NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Southland Times, Issue 19458, 23 January 1925, Page 4

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Seeing that the Baldwin Government had already came to the determination that it could not ratify the Geneva Protocol, and that certain of the Overseas Dominions had come to the same conclusion, the decision to abandon the Imperial Conference, tentatively called for March next, comes not as a surprise, but as the logical conclusion to the sequence of events in the Old World. Following the defeat of the Labour Government, the abandonment of the Protocol by Britain appeared the natural and inevitable outcome, and with this predetermined decision the need for the Conference vanished. During the negotiations for this gathering of British and Overseas statesmen, a great deal has been written and emphasised about the constitutional aspect of Imperial relations and, happily, the outcome has not been entirely negative. By inviting the High Commissioners to discuss with them questions in which the Overseas Dominions are concerned, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs and the Secretary for the Colonies created a new and desirable precedent, and impreffiively manifested their determination that Imperial consultation shall be real and effective. Such meetings as these can well fill the gap between the ordinary Imperial Conferences at which the delegates assemble at the round table and personally discuss Empire matters.

Familiarity breeds contempt, and tjie people here in Southland are inclined to disregard, or lightly overlook, the magnificent scenic resources at their very doors. Bountifully gifted in scenic wonders, Southland lags hopelessly behind in exploiting the delights with which Nature has endowed it. Fortunately, there are signs that a much desired awakening is imminent. The Southland League, on the initiative of its energetic secretary, Mr J. S. Dick, last night gave a desirable lead. Recently, Mr Dick has spent a fortnight in Fiordland and has come back charmed with the magnificence of the scenery and the need for its “commercialisatipn.” Regular excursions were at one time run by the Union Steamship Company, but since the wreck of the sjs. Waiki*, January, 1910, excur-

sions have been discontinued, and except jfor various locally; organised parties, the Sounds have practically been deserted of tourists for these' years. This is, of course, excluding Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound/ which ■ are reached oveiiand respectively, via Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri. The League wisely decided to ask the Union Co. to re-instate these excursions and, as a commercial proposition, the request seems one perfectly justifiable frdtn the profit-making point of view of the company. ' The Dunedin Exhibition is bound' to attract thousands of visitors to the south next summer, and no doubt such excursions would be very liberally patronised. It only remains, therefore, for 1 the League and kindred bodies to 1 boost Southland and its resources and attractions fpr all they’are worth. In the competitioh for tourists, as in 1 business: You must stir it and stump it, And blow your own trumpet, Or, trust me, you haven’t a chance. The dogged fight which the English cricketers are making in the Third Test match at Adelaide, is worthy of the best traditions of the game and of the race. It it characteristic of the Englishman that when he is * 4 up against it,” he fights with a pugnacity that is at once pertinacious, and knows no defeat till he is submerged by the inevitable. All yesterday the Englishmen played with tfieir “backs to the wall,” and when stumps were drawn, the game was in the sensational position of being in the balance. With 26 runs wanted to win, the visitors have a sporting chance of winning. If they should achieve victory, none will begrudge it; it will have been earned in the face of well-night insurmountable obstacles. Even among colonials, it is not impossible to detect a hope that the Englishmen will be rewarded in a measure commensurate to the pluck and grit they have displayed on this memorable occasion. It is gratifying, too, to record the sportsmanlike behaviour of the Australian crowds. In those tense moments yesterday when every run brought defeat nearer the home eleven, the spectators cheered with a fervour which must have been an inspiration to the Englishmen to plod their way to victory. Such impartiality is to be commended, and discloses the true sporting instinct of the crowd. Whatever the result to-day, it will be “hats off to the Englishmen!” The Government Meteorologist last evening wired the following forecast: “Present indications are for strong south-west-erlies, veering to increasing north-wester-lies. The weather will be unsettled and cloudy with rain probable generally. The barometer is unsteady with a falling tendency, particularly in the south. Storm areas are in evidence to the eastward and westward of the Dominion.”

At a meeting of the School Committees’ Association in Christchurch last night, it was resolved: That this meeting of the Canterbury School Committees’ Association respectfully calls upon the Government to print and standardise all school books with a view to bringing them into uniformity, and supply them to children free.

At a meeting of the local Reference Committee of the Otago and Southland Underwriters’ Association ’ yesterday, Mr C. F. A. Jones in the chair, it was decided to hold the annual meeting of the Southland district on January ’24. The business will consist of electing the Reference Committee for the ensuing year and to discuss matters of interest to the insurance fraternity.

