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Southland Times, Issue 19229, 20 May 1921, Page 4

In the Southland Education district during the quarter ended March 31, 1921, there were

187 schools open; the roll number was 12,000, and the average attendance 10,541. A Melbourne Press Association message states that the Inter-State Shipping companies have increased fares ranging from 7s 6d to £2, starting from Monday. “What relation is this man of yours?” asked counsel of a young woman in a separation case at the Christchurch Magistrate’s Court. Witness demurred, saying that he was a very distant relation. When pressed for a more definite answer, witness stated that the young man in question was her “sister’s husband’s brother’s wife’s brother.” The question of relationship was not investigated further by counsel. “I don’t like sending men with previous good records to gaol, but wharf thieves must be stopped,” said the Magistrate (Mr F. K- Hunt) at Wellington yesterday (says a Press Association telegram) in sentencing Walter Davidson, a carrier, to one month and Albert Baker, a Harbour Board storei man, to a fortnight’s imprisonment. The i men were concerned in an attempt to i remove nine sacks of potatoes from a shed on the wharf, of which Baker had charge. “I look upon this as a very serious offence,” declared Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., in the Auckland Magistrate’s Court, when three women were charged with harbouring a runaway from an industrial school. xA great many people seemed to think they were doing a proper thing in harbouring an escapee, observed the Magistrate. It was mere sentimentalism, apt to lead to harm. Boys and men in prison and reformatory institutions were well fed, clothed, and treated. When they ran away from wholesome restriction the foolish persons who harboured them assisted them to commit thefts and other crimes, and to contaminate others. The proper thing was to feed the escapees if they were hungry, but to inform the police promptly of the matter, and so prevent the escapee from being a menace to the community. The defendants would be fined £2 each. Any subsequent case of the kind would be sev--Aiety 4ealt with,

One local concern has been advised that, from June 1, the rate of interest on overdrafts will be increased by the associated banks to 7 per cent. Previously from six to six and a-half per cent, has been charged in most cases.

Taranaki was recently referred to as the New Zealand El Dorado of the commercial traveller, but, judging by the fact that no fewer than 33 of the species were carried to Invercargill by the train from the Western District on Wednesday night, Southland should run the northern province close for the honour, if such it may be termed.

Those interested in the establishment of tepid swimming baths in Invercargill are considering the suggestion of the Mayor (Mr J. F. Lillicrap) that a carnival to raise funds for the object should be run during Jubilee Week. It is considered' that such a cause would have a wide appeal and a carnival, besides being the means of raising a substantial sum of money, would be valuable as a part of the jubilee celebrations.

With the idea of making the new councillors acquainted with at least one of the municipal trading concerns the Works Committee invited all members to pay a visit to the quarry at Greenhills, and the inspection was carried out yesterday. A fair proportion of the council took advantage of the opportunity to visit the quarry collectively. They were shown*over the works by the manager and express themselves by the apparent efficiency that is the keynote of operations. At the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, before Mr G. Cruickshank, S.M., judgment by default was given for plaintiffs in the two following cases: —Carswell and Co. v. Patrick O’Donnell, for £ll Is 6d with costs £3 8s 6d; J. E. Watson and Co. v. Robert King, for costs £1 2s. Judgment was also given for costs in the defended case Trillo v. Doe, in which judgment was delivered recently. Plaintiff was allowed costs amounting to £4 2s, and defendant £2 Is sd. “It has been our invariable experience,” remarked Mr A. L. Monteith in the Arbitration Court on Monday (states the Dominion) in pressing the claims of a section of workers, “that wages are the last on the rise and down first on the decline.” The President of the Court: “Our idea is that wages will keep up for the next 12 months at least, and that they will be the last to fall.” Later his Honour said: “Take our word for it that we have not overlooked anything and have done the best we could in the circumstances. The workers will get the benefit out of the pronouncement.”. Presumably owing to the fire blight menace hawthorn hedges in the Waimea West district are being cut down (says the Nelson correspondent of the Christchurch Press). At Mahana last week a long length of hawthorn was cut down to within a short distance of the ground level. It is proposed to cover the stumps with branches and burn them next autumn, in the hope that the fire will kill the growth. It has been definitely established by scientists that the hawthorn is a grave ecource of infection, and that the hedges themselves will be killed by fire blight. “Never be misled by those people who think that initiative can take the place of discipline,” said General Russell in the course of a lecture in Wellington. “Don’t imagine that, because you make a man a good soldier, a competent soldier, that you have destroyed his power of initiative. You have been a very bad instructor if you have done that.” He added that the intelligence of the New Zealand soldiers meant a special demand for efficiency on the part of officers. The New Zealand officer must have some other claim than the insignia of rank on the obedience of his men. He must be a good man to follow, and a good man to lead.

