ORGANISATION OF LABOUR

Southland Times, Issue 17972, 13 March 1917, Page 4

ORGANISATION OF LABOUR

The National Efficiency Board la throwing energy into its work, and the steps taken by the members in their respective districts to obtain full and accurate information as to labour conditions will be followed with interest, and will, we hope, be cordially supported by the public. We print in another column this morning the inquiry which the Otago-Southland Commissioner, Mr W. D. Hunt, has addressed to the secretaries of dairy factories. In the Auckland district Mr Gunson has been explaining to newspaper reporters what the proposals of the Board with respect to female labour are likely to be. All the work of the Board in the direction of the organisation of labour is directed to one end—to providing the maximum number of men for military service and at the same time keeping the industries of the dominion running with as little interference as possible. Now all this is very commendable, but we are pretty certain that while some men are being compelled to give up their farms and businesses, and others are being withdrawn from important productive industries, to join the colours one great reservoir of men is being left unexamined. It is a nonessential, non-productive industry and the drag net should be put through it thoroughly. We refer to the Government or public service. We are reliably informed that there are in Wellington, and probably in the other centres also, scores and scores of men who have seldom missed the customary 5 o’clock tram or train since th* war began, who have missed very few, if any, half-holidays, who have almost entirely escaped nightwork who have, in short, not suffered any great inconvenience or made any notaW® additional personal effort in the interests of “national efficiency.” We have heard at least one Minister of the Crown speak scathingly of the grumbling and discontent with which any proposal for a little extra work on an occasional half-holiday is met in hie department. Now if these things are true, and we believe that a searching inquiry would prove them to be correct, it is high time that the Government service was brought under scrutiny by the National Efficiency Board. That is where female labour can be employed more easily tian in the dairying industry, and it certainly behoves the Government, which is appealing to employers for patriotic cooperation, and which is itself the largest employer of labour, to put it* own house in order. We doubt very much whether in any department of the public service short-handed staffs are cheerfully working long hours as many staffs, depleted by enlistments, are working in the large financial and commercial institutions of the dominion. We doubt if annual holidays

have been given up in the Government service to anything like the same extent as in private employment, and we are sure that the public would like to know, through the National Efficiency Board, and through the Acting Prime Minister, that the state of Government Departments is considered satisfactory from the point of view of organisation for war service.

Major Growth or informs ns that two Iron are wanted for service in Samoa. Applicants, who should he between the

ages of -It! and IS yours, would bo required to go into camp at Narrow Neck, Auckland, on Hljtli last. It is estimated that the damage done by the recent Hood at Thames amounts to between flO.Oua and £ 1 2,0(M). The Government is to bo asked to assist the Itorough Council financially. About 250,00U cubit- yards of silt have been deposited on the streets of the town, and it will be weeks before Thames can be restored to its usual clean condition.

A boy of I t years, Stanley George by name, was admitted to the Southland IHospitaJ from Makarewa late yesterday afternoon. The little chap was suffering from a fractured skull and it is stated that he was crushed between a dray and a wall in some way. The

patient was operated upon and was last evening reported to be making favourable progress.

In a statement regarding the shortage of labour for farms, made to the Minister of Defence at Auckland, Mr H. B. MacKenzie stated that he knew of farms in the Frankton County where there was grass 3ft high, with nothing to eat it. On the Minister asking the reason, -Mr MacKenzie said the shortage of stock might have something to do with it, but the principal cause was the calling ■up of farmers under the ballot for military service. One man, lie said, on being called up, had "walked off his farm. ‘•What becomes of the farm in such a case?" asked the Minister. "1 do not know,” said Mr MacKenzie, "but 1 suppose the mortgagee steps in.”

