CURRENT TOPICS

Southland Times, Issue 17757, 7 September 1917, Page 4

CURRENT TOPICS

ALLIED AIR SUPREMACY. The extent to which the allies hold the command of the air is perhaps not fully appreciated in Great Britain, says a correspondent from the western front. It is not realised by the civilian public, or even by the troops in the trenches. The soldier does not see the combats that take place far more often over German territory than above his own head. Proof of the superiority of the French is given by the fact that in the Aisne battle no fewer than 1098 aerial duels took place over the German lines, and only 395 over the French lines. In this connection the tactics adopted by the enemy before the Aisne battle, which are still followed, have a special interest. In the air the German was purely on the defensive. He had something over 200 aeroplanes to oppose a general attempt ’to gain the command of the air. He seemed to have known that he would be outnumbered as well as out-manoeuvred by the French airmen, and all lookouts were instructed to keep the sharpest watch for any sign of a general aerial attack. If such a sign was observed, every aviator in the army was to hold himself in readiness to start at the shortest notice, but they were not to go up until the attack actually took place. Every aviator in the camp was to return at once to his comp, refusing combat. All balloons were at once to be lowered. The German aviators were to make no attempt to repulse the first French onslaught, and the infantry must expect nothing from them. It was left to the anti-aircraft guns to check the first assault. Eventually, however, orders were to be given by the German command for its aeroplanes to take the air. Then, flying as low as possible, they were to fly away from the French to points of rendezvous at least 20 miles behind the front. Having reached this relative security they were to rise to fighting altitude and finally, en masse, not less than three-quarters of an hour after taking the air, they were to circle round and offer battle. Hie aviators, however, were warned that they must fight over the German lines and not pursue the enemy within reach of the French anti-aircraft guns. JAPAN’S ASSISTANCE. The contribution that Japan has made to the allied cause was recently reviewed by Dr lyenaga, of the University of Chicago. In addition to her military operations at Kiau-Chau, and the work of her navy in the early days of the war, Japan has helped to preserve peace in the Far East, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific. She has supplied munitions and other war materials to her allies, and especially to Russia, she has assured an almost uninterrupted flow of guns, rifles, ammunition, clothing, foodstuffs, and other materials. Mountains of these supplies are to-day piled upon the wharves of Vladivostock, because of the lack of transportation facilities. There are

r.hr.o-t insurmountable difficulties in the way of despatch.ng an expeditionary force from Japan to Europe. Tnc Trans S.berian railway is already overtaxed in haulm; military provisions. The only alternative would he to transport Japanese troop:- by sea. In transporting a mdhon Japanese soldiers it would probably require four millions of tonnage, and a constant How of military provisions must also be provided. Were Japan to commandeer for this purpose the entire fleet of her merchant marine fit for ocean voyage —in all about 70 ships of over 5000 tonnage—not only would much time be expended before the completion ot the programme of transportation, but in the meantime the commerce of the Far East with America and Europe would be completely paralysed. BEST-EQUIPPED ARMY. A story of unexampled progress in the production of munitions was related by Dr Addison in (he House of .Commons recently. For instance, he was able to show that, notwithstanding the enormous expenditure of gun ammunition on the western front, the stock of filled shells after the first nine weeks of the recent offensive had fallen by only 7 per cent. Moreover, enthusiastic