"JUST IGNORANCE."

Southland Times, Issue 19025, 22 August 1923, Page 4

"JUST IGNORANCE."

A correspondent writes to us under the heading and over the pen-name “Just Ignorance,” with a dogmatism that is most aptly suited to both. It is a fact that ignorance is often most unjust, and we are afraid that our correspondent has fallen into this fault in the celerity with which he has rushed into the fray. He first challenges the right of the Chamber of Commerce to express an opinion on the Dairy Control Bill because the members are “middle men,” but surely he must recognise that these middle men have interests at stake in the dairy industry, and they are entitled to be heard. A dairy farmer may not agree with the opinions expressed by the Chamber of Commerce, but it is in the interests of the whole country, producers particularly, that those who are in a position to talk about the handling and distribution of farm products should be critical of proposals which touch these aspects of the trade. Our correspondent is obviously more angry than just when he alludes to these men as the bleeders of the farmers. Anyone who has studied the development of New Zealand, who has noted events during the period of depression through which the country has come, must admit that the concerns which “Just Ignorance” assails so brutally have been of immense assistance to the man on the land. There are many farmers, the majority of those who are now on the land, who can thank these firms for their opportunities and for aid during evil days. During the depression the despised “middle man” stood up under tremendous pressure and struggled through carrying an immense load of debt so that his clients should not go to the wall. The failure of one of these firms would have spelt disaster, and to-day the , Dominion should be thankful that they were able to win through. We should be careful in our criticism to be just to those whom we are opposing. In passing, we would like to correct an impression gained by Mr John Fisher in connection with the discussion of the Dairy Control Bill, an impression which is unjust to Mr Tinipany. Mr Fisher declares that Mr Timpany advocates delay. That is hardly the fair way, to put Mr Timpany’s attitude. He asks for more information. He says frankly that he has not enough reliable information available to him to permit him to come to a decision on the subject, and he argues that the dairy producers generally are in a similar position. Mr Fisher is not correct when he endeavours to interpret Mr Timpany’s attitude with the mere declaration that he advocates delay. Returning to “Just Ignorance,” we may pass over his apparent distaste for advice and his entertaining argument in circles on the subject of scrub bulls, but we think he should be corrected on the assumption that farmers are the only sufferers from the war. That the farming community has come through a time of severe trial is beyond doubt, but it is rather too much to say other sections of the community have not suffered. We must get away from the idea that the farmer alone makes up the Dominion. He as a matter of fact could not go far without the assistance of the other members of the community who have to transport his goods and to provide various services necessary to his well-being. With reasonable men the old Town v. Country argument has been dropped as inimical to the interests of both. Our correspondent’s letter is diverting without being very helpful, but we think that the conclusion to his letter is distinctly appropriate.

The top price for fat cattle at the Wallacetown yards yesterday, was obtained by the Farmers’ Co-op., who sold a well-fin-ished bullock on account of Mrs McLeod and Sons, at £lB 17/6 to Mr A. Cundall.

The remarkable price of £2 16/- was obtained for a line of fat wethers at the Wallacetown sale yesterday. They were fattened by Mr R. Plunkett, Southland, and sold to Mr A. Cundall by Dalgety and Co.

The Christchurch City Council decided, on the casting vote of the Mayor, to revert? to the old system for municipal elections, known as “first past the post,” says a Christchurch Press Association message.

The Electrical Engineer reported to the Council last night that the output for July was 333,000 units, as compared with 256, 810 units for the corresponding period last year.

“I like the tone of the fat lamb market,” said a big buyer yesterday. “The market has been steady during the past few months, and there has been very little fluctuation in prices and this is a good sign.”

In reply to his inquiry, the Minister of Public Works to-day informed Mr J. C. Thomson, M.P., that the railway to Pukemaori, would be open for traffic in eight months’ time, telegraphs our Parliamentary correspondent.

The Government Meteorologist reports that two storm areas are in evidence, one being in the vicinity of the Chatham Islands and another from 800 to 1000 miles northwestward of New Zealand on the Tasman Sea.

The turnip crops, which at one time were thought to be light, have turned out much better than expected. The frosts have helped in the feeding off, as the hard ground prevented the bulbs from being tramped in, thus assisting the crops to stand plenty of feeding.

“After my experience last season,” said a Woodlands farmer, “I am going to grow my own turnip seed.” He went on to say that he did this for many years, and he could always tell when his own seed had been sown. “There was a marked difference both in growth and germination in favour of my seed,” he concluded, “and I am going to grow my own in future.”

