SERIOUS FOR FRANCE

Southland Times, Issue 19590, 11 August 1922, Page 4

SERIOUS FOR FRANCE

Crises have been so frequent sinew the signing of the Versailles Treaty that the public is now not easily impressed by the announcement that another has arisen, but the position in London is very serious. For some time the divergence of the British and French policies has been becoming more marked with each conference, and some shrewd observers have not hesitated to sav that in actual effect the Entente has ceased to exist. At Genoa there were rumours of some plain speaking by the British and French representatives, and though some very definite reports of Mr Lloyd George’s remarks were officially denied, there lingered a feeling that in an indirect manner M. Poincare had been warned that there was an end to British patience. The Balfour Note was, a direct challenge io the French policy and to America, and it is part of the British view that economic considerations demand a relaxation of the French attitude. When M. Poincare replaced M. Briand the possibilities of trouble were apparent, and they have grown with every

week. There is proceeding in Europe, a tussle,, friendly let it be said, for diplomatic supremacy, and the principal contestants arc Britain and France. The London Conference may not result in a break, it may finish in a further compromise of a delaying character, but the forces are all marching in the direction of a split amongst the Allies. A split will suit the Germans admirably, but it may have serious consequences. There arc restrictions put upon the Allies by (he treaty which prevent indlyidual action. The French view is that the text admits of individual action, but the opinion of the other Powers is to the contrary and certainly the spirit of the treaty and the alliance is opposed to the French interpretation. France cannot afford to isolate herself and throw Britain toward Germany, but the British Government cannot contemplate with any degree of comfort the prospect of a French advance on Germany, regardless of the rights of her friends. Germany cannot comply with the French demands and the British know that they cannot afford to have Germany ruined. France may bankrupt Europe by her policy, or failing that, she may lose her best friends. M. Poincare is risking

much at the present time and Europe is at the brink of a catastrophe. An English and Australian mail reached Invercargill by the express last night. The Chief Postfnaster advises that owing to interruption, of some Atlantic cables weekend messages are subject to very heaty delay. The plans and estimates for the extension of the Gore Hospital were now’ complete, stated the secretary’s report to the Southland Hospital Board yesterday, and tenders for the work wore being called. Six cases ..of infectious diseases were admitted to the Southland Fever Hospital during July, stated the report of the Medical Superintendent at yesterday’s meeting of the Hospital Board. Three of the cases were diphtheria and three scarlet fever. Last evening Mr W. Hinchey, chairman of the Power Board, addressed a meeting of the Mokot.ua branch of the Farmers’ Union upon the general terms and conditions under which power was to be made available to farmers. The Southland Hospital Board experienced considerable difficulty a short time ago in obtaining probationers for the nursing staff, but applications are now coming in more freely and five or six names appear on the waiting list. The drainage of the old Avenal borough has now been, completed and a start has been made by the Public Works Department of the Borough in Beatrice street, Gladstone. In East Invercargill McMaster and Mary streets have been completed, and Jackson street is almost finished. As a result of the representative football match between Canterbury and Southland in Invercargill on Saturday, the Railway Department has decided to attach passenger cars to the goods train leaving Gore at 12.25 p.m. for Invercargill. The train will stop where required to pick up passengers and also at Elies Road to set down travellers. Mr D. W. Miller, in charge of the Oruanui school, who is in Auckland, states that forty-four earthquakes occurred there between July 30 and last Monday (says a Press .Association telegram). There were big shakes though not so heavy as some previously felt. Last Monday one shock lasted, at a conservative estimate, half an hour. The Medical Superintendent of the Southland Hospital, Dr A. 0. Johnston, reported that during July, 57 males and 50 females were admitted for treatment, while 26 males and 35 females were discharged. Eight patients died during the month. On August 1, 77 males and 44 females remained for treatment. The number of out-patient attendances for the month was 678, and the number of operations 35. When questioned yesterday in regard to the forthcoming conference between the Southland Electric Power Board and the Borough Council in. regard to the purchase or 600-k.w. from the Council, the chairman of the Board stated that he did not think the Power Board would recede from the position which it had taken up. It was too early yet, however, to say anything definite on the subject. The Matron of the Southland Hospital desires to thank the following for donat ions: —Red Cross Society, “Box Friends” ; Mesdames Hide, Schroder and R. Ladbrook. Also Miraes Nellie Black and Crofts and Mr Rewi Kingsland for an enjoyable concert. The Matron of Lome thanks the following for donations:—Messrs A. C. Millars Ltd.. E. Patterson, H. Gazzard and Miss Birch. The Prime Minister was recently asked what action was being taken in regard to the property of British subjects confiscated in Russia (says a Press Association telegram!. From official replies it appears this subject was to be considered at The Hague Conference. An. assurance was given that the British Government was determined by every means in its jiower to secure recognition of properly established claims. They can be registered with the Russian claims department of the British Board of Trade. The thar and chamois, seven in all, which were presented ro the New Zealand Government soinc few years ago b.v the Emperor of Austria, were liberated in the region of Mount Cook, and have done remarkably well. Some sporting enthusiasts who have just returned from a visit to the back of the Mackenzie Country say that the thar and chamois have multiplied in a wonderful way, and form a great attraction in those regions. Six fresh applications for outdoor relief were considered and dealt with as follows by the Southland Hospital Board at its meeting yesterday:—l granted 12/6 per week. 1 left in the hands of the lady members and secretary, action of secretary in granting temporary relief approved in two cases, and two declined. One case discontinued at the previous meeting was reinstated at 20/- per week. The secretary reported that the weekly expenditure on outdoor relief at present was £24 7s 6d as against £29 2s for the corresponding month last year. A Gisborne Press Association telegram states that there was much excitement over the poll to borrow £750,000 for the construction of the first section of the harbour designed by Mr Leslie Reynolds at an estimated cost of £1,219,500. It is a two chamber harbour —the outer chamber of 100 acres and the inner chamber 120 acres capable of taking vessels of 30ft draught. The Turanganui river, which forms the present entrance, is to be diverted westward. Relief from the present unsatisfactory silting is promised in two years. The first instalment of the scheme is to be completed in four years. The poll was- carried by 2197 votes to 816. There ware 4500 voters on the roll. An all night worker, going wearily homeward at break of day, a morning or two ago saw a large man running hard. The homeward-bound one thought he recognised the runner, so he planted himself firmly in his way. “What are you doing?” he said. The answer came between great pants. “I’m trying to catch the train.” Followed a hasty consultation of watches, and the homeward-bound one yelled. “I don’t think you can do it. Go for your life!”

