CAN WE BREAK THROUGH?

Southland Times, Issue 17969, 9 March 1917, Page 4

CAN WE BREAK THROUGH ?

There is much speculation and controversy just now on the question whether the Allies can break through the enemy’s Western line. Anyone who has heard the question discussed in a tramcar or railway carriage, in a club or hotel, in a private house or a public meeting, must have been greatly interested in the variety and ingenuity of the arguments advanced, but it appears to us that this is a question which leads the ordinary private citizen into inevitable bewilderment and uncertainty. We have before us a letter from a correspondent who has evidently emerged from one of these discussions perplexed and somewhat disturbed, and herequests us to express an opinion. We can only refer our correspondent and others who are similarly exercised to the best opinion we know of: that of the British Commander -in - Chief, Sir Douglas Haig. On the question of the Allies’ ability to beat the enemy in the field Sir Douglas Haig is the highest of all authorities. Well we know what his opinion is. His despatch covering the battle of the Somme was published on the 30th December, and in that despatch, while pointing out that the enemy’s power had not yet been broken, and that it was not possible to form an estimate of the time the war might last before the enemy was defeated, Sir Douglas Haig wrote: “But the Somme battle has placed beyond doubt the ability of the Allies to gain their*objects.” More recently Sir Douglas Haig granted an interview to press correspondents in Paris. He spoke very freely about the war and subjects connected with it, and when the interview was published it created something of a sensation. Questions in the Mouse of Commons elicited the information that owing to an oversight on the part of a junior officer the proofs of the interview had not been submitted to Sir Douglas Haig, nor to the members of the War Council. This omission took away from the interview its official character, but did not destroy its value. On the contrary the value of the interview was increased by the fact that it gave to the public Sir Douglas Haig’s frank personal convictions as to the military outlook. In that interview Sir Douglas Haig stated emphatically that the Allies would smash through the German line. He did not promise a rapid march to victory nor a quick end to the war, but he did say that it was absolutely certain that the Allies would break their way through, making so wide a breach and pressing the pursuit with such vigour that the enemy “far in the rear” would not be able to make himself secure. When it comes to an opinion upon the prospects .of the summer fighting in France we elect to pin our faith to Sir Douglas Haig’s promise. We certainly know of no other opinion that is entitled to equal weight.

A Gisborne message states that the Arahura sailed at 11.15 a.m. yesterday for Auckland, where she will be docked.

The present intention of the Government is to release the "Gazette" containing the names of the men selected in the fifth ballot on Tuesday afternoon. Fishing in the Rangitata River, near the mouth, last week, Mr W. McCallum landed three beautiful quinnat salmon, ranging from 191b to 231b, and measuring about 2ft Gin.

A Dunedin telegram states that the Otago and Southland drafts of the 27th. Reinforcements left for Trentham yesterday and had a particularly hearty send-off. The total was 341, the Dunedin group contributing 180, or thirty in excess of the quota. The voluntary element bulked very largely.

The estates of 293 deceased persons were certified for stamp duty during February. The largest was that of Dr R. C. Earle, Wanganui, £47,181. The Southland estates were; W. A. Fleming £10,130, Elizabeth P. Fleming £6679, W. X. Woods £1875, J. Sinclair £1584, Mary E. Crozier £B6l, and Gertrude Field £575.

The Hon. G W. Russell, Minister of Marine, referring to the cabled appointment of a shipping controller, says communications received by the Government show that the appointment has no reference to the intercolonial trade but to the respective lines trading between Xew Zealand, Australia, and Britain. The position is that for Imperial reasons the Home Government arc controlling the whole shipping interests of the Empire, including Australian and New Zealand trade with the Mother Country.

The annual values of the war pensions granted to date are:—Soldiers 978 pensions, valued at £51,826, an average of £52 per pension: wives and widows 431, annual value £41,982, an average of £97 per pension; other dependents 1568, annual value £45,471, average £29; temporary pensions 3240, annual value £18,259, average £56; grand total 6217 pensions, valued at £321,858. Twelve hundred persons who were granted pensions or allowances are now, from various reasons, off the books, reducing the annual liability to £261,000.

