TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 18825, 19 May 1920, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Shortly before it was dissolved for the purposes of the recent general election, the Imperial Diet of Japan considered a budget, some of the principal items of which had a more than usual interest for nations with interests in the Pacific. It provides for a total expenditure of which no less than £02,000,000 is to be devoted to the array and navy. Japan’s expenditure on these costly and dangerous luxuries has always been high in proportion to the nation’s wealth, but this new Budget breaks all records. Army expenditure is to be increased by nearly £25,000,000 as compared with last 3’eur, and naval expenditure is £13,000,000 greater. In addition authority is asked for, outside the present Budget altogether, to spend £110,000,000 in providing the W T ar Office with improved weapons and defences. The Immediate naval molding programme includes the construction of eight super-dreadnoughts, sixty smaller craft and a number of submarines. Income tax and the tax on saki are to be largely increased, but this will provide only about £14,000,000 of extra revenue. An expected large deficit will be made up by temporary suspension of the national loan redemption.

The experts frequently go wrong. When Mr Leonard J. Martin bought 43,000,000 yards of aeroplane linen from the Ministry of Munitions for £4,000,000 it was stated by the business experts that many years would pass before he had disposed of his purchase. Actually he sold the last yard of the linen on February 16, a little more than six months after he bought it.

The Spaniards expect another movement from Raisuli shortly. When the winter rains halted the operations against the bandit leader of Morocco last year, Raisuli was in a bad way. lie was unable to pay his men, and his line of communicacations was cut. He had left his army and had taken refuge with his family. The winter, however, will have given him time to recover and more fighting is expected in the summer, when the Spaniards hope to “lav” him once and for all.

It is a poor theatrical agent in these days who is not able to make something of any event. Recently Paris was astonished by an announcement that “The 13th and last fiancee of Landru, who by a miracle escaped death, Mile. Fernande Segret, will fill the role of Yvette.” This was in connection with the production of a farce at a small theatre, and the playhouse was totally inadequate for the crowd that wanted to sec this prodig}’.

Mails usually closing between ’4.30 and 5 p.m. will close on Thursday, May 20, only at 2 p.m.

Thirteen acres at Freeman’s Bay have been earmarked for fuel-oil tanks (says the Thames .Star).

A movement is on foot to revive the Wanganui Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (states the Chronicle).

In the Auckland district there are about 400 soldiers and soldiers’ widows seeking houses and about 1500 looking for land.

It is reported that a well-known Hawke’s Bay man has, during the last six months, purchased war bonds to the value of £BO,OOO.

No improvement has taken place in tho condition of the Wairou bar, and three steamers of the Richardson line are still imprisoned at Wairoa.

The demand for good dairy cows conliniics (o be keen. At a recent sale at Matamata (says the Bay of Plenty Times), up to £3O was paid for this class of stock.

The Lord Mayor of Sydney recently stated, on the authority of the city valuer, that the value of city property had been jumping 20 per cent, on an average every year.

The merging of Lansdowne into the Borough of Masterton is likely to be completed at an early date. This will give the borough a population of between 7000 and 8000.

The Golden Bay Cement Company advised Nelson merchants recently that the price of cement was increased a further 9s a lon from May 5. This (says the Mail) is the fourth advance in the price of cement since Jdly of last year.

It was thought and hoped that the whale recently washed up on the Marine Parade beach had gone for good (says the Hawke’s Bay Hernia), but heavy scu.s again exposed the remains that had been buried after the burning operations. These remains, the Herald stales, do not improve with age.

“There was I, waiting at the church.” A wedding party assembled at a Carterton church on Wednesday, but hud to depart without the ceremony being performed, owing to the non-arrival of the bridegroom, who sent a telegram from Wellington announcing that he had met with an accident and could not attend.

It is reported that one of Feilding’s pretty girls who was at the big municipal ball in v\ rllington was singled out by the Prince for an introduction and a dance because she bore such a striking resemblance to his sister, Princess Mary.

Yesterday at Wallacetown sale Messrs Dalgety and Co., Ltd., sold on acchunt of Mr Andrew Baird, Invercargill, an exceptionally good pen of fat six-tooth wethers, which after keen competition amongst the butchers, were finally purchased by Messrs J. L. Hannon and Co. at 63/-. This is easily the best price obtained at Wallacetown.