reports have been received from Sir Douglas Haig on the accuracy and the fine detonating quality of the ammunition supplied. As to the tanks, of which there are now “male and female varieties,” ho said the supplies of new designs arc coming forward excellently. The output of aeroplanes is rapidly increasing, and so is the supply of all munitions of war. Dr Addison said that of the shell-components shipped from North America, only 5.9 per cent, have been lost owing to the attack of Üboats since the commencement of the unrestricted submarine campaign. He admitted that mistakes had been made in Labour questions, but he asked the House to remember the magnitude, the difficulty and the enormous variety of the Department's operations, and to l>ear in mind the thousands of cases in which adjustments had been smoothly arrived at. Finally, he declared that the British army, in its equipment of munitions, is now superior to any other army in the world.. “So far as I know no naturalised Germans are employed on any wharf in New Zealand,” declared the Prime Minister in Parliament on Wednesday. “Some months ago instructions were given to clear them off.” George Peterson, of Athol, whose name appeared in the latest ballot, enlisted in the 11th Reinforcement with his brother John, who is now in hospital, wounded, in England, and after journeying as far as Dunedin was turned down, medically unfit. A suggestion made by Mr J. S. Dickson, M.P., that the banks should be compelled to extend the time from two to four years in which to pay off a loan advanced on war debentures does not find favour with the Minister of Finance, who states that the Government cannot interfere in the matter, as it is purely a question as between the banks and their clients. His Honour Mr Justice Sim has given his decision in the case James King (Mr Haggitti v. Southland Land Board (Mr Stout). This was an appeal, under section 53 of the Land Act, 1908, from the decision of the Southland Land Board in having forfeited the occupation of a lease with, right to purchase held by the appellant, and in refusing him the right to purchase under section 171 of the Act. His Honour gave his decision in favour of the appellant, holding that Mr King had complied with the conditions and was entitled to purchase the freehold. Costs to the amount of £lO 10s were allowed against the Land Board. In the House of Representatives Mr Brown asked the Prime Minister whether he had noticed that the firm of Armour and Co., Australasia, with a capital of £20,000, divided into £4OOO shares of £5 each, had been registered on October 3, 1916, Mr W. J. Cannery being allotted 3998 shares, Mr W. J. Kingdon one, and Mr 0. T. Alpers one. Mr Massey replied that the matter was being inquired into by the Commissioner of Taxes, under the provisions of section 102 of “The Land and Income Tax Act, 1910.” The Postmaster-General announces that he is prepared to permit tins of condensed milk to Ire forwarded to soldiers at the front at the rate of postage for parcels of lib—4d. He is willing to do this until the weight of these tins can be reduced to 11b gross, but before he can do so he must consult the British Post Office. It may be found necessary to exclude semi-liquid matter like condensed milk from the post unless it is packed in stronger receptacles than the tin it is usually put in. Lieut.-Colonel Cossgrove, Dominion Chief Scout Commissioner, has been advised by Sir James Allen, Minister of Defence, that the casket and silk flag sent by Lieut.Colonel Cossgrove for presentation to the Boy Scouts of France from the Boy Scouts of New Zealand, was duly taken to Paris from London by Foreign Office messenger, and Sir James Allen has received a letter from the Colonial Office, stating that the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has been advised by his Majesty’s Embassy at Paris that the casket and flag have been duly handed to General de Berckheim, Sec-retary-General of the French Boy Scouts. A resume of the history of cable communication between New Zealand and the outside world