“Y’betcha,” panted the large man, “do you think I’m running a bally stumer?” and he was off again. It remains only to slate that the big man, who is well known by workers, weighed 17 stone, that the conver-

sation took place in South Invercargill at 6 o’clock in the morning, and (hat he caught the train.

At the Auckland Police Court (says a Press Association, telegram) Albert Hugo Korth admitted the theft of a Post Office Savings Bank passbook and the forging of deposit slips for £6O, £4O, £3O and £lO. Accused was arrested while tendering a £lO slip at the bank. He was committed for sentence. According to this week’s Gazette the population of New Zealand on June 30 was 1.316,902, including 672,697 males and 644,205 females (says a Press Association telegram). The births registered in the June quarter numbered 7239 and the deaths 2652. The arrivals numbered 18,943 and the departures 20,804. The chairman of the Power Board yesterday stated that it was too toon yet to indicate what the effect of the reduction in guarantee would have upon the canvass for consumers as the new rates had not yet been issued. He was confident, however, that the reduction would induce many people to instal electricity, who would not otherwise have done so. \ Speaking at the annual meeting of the Canterbury Sheepowners’ Union, the chairman (Mr L. A. Rutherford) said that he looked upon the Arbitration Act as it affected the fanning industry as a curse. It killed ambition and ruined efficiency. The law they should aim to work under was that safe old one of supply and demand, with as little interference as possible. While commending the action of an Ashburton lady who recently donated £3OOO to the local Hospital Board, Mr W. T. Lili, chairman of the County Council (reports the Guardian), passed scathing comment on those people who had made their fortunes and forgotten the district which had given its wealth to them. “I know of men in this country,” he said, “who made their fortunes and who left not so much as a 4in. brick to charity or anything else.” The officers of His Majesty’s sloop Veronica report having met the stolen yacht Ra ata on their recent cruise of the South Pacific Islands, their report being substantially the same as that given by the crew to the police authorities in Queensland. Friendly greetings were exchanged, and a liberal supply of reading matter was given to the crew of the Ra-ata which at. the time was under the name of Moalu, and no suspicion of the intentions of the crew | were aroused by their account ox their ' movements. A party in a motor-car driven by Mr Donaldson on a recent afternoon had a remarkable experience (says the Stratford Post). On the main road between Midhirst and Stratford, as the car ran alongside a high bank, a cow jumped from tbe bank and landed fairly on the bonnet of the car, crumpling it up, smashing the radiator, and doing other damage and sustaining four broken legs. Three women occupied the back seat of the car and received a severe fright. They shudder to think of the consequences had the beast jumped a second later. “In practically all countries where there is a workman’s compensation law the amount [payable was increased to correspond with the rise in the cost of living,” states the annual report of the Department of Labour. “These increases were made in New Zealand by the Workers’ Compensation Amendment Act, 1920. Vocational rehabilitation is beginning to be studied seriously in several countries, and a vocational Rehabilitation Act was passed late in 1920 in the United States, providing money to be appropriated for the purpose of rendering pecuniary assistance to encourage the State to set up systems of vocational rehabilitation. California and New York have already set up bureaux of vocational rehabilitation.” The export of exotic timbers from New Zealand is, necessarily, of only comparatively recent growth, but has already reached considerable. proportions from Auckland province alone, according to the statement of a representative of an Auckland timber firm (states the New Zealand Herald). He said that in the past three years his firm had been responsible for the export of 2,000,000 feet of pinus insignis to Sydney, all cut in the Waikato, and. much of it on the banks of the river itself. As had been the case with white pine, the timber was wanted for box-making, particularly fruit cases and, as it could be sold much more cheaply than white pine, there was a strong demand for it. A particularly trying experience was that which befel a judge of the Native Land Court, en route from Gisborne to Wairoa at the beginnning of last week (relates the Poverty Bay Herald). His Honour set out by buggy and without incider t reached Kapua, al the foot of Whareata hill, where he straddled a horse and continm d bis journey. The state of the road made riding anything but a pleasurable business, and when, late in the afternoon the Jud;,c reached Morere, he was a very tired man. Rested by an interval at the thermal resort, he resumed his journey per motor car at 7 I p.m. Bad luck, dogged him, however, and two changes of cars were rendered necessary before Wairoa was reached, at 3 o’clock the following morning. The annual meeting of the Southland Provincial Rechabite Council was held on Monday night, Prov. C.R. Bro. 11. Ashley presiding. District Chief Ruler Bro. Farranl and the District Deputy Ruler were present and installed the following officers for the ensuing year: - Prov. C.R. Bro. G. Skipworth, Prov. D.R. Bro. A. Whyte, Prov, secretary and treasurer Bro. J. B. Steans, Prov. Levite Bro. 11. Ashley, Prov. Guardian Bro. 11. Robb, Prov. S.J.T, Bro. Whitehead, Prov. S.F.M. Sister Blair Stewart, AssistProv. S.J.T. Bro. J. Brown. Murihiku Tent was visited on Monday evening and a large number was present The South Jnvercuragill Tent is making good head way and eight new members were initiated on Tuesday evening. Bluff was visited on Tuesday and there is every hope of the Tent going ahead there. Through a typographical error, the names of two varieties of the birch tree in Southland were incorrectly spelt in an. article on the sawmilling industry in yesterday morning’s issue. Besides the fagus fusca, which was the one chiefly dealt with yesterday, there are two other varieties, whose correct designations are fagus menziesii and fagus solandri. A gentleman with a lengthy experience of matters pertaining to the forest is the authority for the statement that fagus fusca, which grows largely in that Lake Wakatipu district., while superior to the beeches in Southland is some respects, is not entirely superior to the other varieties as was suggested in yesterday’s issue. In their particular fields, fagus menziesii and fagus solandri have qualities which are entirely lacking in fagus fusca, wdiich in its turn is of marked superiority in those uses for which timbers like totara have special claims. It is probably fifty years ago since Chew Chong, a Chinese storekeeper in New Plymouth, found out the value of fungus as a marketable commodity, and offered to buy as much of it as the poor struggling Taranaki farmer was able to gather from the stumps in the bush-clearing which settlement had made, and was making. Fun I gus gathering (states the Auckland Stan I became quite an industry at certain seasons of the year, but it took an awful Jot to make a sackful of the dried product, for after it was picked from the stumps in a wet state it had (o be spread out and dried till every particle of moisture was out of it. After Chew Chong had been dealing in fungus for a short time he decided to go back to China on a visit, but did not want to let the industry languish, so he left a sum of money with a European storekeeper to buy for him all the fungus offering. Many months after Chew Chong walked into the storekeeper’s shop and paid over the money for the accumulated fungus. He had found a regular market for the stuff in his own country, where the demand was unlimited, because of the use that was made of it for culinary purposes, especially in the making of vegetable soup. What the kauri gum industry was in Auckland, so the fungus industry was io Taranaki half a century ago.

