargill, and the Minister asked whether the ladies of Southland would provide the furniture if the Government provided the building. He understood that a promise * was given, and on that understanding recommended the purchase of Mr Watson’s property. In writing to Mrs Baird a few days ago, the Minister stated that he was very doubtful whether the Government would have purchased the property had this promise of assistance not been given. The Government’s practice outside the four centres has been to provide Maternity Homes where the spirit of self-help was shown. Thus in Gisborne a complete and fully furnished home which cost several thousand pounds, in full going order, was recently handed over by the women of Poverty Bay subject to the Government paying off some £4OO of debt. At Napier a building valued at £7OOO has been donated to the Government for use as a Maternity Home. This was taken over by the Hospital Board, who accept full responsibility for running it and receive no assistance from the Government beyond the ordinary subsidy for hospital purposes. When the Maternity Home is established in Invercargill the Government will be entirely responsible for its maintenance and the cost will not fall upon the ratepayers of the district. Had no voluntary assistance been offered the Government would probably have requested the Southland Hospital Board to consider the erection of a Maternity Ward at the Hospital, and had this been agreed to at least one-half of the entire cost of the building, equipment and maintenance wonld have fallen on the people in the hospital district. It is clear, therefore, that apart from the pledge given to the Minister the Government’s request that the district should provide the money necessary to furnish the Home is not unreasonable. Of the work itself little need be said. The Home is needed, and such an institution has a very strong claim upon the sympathy and generosity of the community. The women who moved in the matter are to be congratulated upon having induced the Government to purchase the Trafalgar property, and we feel sure that the public -Kail express its approval by readily subscribing the money necessary to furnish the Home and equip it for its beneficent work.

The Wallace Licensing Committee has carried a resolution that no more conditional licenses be granted during the continuance of the war.

A Sydney message states; The Government Statistician estimates that New South Wales has contributed £2,642,504 to the war funds.

In the Warden’s Court at Riverton B. G. Thompson applied for a coal lease, 1000 acres, Gulches Head, Preservation Inlet. The Warden (Mr G. Cruickshank) recommended the application for consent of the Minister; rent Is per acre, and royalty 6d per ton.

There is a rumour, too intelligent to be lightly disregarded (says the Wellington correspondent of the O.D. Times) that both of our Ministers now in England on an Imperial mission may not at once come back to New Zealand. The suggestion is that Sir Joseph Ward may stay in England for a time, and that Mr Massey will return alone.

A Press Association telegram from Napier states that the returning officer for Hawke's Bay has received advice from Wellington that Mr Fraser’s withdrawal cannot be officially noticed, as it was not made within the legal time. Mr Fraser therefore is still officially a candidate. Though he advises his supporters to vote for Sir John Findlay any votes credited to him*will not be informal.

Mr J. McNeil, an employee in the Dunedin Post Office, whilst on his holidays, left Invercargill at 6.30 a.m. on Monday on his bicycle, intending to travel to Dunedin —a distance of probably 150 miles by road (says the Otago Daily Times). He was given two days in which to do the trip. Reaching Woodlands at 7.10 he had a cup of tea, and refreshments at Edendale, which he left at 8.20. At Gore he took 40 minute* for refreshments, leaving at 10.30. From Pukerau to Waipahi, which hj« reached at 0.15 p.m., he encountered rough roads and had to walk a good deal. Clinton was reached at 1 p.m., and Mr McNeil allowed himself an hour for dinner. He’ arrived at Balclutha at 3.45, and Milton (here he had tea) at • o’clock. At Henley he was delayed for half-an-hour repairing a puncture, and arrived at Mosgiel at 9 o'clock. It hein* then 9 o'clock and quite dark, Mr McNeil decided that he had had enough of the trip, and completed his journey by rail. The actual time taken on the trip was 1 4 Vz hours, but of this two hours 20 minutes were occupied in refreshments and repairs. For a day’s journey by an amteur, Mr McNeil's performancs is certainly a meritorious one.