A letter of complaint from West Plains regarding the delay in the construction of the eastern embankment wall on the reclamation area drew from some of those present at the Council meeting last evening condemnation of what Councillor J. T. Carswell described as “a positive disgrace.” The Prisons Department, Councillor Carswell said, had promised definitely to put ten men to work steadily on this wall but very’ little was done. If such a breach of agreement had occurred on the part of anyone but the Department other steps would probably have been taken. The Mayor said that the Council had certainly not been treated fairly. The Council might be driven to let the whole thing go and put the laud up for auction. It had been said that the Minister in Charge of Prisons (the Hon. J. G. Coates) visited Invercargill in connection with the reclamation, but nothing had been heard of him by the Mayor although seemingly the Minister had found time to visit the County Council. Councillor J. Stevenson referred to the fact that complaints were continually being received from Avenal residents regarding the idiscomforts suffered by them through the non-erection of the wall. The Council should take decisive steps to get the wall completed. The matter was referred to the Harbour Committee.

It is reported that Cabinet has agreed to the issue of a license to the Gisborne Hydro-Electric Company, which will enable the company to proceed with the preliminaiy arrangements for the scheme.

An amendment to the Discharged Soldiers’ Settlement Act has been gazetted authorising the advances for building on rural sections not exceeding 21 acres up to a sum of £SOO, and in exceptional cases up to £750.

Mr George Macdonald, managing director of the Dominion College of Radio-Tele-graphy, Ltd., is visiting Invercargill on May 19 and 20. Attention is directed to a special notification in our advertising columns in this connection.

The Borough solicitors have informed the town clerk that all documents in connection with the construction of the proposed Otatara bridge have been completed and the issue of a warrant for the construction agreed to.

Advice has been received by the Post Office that a steamer will leave Bluff for Stewart Island on Thursday morning in order to give the residents at the Island an opportunity of coming to Invercargill to see the Prince. The steamer will leave Bluff again for the Island late on the same night.

In honour of the visit of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales his Worship the Mayor has issued a kind invitation to all Invercargill school children to attend a special matinee at the Civic Pictures (Municipal Theatre) this afternoon, commencing at 2.30 sharp. There will be np charge for admission. An excellent programme has been arranged.

Speaking to an Otago Daily Times representative regarding the Prince’s reception in Dunedin Sir Lionel Halsey said that the requests to respect the restrictions officially set up and to restrain from throwing things have been most loyally respected. The Admiral had to admit, however, that at least one missile was thrown. It was an apple, and unfortunately, it struck him right on the head.

Whether or not it will be legal for a vote to be taken on the question of raising a loan to provide a war memorial when the ratepayers will not be aware of the form of the proposed memorial is a question being considered by the Borough solicitors. In a letter read at the meeting of the Council last night, they mentioned that it might be necessary finally to have the form of memorial approved by the Governor-Gen-eral. The communication was referred to the Finance Committee for consideration.

At a special meeting of the Town Council held last night it was decided, on the motion of Councillor J. T. Carswell, seconded by Councillor J. Matheson, to raise a social loan of £10,700 for paying off the balance of the public works and gas works loan No. I of £12,000 (of which £7OOO was for public works and £SOOO for gas works) after proportions to appropriation of the accrued sinking fund. The term Was fixed at fourteen years and the interest at oi per cent.

The oldest British resident in Brussels, Mrs Baldwin, a native of Bath, and formerly a circus rider, has just attained the age of 100. The occasion was celebrated by a tea party at the British Embassy. Mrs Baldwin, who does not look more than SO, Is an extremely active and gay little person, in full possession of all her faculties, fond of needle work and cheerful books, and perfectly capable of taking care of herself. She lived alone throughout the occupation, and has been in Brussels more than 30 years. She recently had her first drive in a motor car.