A Greymouth Press Association telegram dates that a further bore at the Dobson Doal Company’s field five miles from Greyinouth has revealed a seam of 11 feet 6 inches of bituminous coal at a depth >f 750 feet, confirming the result of the prev. ms Ixrring at three other different pointe, loughly thirty acres of coal have been proved, DBtimated to contain a million tons. Replying to a question by Mr Bitchener. the Minister of Agriculture to-day stated that eelworm was often found in potatoes, both in Australia and New Zealand. For many years past rigid inspection had been in force in New Zealand to prevent the importation into the Dominion of potatoes af fected by the pest. “I hope it is typical of the times that the gaol is to be replaced by the school,” said the Minister of Education (Hon. C. J. Parr), when opening the new Te Aro Infant Sihool at Wellington. The school, which is a fine structure, is situated on part of the Terrace Gaol site. “Our gaols would not be filled if we were a truly educated people,” said the Minister. “Some might say that such an environment as a gaol might not be of the best, but I am inclined to think that the site of the gaol will be an excellent lesson to the little ones to ever tread the paths of strict rectitude.” At Tuesday’s meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. Mr J. W. Collins (Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce) stated that the department had got into touch with the Union Steam Ship Company to see if a regular twomonthly service from the Dr ..union to Java could be arranged, but the company had been faced by the fact that there were no return cargoes from New Zealand. It rested wtih the New Zealand business men to provide the incentive to the shipping companies to run such a service. Sir George Hunter asked the Minister of Health whether the Government would introduce legislation providing for a scheme of superannuation under which pensions would be payable to members of hospital staffs. The Hon. C. J. Parr replied: A return has been obtained from all hospital boards concerning their staff, and the matter is now awaiting a report from the National Provident Fund Office as to the cost of the scheme. It is not expected that the matter will be sufficiently advanced to allow of legislation this session, bur the Department is hopeful that a scheme can bo evolved next year for presentation to Parliament. An unfortunate farmer residing at Awahuri, who met with disaster, has just filed a schedule in bankruptcy, owing to an extraordinary run of bad luck. His assets were £5, and his net deficiency £2949 2s 6d. In his statement he showed that he took up a soldier’s section of 36J acres on the Kopane estate, near Awahuri, and subsequently he purchased 26 cows, which cost £BOO. In August of 1919 his son was taken to Palmerston North Hospital, and died there. Nine of his cows died and four were sold. Again in 1920, 11 of his best cows died, and three went out with bad quarters. His wife arranged with a party to build a house out of her own means and he was to help her. The house was just about completed, and he went to Wellington at the request of the Commissioner for Crown Lands in connection with a further advance, when fire completely destroyed his home. He attributed his failure to the loss of his cows, to the fire, and to the slump in the prices of dairy produce. 200 dozen Men’s Shirts in fast colours and splendid quality, were 10/6, 12/6, sale price 5/6, 7/6 at SMITHS’.— (Advt). In connection with the big Meccano and Plasticine Modelling Competitions for boys and girls, to be held this month, there is to be seen at Hyndman’s, Dee street, three of the winning plasticine models at the recent Dunedin Show. These are skilfully done, and will serve to show Invercargill children, what others can do. Hyndman’s confidently expect local competitors to put these models right in the shade, and advise all boys and girls to enter for the competitions at once.