The way in which young farmers wltk heavy financial responsibilities are being called up for service was the subject of a letter from the North Auckland branch of the Farmers' Union, laid before the monthly meeting of the Palmerston North branch of the Union on Saturday. The letter gave instances of where brothers, after putting in yeara of hard work on their farms, had to their places with no provision for carrying on the farms or guarding their interests. It was throwing their life's work away for nothing. The chairman said that was a clear statement of tho position as far as he could see. What the Union wanted was for these men to get a fair hearing, and the farmers should have representatives there to see that they got a hearing, at the sittings of the Appeal Boards. Mr Wingate gave it as his opinion that the branch should impress on the Defence authorities the great necessity of relieving the extreme cases where it was at all possible, and he moved a motion to this effect. Mr Maul referred to the matter of putting retired farmers to manage the properties of eligible farmers who were being called up. As far as he could see, retired farmers would not be of much use. They wanted men who could do hard work. The chairman said he would willingly give his assistance to help eligible farmers rather than see them lose their little bit. If the Union knew of anyone requiring assistance he would be glad to do his best. The motion was then put and carried. The annual meeting of the Union is to take place at Marton on 21st April, and members were invited to forward remits to the next meeting of the Palmerston Branch for consideration*.

A Wellington telegram states: —Mr J. Marrel wires that in company with Mr Edgar Williams he has succeeded in climbing Mount Elliott, a well-known peak on the Milford Sound track.

A wharf labourer, who was claiming compensation for injuries at the Supreme Court yesterday said that during the last twelve months Bluff had never been better from a wharf labourer’s point of view “since Bluff was Bluff.” He had lived in Bluff for the last twenty years, and was emphatically of that opinion.

On Wednesday evening next a Hrstclass Irish National concert will be presented in the Municipal Theatre. Patrons are assured of an enjoyable evening, as the best local talent has been obtained. The full programme will appear later in our advertising columns. Th© prices are 2/- and 1/-, and seats may be reserved at The Bristol Piano Company.

A witness, in giving evidence at the Supreme Court yesterday, stated that for the three months up to November of last year his earnings as a wharf labourer at Bluff had averaged £4 per week. Pie had left Bluff to go shearing, and the Inference to be drawn was that by going shearing” he earned more than £4 per week. The plaintiff in giving evidence stated that his earnings were equal to £IBO or £l9O per year.

The annual conference of the New Zealand Fire Brigades is being held this year at Balclutha, commencing with a church parade next Sunday. In the ordinary course of events the brigades competitions would have been held this year, but they have been cancelled on the score of expense. Lieut, Ashley ithe Invercargill Municipal Brigade's delegate to the conference, while the Railway andtjßaliway Workshops' Brigades will also be represented.

The jury yesterday, after having considered the McEachrcn-McLeod case for gome time, came hack into Court, and the foreman enquired of the Judge regarding unintentional false representation. His Honour replied: "You must be satisfied that the defendant told the plaintiff something which the defendant knew to be false." The foreman also enquired if he carried a casting vote. “No," said the Judge, with a smile.

At the meeting of the Presbytery of Dunedin the Kev, A. Whyte submitted the annual report of the Board of Governors of Columbia Girls’ College, Dunedin. The roll which at the opening of the College in February, 1915, had 120 pupils, of whom forty were boarders, and which last February had 136 pupils, of whom forty-six were boarders, had now 170 pupils, of whom sixtypix were boarders. The following are the office-bearers for the current year; President, the Rev. A. Whyte; VicePresident, the Kev. R. E. Davies; secretary, Mr P. G. Pryde; treasurer, Mr Walter Gow. Messrs Thomas Fleming and G. M. Thomson are members of the Board.

The natives of Colne Bay are preparing for the Titi Islands, so the kaik will be particularly deserted for a short time, says the Tuatapere Guardian. The local party will be joined by Natives from Papatotara and Temuka, and will sail about the 10th inst. The taste of the titi. or mutton bird, has been acquired by a constantly increasing proportion of the fair-skinned community during recent years, and in consequence it is not surprising to learn that the Natives expect to get a little extra for their catch this year in order to compensate them for the increased cost of living occasioned by the war.

The Wellington correspondent of the Evening ' Star telegraphs : —Sir Erne.st Shackleton will leave Wellington for London via Australia and America on Thursday. He intends to stay In Australia for a short time in order to deal with some business connected with his expedition, then he will proceed to America, where he will deliver a few lectures before crossing the Atlantic. Sir Ernest Shackleton intends to join the fighting forces of the Allies at an early date, and he Is busily engaged in the compilation of the records of his expedition at the present. In order that his hands may be free soon after his arrival In London. He has sold the Aurora, as well as the balance of his stores and equipment.

