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Southland Times, Issue 17796, 29 May 1918, Page 4

With the shortage of petrol, Winton district fanners are getting their gigs and other vehicles in order, says the Record. The youngest member of the Auckland Returned Soldiers’ Association is a lad of about 164 years of age. He is a native of Australia, and enlisted in the Australian forces about two years ago. He got as far as Egypt, and after being over 18 months on active service, lie was discharged on account of his youth. The boy, who looks about, two years older than his years, has come to New Zealand with the object of enlisting in the Dominion force, if possible. Final conditions have been agreed upon under which Auckland accepts the Wellington challenge to lay a “copper trail” on the Main Trunk line from one city to the other, a distance of 42G miles, in the"interests of the Red Cross funds. Wellington undertakes to lay pennies on one rail of the line to Auckland, while Auckland is laying pennies to Wellington on the other rail. The amount required to lay the whole way from" Wellington to Auckland is £93,65*7 10s.

From the Arrow Observer, 45 years ago: “The Government has accepted the tender of Messrs Watson and Blair, of Tokomairiro (£13,000) for the construction of the first section of the Winton-Kingston railway. The other tenders were-Proudfoot, £19,000; Brogden, £17,000; M. Campbell, £14,000. The portion to be made extends from Winton to near Flint’s, about 22 miles in length. The distance from Kingston will be reduced on the completion of this contract to about 48 miles, over very" easyground, being moderately- level all the way.”

A Press Association telegram from Pahiatua states: —“A startling mishap occurred to the express from Wellington on Saturday. The accident happened about a mile from Mangatainoka. The driving rod of the engine broke, and fell between the rails. It cut about 50 sleepers like a knife, and also spread the rails. The car just behind the engine was derailed, and the engine was almost off the line. The express was travelling fast at a zig-zag point in the line not far from a culvert, but it was brought to a standstill promptly. The passengers included many soldiers. The occupants of the derailed car were considerably shaken by the jolt.

A Dunedin merchant received a remittance the other day from a country’ storekeeper, who. instead of sending a cheque, forwarded old post al notes, anti deducted the sixpence exchange which would have been payable on the cheque, says the O.D. Times. This elicited the following acknowledgment ; —“We notice that you sent us second-hand postal notes, and, besides the usual discount, deducted 6d for exchange. This strikes us as the most exalted example of petty meanness (to use no harsher term) which has come under our notice in a business experience of 30 years. You have our permission to exhibit this letter in your shop window.” If there is one thing more than another that has caused a feeling of intense disgust amongst men who have returned from the front, it is to hear of individuals shirking in camp (says the Wyndham Herald). There are, it seems, men in camp who have been there for a couple of years on the most slender pretexts—mere dodges. They get transferred from one class to another, their object (candidly admitted in some cases) being to keep out of the firing-line as long as possible. They reason that, as every day bullets are flying, they miss the chance of a bullet every’ day they can postpone entry- tn the danger zone. A returned man who has seen a year’s service at the front finds that there are some men in camp who were there before he went —and he is a married matt (with a family) who volunteered.

A meeting of the Invercargill branch of the Southland War Funds Association was held last night to consider the balancesheet in connection with the recent effort under the auspices of the Association on behalf of the Salvation Army war funds. The balance-sheet shoWed that, the sum of £3571 4/10 had been collected as the result of the effort. The expenses had amounted to £26 14/8, thus leaving a net total of £3544 10/2, exclusive of small amounts still to come in. The chairman (Mr Craig) said that the splendid result reflected great credit, on the business men of Invercargill and the general public of Southland. Captain McKenzie expressed his appreciation of such a sum being raised, and said that he was sure the Salvation Army would spend the money to the best advantage. Splendid though the sum was, he hoped that the Y.M.C.A. in their appeal would double the amount.

Referring to the duty of women in respect to the war, in the course of an address to women and girls at the Auckland Town Hall, the Rev. J. R. Burgrn, chaplain to the forces, said that when he returned to New Zealand from France he was struck with the extravagance in dress displayed by women in Auckland, while Queen street was nightly filled with young girls without escorts. It was not reassuring to think that these were the mothers of the future. Fie added, “If I were a woman, I would go through the length and breadth of New Zealand, and tell the people that it rested with women to determine what the men would become when they returned.” The speaker made a strong ap.peal to the large audience to help the lonely young wives whose husbands were absent at the front, and to show that purity of home life and the sacredness of motherhood was the call of Empire to the women of to-day. While working on his property near the foot of the Eastern Sumner hills at’ Sumner towards the latter end of last week, Mr W. J. Langdale noticed something of a white nature protruding slightly out from the side of the hill, says the Press. Upon investigation the object proved to be a human skull in a fairly sound state of preservation. Nearby were also some arm and finger bones, while a shoulder-blade and a few pieces of backbone were also unearthed. The teeth were in a sound condition in a well-set, prominent lower jaw, and the whole of the bones point to having belonged to a man well above the average physique. On Sunday further excavations were made, and these resulted in the finding of the whole of the missing bones, thus malting up-a complete skeleton. The leg bones were of exceptional length, and were also in a fair state of preservation. The head of a hand-somely-polished greenstone axe about six inches in length and four inches across, together with a number of curios in the shape of beads, were also unearthed. In all probability the remains are those belonging to a Maori, as other skeletons and skulls have been found iu the vicinity of the foot of the hill on several former occasions, while it is a well-known fact that Maoris inhabited the sea coast around Sumner and Taylor’s Mistake, and evidences of their occupation have also been found on numerous occasions in the large caves and other places in Redcliffa.