A meeting in connection witli the furnishing of St. Helens Maternity Home was held on Friday evening, the President, .Mrs Baird, in the chair. The secretary reported having sent, circulars to all the. country towns, asking for their assistance in raising money to furnish St. Helen’s. Several replies had come to hand stating that they were willing to help. Mrs Hunter reported IVaving obtained promises from several leading business men. Mr Andrew Wallaces offer to arrange for country concerts was accepted with thanks, it was resolved to divide the town collecting into sections, cards being given to each collector. Cards can be obtained from Mr T. W. rWatker, Town Clerk.

To an interviewer at Auckland on Wednesday last Sir .lames Garroll, who had just returned to the nominion by a Home liner, said: One thing that had given him a thrill as a New Zealander was the power of the British Navy, ami the way their Hag was Hying wherever he went. The waj in which the Navy escorted vessels through the danger zone and patrolled the seas was a very striking fact. Kvery now and again a. fast cruiser would appear and circle around the ship, and then disappear again, thus showing how vigilant was the watch that was being kept. It made one feel proud to belong to such an Umpire. Jton. A. T. Ngata has had erected a line residence at Wai-o-Matatini, near Waiapu, and a big gathering of Maoris has just been held in the vicinity. During the meetings the sum of £5890 J 2/4 was raised for the returned Maori soldiers’ fund. Hon. Ngala's house was inspected and the famous "carved room" formally opened. The residence is of a large and extensive, nature, the interior decorations being of an artistic and tasteful kind (says the Poverty Bay Herald). Amongst the numerous rooms is one which is designed after the nature of the old carved houses, being panelled throughout with splemdid carving, which must have occupied many months of labour. The carvings and the room generally arc in faithful keeping with the old traditions, and naturally form an object of considerable interest. Lady Carroll was entrusted with the honour of formally declaring the room open, after the time-honoured custom.

The question of increased allowances to soldiers’ dependents was discussed at the meeting of the Otago Patriotic and General Welfare Association yesterday (reports the Star. The Hon. ,1. T. Paul referred to the matter in the course of the debate on the question of inadequate medical examination of prospective soldiers. Mr Paul said that the formation of the two new bodies—the National Association and the Second Division League—would have been unnecessary had the Patriotic Association, which was not only a Patriotic Association hut a General Welfare Association, had done their duty. There was absolute dissatisfaction in regard to what is being done by the Government for soldiers' dependents. With respect to the new regulations which were brought into being to enable men to obtain financial assistance, and so leave their affairs in order when they were called up, he (Mr Paul) had heard of lots of appeals for such assistance, but of none that had been granted. One man who had applied for help had received in reply a long list of questions to be answered, one of these questions was: "Have your wife’s parents any means?” Surely, said Mr Paul, when a man marries he does "not expect his wife’s parents to have to keep her again. Mr John Iloberts, C.M.G., Mr J. A. Johnstone, and the Mayor all expressed the opinion that some improvement was necessary, and the matter was referred to a committee to go into and report. Save your money and buy your Groceries for prompt cash, from BAXTER’S, Dee street. "Small profits; quick returns.”

A very old member of the Northend Bowling Club, Mr Len Padget, who was green supervisor lor the last two years, prior to leaving to take up gold-mining, was met last evening by his clubmates, and made the recipient of a presentation of a thousand cigarettes and an amber cigarette-holder, also an afternoon teaset for Mrs Fadget. The health of the guest was proposed by the president, Mr JSteans, who made the presentation. Other toasts included "The Army and Navy,” “Absent Friends at the Front," and “The President." The guest suitably responded. Mr Fadget has been in town for the last few days on the occasion of his son’s return from the front.

A note of warning has been sounded by the Acting Chief Secretary (Mr D. Storey) of New South Wales, in regard to specious matrimonial advertisements ■which occasionally appear In the metropolitan press (says the Sydney Sun). A little time ago the editor of the Bulletin communicated with the Chief Secretary’s Department regarding advertisements which had been received for insertion in that paper, and which purported to have been sent by wealthy and reputable planters in the Federated Malay States. As there was some doubt as to the bona tides of the advertisers, however, the Bulletin very properly refrained trom publishing these advertisements. Mr Storey now states that, as a result of enquiries which were set on foot. It has been ascertained that the supposed ■wealthy planters in search of Australian •wives were purely mythical personages, and that there is little doubt that the advertisements were sent by those interested in the white slave traffic.