How easily medical quacks may practise on the minds and pockets of some aged people is illustrated by an old Wellington resident's recent experience with one .(says the Dominion). Old people frequently fail to realise that the failure of some of their senses is due to causes that go with old. age, and, having the means, they are easily led to believe the moat nonsensical rubbish. One old gentleman who visited a quack, was positively assured that he could be cured, and after paying a sum approximating £4O in cash, the fakir actually signed an agreement promising a complete cure in eighteen months. When the relatives heard of this they sought the assistance of a lawyer, who at once called on the quack, and insisted on the repayment of the money. The lawyer was politely received, and wltnout protesting in any way, the quack at once returned the money, whereupon the legal action which should have followed was dropped.

The Spaniard and his knife; the anarchist and his Browning automatic; the Indian and his tomahawk: the Suffragette and “her sheaf of poisoned darts — the association of all these wanderers ©n the war-trail with their weapons is generally recognised; but, when one is asked to nominate a fighting man to handle a revolver, it is usually the western cow-boy who Is accorded the honour, and most certainly there are few who mentally associate dusky warriors with six-shooters. Yet it is a couple of "black fellows" so armed who, according to his own tale, are thirsting for the blood of a statutory first offending inebriate who appeared before Mr G. Cruickshank, S.M., yesterday morning. The defendant admitted having been helplessly drunk in Esk street, but ■when the Senior-sergeant hinted that his low physical condition was brought about by consistent worship at the shrine of Bacchus he was most emphatic in his denial. He was a heavy smoker, so he told the Bench, and his state was due to that, which affected him more than drink did. Then the prosecuting Sergeant wanted to know if smoking was responsible for "the men shooting at you." "Tell his Worship about that,” he advised. Thereupon the defendant launched into the recital of a bloodcurdling tale of having wakened at 11 o’clock one morning to find one of the murderous Ethiopians standing in a corner of his room, and covering him with the arm. At this stage in the Court proceedings a reporter's features got out of control, but the frivolous pressman was brought back to his senses with a Jerk, by a sharp intimation from the narrator, to the effect that it was no laughing matter hut the solemn truth. The offender having assumed the desired expression of gravity, the story was continued. It appeared that the first child of the equator vanished without doing any damage, and that the defendant was not molested further until he. went out to his horses, when ‘‘black fellow” number two, with his revolver levelled, stepped round the corner. What this second would-be murderer did, the Btory-teller omitted to mention, but he did state —and that in no uncertain tone —that he could lay hands on the two intruders any day. yet, when he reported the matter to the police, he was merely laughed at and told that he had been drinking. The idea! The Magistrate remanded the defendant for medical treatment for a period of eight days, but the fervent and frequent "Thank you’s” of that worthy, as he left the dock, conveyed the idea that lie was tinder the impression that the Bench had passed sentence of death on the pair of his tormentors. Perhaps, after all, that's what the remand may amount to.

A direct consignment of Corsets from the Dominion Corset Co., of Canada, has Just arrived, and is now included in the Corset stock of Messrs PRICE AND BULLEID, Ltd., Tay street. The consignment includes the very latest models In the popular and widely known D and A Corset. Messrs Price and Bulleid, Ltd., atock these in all suitable sizes, according to shape or model of corset, with the result that all clients may procure from their stock the correct shapes and size desired. Buying in large quantities and having the goods landed direct from the makers ensures the article being sold at a moderate price. The joint guarantee of the makers and the. retailer is behind every pair offered for sale, and ail corset goods submitted by Messrs Brice and Bulleid, Ltd., will be found correct in every way.

Toe largest and most up-to-data Garage in the Dominion is now being constructed for Messrs G. W. WOODS AND GO. on the same site as their old premises. In the meantime the Gar&ge Is in Leven Street, and the Offices upttairs in the Federal Buildings. Full stocks of cars and accessories are now on hand* z

J. S. BAXTER sells and recommends “No Rubbing" Laundry Help. It lightens the toil of washing tremendously'. A “Thinkers” Notebook with 1./- packets.

Men’s Wool Mufflers. — A splendid selection of those have just been opened up at THOMSON & BEATTIE’S. They are in Browns, Lovats, Ureys, Heathers, and Cream, with plain and fancy borders. Just the ideal Muffler for wintry weather. Prices, :! /H to 6/11 each.

Save your money and buy your Groceries for prompt cash, from BAXTER'S, Dee street. “Small profits; quick returns.”

All British, new Tweed Hats, Caps, Neckwear, Shirts, etc. —UNDRILL’S, opp. Post Office.