was given by the PostmasterGeneral, Sir Joseph Ward, at a luncheon given by the Eastern Extension Cable Company in celebration of the recent rearrangement of the cable service. The first cable between Australia and New Zealand, said Sir Joseph, was laid down in 1876, so that it had only existed during the span of a man's life. Indeed, there were men of mid-dle-age in New Zealand when the cable was laid who were still alive. The first subsidy paid was one of £7500, and they were helped in that by New South Wales paying one-third. As to charges, the first rale per word was 11s 2d, which in 1893 was reduced lo 5s 2d. In 1900 they commenced laying the Pacific cable, and in April, 1902, the ordinary rates to the United Kingdom were reduced from 5s 2d to 3s 4d per word. In December the same year the rate dropped to 3s per word, whilst the present rate was 2s 8d per word. The rate to Australia was reduced from 3s 8d lo 2s 2d in 1893, and on the Pacific cable coming into operation the rate was cut down to Is per word. In 1909 it dropped to 9d, and to 74d in September, 1912. The Collection Committee of the Red Cross Society wish lo acknowledge the following donations given at the Red Cross Shop for week ending September 1: — South School, £2 4/-; a Friend, £1; Mrs G. Munro, 7/-; Mrs A. C. Miller, 5/-; Mr Blakely, 5/-; Miss McLeod (Spar Bush), 4/-; Plunket Bach., 4/-; Nurse Miller, 2/6; Nurse Grieve, 2/6; Miss McKay, 2/6; Mrs W. Taylor, 2/0; Mrs F. Leary, 2/6; Mrs Quinn, 2/6; and Mrs Craker, 2/6; also to thank the following for donations of produce, fancy goods, etc.; Neil Hannah, Mrs D. J. Gilmour, Mr Sommerville, Miss Hunter. Mrs Hawke, Mrs Brook, Mrs C. Jennings, Mrs A. Gilkison, Mrs Jones, Mrs Callender, Miss Watson. Miss Muir, Mrs J. Vickery, Mrs Young, Mrs Steele, Mrs T. Mortimer, Mrs Lumsden, Mrs W. Thomron, Mrs V. Scandrett, Mr Undrill senr., Mrs Littlejohn, Miss Acker (Otara), Mrs Bews, Mrs James, Mrs Macaiister, Mrs Prain, Mrs Longuet, Mrs Macdonald, Mrs Peters, Mrs McEwan, Mrs Grant, Miss M. Wilson, Mrs Fosbery Handysido, Mrs Howarth, Mrs Geddes, Mrs Strange, Miss L. Manson, Mrs Jobson, Mrs A. F. Clarke, Miss McCaw, Mrs Ball, Mrs F. Hall, Mrs J. L. Wilson, Mrs Sawers, Mrs B. Mackenzie, Mrs James Robertson, Mrs Hay, Mrs BfOoksmith, Mrs Marshall, Misses McLeod (Tarawera), Miss Poynter, Mrs Roscow, Mrs Marshall, Mrs Strettell, Mrs Dobbie, Mrs J. D. Mitchell, Mrs Marshall (Waianiwa), Murray and Co., Mrs W. Rennie, Norman Mac Blister, Mrs Washboume, Mrs Lillicrap, Mias Howells, Mrs A. Watson, Mias Crofts, Miss P. C. Thomson, Douglas Todd, Mrs 8. Rabbidga, Mrs Stock, Mrs A. 8. Browne, Mrs Wilson, Mrs Baxter, Mrs Todd (Longbnsh), Southland Bread Co., lira Qarthwaite, hire Peace, Mrs McKenzie (Bluff), Mias Tucker, Mrs Henderson (Kennlngton), Mrs Christophers, Mrs Crulckshank, Cedric Benzonl, Mrs C. L. Davis, Mrs Blcknell, Mrs C, J. Broad, Mrs Welsh, and Mrs G. Birch (Kapuka),

An advertisement in this morning’s issue calls attention to an important meeting of (he Southland League to be held tonight, when, in addition to the ordinary business, an interesting talk will be given by A.'r V,’ Hin-hey on “dorr-war Problems and Stale Partnership.” Mr"A. W. Rodger will also ini roc.u c In* ideas on the question of local nis.rict schemes of electrification. Fifty-four Southland lady primary school teacher.? are at present undergoing a fortnight's course of physical instruction in Invercargill. The instructresses, Masses Livingstone and Greenwood, are “carrying on” in the Girls’ High School and High School gymnasium, the classes having commenced on Monday. The Education Board found it impossible to secure a male instructor, else there would have been classes for this sex as well. The Rev. Howard Elliott, Dominion organiser of the Protestant Political Association, held a meeting at the Bluff on Wednesday evening, Mr Cruickshank presiding. There was a large attendance. Resolutions in regard to the educational system and sectarian school teachers similar to those carried at the Invercargill meeting were adopted on the motion of