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Southland Times, Issue 17734, 11 August 1917, Page 4

Recently we had an analysis of the results of the medical examinations in the First Division. We have prepared from the information given in the report the following table which divides the reservists examined into five groups of five years each and shows the number and percentag of those passed as fit in each group: —

It will be observed from thus table that the percentage of fit men falls steadily and rapidly as the age advances. Of men from 20 to 25 years of age 44.9 per cent, are fit for service; of men from'4o to 46 years of age only 21.6 are fit for military service, and it must be remembered that of the men between 40 and 46 passed as fit in New Zealand a considerable number (some say a large number), were never permitted to leave England and were a useless expense to the country. It will be observed from ths figures that considerably more than half the total number of men examined in the First Division were from 20 to 30 years of age. In the Second Division the majority will be on the other side of 30. The majority of single men are under 30 years of age; the majority of married men are over 30 years of age. In the Second Division the numbers in the group from 35 to 40 and from 40 to 46 years will he large, and in these groups the percentage passed as fit for service will be even less than in the First Division. Obviously, therefore, the Minister of Defence is faced with this position: That once the calling up of the Second Division is begun the Division will he very rapidly exsausted, for the majority of its members arc within the ages which yield only a small percentage of men fit for service. That is to say the calling up of the Second Division brings the country within sight of the time when its supply of men under the Act will be exhausted, and it must, therefore. take some steps to increase the number of men available. What has been said is sufficient proof that little will be gained by extending the age beyond 46, and the only alternative is to lower it below 20. Britain has a much longer experience than New Zealand, and Britain knew what she was doing when she fixed the military age in both her Compulsory Sendee Acts at 18 to 41. The idea of sending lads of 18 and 19 into this hideous struggle is hateful, it is heartbreaking. But boys of IS and 19 are fighting for Britain, for Germany, and for France, and whether we like it or not the basic fact that cannot be disputed is that the test of war has proved that the boy of 18 or 19 is a more serviceable soldier than the man over 42. In the United States the first Conscription Bill imposes service upon men between the ages of 21 and 30, but America is a huge country and in this single class, u span of ten years, she has no less than 10,000,000 men. With such a population to draw upon America can exempt her youths, hut the necessity which Britain, France and Germany had to face may now face New Zealand, and if the Minister in submitting his proposals is able to show that the necessity really exists then it is beyond doubt that in this as in other matters the dominion will not shrink from its obligations. While that is so, however, we are convinced that the country will not tolerate the calling up of lads of 18 or 19 years until the available fit men of the Second Division have been called to the colours.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. A.C.W., Kamahi.—We sent forward your questions to Messrs Walsh Bros, and Dexter, of the N.Z. Flying School, Auckland, and they have very kindly supplied the following answers; —Question; Can an aeroplane manoeuvre for a position in flying at a speed of less than 25 miles ■per hour without descending gradually? Answer: Presuming that the speed quoted by your correspondent is the ‘air speed’ of the machine (as distinct from the speed of the aeroplane relative to the earth’s surface) it is not possible with present day machines to fly at less than 25 miles per hour. The 'air speed’ of an aeroplane necessary to maintain horizontal flight is dependent upon various factors in the design of the machine, but it may be stated as a general rule that aeroplanes lose their sustentation and controllability at speeds less than 35 miles per hour. Question: Can aeroplanes drop bombs over trenches from a height of 3 miles without risk of injuring their own men, or must they descend to a level of 200 yards? Answer; It would largely depend upon the distance separating the opposing trenches. The target presented at such a height is so small that it would be a difficult matter to drop bombs upon it with accuracy. It would be necessary to descend to a lower altitude (but not necessarily as low as 600 feet) in order to ensure effect. Allied aviators have frequently flown along the enemy’s trenches at a low height, using machine guns with great effect. Bomb-dropping raids usually have for their objectives the destructions of railway stations, junctions; ammuniton dumps; enemy aerodromes; lines of communication; airship sheds, etc.—-Ed. S.T. “Taxpayer,”—The tax does not operate as you suppose. A difference of £1 in the income cannot make so great a difference in the tax as the rate is carefully graded. The tax starts at the present amount of 6d in the pound up to £4OO, and then increases by one two-hundredth of a penny for each £1 increase over £4OO up to 3s, which rate is reached at £6400. The £3OO exemption disappears at £9OO of income, but for the assessment of war tax the full £3OO exemption continues throughout the scale. Super tax also follows the war tax system of assessment and is 50 per cent, of the war tax. Amounts of taxation under the new scale have been worked out as follows;

