ANSWER TO A CORRESPONDENT.

Southland Times, Issue 19518, 18 May 1922, Page 4

ANSWER TO A CORRESPONDENT.

S.EM.—Your letter has already appeared elsewhere.

“Are the book debts good?” was asked Christchurch. “I wouldn’t like to say. Some of the gentlemen who owe the money are present,” replied the bankrupt, amidst laughter.

As a practical way to help the Presbyterian Social Service Association in the work with the children in Cameron and Gladstone Homes a local draper has offered to give the Association as a donation., 10 per cent on all cash purchases made for the week ending May 27. “We know what the local Labour leaders are like, and I don’t think that their interests are the same as ours,” said Mr G. J. Black at a meeting of the Poverty Bay Fanners’ Union at Gisborne (states the local Times). “We had a sample of them in that professor who was here the other day,” he added. A Marlborough lady had to “climb down” gracefully in Wellington the other day 1 (states the Press). Conversing with an official on the wharf, she was making very disparaging remarks about the treatment of Marlborough travellers by the Union Company, and, comparing the Wainui with a smart, new-looking steamer berthed alongside, said: “Now if we had a comfortable ship like that to cross the strait , in, we’d wish for nothing better.” “Why, lady,” quoth the officer with a twinkle in his eye. “Don’t you know the old Mapourika in her new dress? You people made such a hullaballo about her that she was shelved on to the Nelson people.” The lady collapsed. A sportsman who went out shooting and failed to find anything to shoot, was returning home disconsolate and anticipating much “chaff,” when he met a boy carrying a rabbit (relates the Wairarapa Daily News). Here was a chance to show something to keep up his sporting reputation. He bought the rabbit for half-a-crown, and continued his walk. Presently it occurred to him that he had better shoot the rabbit if it was to be of any use for his purpose. He tied it to a post, drew off and let drive at it. He missed the rabbit, but cut the string that held it, and it is now frolicking somewhere out Parkvale. A fine collection of Chinese coins has been donated to the Auckland Museum by Mr J. G. Watson, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, an ardent numismatis (states the Star). The donor recently visited this city, and finding the Museum had no collection of ancient coins of China, has kindly forwarded 22 specimens. Some of the coins are bronze representations of knives, and date back to the Tchou Dynasty, which lasted from 670 to 221 B.C. An evidence that things do not change rapidly in China is shown by the fact that these coins have round or square holes in the centre, the same as those in use at the present time. It is understood Mr Wateon hopes to forward another donation later on.

One of the objections against the introduction of small secondary schools raised by Miss N. E. Coad, M.A., in her address to the Women Teachers’ Association on Saturday evening was that too much would be required of the teachers. Besides taking all the academic subjects, they would be expected to instruct in shorthand and other special subjects. Cases had occurred of women taking dairy science, and men home science. That is the sort of thing small secondary schools could lead to. The teachers, overwhelmed with so many subjects, would be like the famous physiology teacher, who just managed to keep “a bone ahead of the class.”

Motor-car thieving in Taranaki is still occasionally indulged in, and the latest to have a car stolen is the New Plymouth Borough Council, which had a five-seater Ford car removed from a garage. A shipment of 300 poles has been landed at the Bluff from the steamer Waikouaiti and the Power Board has been promised a further shipment of 1,000 poles to arrive at the end of the month. It is expected that the pole gang will re-com-mence work on the pole lines after the next meeting of the Board on Monday.

A bag of shavings which was lying at the foot of the staircase leading to the basement of the Public Library, caught fire shortly after 1.30 p.m. yesterday and the flames extended to some papers and booklets which were lying in the passageway. The Brigade was called out and had little difficulty in extinguishing the outbreak. A Timaru Press Association telegram states that at a Hospital Board yesterday four members who visited Dr. Byer’s sanatorium at Waipiata, Central Otago, reported favourably on it as a proposed southern South Island sanatorium, and appointed delegates to the conference of southern Boards to be held at Timaru on May 31. On coming out of the theatre on Tuesday evening after attending the entertainMr A. E. Jones had the unpleasant experience of finding that his motor car had disappeared from in front of the Town Hall. Early yesterday morning, however, he was informed that the car had been found on the side of the road between Clifton and Woodend. The police are making inquiries into the matter. Investigations made under the auspices of the Forestry Department and the Sawmillers’ Association regarding Japanese borer, show that the sample treated is not American cottonwood at all, but Russian timber (says a Wellington Press Association telegram). Cottonwood is produced in British Columbia. It has supplied 80 per cent, of the Government requirements in three-ply timber for many years. Community singing in Christchurch was inaugurated yesterday at the Liberty Theatre (says a Press Association telegram) under most happy auspices. The singing was under the leadership of Mr Albert Russell, of Wellington, who is prominently identified with the movement in that city. The big building was filled E»y a joyous throng who had a thoroughly enjoyable hour. “The longer I live in Auckland, the more impressed I am with the fine public spirit, the splendid generosity of Auckland business men, in advancing movements of public welfare.” said Bishop Averill at the Orphan Home Trust Board. “It is always a joy to me to be associated with any of these undertakings supported by business men, because of the hearty way in which they carry the work through, and the enthusiasm and real self-sacrifice they put into making it a success.” During the tour of the blackblock portion of his electorate, Mr R. Masters, member for Stratford, was impressed by the settlers with the eeriousness of the wild pig pest. One deputation of settlers said that several young men would undertake to kill the pigs if paid a royalty. Mr Masters said he believed the best thing would be to ask the Minister to give a royalty in addition to the free ammunition already given, and he would be pleased to make representations in the proper quarter. “There are those who say that the popular taste in amusements is not all it should be,” said Miss N. E. Coad, president of the Women Teachers’ Association, at a meeting of that body on Saturday evening. “It is true that while 'the pictures,’ dancing, billiards, may be anathema to some of us older people, they are, I regret to say, the breath of life to the younger people ... I am afraid the present centres of interest, and amusement cannot be abolished, so they will have to be utilised and improved.”