A number of soldiers returned yesterday by the express. They were, members of the last draft which arrived recently, and have been having a few days in the north. Sir J. C. Thomson, MJP., has been advised that the District Engineer has been instructed to confer with the County Engineer on the best means to adopt to prevent river erosion at Thornbury. As a warning of the subtlety which Germans might exercise after the war in schemes to win back some of their lost trade, the Hon. T. M. Wilford referred on Friday night, in a lecture in the Wellington Town Hall, to a ruse that was exposed after the Franco-German war. Great numbers of mustard-pots, in the design of a swine’s head, with a spiked helmet, were sold in France. German high authorities affected to be indignant, but enquiry proved that the pots had been all made in Frankfort. Thus the Germans did not hesitate to resort to tricks which might seem to be expressing contempt of their country if they believed that they could gain any advantage from such tactics.

The employment of girls in clerical positions was referred to in Auckland on Thursday by Mr R. E. Fenton, secretary of the Discharged Soldiers’ Employment Committee. In speaking of the difficulty lately experienced in placing returned soldiers in this class of work, Mr Fenton said: “So many girls are now being employed by city firms, and in banking and insurance offices, that this avenue of employment is practically closed to the soldiers. It is, of course, understood that the girls are only holding these positions temporarily on behalf of men at the front, but we have many applications from returned soldiers who would be very glad to hold the positions on the same terms.”

An example of the fine spirit with which the privations of war are being met in England is related in the letter of a New Zealand soldier who was taken by another soldier, an Englishman who had been farming in the Wairarapa, to visit his home in Essex. The farmer had owned a good manufacturing business, which he ran with the help of some of his six sons. Now*, however, the six sons are all serving their country, some in the Army and some in the Navy, the factory is standing silent and idle, and it only lacks the calling-up of the father under the new Man Power Act to complete the desolation which war has worked in a typical peaceful English home. It w r as all taken as a matter about which complaint was impossible—just a sacrifice which must be made if England were to be saved from a strong and dangerous enemy. A Palmerston soldier had rather a unique experience in London recently. He had an appointment to meet, another soldier at the Bank of New Zealand, and after vainly waiting an hour, gave up the proposition and consoled himself in a near-by tea-shop. An Australian staff sergeant came in, and seeing the New' Zealander, asked if he had anything to do. ‘‘Not a thing,” replied the boy. “ Well,” said the Australian, “just a year ago I was in and vrithout a bean, and a New’ Zealand chap took charge of me and gave me the time of my life. I’d like to pay New Zealand back, and if you’ll be my guest I’ll do my very best to get even.” They started with a half-guinea matinee, then an elaborate dinner. and many and sundry diverse amusements, ended up with grand opera. “ 1 guess I’ve got one on New Zealand now,” said the Australian, as he saw the boy safely on board his train bound for camp. Surgeon-Major Gordon and Private 11. Johnstone reached Riverton on Tuesday evening last and received a hearty w’elcome home from a large gathering of citizens at the station, says the Western Star. Major Gordon has considerably changed in appearance, but such is to he expected after nearly three years of active service and trying experiences in some of the heaviest engagements. His self-sacrifice and constant attention were highly spoken of by many of (lie boys a( the front. AH' will wish him renewed health and strength from the rest in New Zealand. Private Johnstone, who lost a leg in battle, has wonderfully recovered, and it was a great source of satisfaction to his friends and the public generally to sec how well he walked with the aid of his artificial limb. A few days’ rest has worked wonders with Harry, and he is quite himself again. Another Riverton lad, Coqt. Russell Dickson, arrived at the end of the week, and was given a hearty welcome. He was wounded in the wrist, having the sinews severed, and although the limb still gives him a little trouble, he is otherwise quite well.