the Rev. Fowles and Walker respectively. The Rev. Eiliott explained the aims and objects of the Association and at the conclusion of his speech he was loudly applauded. It was decided to form a branch at the Bluff, Mr Cruickshank ac cepting the position of secretary. The Main South Road between Waipahi and Pukerau has always been in a deplorable state, especially in the winter months, being practically impossible for all kinds of wheeled traffic. Mr Donald Mac Donald, of Edendale, informed the Motor Club (states the Otago Daily Times) that the Southland League was agreeable to donate half the amount (£250) required for the purpose of putting this portion of the road in good order, provided that the Motor Club would contribute a similar amount. The Motor Club has £IOO in hand for this purpose, and agreed at a meeting last evening to increase its contribution to £125 on condition that the road is metalled, rolled, and put in thorough repair. This, in all probability, will put an end to a state of affairs which has caused a vast amount of inconvenience to motorists and others. In reply to representations made by Mr Brown the Prime Minister stated on Wednesday that the allocation of all refrigerated space in oversea steamers was undertaken by the overseas ship-owners' committee, appointed by the Imperial Government, from which it received direct instructions. It was found some time ago that a quantity of lamb was shipped by the Wellington meat companies when beef or wether mutton should have been shipped owing to the instructions received from the Imperial Government and passed on to the freezing companies having been misinterpreted. As soon as it came under notice that some freezing companies had departed from the instructions steps were taken to adjust matters at other ports where freezing companies had respected the instructions of the Imperial Government. Other cases of the irregular shipment of lamb were brought under the notice of the Overseas Ship-owners’ Committee by trade rivals, and the matter was taken up with the companies concerned. The New Zealand Overseas Ship-owners’ Committee had relied in the past on the freezing companies giving effect to the notifications issued from time to time as to the class of meat to be shipped, but it had now taken steps to secure adherence to the instructions of the Imperial Government. The members of the Fairfax Debating Society are informed that Mr Reid s Lecture will be held on September 25th, and not on September 11th. Friday’s Special.—lnvitation to call and view our special show of new goods in our newly-appointed Showroom. THE ECONOMIC, 60 Dee street.—(Advt.) A few' dozen Red Bordered Breakfast Cloths have just been received at THOMSON & BEATTIE’S. Goods of this description arc very scarce, and as the quantity is limited, those in want of these should pay an early visit. Size, 50 x 58 inches, 4/0; 50 v 50 inches, 5/6; 60 x 60 inches, at 6/6. — (Advt.) Trench Vests, water and cold proof, 18/6 and 19/6. Post now to the front. UNDRILL’S, opposite Post Office. “NO RUBBING” Laundry Help is what we recommend for washing clothes clean without injury to hands or fabrics. Royds Bros. & Kirk, Ltd., J. Rattray & Son, Mackerras & Ilazlett, Ltd., wholesale distributors for “No Rubbing.”—(Advt.) IF YOU ARE SUBJECT TO “COLDS”—READ THIS. People “catch colds” because they are in a run-down condition, and lack the reserve power to resist sudden changes of temperature. Therefore, to overcome a cold you need the aid of a tonic as well as a cough healer—BAXTER’S LUNG PRESERVER. It soothes sore throat, relieves tickling and coughing, and promotes the health ot the bronchial passages. At the same time it vitalises the whole system—every dose helps you to become fit. Price 1/10, at all Chemists and StoresYou can still purchase a handsome 10lb tin of BAXTERS Choice RAVA TEA for 16/6. Now is the time to buy Tea before the new shipments arrive on which duty will have to be paid Buy now for 16/6. (Advt.) SALE OF SECONDHAND MOTOR CYCLES. Douglas, 2] h.p., good machine. £l2 10/-. New Hudson, ni