“During my 40 years experience in New Zealand,” said a well-known sheepman yesterday, “I have never seen sheep so high as at present.” He went on to say that those who had paid big prices for ewes would have some difficulty in making a profit out of them. “There is nothing at present to indicate that the lamb market will open higher than last year,” he concluded.

The Gas Manager reported to the Town Council last evening that for the fortnight ending August 14, the manufacture of gas as compared with the corresponding period of last year was 2,913,000 cubic feet, an increase of 16.3 per cent. The Manager also reported that with a better class of coal available the quality of the gas was now back to normal and the sulphur trouble had now disappeared.

The local Engineer of the Public Works Department and the Inspector of Roads have recently paid a visit of inspection to the site of the proposed new road from Flaxy Creek to Horse Shoe Bend, with a view to giving better access to Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri from Lumsden. It is understood that their opinion after inspecting the proposed route, is that it would be out of the question to build the new proposed road, as the cost of doing so would be far too great.

A petition for the restitution of conjugal rights came before, the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout) at Wellington, when the parties were Coraiie Hope Seymour McKellar, the writer of articles in the Triad and other publications, and Alfred Cyril McKellar. Mrs McKellar was the petitioner, and was represented by Mr D. M. Findlay, who pointed out that Mr Justice Chapman had made a previous order dispensing with the appearance of the ■ parties. No evidence was given in the box, the proceedings being dealt with on affidavit. An order was made to be operative within fourteen days.

Statistics relating to the work of the Public Library during the past month were presented to last night’s meeting of the Town Council by the Librarian. The total number of books lent in the adult section during the month was 7,883, as compared with 6,781 for the same month of 1922, whilst in the juvenile section the figures were 1,695, and 1303 respectively. The revenue for the same period was £lOl 10/10, as compared with £74 2/3 last year, an increase of £27 v 8/7. The number of subscribers remaining on the roll was 1,052 adults, 209 in- the Juvenile Department and 257 in the Magazine Section, making a grand total of 1,518 subscribers.

Two of the'latest film productions of the New Zealand* Government Publicity Department were viewed by members of both Houses of Parliament at a private screening recently in Wellington. The first dealt comprehensively with the beauties and other attractions of the fiords and lakes of Western Otago, including Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, Lake Te Anau, Lake Manapouri, Milford Track and Milford Sound, and other scenic reports of the beautiful Sounds country. The photography is artistic and does justice to the many world-famous !, tourist attractions depicted. The film will no doubt be of much value in advertising the attractions of the Dominion abroad. The second picture consisted of a series of scenes in connection with the opening of the Otira Tunnel, prefaced by views of the old ordej; of travelling by coach.

A successful between the Winton and Centre Bush W.E.A. classes took place at Centre Bush on Monday evening, when the hall was crowded. The subject of debate was “Does the Party System in Politics Give the Best Legislative Results?”, Winton taking the affirmative and Centre Bush the negative. The teams were, Winton, Messrs J. W. Stevens (leader), L. Irwin, J. R. Hamilton and H. L. Stone, and Centre Bush, Messrs Murnane (leader), T. Hammond, T. McGrath, and J. Lindsay. Mr Samuel Ritchie, solicitor, acted as judge, and decided in favour of Winton with 114 points, Centre Bush making 98. Mr Ritchie said he was pleased with the exceedingly high standard of the debate. Mr Victor Raines supported Mr Ritchie in his remarks, and said the debate compared favourably with those held in larger centres. The judge was heartily thanked for his services.

The clause in the Finance Committee’s report to last night’s Council meeting having reference to a letter from the North Otatara Settlers’ Association, asking the Council to co-operate in the construction of a bridge across the estuary at Spey street, and recommending that the Council adheres to its former attitude in view of the fact that considerable expenditure had already been incurred on the Tweed street bridge, was discussed and on the motion of Councillor Brodrick, seconded by Councillor Webb, it was decided to refer the matter back to the committee for further consideration. Councillor Brodrick contended that the request of the Association was a reasonable one and therefore something should be done to give access to the Otatara residents, especially as their offer to materially assist the project was worthy of the utmost consideration. The Council had already allocated the sum of £l6OO for work in connection with the improvement of the Waihopai river embankment and no doubt that body would be willing to give some assistance. Councillor Brodrick suggested that the most practicable method of giving effect to the Association’s request was to construct an embankment fitted with adequate flood gates, either across from Spey street or Victoria Avenue. Councillor Webb endorsed Councillor Brodrick’s remarks. The Mayor also expressed his opinion in favour of the clause being referred back, as he considered the whole question was worth further consideration. The clause was accordingly referred back to the Committee.