Town labour circles are steady with the exception of the general unskilled branch which is reported to be “desd.” From the country there is a continuous enquiry for farm labour, but not a great deal is offering. Married couples (men for shepherding and team work mainly) are commanding extraordinarily high wages. Sawmills are working more short-handed than ever. Flaxmills are getting their teams together again and are drawing numbers of unskilled men who have apparently an eye on the big money which this work offers. Country contract work is slack.

During the week finny casualty lists have been heavy in “missing” and retailers have been well supplied. To-day should see good stocks of groper, trevalli, baracouta, ling, blue cod, soles, whitebait and oysters.

The fruit market is in rather a peculiar state just now consequent upon the shipping situation. Oranges, both regular and marmalade, are on the market just now but it is anticipated that there will be no further Australian supplies for some little time, while prices are likely to advance. Cooking and dessert apples, ripe bananas, lemons, pines and passions are also on hand to-day.

Telephone subscribers are notified in this issue that all connections for which subscriptions are unpaid at 5 p.m. on the 14th will be cut off.

During July, 123 patients were admitted to the Southland Hospital—7o males and 53 females, and 113 were discharged—6l males and 52 females. Eight died —6 males and 2 females, and at the end of’ the month 107 remained—67 males and 40 females. The Borough of Bluff have presented the seal of the Borough of Campbelltown to the Southland Museum. The name of the borough, which for so long conflicted with that of the port of Southland, was recently altered to Bluff. The original survey plans of Campbelltown are also in the possession of the museum.

The members'of Mr A. Valentine’s family, of Bluff, are putting up a good war record as the fifth son of the family is just about to embark on foreign service. Two sons of Mr Valentine, who is a member of the Bluff Borough Council, have returned i:« valided and two are still in the war zone. The fifth, Corporal Peter Valentine, who enlisted on coming of age, was presented with a handsome wristlet watch by his friends prior to his leaving Bluff after spending bis final leave.

St. Mary’s sale of work continues to attract a large gathering, and last evening was no exception to the rule, in fact, the takings exceeded those of the two previous nights, Misses Harrington and Kavanagh’s confectionery stall topping the list. A great attraction is the coupon stall, Mr S. Lindsay his assistants being experts in the ail of painless extraction from the pocket. Mr Alex. Sutherland’s pupils again gave a clever and attractive entertainment of dancing. The sale will be open this afternoon and evening, when a greater crowd than ever is expected. 'All goods remaining will be auctioned without reserve.

Biuu’s athletes are holding their oven in the wider scope made available to them in their voyages with the various reinforcements, The lightweight boxing championships on both the troopships conveying the 23rds and 24ths fell to Bluff men, Private F. Chapman securing the former and Private Peter Docherty the latter. Word has also been received that “Dick” Fmnerty, well-known in the Southland Boxing Association’s ring, who is now with the Australians, also retains his punch.

Some time ago we republished a paragraph from the Sydney Bulletin, states the Bluff Press, which stated that on removing a stamp from a letter received from an interned Australia in Germany, his relatives found written on the card the words, “Tongue cut out.” As many canards have been circulated in reference to happenings of the Great War and'this may be another. Mr F. Godfrey, who has a brother in Ruhleben, in Germany, has handed us a number of postcards received from his brother, for inspection. The striking thing about these cards is, of course, that they bear no stamp at all in the sense of a postal stamp. An imprint, apparently made by the Postal officials in Germany with a rubber stamp, is the only such impression. It bear the words, “Freigegeben—llueleben F.A.” The postcard bears just (he ordinary address, but is sent via London, the time taken to reach the latter place, judging by (he date on the letter and the Loudon stamp marie, being about three weeks. The men interned tire billeted in racecourse buildings, and the signature on front of the “Postkarte” is made thus; Absender; Thos. Godfrey, Baracke Nr; 11 Loft. The instructions on the postcard are; Knegsgefaugenen—sending. Englanderlager Ruhleben. On (he back instructions are set out in English: “Only auswer by post-card,” and “No letters in parcels allowed." In the same camp with Mr Godfrey is the well-known English oarsman, “Tom” Sullivan and his son.