The following is the translation of & letter received by the French Vice-Con-sul at Dunedin from Headquarters in France relative to a gift to the French Red Cross from Otago : —"I have the honour to inform you that M. L Amhas—sadcur, Secretary General to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has recently written me acknowledging receipt of A cheque for £907, which was sent to him by the Vice Consulate on the 17th October last from the St. John Ambulance Association, representing subscription* received in the districts of Dunedin, Invercargill, Gore, and Lawrence, in favour of the P'rench Red Cross. He ha* asked me to express the grateful thank* of the department to the generous donators for the sympathy they have shown to our National Society for the help of wounded soldiers. In performing th* wish which M. Cambon has expressed it is very pleasing to me, M. le Consul, to ask you to express at the same time my personal thanks for their generous gift to my countrymen, to those gentlemen.— Le Consul de France.”

Latest reports, published, in the Australian newspapers, of the attack on Broadstairs and Margate, show that u»« enemy destroyers hit only one building during the bombardment. The shell passed through the wall of a cottage and fell in a passage. A man, his wife, and six children were in the house at the time. The wife rushed upstairs and snatched the youngest child and was coming downstairs when the shell exploded. The woman was killed instantly and the baby died in two hours. Two other children, who were in bed, were seriously injured, but the remainder of the family escaped unhurt. About twenty-five shells were fired, the bombardment lasting six minutes. The majority of the shells fell in fields, doing little damage. Apparently the enemy’s guns were firing at random and to the limit of their range. The Germans were evidently more concerned with their own safety than with the accuracy of their shooting. One shell dropped in a town four miles away. The flashes of the guns illuminated the sea over an area of seven or eight miles, but the attackers -were cot seen from land.

During the month of February, 3G -cases of infectious diseases (29 of diphtheria and 7 of scarlet fever) were notified within the health district of Southland. The localities affected were: Southland County (18), Invercargill (11), Gore (2), Wyndham (2), Winton (1), Mataura (1), Lumsden (1). Two deaths from tuberculosis and one from diphtheria occurred during the month.

The Matron of the Kew Fever Hospital desires to thank Mrs A. McCallum, of Ettrick street, for donation of fruit and books. The Master of Horne Farm tenders his thanks to Mesdames .Miller. Arnold Macdonald, R. Gllmour and Messrs R. J. Camming and Morrah, besides Dr Brown and the Gymkhana committee.

There were admitted to the Southland Hospital during the month of February. CS males and 42 female patients. There were discharged, 52 males and 43 females, while 2 males and a female died. The Gore Hospital admitted 9 males and 10 females, while It discharged 11 males and 10 females, and lost 2 males by death. At the Lake County institution the admissions were 2 males and 3 females, and the discharges 2 males. Kew Fever Hospital admitted 11 males and 12 females as against discharging < males and S females. To Lome Farm, 1 males were admitted, and a similar number discharged, while one female entered and 5 left, In addition to which one male died.

The session of the Otago Medical School was formally opened at the University on Wednesday, says the Otago Daily Times, when Lieutenant-colonel Barnett delivered the inaugural address and Dr Lindo Ferguson (Dean of the Medical Faculty) made an important statement as to the conflicting claims made on medical students by the Defence authorities on the one hand and the interests of public health on the Other. Fifty-one first year students, including 13 ladles, afterwards enrolled, and it is probable that the total number Will shortly be over 60. This is much above the average, and larger than the enrolment in any previous year, with the single exception of last year. Almost all of these new students, of course, are well under the military age. The total number of medical students now at the University is considerably over 200. ✓

The Medical Superintendent of the Southland Hospital reported to his Boards meeting yesterday that the number of out-patients attended had increased enormously during the last 12 months until, now, the staff was averaging 500 visits a month. This was a very much larger total than in any other hospital of similar size and larger, even, than Auckland. He suggested that the Board refuse to treat lodge patients who could be treated by their lodge doctors, and the suggestion was adopted. The secretary stated that the increased number of visits was largely due to the treatment of so many returned soldiers, for whose treatment the Government had paid only about £IOO of its £3OO account.