The Grey Power Board last night accepted a tender at £24,611 10/- for the instalation of a steam plant at Dobson for the electrical supply out of eighteen tenders from all parts of the Dominion. Mr Joseph Lithgow, City Electrical Engineer, of Chriscthurch, was appointed engineer to the Board at a salary of £7OO from nineteen applicants.—Press Association.

A deputation from the Murihiku League waited upon Chief Judge Jones, who is hearing the Ngaitahu claims, and asked for a sitting of the Court in Invercargill. After hearing the deputation the Judge said that it would give him pleasure to accede to the Southland Union’s request, but the case might not warrant an adjournment to Invercargill. He would give them a definite answer when he had further particulars.

An Auckland telegram states that Eddie French, a negro cook, who missed the ship Trelyon at Auckland, was befpj-e the Court there on Tuesday, charged with desertion and landing in New Zealand without a permit. The Magistrate ordered that he be placed aboard the Marama for Sydney. Placed on board yesterday French attempted to escape as the moorings were being released. The waterside police and others grabbed and handcuffed him, thereupon he commenced a violent struggle, but a few minutes later the Marama cast off with French on board.

Most bowling clubs in Wellington have marked across their mats a white line, to overstep which in delivering a bowl is a breach of the rules. Complaint was made at a meeting of delegates to the Dominion Bowling Association that one club in Wellington had a blue line on each of its mats, and as the mats themselves were dark in colour it was difficult for players in the present tournament to tell whether they were toeing the line properly or not. “Oh, it is a temperance line,” remarked another delegate, amidst laughter. The meeting decided that the club in question should be asked to “strike out” its present blue line and adopt another colour.

A number of private citizens (says last night’s Dunedin Star) are concerning themselves with the matter of the provision of a Vice-regal residence where His Excellency the Governor-General, his family, and his staff may reside when visiting Dunedin. The lack of such a place has been felt very badly in Dunedin for many years, and the position should be remedied, if possible, before the Exhibition is opened. His Excellency is a patron of the Exhibition, and Dunedin people will be anxious to have him here as much as possible during its term. There are many difficulties in the way of such a proposal, but the matter is now under consideration, and there are those who are sanguine that it will be brought to a successful issue.

A few days ago, at the Jiaik, on the Otago Peninsula, a tragedy was averted by the prompt action of two chauffeurs in the employ of the Postal Department—Messrs Baxter and Murray. They were enjoying their holiday in the vicinity of the beach there when they heard children’s screams. Proceeding towards the spot they saw a small boy struggling thigh deep in the sea and apparently in terrible distress, while his companions, childlike, fled from the scene. The two men hastened in, and were horrified to find an octopus gripping the legs of the boy, whom they quickly carried ashore and detached from the hideous creature by battering the latter to death. Beyond the fright which naturally followed such an encounter the boy was unharmed.

The fortnightly meeting of the Pioneer Lodge of Oddfellows was held in the United Friendly Societies’ Hall, Tay street, last night. Noble Grand Bro. O. Muir presided over a good attendance of members, which augurs well for a very successful term. Three candidates yrere proposed for membership and one brother was proposed on clearance. Two candidates were initiated Uito the Order as benefit members, and one brother was initiated into the Order as an honorary member in a very impressive manner. The balance-sheet for the year ending 31/12/24 was read and adopted. Past Grand Bro. F. Aitken had a very pleasant duty to perform in presenting Past Grand Bro. J. Jackson with a jewel in recognition of valuable services rendered to the Lodge. Past Grand Bro. J. Jackson suitably responded. Noble Grand Bro. O. Muir extended a very cordial welcome to the visitors. Past Grand Bro. ‘JI. Neas responded on behalf of J3tar of Waikiwi Lodze. The closed at ICL3O pjn.

The Riverton correspondent of the Southland 'Dmes states that mutton-birds have made their appearance in the .bay there. In the Otautau Court on Wednesday, Owen Maloney alias Moran was sentenced by Messrs X Fisher anil J. Seatter, Justices of the Peace, to two months 1 imprisonment on a charge of vagrancy.

One of the first samples of this season’s ryegrass was bought by a local merchant yesterday at 5/- ’per bushel. The sample was 'bright and dean, arid when weighed rail out’ at 261b8 to the bushel.'

A narrow escape from death occurred on a farm at Oaonui, Taranaki last week. A bull suddenly turhed on a young man who was handling it arid bailed him "up against the wall of a shed, severely goring' him. Luckily, the bull’s further attack was frustrated through his getting caught on a hook in the wall of the shed. The public have become accustomed to riding on the footboards of motor-cars, but some little amusement was caused recently at the sight of a motorcar with an Auckland registration plate passing down a Napier street having on its footboard a self-possessed and seemingly quite satisfied green parrot.