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

Welcome arrivals at THOMSON AND BEATIK’S include a beautiful assortment of superior Costume Materials. New plain-coloured Coatings, Cosy Cheviots in various shades of Brown, Grey, Saxe, Royal, and Navy. They arc all 54-inch materials and cut to the utmost advantage for present styles. Prices,. 10/6, 11/6, 12/6, and 13/6 per yard. x

"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 as 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.” W. N. STIRLING supplies the genuine Wonder-worker: "No Rubbing” LaundryHelp. Washes any kind of fabrics practically without rubbing. Look out for imitations! To-day’s visitors to the shopping centres of Southland’s capital should not fail to see the big range of new season’s goods now on view in the Bon Marche Stores, Tay street, PRICE & BULLEID’S (Ltd.). All Departments, in spite of the great disabilities in procuring goods froms Overseas and locally, are exceptionally well represented in this, the first display of the season. The goods are all right up to the moment from a fashion point of view, varieties are well assorted, qualities good, and prices moderate. The firm Is now booking orders for Easter for their Millinery, Dressmaking, and Tailoring Departments, and for each section have an exceptionally fine range of goods from which selection may be made.

An outline of the intentions of the Uational Efficiency Board in regard to female labour is contained in a statement made by Mr J. H. Gunson, the Auckland member of the board, to an Auckland reporter. "The board, at an early date,” said Mr Gunson, "will probably prepare a register of all women in the dominion, with a view to the classification of those not already engaged .in some useful occupation. In other countries the dilution of labour, and, in fact, in many instances the entire replacing of it, by the employment of women has been carried out on a large scale. With the continual drain of our manhood from the essential occupations and industries the time is fast approaching when the women of the country will be able to render very much more effective service to the State than in the past. The details of how the necessaryorganisation can best be arranged will claim the early consideration of the Efficiency Board.”

It will probably come as a surprise to many to know that there is a wet canteen at Sling Camp, where the New Zealand soldiers receive their final training, llr Bedford stated to a Wellington Post reporter that he noticed the fact with extreme regret. It seemed to him a great pity that a wet canteen should be provided in England, . especially as all the canteens in the dominion and on the troopships were dry. Plainly it was in conflict with New Zealand's policy, but apparently the authorities hero were not able to deal with the matter. He had noticed that the wet canten was abused by some, but was glad to report that, on the whole, the New Zealand soldiers we extremely temperate and a credit to their country. The Y.M.C.A. had a i dry canteen at Sling Camp. Because «f their excellent behaviour on all occasions, New Zealanders received more privileges than any others. They were more popular, too, with the society hostesses.

“Perhaps there is no class in the community which suffers more by the war than the clergy, especially the country clergy, with miserably small stipends” (says Bishop Averili in the Auckland Church Gazette). "They suffer in silence. Their miserable pittances too often are not paid regularly. They are too loyal, too self-sacrificing to make their sufferings public, and so their sufferings are unseen and unheeded. God give us imagination this Lent! Every congregation should pay its vicar a stipend of at least £250 per annum, even in country parochial districts. In spite of war taxation, it is possible to buy motor cars as never before, and is it not possible to pay the clergy a 'living wage'? Do the people know or care what their alergy are receiving? Sympathy would in many cases remove the causes for criticism. What about the Easter offerings this year? It is my wish that the Faster offerings in every parish and parochial district should be handed to the vicar, anti should not be counted by the church officers or registered in the vestry book. What a splendid opportunity for real almsgiving, loving sympathy, practical Christianity! The parish finances will not suffer, for God will see to it that they don't suffer if the congregation are kind, sympathetic, and unselfish."