“At one time this season I did not intend to sow any oats,” said a well-known grazier yesterday, “but now I am going to sow about 50 acres. These will not be for marketing, but will be used for fattening sheep and lambs on my property. Last year I crushed and fed a lot of oats to sheep, and I found they did well on this feed.”

The tramway traffic returps for the month of July as compared with the corresponding month of last year showed a decrease in revenue of £169 0/9, and in passengers of 22,341. This return, stated the Traffic Manager, called for some explanation, no doubt, as to the reason for the decrease, which might be attributed to the prevailing sickness preventing large numbers of people from travelling.

The National Council of Women, at a meeting in Wellington last night, passed the following resolutions:—That this meeting of women of Wellington calls upon the women of New Zealand, representing half of the total electorate, to urge upon the Government to pass such legislation as will remove all disqualifications of full rights of citizenship existing against women at the present time; that this meeting emphasises the reasons why women should not be deprived of the opportunity for social service and the raising of a higher standard of citizenship.

In order to secure the necessary scrub and stakes required in connection with the protective works now under construction at Sandy Point the Council has made arrangements, with Mr Boyd at the Mokomoko to supply 300 bundles of manuka and 500 stakes to start the works. 11 has also been arranged with the Prisons Department to lighter the material over to Sandy Point as the lightermen trading on the Estuary are too busy to undertake the work. The cost of fascines loaded on the lighter is 2s a bundle, and the stakes £2 per 100.

A commencement has been made at Lake Monowai to place the various sections of the big steel pipe line in connection with the hydro-electric works into position. There are approximately 250 of the huge pipes, which are constructed on the spot out of sheets of steel measuring 27ft 3ins in length by 6 feet wide. One of the rivetters engaged in joining these sections together recently established something in the nature of a record for a day’s work by placing some 1500 rivets into position by the aid of a pneumatic rivetter, in addition to assisting “to remove the completed pipes and also place the steel sheets into position for rivetting.

Inquiries have recently been made as to the reason for the cutting off of the power on the various lines controlled by the Southland Electric Power Board on a Sunday. The explanation given by the engineers is that they are not permitted by law’ to work on the 11,000 volt lines and the only time they are able to connect up the branch lines with the main lines is at the week-end, when they are able to deaden the lines and connect them up as quickly as possible." It was also mentioned that the workmen had been given special instructions to carry out the connecting work as speedily as possible in order not to inconvenience the consumers in the various districts and to turn on the current again about 4 o’clock in the afternoon so that the milking can be carried out without interruption.

Increasing interest is being manifested in the Evangelistic Mission at First Church, under the Rev. John Bissett, last night’s meeting showing a larger attendance in spite of strong counter-attractions. A bright song service preceded a very powerful address on the parable of the palsied man who was brought to Jesus by four of his companions, the text being “We saw it in this fashion.” The presentation of the lessons was very fresh and vigorous, and the message was delivered with telling effect. Miss Bissett sang very pleasingly the solo,

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus.” The mission will be continued this evening, when a thanks-offering will be taken for the Assembly evangelistic fund.— (Advt.)

Worsted suits, in best Colonial makes, all sizes and half sizes, usual price 115/-, special price 90/-, at H. & J. SMITH’S.— (Advt).

Lovely Tea. Secure a 251 b box quarter chest of delicious Orange Pekoe Tea, rich liquor from Amba Tea Gardens. Superior value, 2/5 per lb. Buy now’, from Baxter’s. (Advt).

The Verdict: “Cheapest lot of men's suits I have ever seen.” This is at McNeil and Clark’s “Money-Wanted” Suit Sale. See their great display of 275 suits of the very best article shown in Southland. McNeil and Clark, next News, Dee street.— (Advt).

Mrs R. M. Gaudin, of Dunedin, principal of the “Klexema,” treatment for skin diseases, will be visiting Invercargill for three days, and may be consulted at 138 Spey street, on August 22nd, 23rd and 24th.