A largely-attended meeting of the Invercargill Drivers’ Union was held last night to niake arrangements for the annual picnic. Mr B'. Smith presided in the absence of the President' (Mr Thos. Hickey). It was decided to hold the picnic at Ocean Beach next Saturday week, January 31. The Bluff Citizens’ Association is supplying hot water and milk free, and with the excursion fares available, a good day's outing should be assured.

A favourite Sunday excursion for hundreds of Invercargill residents is the trip to Bluff, but it has frequently been stated that one’s movements on arrival at the port are restricted by the fact that there is only a space of two hours between the arrival and departure of the trains. To overcome this drawback the Railway Department has decided to run two trains, and this service will be put into operation on Sunday next. The first will leave Invercargill at 10 a.m. and on the return journey will leave Bluff a little over an hour later, while the afternoon time-table will remain as at present. Besides enabling townspeople to have a fuller day at the seaside, an advantage of the new service is that Bluff residents desirous of running up to Invercargill for an hour or so on Sundays will be able to do so and return again in the afternoon.

‘The dairy factories in North Otago, have had an exceptionally good season,” said Mr T. O’Byrne, who has just returned from a tour of the Otago and Southland dairy factories, “but further south the milk is going back fast, and if we . don’t get heavy rains shortly, the output this season wiU not reach last season’s figures.” Mr O’Byrne, who was accompanied by Mr M. Dowling, of Tuatapere, on the 700-mile trip, during which forty factories were visited, stated that there was a great deal of home separation now going on, and what was the butter factories’ gain was the cheese factories’ loss. Lorries were continually to be met with, lifting cans of cream from the farmer's very door, which provided a good example of .the remarkable development of motor transport. The roads throughout Otago and Southland were on the average good, the best being from Balclutha to Lawrence and then across country to Tapanui, Kelso, Waihaku, Waikaia, and Balfour. The Motor Association’s signs were very helpful indeed, the only trouble being that there were not enough of them in some parts, and a further extension would be of great assistance to motor travellers.

The Invercargill office of the Railway Department will have a busy time during the next few weeks, owing to many picnic excursions from various centres to the seaside. To-morrow, in addition to the seaside trains to Riverton, Golac and Orepuki and to Ocean Beach and Bluff, a week-end Queenstown excursion will take place, while the Borough Council employees and friends to the estimated total of 450, will hold a picnic at Colac. Next Wednesday a large party from Mataura School will visit Riverton, the Methodist Sunday School (Invercargill) will hold a picnic at Bluff, and the pupils of St. Andrew’s Sunday School will journey to Ocean Beach, an excursion train to Bluff and Ocean Beach having been arranged in addition. Riverton will be visited the following day by a picnic party from the Waikaka district, and again on the Friday by a large number of Waipahi excursionists. Saturday, January 31, will be a big day. The Rosedale woollen mill employees are holding a picnic at Colac, which will also be visited by a party of school children from Nightcaps, the Bluff watersiders will go to Mataura; members of the United Friendly Societies from Milton will spend a day at the Gore racecourse, and the Invercargill Drivers’ Union have chosen Ocean Beach for their annual picnic on that date. Saturday week will also see the last Saturday excursions trains this Summer leave Invercargill for Riverton and Bluff, while for the following week there is another lengthy list of picnics and other gatherings, including the Tokanui sports on February 4.

Cheap Seaside Excursion Saturday. Train 9.38 a.m.—Rivertop 3/3, Colac 3/9, Orepuki 4/9. (advt.)

Owing to suitable premises not being available in Riverton and Winton, Mr W. Kee regrets that he will not be able to open in these towns, and anounces that he will keep his shop open in the Arcade, Invercargill, for a few days longer for the sale of the balance of his silk stock. (advt.)

Train for Bluff Sunday at 10.0 a.m., returns 5.0 p.m.—Stop at all stations. (advt.)

The volatile Motor Spirit gives power and flexibility. Use “BIG TREE” and see what quick response you get—speeding-up without a second’s hesitation. All garages. —Advt.

Cheap Week-end Excursion Queenstown Saturday—fare 13/-. Trains 7 and 10.15 ami. . (advt.)