Our Mataura correspondent states that the contributors to the Lady Liverpool v League during February were: Red Cross: Mataura School children (per Miss Fowler). 29 pyjama cords, 7 face cloths: Mrs W. Johnston, 1 parcel magazines. Belgian Fund: Mrs W. Johnston, one parcel. Monthly Parcels: Mrs M. Dickie, 2 pairs sox; Mrs D. Wassail, 2/6: Mrs P. Tail, 1 cocoa and milk, 2 pairs sox; Mrs P. Mortimer, 3 sardines, 2 cigarettes. 1 cheese, 1 cocoa Mrs W. Hayles, 3 tins tobacco; Miss Hastie, 3 tins lollies: Mrs Adams, senr., 2/- : Mataura School children (per Miss Fowler). 4 pairs sox, 2 chest protectors, 7 balaclavas, 9 pairs cuffs; Mrs E. M. Brown, 3 tins lollies; Mrs J. Lowden, 2 milk, 1 cocoa; Mrs G. Hay (Brydone), 10/-. Returned Work: Mrs Scammell. 1 pair sox. Thlrty-slx monthly parcels were packed and forwarded to Dunedin. The League realised the sum of £4 18s in ■id of parcel fund by sale of fruit and vegetables donated by exhibitors at the local flower show.

What was intended to be a mock duel ■between a woman and a man resulted fatally at Melbourne a few days ago, Mrs Stella Hines, a married woman, 26 years of age. and Eric Mclntosh, blacksmith, 26 years, both living in the same house in East Brunswick, decided to fight a sham duel, on the lines of one ■which they had recently seen portrayed at a picture show, namely, they were to stand back to back, walk away three paces, and then turn round and fire. Mrs Hines and Mclntosh were on friendly terms,- and both were armed •with revolvers believed to be unloaded. They stood back to back, and began to walk apart from one another. Before taking three paces, however, Mrs Hines swung round and fired her revolver, ■which, unknown to her, contained one cartridge. The bullet struck Mclntosh, passing through one of his eyes, death being instantaneous. Subsequently it was found that the revolver held by Mclntosh was also loaded, all seven chambers being charged.

Answering the objection frequently raised by farmers when before Military Service Boards that labour cannot now be obtained. Mr J. S. Evans, chairman of the First Canterbury Military Service Board, said at Ashburton on Tuesday that he knew a man, a personal friend, who was a thoroughly competent farmer. There could be no question of his ability, and he had retired from his Southland farm with a considerable fortune. His age was 56 years, and being too old to go to the front, but wishing to do what he could, he had patriotically offered his services, free of charge, to any farmer called up in the ballot, or ■who wished to enlist. He had travelled from Invercargill to Christchurch, im terviewing farmers and leading land agents, but could not find anybody to accept his services. He had been in Christchurch during the past week, but all his efforts to find work had been fruitless. He was a capable ploughman, and was not only willing to work himself, but would take his two sons with him! both being capable ploughmen. But he simply could nor get an engagement. Another instance was that of a Canterbury farmer who had advertised for a married ploughman and had received 24 replies. Mr Evans concluded by saying that it was all humbug for farmers to *ay that labour could not be obtained.

The difficulty with regard to valuations. declared Mr Harold Beauchamp at Thursday's sitting of the Royal Commission on City Leases (says the New Zealand Times), was to get those who acted for the lessor to accept anything like a reasonable valuation, and the same applied to rates. For example, he would be very glad to sell his property in Wellington at the assessment made by the local valuer. In fact, he would be prepared to take a slight reduction. That, to his mind, showed that the valuer was trving to get every farthing out of the land. Mr Milne (a Commissioner) : “I suppose that the real trouble is that the tenants who have entered Into these contracts find the contracts burdensome. That is to say, that the rents are absurdly high, based upon a high valuation, and not only have the rents been increasing, but the rates, also." Mr Beauchamp : "That is so.” The Chairman ; "That moans that the capital value must be absurdly high, and that the estimate that Wellington people put on their property is very far wrong.” Further, in reply to Mr Milne, Mr Beauchamp said that he considered present valuations absurdly high, but 5 per cent, on a reasonable valuation would be a fair rental. On the present valuation, however, the tenant was paying too much. Mr O’Shea (city solicitor): ’’l don’t know any case in Wellington where g per cent, is being paid on the unimproved value.

-Experience teaches.”—Tennyson. Benefit by the experience of others and get a bottle of that highly-praised remedy, Baxter's Lung Preserver. Every year thousands of people find it a splendid cure for coughs, colds and sore throats. It preserves the health of the lungs and thus prevents the distressing complaints that are so common during changeable weather. Pleasant to take. Good for youf.g and old. You can pul your trust in the tried and proved remedy, “Baxter's.” Big bottles 1/10, all chemists and stores.