When the news placards went running •bout London bearing the words, "Harry Lauder’s son killed,’ there was abroad in the metropolis (writes the correspondent of the Sydney Morning Herald), a universal sympathy for the famous comedian. It was common knowledge that most of his hopes and wishes were centred in the future of this young captain of infantry who was his only child, and that there was a strong link of affection between them was evident from the public references made to him by his father from time to time. iiarry Lauder is at present starring with Miss JSthel Levey, our foremost revue actress, in "Three Cheers," a new revue. It is Lander’s nrst essay In that form of stage art, and pathetically enough, as it turns out, one of the finest moments in the piece occurs with his magnetic delivery of a soldier-song referring to the end of the war, and the return home of the hoys. When the news of yound Lauder's deatli came through, a matinee audience, just taking Us seats in the .Shaftesbury, had to he sent away, ami • the theatre remained closed for three nights. Its re-opening and the re-appearance of Harry Lam!..' resulted In a tremendous demonstrat on of sympathetic welcome to him, which became an indescribable scene wiien he sting the soldier-song referred to. The strain upon the singer us he drew the picture of the welcome home of the boys from tiie war may be imagined. As a matter of fact, though he sent the words vibrating through the house with all his accus -U, ned vim and emotion, lie had almost to light his way to the end of the last verso of the song, and quite unable to sing it again, took tiie loud and continued cheers of the standing audience,, indeed, a pale and spent and obviously overwrought man iiptain Lauder went from Cambridge I". '.'f war. Like that of so many unde ; adiiates of tiie year 1914, his acailemu. career will be written only upon the University’s roll of honour.

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 arc now on hand.

“We know not till we try.”—Shelley. You cannot tell what benefits you might obtain from Baxter’s Lung Preserver until you try it yourself. Why not let It cure your cold, build up your lungs, vitalise your system? "Baxter’s” has been doing that for thousands of people during the last fifty years. It will do the same for you if you procure a bottle from your Chemist or Store, and use it as required. 1/10 buys a large bottle, and a better investment is impossible. Obtain a bottle to-day and keep It handy.

BETTER IN SEVEN PLACES—FIRESTONE TYRES!

Hero are seven superior features of Firestone Non-Skids —7 plies of Sea Island fabric —some tyres have only 6. Extra coating of finest rubber between fabric layers —not in ordinary tyres. %-inch Para Rubber Cushion Layernone in the ordinary. 3/32-inch breaker strip of Sea Island fabric —less in ordinary. Vi-ioch side wall of strongest rubber—less in ordinary. Bead uuiu uuu tyre for clinchc.r rims. Get Firestones —seven limes better! If your garage can't supply, get particulars from P. ±L VICKERY, Southland Agents. A LOAD OFF YOUR MIND. Isn’t it a comfort to know that when you are travelling somewhere you are free all the way from the encumbrance of baggage, and yet you have taken all you want, by simply checking your Baggage through us? We collect, check on, deliver (on arrival). Tickets issued; but If you have one, please produce it. THE NEW ZEALAND EXPRESS CO., LTD. x To picnickers ana campers: Wherever you go. take a bottle of “NAZOL” with you. Colds come easily. They go quickly when “NAZOL” gets to work. Sixty doses for 1/6. SYNOPSIS NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. On page 1— Wanted, boshmen. For sale, motor car. For sale, motor cycle. For sale, 7-roomed house. Wanted, fiaxmill hands. Tenders called for grazing. Trespassing—one bay hack. Tenders called for alterations to Soldiers’ Club. On page 2 Genuine bargains at McDonald's clean sweep sale. On page 3 Try U-Pino, the new All-British disinfectant. On page 6 Albion Pictures at 2 and 7. Grand Pictures at 2 and 7. Popular Pictures at 2 and 7. Walmatuku Stream bridge now open for traffic. On page 7 Try Begg’s for Challen pianos—British made. On page 8— Tuatapere stock sale, March 22nd.