— (Advt). Chief amongst the attractions at the Competitions, which commence Monday next will be the Twenty Minute Entertainment. These will be staged in the Municipal Theatre in the evening. Five parties containing some of the star performers of Southland will compete:—Orphans No 1 party, under the versatile Mr Hobbs, a Bluff - Invercargill party under the popular Bandmaster and actor Mr A. R. Wills, the Star Vaudeville Company, Mrs Liddei’s Juveniles and the Lyric Entertainers. The Box Plan opens at the Bristol at 9 a.m. to-day. (Advt). The end of Season Sale at Thomson and Beattie’s is a great money saver. For Quality and value see these lines. Men’s Borsalino Hats in smart- shapes and good colours at 22/6 each. Boy’s SpOrte Suits in Mosgiel Tweeds, heavy weights, sizes • to 14 at 35/-. Boys’ and Youths’ Tweed Overcoats’ heavy tweeds, smart shapes at 15/-, 25/ and 35/-. Men’s Sac Suits in fine worsteds, at 75/-. in good reliable tweeds at 59/6 and 65/-. Men s Cashmere Sox at 1/- pair. See these lines early, they won’t last long.—(Advt i. Rava Tea. Extra choice shipment of Rava Tea in 251 b boxes, for £2 15s. (Under 2/2A per lb). Delicious flavour, superior quality, rich liquor. A genuine bargain. Study economy and buy high grade Rava Tea at Baxter’s. — (Advt*. Great Value in Men’s Raincoats, Dressing Gowns, Caps, Collars, etc. —See Undrill’s Advt., Page 4. —Advt. £lOOO worth of exceptionally good Bargains at THE “ECONOMIC,” Ladies 4 Outfitters, 60 Dee street. Read price-list on page 4. (Advt.) Having reduced the prices of our special Made-to-measure Suits, we are now booking numerous orders for these very desirable outfits. Samples of the new season Tweeds and Worsteds are now to hand, and an outstanding feature is that they are all of New Zealand make and absolutely reliable. Intending Suit buyers are invited to view our new materials and discuss the question of Suits with us. McNEIL & CLARK, 94 Dee street. — (Advt.) “Experience ripens wisdom.’’—Welling. Thousands of New Zealanders who have tested Baxter’s Lung Preserver are loud in their praises of this peerless, cough and cold remedy. Every dose is penetrating and quickly effective—speedily getting to the root of long-standing chest and bronchial ailments, and bringing lasting relief. "Baxters” also possesses grand tonic properties which brace up and sustain weak, impoverished systems. 2/6 a large bottle a: chemists and stores. A LOVELY SHOW of new Spring Millinery. We are now holding our advance display in our commodious new showroom on the ground floor. Your are cordially invited to inspect our magnificent display. Our head Milliner has returned after an extended trip through the Australian and Dominion markets. Every model we have is a perfect expression of all that is newest and most attractive. Our London buyer has secured many novelties. It will be to your advantage to pay us a visit. Every hat has been marked at our famous low prices. Dainty trimmed hats in all the newest colourings 27/6 to 63/-. Matrons smart, black and coloured Toques 29/6 to 49/6. Ready-to-wear straws 17/6 to 35/-. Smart silk hats in Kingfisher, Henna. Saxe, and brown 19/6, 23/6 at H. and J. SMITH, Ltd., Progressive Stores, Invercargill, and Main street, Gore. — (Advt). Enlarge your snaps by using a Kodak daylight enlarger; prices from 21/- and as simple to use as a printing frame. You never know the delights of photography till you try enlarging, and it is cheap too. We will show you how to use a Kuduk Enlarger free of charge, giving a demotistmion with one of your own negatives. Just ask us about it and bring your favourite negative with you to G. 11. BROWN, Chemist and Optician, the Southland Photographic Depot, Dee street, Invercargill, late Neil’s Dispensary.— (Advtj