A Hastings Press Association telegram states that the formal opening of the Havelock North hydro-electric power scheme of 250 h.p. from the Maraetotara stream for local supplies took place yesterday afternoon in the presence of representatives of Napier, Hastings, Waipukurau, and Hawke’s Bay local bodies. Several speakers emphasised the delay of the Government regarding pushing on the Waikaremoana scheme, and urged pressure on the Government, or that the local bodies should follow the lead of Havelock North and stake the matter with their own hands.

A proposal that a sum of the War Funds Association money should be devoted to the blind of New Zealand though the Arthur Pearson Memorial Fund was made by Mr John Stead at the annual meeting of the Association yesterday. Mr Stead pointed out that soldiers would benefit with civilians from the expenditure. There might be some people who would argue that the money they had subscribed specifically to soldiers and their dependents should not be spent in that way, but, after all, the interest earned by the money gave the Association a certain amount of latitude. The president (Mr H. W| Rcyds) said that, while appreciating the object, he could not accept the motion for the constitution of the Association made it quite clear that the body watf to collect and administer money only for soldiers, sailors and their dependents, so that the only blind person they could help other than a soldier would be the dependent of a soldier. It was further outlined by Mr J. Gilkinson that under the National War Funds Act the funds could be administered only for service men and their dependents.

From inquiries made regarding the provisions of the Arms Act it is apparent that certain facts are not generally known (says a Wellington Press Association telegram). As was stated by Senior-Detective Boddan v when prosecuting in the case of failure to register a gun, it is necessary for a person in possession of a firearm when changing his place of abode from one police district to another to register in the district to which he has gone. For instance a registrant at Auckland changing his place of residence to Wellington would require to register again here. The person is also required to notify the police authorities at Auckland in this instance of change of address. It is also the opinion of several applicants that their duty ceases when the application to register firearms is made. Such however it not the case. They are required to be in possession of certificates of registration. During the rush period after the Act came into force all certificates were not handed to applicants. These are now ready and should be obtained with as little delay as possible. Persons failing to comply with the conditions mentioned lay themselves open to prosecution. For some time the Otago University Council has been endeavouring to find a tutor for the University economics class, which is conducted under the Workers’ Educational Association. At a meeting of the council on Tuesday, Mr J. C. Stephens reviewed the history of the class, which, he said, was begun in 1915 under Professor Bedford. Another class was started in 1916 by Archdeacon Woodthorpe. When Professor Bedford died the two were combined, and the class had been carried on until last year. The class had been conducted first by the professor and later by the actingprofessor of economics, and it- had been understood that Professor Pringle would in due course take up the work. When it was reported to the council that he found it impossible to do so, the position was offered to Archdeacon Woodthorpe. (A letter was received frm the archdeacon declining the offer). Mr Stephens added that it had been suggested to the students that they should join the psychology or some other class, but so far no reply had been received. It was a matter for extreme regret that a class, which had been conducted for so many years, should have to cease. Mr L. D. Ritchie said he thought there were certain reasons for Archdeacon Woodthorpe’s decision. He proposed that the chancellor (the Rev. Andrew Cameron) and Mr J. C. Stephens should confer with the archdeacon. The motion was carried.

“In Switzerland I cane across a grave of a New Zealander, a Taranaki boy in the Auckland regiment,” said the Rev. John Dawson at a meeting at New Plymouth, states the “News,” “and it was as tenderly cared for as if it had been the grave of one of Switzerland’s own sons.” Mr Dawson said he had taken the opportunity of having a photograph of the grave taken, and this had been forwarded to the deceased soldier’s brother in Taranaki.