“Klemema” treatment is always successful, and is particularly efficacious in cases of baby eczema. Relief is afforded after the first treatment. Consultations free. Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment, (advt). “The Desert Healer” —the successor to “The Sheik” —has just arrived. “The Sheik” has been the biggest seller of the year and “The Desert Healer” will probably eclipse its wonderful record. The “Desert Healer” has been declared by critics to be a better story than “The Sheik.” Secure a copy at; Hyndman’s, Dee street, at once. Price 6/-. (Advt). This is the last week of Thomson and Beattie’s End of Season Sale. Take advantage of it to secure your household goods. Plain Casement Cloths in Cream and Fawn, were 4/9 and 4/11, now 2/6. White Towels 25 x 46 inches, were 6/9, now 4/9 pair. Unbleached towels at 1/4s, 1/9, 2/3, 2/6 to 2/11 each. Forfar Tea Towels 1/6 each. Plain Pillow Cases at 1/9 pair. White Sheetings in the very best, 54-inch 3/2, 63inch 4/1, 72-inch 4/1 and 4/9, 80-inch at 4/6 and 5/3. Unbleached Sheetings at 2/4, 2/11 and 3/6 yard.— (Advt). VARICOSE ULCERS. Mrs Beatrice Bray, of 3 Henry Street, Wellington, writes that after 15 years suffering she cured herself with Q-tol rubbed in systematically for a few months.— (Advt). THE BUSINESS THAT PROSPERS, Is one wherein everything is conducted with maximum efficiency and minimum expense. Our Furniture Removal Staff is composed of expert packers who work expeditiously, saving your time and money. Try us and see the difference.—THE NEW ZEALAND EXPRESS CO., LTD.-(Advt.) Mr W. J. Boyce, vulcaniser. Kelvin street, seems to have solved the problem of prolonging the life of motor tyres. The “clump traed” repair doubles the life of a tyre. — (Advt.) A GLAD MESSAGE. For our sale we have planned carefully to incite all your individual needs, no matter how exacting they may be. Let us help you choose your furnishings from our large up to the minute assortments. Every item brings a glad message of price n\urder. Our sale has only three more days to go, that is the reason. Dainty curtain nets, double widths, new goods, sale price 2/11, 3/6, 3/11, 4/6, 4/11. Fancy woven madras muslins, double widths, in smart colour effects, at 3/6, 3/9, 3/11. Plain ecru madras, double width at 1/11, 2/6, 2/11, 3/6, 3/11. Axminster hearth rugs, were 25/-, sale price 15/6. All wool pile reversible hearth rugs, were 35/-, sale price 25/-. Reversible sofa squares, size 4ft. 6ins. by 7ft. 6ins., were 90/-, for 65/-. Axminster runners, best qualities, all new designs, 27 inches wide, were 18/6 for 15/11; 36 inches wide 23/6. Axminster carpet squares, best English make from £6 10s to £l5 15s. Wilton squares from £9 10s to £25 10s. Inspection cordially invited at H. & J. SMITH, Ltd., Progressive Stores. Tay and Kelvin Streets, Invercargill, and Main Street,

The programme of this year's featival of the Gore Competitions, just to hand at Begg’s and The Bristol, shows healthy progress in both musical and elocutionary departments. while other new features have been added to enlarge the scope of the festival.

The following paragraph appeared in the report of the head gardener to the Town Council last evening:—“Possibly the Coun cil will remember that Mr A. E. Smith and others requested the Reserves Committee to withdraw the No. 4 block of the town belt in Gala street from sale for grazing, stating that the residents opposite that block were prepared to subscribe to the improvement of same. Nothing so far has been done and as this block is really lying idle those residents should be reminded of their promise.”

The Town Engineer reported to the Council last evening that the following works in connection with the reclamation lease had been carried out by the Prison Department:—Two miles Spey street outfall canal; 20 feet concrete culvert and flood gates; outfall drain from Rifle Range embankment to the Bay road, 2 miles aO chains; fencing and draining, No. 4 (124 acres) ; erection of subdivision fences between Lots 1,2 and 3; completion of grassing of high areas on south western side of Lots 2 and 3; concrete flood culvert through Stead street on Rifle Range outfall under construction; tree planting on parts of western boundary of Lots 4 and 3 also that work is to be commenced this month on the fornyition of the road or the western boundary.

Some pertinent observations on the ease with which blank cheques can be obttained were made by the Grand Jury at the Supreme Court at New Plymouth last week after they had returned a true bill in the case of a young man charged with forging and uttering. "The Grand Jury desires to lay before the Court, said the •foreman (Mr T. C. List), “the presentment that, in issuing cheques to strangers, more care and discretion should be exercised by the business community. The jury feels that the indiscriminate issue of cheques to strangers is likely to encourage the weakminded and criminally inclined.” His Honour Mr Justice Chapman said he would have the remarks conveyed to the Minister, but he thought that they could be taken only as a recommendation from the Grand Jury, to the business community (reports the Taranaki Daily News). It has been found necessary in the interests of business for the banks themselves to sell cheque forms to strangers. The banka must be fully aware that there was some risk attached to this procedure, but he supposed that they could not find time to make inquiries concerning the purchasers. “All I can do is to send this on to the Minister.” Sir Frederick added, “but it is more properly a matter for the press to take notice of than for any other form ol suggestion by way of remedy.” He thanked the Grand Jury for its recommendation. Mr List remarked that the recommendation was really one for the consideration of th« business community .