h.p., 3-speed, £27 10/-. AJ.S., 2i h.p., 2-speed counter shaft, £25. .tames, 34 h.p., drop frame pan saddle and lamp, £2O. Terms can be arranged^ G. W. WOODS k CO. Special bargain week in Men’s Wear. Being fortunate in securing a manufacturers stock at a big discount lor cash, we are thus enabled to offer the following exceptional bargains:—Men’s Odd Coats, bargain prices 19/6, 22/6, 25/-, 27/6. Men’s Odd tests, bargain price 3/11, 4/11, 5/11, 6/6; Mens Odd Tweed Trousers, bargain price 10/6, 12/6, 13/6, 15/6 to 19/6; idens Reauy-to-wear Suita, bargain price 30/-, 35/-, 37/6, 42/6 to 65/-. Men’s Oilskin Coats, famous i’ish brand, value lor M)/6; uargain price 12/6. Men’s Mackmiosh Coata, all sizes, value for 27/- to 42/-; bargain prices 15/6, 19/6. Men’s Hydroiite Coats, usual price 37/6 to 45/-; bargain price 15/6. Men’s Wool-lined Tweed 0.8. Goats, value for 84/-; bargain price 50/-. Men s Drill B;b Overalls and Combinations, bargain price 3/11 and 5/11. See window display of gifts for our boys. H. & SMITH, LTD., Progressive Drapery Store, Tay street. ’Phone 288. (Advt.) AN AUTHORITY WRITES ON THE VALUE OF MALT. “ Malt,” cays Science Siftings,” is not only nutritious, but on account of the diastase it contains, it materially aids digestion. It is also oi considerable aid to the constipated, and of great utility to consumptives ami adults. The most effective way to take malt is to take WILSON’S MALT EXTRACT. It is the concentrated essence of the finest malted barley—Nature’s great tonic food and body builder. Children simply love it, for it not only does ggpd, but tastes good. Prepared with or without cod liver oil. Be sure you get “Wilson’s” Malt Extract. Wilson’s is cheaper, fresher, better. Chemists and stores. By buying in the very best markets foi value and selecting only approved models, has resulted in the Corset stock at PRICE & BULLEID, LTD., being one of the most up-to-date and reasonably priced ranges to be found in the dominion. The buyer o I this section Is thoroughly conversant with tliis particular branch, and customers may have every confidence in placing their orders for Corsets with PRICE & BUL LEID, LTD. The stocks are fresh umi quite correct for style. The quality of every pair of Corsets is guaranteed, Messrs PRICE & BULLEID, LTD., trade only Jn makes which have a world-wide reputation, every pair of which is sound value for the price quoted*

We again remind our readers that next Saturday (Violet Day), is the great Surprise Prizes Day in aid. of the Trench Comforts Fund, Every shilling spent is in aid of a worthy object, and moreover the purchaser of an envelope may probably receive a sack of (lour, 1 ton of coal, umbrellas, pictures, vases, and other valuable prizes 100 numerous to mention. Buy early to avoid the crush. Look at our advertising column. * As the tea tax is the same on high-class teas as on inferior blends, it is most economical to obtain the best of teas —DESERT GOLD. Most delicious, best value. Get the special family blend Desert Gold at 2/-. (Advt.) YOU’LL APPRECIATE OUR WORK. No undue fuss, no waste ol lime when you employ us. Our organisation, and equipment enable us to put all work entrusted to us in hand without delay, and to execute it in a businesslike manner, and exactly as you desire. We pass entries, handle baggage. THE NEW ZEALAND EXPRESS CO., LTD. SYNOPSIS OF NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. On page I Found, muff. Wanted, boy. Wanted, bushman. Wanted, sheep dogs. Wanted to buy, pony. For sale, sheep dogs. Wanted, turnips for cattle. Don’t forget “Violet Day” to-morrow. Try Smith & Laing for hardware. Red Cross Shop opens to-morrow as usual. Notice re cancellation of Cadet Parades. Ice creams obtainable at Skating Carnival Colin McDonald has splendid bungalows for sale. Don’t miss seeing the real turtle on Saturday. Read “Lydia of the Lines” —Obtainable at Wesneys’, Dee street. Second Division League meets Lochiel, Wednesday next. On page 3 Get your sight tested by J. D. Gilmore, Dee street. On page 6 Invercargill horse sale to-morrow.