“Thirteen o’clock” will soon be a recognised hour in the Defence Department, however unfamiliar it be to New Zealanders generally. The following Army Order is reprinted in New Zealand General Headquarters Instructions:—“The Continental system of time—i.e., the 24-hour clock —will be brought into use throughout the British Army from midnight, September 30-october 1, 1918.” “Since the receipt of the above order,” General Headquarters advises, “the system has to some extent been used in New Zealand, but in order to ensure uniformity it is notified that the system will be brought into use throughout the New Zealand Military Forces from midnight May 31-June 1, 1921, for communication within the Defence Department only.” The “24-hour clock” will be used for the timing of messages.

Regarding the substantial drop in the price of butter, the Palmerston North correspondent of the New Zealand Times writes:

“In connection with the London butter report, stating that the Government had reduced the prices of butter by 70s per cwt, those interested in the industry in Palmerston North stated that they were expecting to hear of a reduction at any time, as local manufacturers realised a few weeks ago that they would have to meet keen competition from Denmark and Canada in May. The present position in New Zealand with regard to stocks is that, the local demand would be sufficient to absorb the greater portion, if not the lot, of New Zealand’s free output, so that the decision of the British Government in reducing prices would have very little effect upon the New Zealand producer’s returns. When our next season’s output leaves here in September it is the opinion of farmers that the demand will be at a firmer price, and they are not* talcing the cable news very seriously just now.

A case in connection with the straightening of the Waikiwi stream was heard at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, when Michael Forde and Thomas Forde proceeded against J. Johnston and Sons, contractors under the Waikiwi River Board, to recover the sum of £7 4s, the value of 18 cords of timber alleged to have been unlawfully used by the defendants. Mr H. Macalister, for the plaintiffs, stated that the defendant had cut a certain amount of timber, belonging to the plaintiffs on either side of the stream during clearing operations, and had used if as fued for the engines. The defendants had paid for 40 cords of wood used but continued cutting and the plaintiffs were now suing for the balance of the timber used. Mr Hays, for the defendants, claimed that the timber had been used with the consent of the Waikiwi River Board under the powers conferred upon it under the River Boards Act, 1908. He also held that if any damage was done it was a matter for compensation under the Workers Compensation Act and not a claim for damages. The Magistrate gave judgment for the defendant on the ground that the River Board was entitled to use the timber on the line of work.

The .introduction of heather into New Zealand was recently discussed by the executive of the Tararua Tramping Club. A resolution was passed to the effect that the attention of the Government be called to “the danger of the native flora of the Tongariro National Park, caused by the planting of heather, lupin, and fox glove in the park and on Government lands adjacent.” It was suggested that instructions be given for the discontinuance of such planting and for the eradication of all foreign plants also that all future planting be prohibited except under Government guidance. A copy of the resolution was sent to Mr J. M’lntosh Ellis, Director of the Forestry Department. Extracts from his reply are forwarded to the club’s secretary, Mr W. H. Field. Captain Ellis states that in principle he is greatly opposed to the introduction of heather into the Dominion. He says it is one of the “greatest pests to economic progress” in Scotland, and it may become as serious a menace to New Zealand as the rabbit has proved to be. He further states that, if the growth of heather is encouraged, “our farmere will have to reckon with a serious factor in pastoral farming.” He has forwarded a similar letter to the Gen,ol4 Manage< of *he Tourist

A boy named Melvin, aged 14 years, residing in Crinan street, was admitted to the Hospital yesterday with a broken arm. The injury was sustained playing for the Middle School in a football match.

Members of rifle clubs will be interested in the following paragraph which appears in this week’s General Headquarters instructions:—“ln the event of accidents to employees engaged by rifle clubs for duty as markers, etc., the rifle club concerned will be liable for payment of compensation in accordance with the Workers’ Compensation Act.” A Wellington Press Association telegram states that owing to the financial position the City Council is compelled to abandon for the present a comprehensive programme of city improvements involving an expenditure of over £1,500,000. At present the preliminary work of a water supply scheme is being carried out, the auxiliary electric power scheme will be reconsidered, and the housing scheme will be carried out at the rate of £lO,OOO per year. A Wellington Press Association telegram states that in connection with the Cabinet’s decision regarding the bonus grant to persons in receipt of superannuation, it should be made clear that only widows and children will receive the bonus without application. Other persons receiving superannuation as retiring civil servants, whether male or female, must make written application to the Minister of Finance, and prove hardship if they wish to claim the bonus. A mishap, which might have resulted in a serious accident, occurred to the Main Trunk express near’ Papakura on Sunday, the engine striking a horse which had wandered on to the line. The animal was practically cut in half. One portion was thrown clear of the line, but the other was caught under the engine, and the work of removing the obstruction proved a difficult task. The train was delayed for a considerable period, arriving at Frankton thirty-five minutes late. The Commissioner of Stamps has thrown a bomb at the Starr-Bowkett building societies in Dunedin (and probably those elsewhere) by a ruling to the effect that stamp duty is assessable on premium as well as capital in connection with the societies’ mortgages (says the Dunedin Star). For example, a man buys £5OO at a premium of £3O, and the department claims to collect stamp duty on £650, or, really, £7OO, since hundreds are not split, in place of collecting it on £5OO. This view is not accepted without demur. At least one of the Starr-Bowketts in Dunedin is advised professionally that the Commissioner’s ruling is unsound, and there seems to be every probability of its being appealed against. A prominent kauri gum merchant stated to a New Zealand Herald representative that some 500 or 600 Dalmatians had left New Zealand within the past few months, the main reason, he believed, being that they were still clased as alien enemies, and therefore had no status here. He claimed ■ that the drift away would seriously affect kauri gum production, which had contributed more to the revenue of New Zealand than any of the minerals with the exception of gold, Dalmatians he said were peculiarly adapted for gum digging. The deep trenching system in the past had revolutionised the industry. They were able to work harmoniously in syndicates, and could perform an amount of work that other men would not attempt. Up to 1917, the average yearly export of kauri gum was 8783 tons. During the war years there had been an inevitable decline in the quantity produced, but there had been only a partial recovery, and this year had shown another decline, the production in January being 289 tons, in February 301 tons, in March 359 tons, and in April 191 tons. A representative Dalmatian, who was questioned, said many of the countrymen had left from a natural desire to see their people or to be married. He fendorsed the view that many, having reached an age when they desire to settle down, wanted to do so in countries where the restriction that affected their citizenship in New Zealand would not apply. He could not say how many of the men leaving for their own country had thoughts of returning.