As the outcome of numerous requests the Invercargill Dramatic Club have decider! to give another programme in the Municipal Theatre on Monday week, 20th inst.. of their highly successful drama, “A Noble Outcast.” The proceeds on this occasion will be devoted to the N.Z. Nurses' Memorial, and the 5 .M.C.A. Trench Comforts’ Funds, two objects which certainly deserve the hearty support of every citizen. Since their last appearance locally, the Club have given performances of the play at Winton, Wyndham, Bluff, and Otautau, where packed audiences have been highly delighted, and local playgoers who were unable to be present at the last performance here, should not miss this opportunity of seeing this pretty play.

Despite two local counter-attractions there was an attendance of between 20 and 30 adults in the Temperance Hall, Orepuki, on Thursday night, when a meeting to explain the aims and objects of the Second Division League was held. Mr A. M. Dawson occupied the chair and briefly introduced the speakers from the Invercargill executive, Messrs J. R. Haigh and A. RDawson, who fully laid the purpose and place of the League before the meeting. At the conclusion of the addresses a motion resolving to form a branch of the League in Orepuki, was carried unanimously, and the following committee with power to add to their number was elected: Mesdames S. Brooks, F. Fortune, .1. Muir, J. Fortune, Robson, Sheriff, Mangan, M. Hana, Barclay, and Messrs W. J. Lyon, J. L. Hennessey, Robson, A. J. Mullan, Sherrlff, and A. M. Dawson. At a subsequent meeting of committee Mr Dawson was elected chairman, and Mr Lyon secretary. Three hundred and seventy ounces of Southland gold were marketed in July. The public are invited to do their marketing at the Y.W.C.A. rooms on Wednesday next, August 15. The Lady Mayoress will open the market at 2.30, when goods of every kind may be purchased. “Mrs Jarley’s Waxworks,” which met with such success at the last performance, will make an interesting side-show. The effort is in aid of Y.W.C.A. funds.

AKAROA, the ideal winter climate, where roses bloom the year round, reduced tariffs still rule. Care, 25/- return from Broadways, Christchurch, daily 2 pm. Special for Saturday—All Oddments put out during (stocktaking to be offered regardless of cost. THE ECONOMIC, .60 Dee street.

The “Thinker’s'’ Notebook given free with every 1/- packet of “NO RUBBING” Laundry Help is greatly appreciated by housewives. It’s so handy! W. T. McGill and Co., grocers.

Clearing lines in the Dress Department at THOMSON & BEATTIE’S End-of-Sea-son Sale include a special range of Annure and Diagonal "Clothe at 2/6 per yard. These goods are 42 inches wide in good shades of Grey, Mole, and Navy. The usual price is 4/6 per yard. A Wellington correspondent writes: —A large number of entries have been received in the DESERT GOLD Tea Competition. The coupons ore now being counted, and results will be announced as early as possible. Best possible value for every' shilling you spend at BAXTER’S. In a word, when you buy for ready money from Baxter’s, you only pay for your own goods, and don’t help pay for other people’s. Character Hats by British, American, and Italian makers: 8/6 to 27/6. UNDRILL’S, Leading Hatters and Mercers, opp. Lost Office. Goods for motor, train or boat journeys such as Rugs, Trunks, Suit Cases, Gladstone, Kit and Brief Bags, according to requirements may be procured locally irom Messrs PRICE & BCLLEID, LTD., Tay street. They don’t profess to carry the “biggest stocks in the dominion,” but what stocks they' do hold of these lines are fresh, up-to-date and of good sterling quallity T . The principle of sorting up at short periods with the “latest on the market” ensures your getting new, clean goods. The prices are moderate, in fact so moderate that after getting fully equipped you find yourself in the happy position of being able to indulge in a first-class ticket for anywhere on the money saved on the purchase. The Rugs are of the celebrated Colonial make, likewise the Trunks and Suit Cases—another reason for patronising this firm for travelling requisites. WHEN POTATOES DISAGREE. Sir William Roberts, whose various works and articles on diet have been much appreciated, says, on the question of potatoes not agreeing with the digestion: “ Many persons cannot enjoy, or scarcely eat, their dinner without potatoes, and to abstain from them is a great privation.” Abstinence, however, is not necessary if a tablespoonful of WILSON’S MALT EXTRACT is taken after meals. This transforms the starch in the potatoes into sugar, and thus makes their rapid absorption into the system possible, preventing flatulence and indigestion. Mr G. M. Thomson, F.L.S., F.G.S., says: “Wilson’s Malt Extract is not only nutritive in itself, but it is most valuable in promoting the digestion and assimilation of starchy foods.” Chemists, stores. Do you need a new Suit at prices which represent a big saving to you? The Suite are made in good material with our usual high-class finish. Only the best of lining, etc., have been used. Every Suit carries our guarantee of satisfaction. Should any garment pr»vc unsatisfactory we will exchange or refund your money in full. Boys' Sport Suits, sizes C to 6, all 19/6; sixes 7 to 12, 22/6, 25/-, 27/6. Youths’ Sport Suits in plain or walking Knickers 27/6, 30/-, 32/6. Men’s Suits our special make, newest patterns, 27/6, 30/-, 32/6, 39/6, 45/-, 50/-, 55/- and 60/-. Splendid sizes made to measure. You are personally invited to inspect our up-to-date Clothing Department at H. & J. SMITH, LTD., Leading Clothiers, Tay St. ’Phone 288.