After stating quite freely what they thought of people who call out fire brigades just for the fun of the thing, the members of the Christchurch Fire Board resolved on Tuesday to consult the other fire boards with a view to making a combined appeal to the Minister of Justice for legal and other help in ending the nuisance. The superintendent’s monthly report showed that, out of 22 calls received 6th April and 4th May, five were wilful false alarms. “One of the meanest sneaks under the sun,” was the expression applied by the chairman (Mr A. Williams) to a perverted humorist who called up the city brigade from a slot telephone box early in the morning of Anzac Day to say that there was a big fire at the comer of Edgewareroad and Hill’s-road. It was a pity, said Mr Williams, that, the offender could not have been caught and given the full penalty provided by the Fire Brigades Act —a £5O fine or six months’ imprisonment. It costs from £5 to £lO every time the brigade turned out.

An unusual incident in connection with the unveiling of an obelisk to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the war took place at Otorohanga on Anzac Day (says the Waitoua “Mail”). The memorial, which was unveiled by Mr W. T. Jennings, M.P., had 58 names on it, four being Maori boys belonging to the district. After the unveiling and the firing of three volleys by returned soldiers, and the trooping of the colours by the Waikato Regiment, a silence of two minutes was observed, and then the placing of wreaths by school children and relatives took place. Then, from the ranks of the Maoris, a weird lamentation arose, and three women, relatives of the fallen Maori boys, came forward, showing the deepest grief, which impressed all, and deposited beautiful Maori mats on the obelisk, after which the whole of the Maoris assembled gave a haka that was thrilling in its intensity. They were led on by an old Maori, who, though over 70 years of age, handled his taiaha in a manner that was surprising

The spirit existing between colonial soldiers of the late war was illustrated at Auckland, when the Auckland Returnee Soldiers’ Association made provision for the burial of a Canadian soldier in the soldiers* plot at Waikumete (remarks the New Zealand Herald). The Canadian, Cyril Norman, aged 30, suffered from the effects of gas, and during the voyage of the Makura from Vancouver to Auckland was taken seriously ill. On Friday, when the vessel arrived, he was carried ashore in an unconscious condition, and removed to the Auckland Hospital, where he died on Saturday. As far as could be ascertained, the man had no friends in the Dominion, and he would have been buried at the expense of the Charitable Aid Board but for the action of the association, which undertook to give the ex-service man a soldier’s burial in a worthy grave. There is no fund in Auckland for such purpose, but the Wellington Returned Soldiers’ Association has on several occasions drawn up their special fund to grant a soldier’s burial to discharged men who were without relatives or friends.

It was the practice among finger-print experts the world over, said Senior-Ser-geant Dinnie, of the Criminal Investigation Department, at the Wellington Supreme Coqjt during the progress of a breaking and entering trial, to keep in touch with each other, and to exchange records. At present there were in the Wellington police headquarters 280,000 prints, the infallible records of 28,000 persons. Those finger prints were classified according to a universal system, first, according to general type, and then sub-divided, according to ridges, etc., so that if a full set of finger impressions were obtained from any suspected person that set could be identified with .the suspect’s file records —if they were filed —within five minutes at the most. .If, however, prints from but three or four fingers were available for comparison the checking would take longer. The palm of the hand of any person carried the same lines and ridges through life, from birth to death, and frequently comparisons of palm prints were kept on record, for, like the fingers and thumbs, the palms left an unforgeable signature. As far as he knew, no mistake had ever been made in the identification of persons by means of finger print evidence. Now that the rate of interest on money is declining and the financial position getting easier the debentures of the Bluff Harbour Board’s consolidated loan with interest at 5A per cent, free of exchange and maturing at December 31, 1927, i.e. in years, will present an attractive investment. The security is undeniable, the term short, and the rate of interest as good as is likely to be obtained for some time on gilt-edged securities. — (advt.) Huge preparations for sensational move at SMITHS’ commencing May 22.—(advt.) There is no worse nuisance to a housewife, than not being able to get her clothes dry, on account of wet damp weather such as we are having now. This can be overcome by purchasing from Vernon Smith and Co. a Kitchen Drying Rod with pulleys and cords all complete for 7/9, next P. 0., Invercargill.— (Advt.) For Quality and Variety at Lowest Cash Price.*'-, Mothers are recommended to shop at The Economic, Ladies’ and Children’s Outfitters. 60 Dee Street.—Advt. Doctor’s prescriptions! when a doctor writes a prescription he bases his calculations on the effect obtained by the use of standard drugs, usually known aa 8.P., meaning “of the strength mentioned in the British Pharmacopoeia.” In the dispensary of G. H. Brown, chemist, only English drugs are used for dispensing doctors’ prescriptions, as English drugs are the standard of purity and strength. By taking your doctor’s prescription to G. H. Brown, chemist (late Neil’s Dispensary), you are sure of having it dispensed with the purest English drugs.—Advt.