A Press cable message published last week, stated that difficulty still exists in regard to the control of the New Zealand lied Cross. The Red Cross Committee is agreeable to the Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes, Red Cross Commissioner, becoming its first chairman, but has passed a resolution demanding the right to elect his successor. Sir James Allen (Acting-Prime Minister and Minister of Defence), interviewed with regard to the above, stated that there was no trouble whatever with regard to the New Zealand Red Cross Society at Home. “ The position is,” he said, ‘‘that they are making some changes at Home, The War Contingent Association have been doing a certain amount of Red Cross work, and it is deemed advisable that the Red Cross Society, both in New Zealand and England, should carry out its own functions, and that the War Contingent Association should devote its energies to the care of sick men. This has been arranged; they have reorganised the New Zealand Red Cross in England, and taken into their executive several of the War Contingent Executive, and this new body will carry out Red Cross work. I agree there has been some difference of opinion about the election of the chairman of the amalgamated executive, but that no doubt will be settled satisfactorily.” Ail accounts owing to the Ladies’ Economic may be paid at the Grand Picture Palace, where receipts will be given. Mx62o You should see the Fur Sets for Children and Maids that are on -offer in THOMSON & BEATTIE’S Children’s Department. They include Imitation Ermine, Fitch, White Foxaline and Cream Caracul. All neat styles and goods that will keep the little ones cosy. Prices from 5/6 to 19/6. — (Advt.) Quite right, quit right. The Cash system is the best, best for seller, but more particularly good for buyer. He secures a very genuine saving, as the purchaser is not taxed for booking, clerical expenses, qr bad debts. Boy your Groceries from BAXTER’S for Prompt Cash. —(Advt.) TONSILITIS AND LARYNGITIS, like all other throat troubles, are rapidly relieved by gargling warm Fluenaol, which allays inflammation and dispels bacteria. Fluenxol 1/6 and 2/6. Special values and assortment in Pyjamas, Shirts, Underwear, Half-hose. UNDRILL’S, opp. Post Office.— (Advt.) Taekle coughs and colds by using NAZOL. That’s the sensible and cheapest way. NAZOL is penetrating, germ-killing—and most economical. 60 doses 1/6. Eighteenpence spent on NAZOL will keep you free from colds this winter. Take on sugar or inhale. Sixty doses 1/6. Get NAZOL to-day. Y6ur Ladies’ Old Secondhand Bicycles. We are cash buyers. Apply G. W. WOODS AND CO., Dee street. ’Phone 646. (Advt.)

REDUCE YOUR “MOVING” WORRIES. Shifting is not a pleasant experience, bat it’s doubly harassing when unskilled men do the carrying. Much worry will be saved by employing us, since we are thoroughly competent every way. The testimonials that pour in indicate that. Don’t forget, therefore, that if you want your moving to be as light as possible, we can assist you immensely. Furniture removed any distance, or stored here or elsewhere, if desired. THE NEW ZEALAND EXPRESS CO.. LTD—(Advt.i When ordering NAZOL, avoid imitations and substitutes. Get genuine NAZOL—the money-saving remedy for coughs and colds. No cold is NAZOL-proof. 60 doses 1/6. The best insurance against coughs and colds is NAZOL. One dose a day keeps colds away. Start using it NOW. Sixty doses 1/6. WADE’S WORM FIGS Wonderful Worm Worriers. Price 1/6.

Akaroa’s autumn winter climate, similar to south of France; roses bloom the year round and orange trees grow to perfection. Motor fare Christchurch return, 25/-. Dressmaking to Order—Messrs PRICE & BULLEID, Ltd., are prepared to execute at short notice orders for Costumes, Coat Frocks, Dresses, etc. The rooms arc under the personal supervision of a thoroughly competent head dressmaker who is assisted by a staff of specially trained workers. All orders entrusted to Messrs Price & Bulleid’s, Ltd., receive, every care and attention, with the result that their made-tp-order Costumes, etc., prove satisfactory in every way. The prices are in every case moderate, make and finish of the garments considered.— (Advt.) The ECONOMIC FIRE SALE starts THIS MORNING in the Vestibule of the Grand Picture Theatre, Dee street, at 10 o’clock. (Advt.) * “A faithful friend is the medicine of life.”—Proverb. The faithful friend is the unfailing friend. That aptly describes BAXTER’S LUNG PRESERVER. It is ong you can always depend upon. When your head is all stuffed up with a cold, when your throat is sore and painful, when that chest cough keeps you awake at night, good old Baxter’s can always be relied upon to give you relief. Keep it handy. Large bottle, 2/-. All chemists and stores. A lovely display of Maids’, Misses' and Children’s Millinery in all the newest and most up-to-date shapes and shades. Having our own Mililnery workroom on the premises these goods are not burdened with excessive shopping charges. Silk and Velveteen Hats for maids and misses from 12/6 to 17/6. Children’s. Silk and Velveteen Hats from 8/6 to 13/6. Felt Hats.(all sizes) 2/6, 2/11, 3/6, 3/9 to 9/6. A special clearing line of White Felt Hats, children’s sizes, 2/6. Gaberdine and stitched Hats, good selection, 4/6 to 6/6. Infants’ Hats and Bonnets in endless variety from 1/6 to 10/6. See Children’s Department and windows for specials. H. & J. SMITH, Ltd., The Millinery Specialists, Tay street. Phone 1163.—(Advt.) When your child cannot sleep because of cold in the head, use NAZOL. Sprinkle some drops on nightgown or pillow. Quick relief will follow. Sixty doses L/ 6.