An auction sale of the library of Mr L. G. Owen was held in Auckland last week, and attracted a large attendance of bidders. About a thousand volumes were offered ami disposed of, the prices obtained being regarded as very satisfactory. Buffer's “Birds of New Zealand” realised £l6 10s. Rothschild’s “Extinct Birds” brought £ls, “The Birds of Australia” (six volumes) £l2, and “Birds of the British Isles” £l2. A book of Hogarth’s engravings found a purchaser at £9 10s, and a copy of Kirk’s “Forest Flora of New Zealand” sold for £2 17s 6d. The prices paid for many of the works were in advance of the published prices.

“Many American cities, like Wellington itself, are badly off for parks and playgrounds” (writes a correspondent of the Wellington Post*. “The necessity of these open spaces as a health measure is insisted upon by town planners, who point out that the cost of (her-e and other sanitary measures is the purchase price of public health. To impress the urgency of the point, so far as America is concerned, it is stated that in Canada and the States the annual expenditure on patent medicines is £40,000,000, and on public health and disease prevention less than one million. It would be interesting to see the corresponding figures for New Zealand. No doubt they would be proportionately startling.”

A farmers’ exhibition is mooted. The Wellington Sub-Provincial District of (he New Zealand Farmers' Union will move the following remit at the Provincial Conference at Feilding:—“That it be a recommendation to the Dominion Conference to organise an exhibition in the large centres, setting before the general public samples of goods, showing amount of raw material and its cost as supplied by the farmers, and alongside, the finished article with the cost to the consumer. The general public has a wrong idea that the increased cost of living is due to the excessive prices obtained by fanners, and an exhibition on above lines would lead to less public criticism of the farming community.”

“These Indies seem to assume that there is not a low-priced costume nor any olhei article of dress to be obtained in Auckland,” remarked the head of a well-known firm of drapers in Auckland, in referring to statements made at a meeting of women held there on Monday. "For instance, our firm alone has sold about 200 all-wool New Zealand made costumes for 9.5s this season, well finished, and pood fitting. Isn’t (hat cheap enough'? We have also sold fully 150 dozen of New Zealand woollen stockings at 3s lid a pair. I daresay none of the ladies at the meeting would have looked at either, hut nevertheless, they are on sale, and read ily found by those who are looking for cheap costumes.” In support of this statement other costumes were shown to a representative of the Auckland Herald, indigo serge from £7 10s upwards. Exception was taken to the statement with regard to the sum of 10s 13d beif.g paid the sewer, machinist, and presser in a 22 guinea model costume. In addition to these, he enumerated no fewer than 15 other items to be considered in assessing the cost of manufacture, including the salary of a highly paid cutter.

Frequent comments have been made of late in Auckland to the effect that a proportion of tram fares is not collected by some of the conductors. A statement on the subject was made by the Mayor (Mr Gunson) on Friday. He said that the matter was under consideration by a committee of the City Council and the Tramways Union. As soon as the new agreement was finally ratified the question would be further taken up with the representatives of the men. The latter were in accord with the Council in demanding the stopping of this evil. The public should understand, Mr Gunson said, that the condition complained of obtained on some of the cars on the part of only a few of the conductors. He was glad to say that the great majority of the tramway employees were a fine stamp of men; the small minority would not be tolerated, and adequate action would be immediately taken. In this matter of the non-collection of fares, said Mr Gunson, a section of the public was not altogether free from blame, and the Council would have a word to say to that section. Connivance on the part of the travelling public would have to be dealt with. The whole matter had been one of the subjects considered at the recent conferences he had had with representatives of local bodies.

Lace-making as a profitable and inter- The local Post Office and all its branches esting occupation for the spare time was will be closed on Thursday from 2.30 p.m. suggested to the women present at the meet- to 5 p.m. The Bluff office will be closed ing in Auckland recently to consider the from noon and the Gore office from 12.15 present era of high prices. p.m. to 1 p.m.

Twenty-five ratepayers of Myross Bush have petitioned the Town Council to extend the electric light cables to their district. The petition, which was received at last night's meeting, will, in accordance with the usual procedure, lie on the table for a fortnight.

In the report of an interview with Mr Donald Boyd, a Crimean and Indian Mutiny veteran, it was made to appear that Mr Boyd had asked to be presented to the Prince of Wales. Mr Boyd states that he made no such request and does not wish to appear to ask for special privileges.