McNeil and Clark continue to sell clothing cheap. Piles of men’s strong tweed and fine worsted trousers, saddle tweed, buckskin and denims at real cut prices. Boys’ and youth’s superior tweed suite cheaper than for years. Boys’ overcoats and odd shorts just at your own price. Dark rugs and camp blankets at astonishing low rates, so come right along to McNeil and Clark, 94 Dee Street.— (advt.) That’s true. Pandora in her wonderful box, had nothing so nice as the far-famed Rava Tea—an excellent beverage 2/6 per lb., 5 lb box reduced 3d per lb at Baxter’s. (advt.) A rich harvest of bargains, in our children’s department. This has been our big speciality for the past 22 years. To-day our stocks are the most extensive and varied, and the prices the lowest we have had the pleasure of offering for many years. These attractive offerings will convince you we are after yoUr trade. Infante’ flannelette gowns 4/6 to 5/11. Infante’ Cambric gowns 4/6, 4/11 to 8/6. Infants’ flannel and flannelette barras 2/11, 4/6, 4/11 to 8/6. Infants’ Cambric robes 10/6, 12/6 to 22/6. Flannel binders 1/3, woven binders 1/11. Infants’ wool, and Silk wool vests 1/6, 2/11 to| 4/6. Flannel and flannelette embroidered head squares 2/11 to 4/3. Flannelette nursery squares 10/6, 12/6, 14/6 to 23/- dozen. Infant’s wool shawls 14/6, 16/6, 18/6 to 35-. A large selection of infante’ silk and embroidered bibs 1/3 to 3/11. Infants’ wool bootees 1/11 to 2/6. Handmade wool bootees 2/6. A large assortment of sponges, soap, powder etc. all on sale at greatly reduced prices at H. & J. SMITH LTD., The Progressive Drapers, Tay Street, Invercargill and Main Street, Gore.—(advt.)

A Dunedin Press Association telegram states that at the inquest on the lad Riddell, who died under anaesthetic at the Dental School, Dra Pickerill and Seideberg stated that the accommodation and facilities for work at the Dental School were most un satisfactory. The Coroner »aid he hoped representations which had been already made by Dr Pickerill to the University Council and the Governemnt would bear fruit. The durability of our native timbers has been frequently questioned (states a Taranaki exchange). A recent discovery m the Ngaire district, Taranaki, throws some interesting light on this subject. A ranger of the State Forest Service, when making some investigations as to the species of trees growing in this district, came upon some logs buried in the swamp, and waa surprised to find that the timber was tha* of the yellow silver pine, a tree unknown m Taranaki at the present time. The logs were recovered from a depth of fifteen feet underground, and above them were standing kahikatea and rimu stumps at least 250 years old. In spite of the great antiquity of these silver-pine logs the timber comprising them was perfectly sound, and showed no signs of deterioration. When questioned, the local Natives had no recollection or tradition of any trees of this species ever having been heard of in Taranaki. The present locality of the silver pine is in the centre of the North Island, where over 1000 acres covered by this valuable tree have been discovered in the Stat© forest adjoining the Ruapehu National Park. The silver pine is greatly valued for posts and battens, the timber never having been known to decay when in contact with the ground. Evening Dress, House Frocks and Dinner Dress Materials are on view in a beautiful range of materials and colours at Thomson and Beattie's. Crepe-de-Chenee in all the latest evening shades, 40 inches wide at 11/6 to 15/6yd. A special line of best quality French Crepe-de-Chene 40 inches wide at 17/6 in a magnificent range of colours. Bengaline Caprice, a silk and Wool Mixture for housefrocks or Semi Evening wear, 42 inch at 14/6. Satin Marquise and Silk Faille 40 inches at 23/6 and 27/6. Duchesse Mouselline, Satin Oriental and Satin La Toaca 38 and 40 inch—l7/6 and 19/6. (Advt). Hurrah! The Cooties are here! The Cooties are here! The gayest little black fellows imaginable, expert tumblers and as slippery as eels. The “Cooties” is the latest puzzle game and the puzzle is to capture the Cooties and gaol them securely. The fun is great. Price 1/6 each, Posted Is 9d. Obtain abb at Hyndman’s, Dee street. MEN—For Gloves aijd Hosiery you should inspect the showing at Un drill's, Opp. P. 0., Dec Street.—Advt. “Thought is parent of the deed.”—Carlyle. Always be forearmed against the risk of colds and coughs by Keeping Baxter’s Lung Preserver handy. A doee in time saves trouble—nips incipient maladies in the bud. “Baxter’s” is a time-proved remedy for ail lung and bronchial complaints. Ensures prompt and gratifying relief. Also efiicacions re-building tonic. 2a 6d large bottle at chemists and stores.