Toe 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, end the Offices upstairs In the Federal Buildings. Full stocks of cars aud accessories are now on hand. * Simply sleep, boll, rinse; don’t rub. Use "Easy Monday" Laundry Help. Clothes spotless. 1/- packet lasts eight weeks. Grocers. WANTED —a few good iQ'.mlaUors of "NAZOL” will quickly clear away Nasal catarrh. 1/6 buys 60 dotes. x

Sheets, table-clotho, averymlng in the washing made spotless! without rubbing by using “Easy Monday” laatrdry Mcup.

A social evening in aid of the Patriotic Funds will be held in the Public Hall, Waikiwi, to-night, at 8 o'clock. There will he a programme of music, competitions: also refreshments. Admis -sion by coin or gift. All local friends are invited to co-operate.

The new ready-to-wear Hats at THOMSON & BKATTJ K'S are an exceedingly fine lot. All the latest styles and colourings in a range of prices that will suit any -purse. Call early and often, new goods being opened daily.

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

For the past 17 years the Progressive Drapery Store in Tay street have specialised in children’s outfits, made in their own factory, which enables them to offer the following exceptional value. Infants’ gown in flannelette and cambric, daintily trimmed, 2/6, 2/9, 3/6, 3/11, 4/3, 5/3, 6/6. Beautiful robes in silk and cambric from 10/6, 11/6, 12/6, 15/6 to 22/6. Flannel and llannelette barras from 1/11 to 4/6. Infants’ dresses in silk and muslins, very smart and dainty, 2/11, 3/3, 3/9, 4/6, 5/6, 6/6 to 17/6. Infants' hats and bonnets, newest shapes and styles from 2/3, 3/6, 2/11, 3/3, 3/6, 3/9, 4/6 to 12/6. Infants’ pinafores neatly trimmed with embroidery and lace, 1/6, 1/9, 2/6, 3/6. A large assortment of shawls, 3/11, 4/3, 5/9, 6/6, 7/11, 9/6, 10/6, 12/6, to 22/6. 100 dozen bibs, bargain prices, 3d to 1/6. Remnants waterproof sheeting, 1/11 to 3/6. See windows. Inspection invited; no one asked to buy. H. &J. SMITH’S Prompt Service Store.

“The weak I will make strong.”—Wilcox. Such is the message of Baxter’s Lung Preserver to those who suffer from coughs and colds, sore throat, or weak lungs. Its unique medicinal properties have proved of the utmost value in building health and strength. Quickly overcomes coughs and colds, heals throat Sbreness, promotes the health of the lungs, vitalises the whole system. Popular for lifty years—a sure guarantee of its efficacy. 1/10 could not be better invested than in procuring a big bottle of Baxter’s Lung Preserver. Sold everywhere.

Warm Tweed Coats for girls and maids for Winter wear is one of the many lines recently received at the Bon Marche Stores, Tay street (Messrs Price and Bulleid's, Ltd). Briefly described, they range in size from 24 Inches to 42 inches, and include all the best and most serviceable colours such as navy, marone, grey, brown, heather, saxe, cinnamon, etc., etc. The materials are guaranteed to give excellent wear, and the colours to be fast dyes, smart and stylish in appearance, and every coat is priced moderately, size 24-inch from 10/6 each, and all other sizes are in proportion. These goods were part of a big coat purchase made before the more recent advances in prices, and are exceptional value. SYNOPSIS NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. On pago 1— Wanted, boy. Strayed, gelding. Wanted, bush men. Wanted, manager. Wanted, labourers. To let, quiet home. Wanted, furnished room. For sale, orchard property. For sale, Chevrolet motor cars. Patrick, clairvoyant. No. 100 Clyde St. Write for free booklet re Drinko powders. On p»g» a— „ Albion lectures at 2 and i. Grand Pictures at 2 and 7. Popular Pictures at 2 and 7. Sketches of Anzac—Victoria Hall. Bled rabbits wanted at Ocean Beach and Mataura. Help the Red Cross with donations of cakes, bread, etc. On page *— New costumes for the Autumn at Lewis’s. On page 6 Big sale of farm implements, etc., at Armour-Johnston’s. Ltd. Try Sulfarllla tablets, the great blood purifier. ' Clearing sale at Otautau, March I4th. Land sale by auction, Saturday, March 17.