A Wellington Press Association telegram states that the City Council decided last night to take the necessary steps to raise a loan of £lO,OOO under the Local Bodies Loans Amendment Act, 1922 (when passed) for the purpose of carrying out publi* works undertaken or proposed to be undertaken for the relief of the unemployed, principally the reading of corporation landa which are to be cut up and sold. An Auckland Press Association telegram states that the City Council, on reconsideration of the question carried by 13 to 7 a motion that the municipal fish enterprise lie offered for sale mi a going concern by public tender, and in I the event of the highest tender reaching or > exceeding the Council’s costs the highest tender be accepted, the Council holding the right to establish an open fish market for the disposal of line fishermen’s catches. 'Some Wanganui Borough workmen thought they had found a bottomless pit the other day (relates the Chronicle) A small slip had occurred on the main road in the narrow portion alongside Virginia Lake. It was thought that a few yards of filling would be sufficient, but for once this estimate was out, for load after load were dumped apd promptly disappeared. A rough concrete toe was put in, and finally, after about 800 loads had been dumped, the i filling was completed. Soundings revealed I the fact that the slip had occurred ..bove a depth of 58 feet of water. Sixpence will admit you to all aifernooM sessions of the Competitions. The Festival for 1922 opens in Victoria Hall at 2.30 pan., Monday with Mezzo-Soprano Solos, Ladies Recitation and Girls Humourous. Recitation The Recalls will be taken in the ThcutM at 7.30 p.m.— (Advt). Hear what this man says. "On rerfopt of your ‘Perforated Razor Hone’ I Looked up an old razor, and determined to prat* lice honing, closely following instruction!. The razor was an old one—never any use from, its birth. I had relegated, it to corns, then even to cutting up plug tobacco. Finally it was put away in the toolbox and forgotten. I sandpapered off the rust and set to work. I never dreamed of making it into a razor again. The result w extraordinary. For fun I tried to shavo with the old thing. It was the smoothest shave I have had for many, a long, long painful year. The last, few' mornings I have even got up happily—and now I feel that, my shaving troubles are all over.” Get one like it for 5/6 at Vernon Smith and Co., next P.O. Invercargill.— (advt.)