We get our best weather from now on, so take advantage of Thomson and Beattie’s Millinery offer, where you can get a Ready-to-Wear or a beautiful Trimmed Model Hat at a small part of the original price. Model Hats, were 39/6 to 59/6, your pick at 29/6 each. Ready-to-Wears, a great selection, at 12/6. Also beautiful Flowers and Mounts at 1/- to 3/6 each—worth more than double. (advt.) Good lighting is one of the least expensive of all the comforts of a ebeerful home. H. Lincoln, of 137 Clyde street, is specialising in good quality electrical installations at reasonable prices. Phone 1594 for estimate.—/Advt.). Ring Time.—The time when young man’s fancy lightly turns, etc., but his thoughts are occupied also with the pretty ring he saw in our window, marked at a price he was able to pay, and jyith which thp lady was simply delighted. We have many such rings still left, all different in design and price. T. M. Rankin, Jeweller, Tay street. (Advt.). The Tea—that is BAXTER’S Choice RAVA —pure, popular, pleasant: a most enjoyaWe beverage; 2/10 per lb; 51b packets for 13/6. Drink .Baxter’s Choice RAVA.—(Advt.) “SUMMER BREATHES UPON US.” —Anon. Sammer dbilfe often turn to chronic complaints. Be prepared—take Baxter’s Lung Preserver. ‘‘Baxterfs” has won wide fame as a certain antidote for all colds, coughs and other bronchial and throat complaints. Penetrating and dependable, this splendid remedy gets to the' root of the most stubborn ailment and banishes it completely. “Baxter’s” is abo invaluable as a build-ing-up tonic. You can obtain a geoeroussised bottle for 2/6 at all ehepaista and stores; family aae 4/6. Get one to-day.

At yesterday's meeting of the Bluff Harbour Board, the Chairman (Mr Andrew Bain) was appointed ti> attend the adjourned inquiry into the Pajteha case at Wellington on January 28. In the Auckland Police Court yesterday, Martha Jane O'Shaughnessy pleaded not guilty to a charge of the unlawful use of an instrument on a girl of nineteen, and was committed for trial. The young woman concerned said that she paid two visits to accused, and was later admitted to hospital, where she remained for eleven dags.—

The enterprise of the Railway Department in running excursions to Bluff was men-

tioned by Mr McChesney at last night’s League meeting, and he said the Department was to be congratulated. However, there was one anomaly he would like to bring under tjbe League's notice. The fare from Invercargill was 2/- return, while from Gifton, A warn a and Woodend passengers were charged 2/6, which seemetl hardly fair. (Laughter.) It was decided to bring the matter before the local Traffic Manager.

An Aasociation message from Auckland states that George Thomas Rumble, a milkman, for the theft of milk and cream from cans at the Auckland Milk Company’s depot, was sentenced to a month’s imprisonment. In consequence of a suspicion, a detective followed accused at 2.20 ajn., and saw him take a quantity of cream from eight cans and replace it with water. He accosted accused, whs admitted the offence. Accused had been doing a good business on a milk round, but had to pay away much of the profits to make restitution connection with offences of six years ago.

An interesting feature of the meeting of the Southland League last evening was a reception accorded Mr Eric Bennetts, who emphasised Southland’s publicity needs m relation to the forthcoming publication “New Zealand To-day,” which is to be published in June next, to record the national progress in view of the New Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition. Mr Bennetts, who is an Invercargill boy, stated that it was hoped that Southland would Be well represented in this big illustrated volume, especially in view of its proximity to the Exhibition. After an interesting discussion, a resolution was carried endorsing the proposed publication, recommending it to the business and other interests of this province, and the matter was further relegated to tlie favourable consideration of the Publicity Committee of the League to report.

The Mayor of Wellington (Mr R. A. Wright), has returned from an Australian visit with an amusing impression of the paternalism of the city authorities. “Melbourne is a city of signboards,” he said. “Everywhere one goes in streets, railway stations or in parks, the place is plastered with them. Melbourne citizens have no excuse for not knowing what they ought to know, or for doing what they should not do. They are admonished and directed on every side. I really believe a visitor could find anything he wanted if he could only find the right signboard.” It was thus that the Mayor described one aspect of life in Melbourne. In the railway stations he said there were notices giving information upon every possible topic, and then the final injunction : “If there is anything of which you remain in doubt, ask the man in grey,” and there, sure enough, was an official dressed in grey, a kind of walking encyclopaedia, who knew everything and whose business it was to tell it to everybody. “I was greatly impressed by this,” said Mr Wright, “but the climax came when I was walking along the street and saw a man working on a tramline with an acetylene welder stuck in the road. Beside him was a signboard, “Do not look at this light, it hurts the eyes.” I passed on, filled with admiration for a paternal municipality.