Robert Marshall Gilmour, who was recently arrested and sentenced to 14 day's’ imprisonment on a charge of wilfully trespassing on the property of Morgan O’Brien, Makarewa, was released yesterday but later on in the day was arrested on a similar charge. He will appear before the Court this morning.

The Y.M.C.A. announce in this issue their intention of forming debating and harriers clubs. The meeting to form a harriers club is called for Monday' evening in the rooms, Taj' street, and judging by the support promised a good healthy harriers club for Invercargill should eventuate from the meeting.

It is considered a highly creditable testimony to the behaviour of the Wellington public (says the Dominion) that of the hundreds of good bunting flags exhibited during the visit of the Prince of Wales in connection with the official scheme of decorations, only three remain uncollected, and of the thousands of coloured pennons, which bung from masts along the main streets, only nine are missing.

Among the souvenirs which the Prince of Wales will take away' from New Zealand is a kiwi’s egg sent to him by Mrs G. Perrott, of Pokeno. Mrs Perrott has had the egg in her possession for about six years, and learning that his Royal Highness wanted to secure one she sent it to him. She has just received a letter from the Prince’s private secretary acknowledging receipt of the egg, and stating that his Royal Highness was very pleased to accept it as a souvenir of his visit to New Zealand.

During the last few days the greatest difficulty has been experienced in maintaining the town gas supply owing to the inferior coal available, and about one third of the street lamps have not been lit in order to economise. The pressure has also been temporarily reduced. However, the Coal Controller has allocated 100 tons of Newcastle from the Railway Department, and it Ls understood that a vessel from Greymouth is expected to arrive at Bluff on Monday.

“I thought that this came into force a long time ago,” remarked Or J. Martin at the meeting of the Town Council last night when the clause notifying that the Council intended to enforce rigidly the by-laws re the storage of dangerous goods came up in the Works Committee’s recommendations. Cr J. Stevenson said that there was a good deal of petrol being stort-i about the town by those not paying a license fee, and it was intended to keep an eye on them, Cr J. F. Lillicrap was informed that the bylaw did not apply to private motor owners. Cr J. Carswell said there was one private owner who had 150 cases stored.

Some time ago it was reported from the south that a number of mysterious cases of temporary paralysis had arisen amongst children. Inquiries made go to show that at leas-t two cases of a similar character have occurred in Gisborne (says a northern exchange). A Kaiti resident stated that one of her children one afternoon recently complained that he could not walk. She undressed him, and put him to bed, finding that his feet were icily cold, although his legs were particularly warm behind the knees. The little chap felt no inconvenience when very hot water bags were applied to his feet. Massage was also carried out for a lengthy period. Next morning all signs of the malady had completely disappeared.

The safety zones recently established in various Auckland streets by the City Council are being readily availed of by citizens, and promise to serve a useful purpose. The spaces marked off, which no wheeled vehicle is allowed to traverse, are (says the Herald) already largely used as sanctuaries by persons awaiting tramcars, it being no uncommon sight to observe the entire area enclosed in the white lines on the road-paving occupied by intending passengers. Drivers of motors and other vehicles are avoiding the zones, thus rendering the safety they are designed to secure effective. To such as might be inclined to disregard the zones the signposts erected at (he ends of the e.roas are effectual bars. One disadvantage is th.at in some localities motorears, etc., arc allowed to stand alongside the zones, and this frequently has the effect of blocking the wheeled traffic. Another is that the while marks are already fading out. and will require to be formed of more permanent material than paint.

Amongst the veterans with whom the Prince of Wales shook hands at the parade in Christchurch on Friday, was Corporal R. N. Wickham, late Royal Field Artillery. His Royal Highness was much interested in the record of Corporal Wickham, and of his relatives and asked Corporal Wickham to send him the family’s complete record, which is certainly a unique one. Corporal Wickham served for six years in India, and also in South Africa, where he gained the Queen’s medal, with six clasps, and the King’s medal with two clasps. In the late war he served as a seaman gunner in the Mercantile Marine, and in the New Zealand Army Service Corps, and was awarded the 1914-15 Star and two Victory Medals. In the last forty years four brothers, five uncles, seven cousins, and four nephews of Corporal Wickham have served in the Army and Navy. Several of them were killed or died on service, and one, Thomas Perry, 24th Regiment, who was killed at Rorke’s Drift, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