The shipping problem has made the question of motor spirit for the future a consideration for motorists. G. W. WOODS dc CO. have just landed 2000 cases, which should relieve the pressure to some extent in Southland, and are prepared to quote at reasonable prices. ‘That coin is well spent which saves you ten.”—Proverb. You will save much expense and annoyance by preventing a cough or cold with the timely aid of BAXTER’S LUNG PRESERVER. A big bottle of this famous preparation costs only 1/10. An occasional dose will vitalise your system, and ward off colds and bronchial affections. Keep a bottle handy during the present changeable weather. Baxter’s Lung Preserver is unique in its healing and soothing qualities—give# immediate relief in cases of sore throat, tickling cough, bronchitis, etc. Pleasant to take, good for young and old. SYNOPSIS OF NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.

On page 1 — Lost, brooch. For sale, houses. Found, pump. Wanted, general. For sale, engines. Specials at Wesneys’. For sale, clothing. Wanted, laundress. Wanted, surfaceman. Wanted, ploughman. Wanted, married ploughmen. Wanted, analytical chemist. Try Sommerville s chilblain cure. Wallace County— Tenders called. Borough of Gisborne —Notice re loan. Notice re estate of .lemma Phillips. U.S.S. Co.—Notice to consignees. Telephone Exchange—Notice to subscribers.

Sign the petition at the Rotunda 10-ds T ' On page 3 Drink Tiger tea. On page 8— Lumsden stock sale, August 15. Cattle sale at Pukehiki, August 28. Cattle gale at Te Wae Wae, September {t. Horse sale at Wyndham, August 16. Wright, Stephenson and Co. sell horses to-day.

Per. Age. Examined. Fit. Centage 20 to 25 11,737 5271 44.9 25 to 30 10,660 4344 40.7 30 to 35 8,096 3120 38.5 35 to 40 5,351 1772 33.1 40 to 46 4.928 1069 21.6

Ord 1. War Super Income. tax. tax. tax. Total. £ £ 6. d. £ s. d. £ E. d. £ s. d. 330 1 5 0 1 6 0 0 12 6 3 2 6 400 2 10 0 2 10 0 1 5 0 6 5 0 450 3 15 0 3 15 0 i 17 6 9 7 6 500 5 0 0 5 0 0 2 10 0 12 10 0 UOJ 7 10 0 7 10 0 3 15 0 18 15 0 700 33 10 0 30 0 0 5 0 0 28 10 0 SOO 21 17 6 13 10 7 6 15 3<A 42 3 4 900 31 17 6 17 10 0 8 15 0 58 o 6 3000 37 10 0 21 17 6 10 18 9 70 6 3 2000 116 13 4 88 10 10 44 5 5 249 9 7 3000 237 10 0 106 17 6 oa 8 0 533 16 3 5000 604 3 4 538 10 10 269 5 5 1411 19 7 6700 1005 0 0 960 0 0 480 0 0 2445 0 0