Beautifully clean clothes without rubbing. "Easy Monday” Laundry Help does it. Packets, 1/-; does eight weekly v. ladings.

Ladies' Costumes. —Without doubt this section comprises some of the newest and most up-to-date models yet displayed at the Progressive Drapery Store at reasonable everybody prices. Beautiful Navy Serge Costumes in a variety of styles just new In, all sizes, selling at 75/-, others at 35/-, 84/-, 95/-, 98/- to 6 and 7 guineas. Gabardine Costumes in lovely shades of mole and brown, 84/-, 95/-, 98/-. Hoslyn Tweed Costumes, 95/-, 98/-; other Tweed Costumes 45/-, 59/6, 65/-, to 95/-. Black Serge Costumes, lovely styles. 8 1/-, 95/-, 98/-, 108/-. Every Costume fitted and altered if necessary - by experienced assistants, and great attention given to all details, at H. & J. SMITH, Prompt Service Store, Tay street.

“New days are on your track.” —Bernal. Though you suffer from a cold or sore throat to-day you will begin to feel better to-morrow if you start to take Baxter’s Lung Preserver at once. This famous tested remedy gives new health to those who have weak lungs or are run down. It is a tonic medicine as well a,s a lung preserver. Splendid for young and old. Pleasant to take, and every dose benefits. Prove its goodness and reliability NOW. Ask your Chemist or Storekeeper for a big 1/10 bottle, but be sure you obtain "Baxter’s.

FIRESTONE DOUBLE-CURE TYRES—DOUBLE DISTANCE TYRES.

In addition to extra quality in seven places. Firestone Tyres are Double-cured slowly and gently. This makes the rubber and fabric one uniform whole — the tyre is no longer a series of layers, but one unit of strength. Because the "curing” is slow and gentle, there is no terrific heat to scorch the stamina out of the rubber and fabric —Firestones are truly “live rubber” Tyres. These are reasons why you get "most miles for the money” in Firestones. If your garage is out of stock, write to P. H. VICKERV, Southland Agent.

Simply steep, toil, rinse; don’t rub. Use "Easy Monday" Laundry Help. Clothes spotless. 1/- packet lasts eight weeks. Grocers.

A big purchase for cash. Having secured a leading warehouse stock at a liberal discount, we are offering the following exceptional bargains:— 96 single bed Marcella Quilts, Sale price 7/11; double bed Marcella Quilts, ail one bargain price. 11/6; 52 extra large double bed size Marcella Quilts, superior quality, all one bargain price, 12/6. Ask to see the Indian Manila and Honeycomb Quilts, special prices 4/11, 6/6, 7/11, 9/11, 10/6, 11/6, 12/6, 22/6, 25/-, 30/-, to 110/-. 700 pairs double bed Blankets in white and grey, bargain price 20/- a pair, valued at 30/-. At H. & J. SMITHS Bargain Store.

Sheets, table-clotha, every tiling In the washing made spotless without rubbing by using "Easy Monday” Laundry Help.

SYNOPSIS NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.

On page 1— For sale, residence. Try Baxter’s Rava tea. Wanted, motor mechanic. For sale, gramaphone, etc. For sale, potato-digger, etc. Wanted, threshing-mill men. McKay Bros, have fruit for sale. Colin McDonald has property for sale. Wallace County Council —Tenders called. Winter millinery, etc., at Price and Bulieid’s. Boys and men's wear obtainable at 11. & J- Smith’s. Try Brewer, Arcade, for good cheap fruit. On page 3 Albion Pictures at 2 and 7. Grand Pictures at 2 and 7. Popular Pictures at 2 and 7. Sketches of Anzac, Victoria Hall. Caledonian Society—Notice re accounts Write to Hemingway & Robertson’s Correspondence Schools. Notice re estate of Robert Brown. Notice re estate of Robert McNab. Notice re estate of Jas. King Mclntosh Lovely display of Autumn and Winter novelties at H. & J. Smith's. On page 4 Special line of sleeping suits at the H.B. Try the D.LC. mail order department when requiring drapery, etc. On page 6 Clearing sale at Wallacetown, Mar. 16. Orepuki stock sale, March 12. Sale of tallow, rabbitskins, etc., March 13. Clearing sale at Hokonui, March 26. Sale of farming lands and stock, Winton, Marcli 12. Waimahaka stock sale, March 12. 12 acres at Seaward Bush for prompt sale by Wm. Todd and Co.