A strange story was told at Auckland on Monday by one of the steerage passengers on the s.s. Maheno, who was handed over to (he police on the ship’s arrival there from Sydney (says a northern exchange). He had a ticket but no passport. The man, who gave his name as John Mosley', was handed over with the history of having been twice turned off the ship at Sydney' because he lacked a permit, but eventually he managed .t 0 slip aboard. When taken into custody by Detective Gourley, Mosley stated that his real name was Arthur Ayson and that he came from Balclutha. That, 9 however, was about the only sensible statement that could be got from him. for he went on to ‘‘talk silly” as if he were mentally unbalanced. Asked where he had been born, be replied that he hadn't been born at all, but had started life in a cheese as a mite, and had been changed into his present form fay special feeding and work that had been forced on him. It is quite probable that the shipping company will be called on to give the man a passage back to Sydney.

A scheme to promote a company to be called the Returned Soldiers’ Construction Company, Ltd., was considered by the Auckland Returned Soldiers’ Association. Mr E. F. Andrews, the secretary, stated that the aim of the company would be to provide permanent work for returned soldiers on a co-operative basis. The departments proposed included architecture, carpentry, painting, bricklaying, and special departments for maimed men. A trades school was also proposed. The profits would be distributed to all members, who would be returned men or their sons. Mr Andrews added that in repatriation work it had been found that partnerships were not a success. They had all broken down. No doubt many men would be attracted to the scheme if the Repatriation Department was prepared to advance the necessary capital of £250 to each of them. Unfortunately some of these men were willing to venture into any scheme, provided they used Government money. The matter was referred to a subcommittee for report.

Among the business to be transacted at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugfoy Football Union, Wellington, is consideration of the following motions, due notice of which has been given;—(1) “That the New Zealand Rugby Union arrange a national scheme of insurance for injured players” (Marlborough Union) ; (21 “That the committee be empowered to add to its numbers an active member of the New Zealand Referees’ Association” (Management Committee) ; (3) “That the New Zealand Union go into the question of amateur status, and give a ruling, which shall apply to all players under its jurisdiction” (Management Committee) ; (4) “That the school grant for the 1920 season be increased to £300” (Management Committee).

“We must get back to the lost art of nursing or in a few generations the race will be extinct,” said Dr. J. S. Reekie at the Leys Institute in the course of a lecture on food values. The point cropped up at question time (says the Auckland Star), when someone wanted to know whether milk and butter were necessary in what is generally called a vegetarian diet. He said that for th 6 young of each animal the mother’s milk was the food which could give the best results. If he prevalent system of artificial feeding was persisted in, there would be no need for wars or pestilences to eradicate the human race. When the question of alcohol was broached (he lecturer said that the daughters of drunkards were very rarely capable of lactation, and in one or two generations a drunkard’s progeny vvquld die out.

A pig played a part in the Petone pageant before the Prince of Wales. It was not a large pig, but it contrived to become for a few moments a centre of interest. When Captain Cook made his landing he brought gifts for the Maoris, and one of these gifts was the pig. Historical accuracy did not demand that the pig should be brought ashore in a prominently labelled benzine ■Case, but presumably Captain Cook considered that a certain licence was permissible. So evidently did the pig. Being an active and husky little porker, he left the case as soon as it was set down by the landing party. He found himself in the midst of a large crowd, disliked his situation, and departed for open country via the avenues that he thought he perceived among the legs around him. The avenues were not really there, and the excited effort of the pig to get between two legs that had a perfect right to be close together since they belonged to one person, produced quite a stir in the crowd. The ow r ner of the legs collapsed. The pig seems to have reached open country in the end. At all events, he did not return to the pageant.

The “Aquabacta” is the name of a high grade English Rainproof Overcoat for men. These Coats, which are made of an 80 per cent, wool cloth, proofed, can be procured from THOMSON & BEATTIE, Ltd. Skilfully cut, well tailored throughout, and lined with a wool check lining. Prices run from £7 7/- to £7 15/-.—(Advt.)