Attention is drawn to the misprint appearing in the programme of the Bradley Campaign, the time for the lantern lecture on to-night being 8 p.m., and not 3 p.m. as therein stated. — (Advt.)

Sale News —Special offer of 75 Ladies’ Costumes, 30 Coats, and 80 Jerseys at half price for one week only at THE “ECONOMIC,” Ladies’ Outfitters, 60 Dee street.— (Advt.)

Booking, bad debts, clerical expenses, ledgers, postages and collecting accounts is too expensive a luxury for retail buyers. Moral: Buy your Groceries for prompt cash from BAXTER’S.—(Advt.)

Specially-reduced prices in materials suitable for making Evening and Opera Cloaks will be found at THOMSON & BEATTIE'S. These are in French Venetian Cloth and Cheviots, 50 and 54 inches wide, at 16/6, 22/6 and 25/-. The colours are Emerald, Sky, Fawn, V. Rose, Saxe, and the new Henna shade.— (Advt.)

“When I arrived home with my fountain pen, others were so struck with my bargain that I recevied orders for five pens. Will you kindly post to me by return five medium pointed pens at 3/6 each.” This extract from a customer’s letter speaks for itself. 14ct. gold nib fountain pens, worth 7/6, pre-war days, are being sold at Hyndman’s, Dee street, for 3/6. Posted anywhere. As there are only 45 to sell early application is necessary.

Super quality Corsets in white and delicate tints are included in the revised scale of prices at PRICE <fc BULLEID’S, Ltd. This firm stocks the world's best productions in the latest approved models. Every pair is guaranteed and money refunded if in any way unsatisfactory. The reductions now taking effect are genuine and generous and offer a rare opportunity to secure dependable goods at practically pre-war prices. (Advt.)

‘Tor this relief much thanks.”—Hamlet. An invaluable cough and cold remedy that gives grateful relief to young and old alike is Baxter’s Lung Preserver. It has a soothing and healing effect on the lungs—stopa the cough, allays the soreness and inflammation, and improves the breathing. Besides being an effective cough remedy,

“Baxter’s” has a most invigorating tonic influence upon the general health. “Baxter’s” is comforting to the aged when they are troubled with asthma or bronchitis. Keep Baxter’s Lung Preserver always handy. 2/6 large bottle at any chemist or store.— (Advt.)

Read UNDRILL’S Special Extra Discount offer and note startling price® page 4 this issue.—(Advt.)

Ladies! —A surprise awaits you at the Progressive Stores. A most delightful showing of distinctive Blouses, Millinery, Costumes and Coats all marked at our slump prices for a quick clearance. Call at once and see these sensational values, as we feel confident a visit of inspection will repay you—B dozen Cream and Striped Wincey Blouses, slump prices 6/6 to 10/6; all pure Wool Flannel Blouses, slump price 22/6 to 27/6; White Silk Blouses, nice styles, 15/6 to 25/6; Hendersons’ Straws, smart untrimmed shapes, sale price 12/6 to 19/6; Hendersons’ Ready-to-wears from 23/6 to 33/6; smart Pull-on shapes, Sale price from 7/6 to 10/6; Velours—See table now showing at 19/6, worth up to 49/6; smart Tailor-made Costumes, usual price 210/-, Sale price 105/-; Ladies’ Smart Tweed Coats, clearing at. 35/- to 120/-. Inspection cordially invited at ’I. & J. SMITH, Ltd., Progressive Drapers, Invercargill, and Gore.—(Advt.)

MASTERS, LID., were the original ore ol the 10 per cent, discount u> returned soldier®. Utner storekeepers have copied us. and we now go one better. We now invite all discharged soldiers and those writing discharge to have their militaxy hats reblocked, free of all cost, b/ the only hatter in Southland. We still give a 10 per cenk reduction to all returned soldiers.— Dee street.—(Adnu,