Here is a souvenir of the Prince’s visit to Southland that should meet with a big demand. A specially produced “Prince of Wales Writing Tablet,” combining a good shilling’s worth of correspondence paper, with a fine reproduction of the Prince in soldier’s garb. This is well worth having, and eaiiy buying is necessary to secure oao. Price 1/- (posted anywhere 1/3). Hyndman’s, Dee street, Invercargill.

HATS for men, youths, and boys—a fine showing of all the popular styles and value prices. UNDRILL’S, opp. P.O.—(Advt.)

Every week new Models, Ready-for-wears and L'ntruumed Hats are appearing in the stocks at PRICE & BULLEID'S, Ltd. There the styles are smart and attractive and the colours the most recently introduced. Hie Millinery section is on* that receives the best possible attention ia buying. Every style is right up-to-date. Prices for all Hats are quoted right dowa at the lowest possible margin of profit. A feature with Messrs Price & Bulleid’s, Ltd., Millinery trade is their made-to-order section where all orders are promptly and efficiently executed at a reasonable charge. (Advt.;

"Chance will cot do the work.” (Scott). —No one can allord to take chances with health. Yet how many during the Winter wren coughs and colds are so dangerous, experiment with preparation after preparation. Take BAXTER'S Lung Preserver immediately and be sure. Mr Baxter did ail the experimenting 54 years ago and now >on can promptly remedy cough, cold, sore throat, chest and brouenial troubles. This iterhng specific is quick in its action, permanent in its reliel. Get large 2/6 bottlq it daj' from chemist or store. — (Advt.)

Great preparations for the Prince's arrival. All our departments are aglow with special offerings. See windows and showroom for exceptional offerings in Coats. Black Sealette Coats, 190/- to 500/-; Goats iu smart velour cloth, 147/-, 254/-. Covert Coals, really new, 105/- to 168/-. Tweed Goals, new designs, 84/- to 147/-. Black Rubber Costs, 99/6. Oil Goats, 119/-, Smart Gabardine Coats, 84/- to 144/-. Wool-knitted Coats, warm and comfortable, 35/- to 110/-. Wool Jumpers, 70/- to 119/-. A splendid selection of smart Winter Costumes, Serges in Navy and Black, 75/- to 294/-. 'lweed Costumes, 84/- to 190/-. Smart Black and White Check Costumes, 117/6 to 147/-. See special bargain table of Silk Blouses, your choice 22/6. Coll and see our lovely show at H. & J. SMITH, Ltd., Progressive Stores, Invercargill, and Gore. 'Phonos in all departments. — (Advt.)

MASTERS, LTD., were the originators ol the 10 per cent, discount to returned soldiers. Other storekeepers have copied ua and we now go one better. We now invite all discharged soldiers and those waiting discharge to have their military hats reOlocked, free of all cost, by the only hatter in Southland. We still give a 10 per cent, reduction to all returned soldiers.—« MASTERS, LTD.. Dee street. — (Advt.)

Sixty doses of "NAZOL” cost only 1/fi. Splendid for coughs, colds, throat and chest soreness. Get busy with "NAZOL’’ 10-day. (Advt.)

Get rid of that stubborn cold. Take "NAZOL,” the penetrating, prompt and pure remedy. 1/6 buys 60 doses. —(Advt.) Choice Dried Fruits —Prime Sultanas, Currants, Seeded Raisins, Seedless Raisim, Prunes, Lemon Peel. Also choice Canned Fruits at BAXTER’S. — (Advt.)

A Special Display of Exclusive Evening Frocks, Silk Dress Skirts and Blouses, now being made at THE “ECONOMIC,” Ladies’ Outfitters. Prices exceedingly leasonable, (Advt.)

‘‘Something worth talking about!” Th* marvellous way ‘‘NO RUBBING LAUNDRY HELP” enables the washing to be don* without any back-breaking rubbing. Avoid “Just-as-goods.” 1/- packet sufficient for 7or 8 washings.— (Advt.)

friend for y'ou! “NAZOL” instantly relieves coughs and colds. Get a Nazol Inhaler.—(Advt.)

Public speakers, reciters, singers! Use “NAZOL” to prevent or relieve huskiness, soreness and irritation of the throat. Ready for instant use anywhere.— (Advt.;