ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENT.

Southland Times, Issue 20112, 24 February 1927, Page 6

ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENT.

A.W.B.—We regret we cannot obtain the information you desire.

As the Southland Times staff picnic is being held on Saturday, advertisers who wish their advertisements changed in Monday’s issue are requested to send in fresh copy not later than 10 a.m. to-morrow. This courtesy to the staff will z be appreciated.

Advertisements regarding Motor Cars and Cycles and Public Conveyances will be found on Page 8 of this issue.

The Govermpeut Meteorologist (Mr D. C. Bates) last night issued the following forecast:—Present indications are for decreasing southerly breezes, veering by west to north. Weather fair to cloudy and warmer. Barometer rising but will fall again soon:

From time to time one hears it stated that “there is plenty of money in the country,” and it certainly looked like it from the number of motor cars parked in the business area at a late hour in Ashburton the other afternoon (says the Guardian). At the parking places, official and unofficial, there were no fewer than 103. Far from being of the “Lizzie” type, the majority of them were big expensive cars, and a goodly proportion of these were of English make.

A number of Canterbury farmers made a tour of inspection recently of several blocks of land in the Kokatahi and Kooiterangi districts. They were very favourably impressed with the possibilities of the district (states a correspondent of the Lyttelton Times), and commented on the prolific growth of the pastures visited, and on the fine condition of stock, especially the dairy herds. As a result of inquiries it is understood that one or more properties will change hands.

One of the largest burial caskets to be made in New Zealand was constructed recently to the order of members of the Maniapoto tribe in Otorohanga. The casket measured 3ft 6in in width, 6ft in length, and 2ft 6in in depth. It was made to contain the remains of those members of the tribe who formerly lay buried beside the sacred rock in the town. The encroachment of dwellings has led the Natives to remove their dead to the burial mountain at Taupiri, where they now rest.

“I suspect that in this year there is nothing that would be more welcome to the community as a whole than some optimistic note, some brighter outlook in the business of the country,” said Mr F. A. Hellaby, chairman of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, last week. “Depression is in the air, and yet, I believe upon reflection, that the most depressed will agree there is no cause for lack of confidence. The country was never better, we have had good seasons and greater production, with our products, finding a ready market not only in the United Kingdom but in France, Germany and America. These are the facts which should be kept in mind. Our best customer, the United Kingdom, is already showing signs of a recovery from the industrial troubles through which she has lately passed.”

It is a well-known fact that cattle are great natatorial exponents, but if the average person were told that a sheep had kept afloat for a period of nearly an hour in a heavy sea he would be inclined to disbelieve the story (says the Napier Telegraph). Nevertheless, the seemingly impossible happened, for in the darkness on a recent night one of the sheep consigned to Lyttelton, which were being held in the vicinity of the breakwater, fell over the side of the wharf. The drover in charge of the mob noticed the animal’s plight, and for some time followed its actions with the beam of his electric torch. It eventually swam out of sight in the darkness, however, and he gave up all hope of effecting a rescue. Fully an hour later, directed by its incessant bleating, the drover discovered the sheep firmly wedged between two piles supporting the wharf, and was able to slip a noose round its body, and, with the aid of the nightwatchman, effect a rescue.

A Wanganui minister was speaking more especially to the children at a recent service (says the Herald), and in view of the weather conditions prevailing spoke of an experience during his pastorate in an Australian centre. On one occasion the weather was especially hot, and the congregation was composed entirely of children, who had braved the conditions. The minister found it necessary to discard some of his ministerial accoutrements, much to the glory of at least one small boy. On reaching home he told his parents that they had missed something by not being present. Wondering what could have possibly occurred, the parents pressed the boy, but for a long time he held his secret. Eventually he blurted out, “You didn’t know our minister wears a black football jersey under his coat. He does, because I’ve seen it.” When the minister heard it the boy found that his enthusiasm for football had led him to take too much for granted, somewhat of course, to his disappointment, for the football jersey turned out to be something quite different.

Twenty bankruptcies were notified for the month ending February 17, according to the latest issue of the New Zealand Gazette. Of this number 14 were in the North Island and six were in the South Island.

“How bld are you, son ?” asked Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., of a diminutive defendant in the Christchurch Magistrate’s Court the other morning. “Eighteen, sir,” was the somewhat astonishing reply. “What do you do for a living?” was the next question. “Work,” was the cryptic answer, and there was general laughter. Further questioning elicited the information that the youth was a cobbler. Riding a bicycle at night without a light cost him 5/-.

The delay in the arrival of the express train on Tuesday evening was caused through a collision with a five-seater motor car on the Edendale railway crossing. Although the car was considerably damaged the owner-driver, Mr C. Leonard, of Edendale South, was fortunate enough to escape with a severe shaking and a few cuts and bruises. Mr Leonard stated that he did not see the train approaching until he was right on the line, his view having been obscured by a house standing on the corner of the road.

A Wellington telegram states —Discharged from the Invercargill prison a month ago, after serving half of a five years’ reformative sentence imposed for theft, Cyril Thomas Miller, aged 18, pleaded guilty at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday to two charges of theft from Euphemia McLeod. It was stated accused came to Wellington, took a room from complainant who kept a shop and let rooms in Vivian street. He twice entered the shop taking £5 and £3 from the till. A term of six months’ hard labour was imposed.

The belt of pinus insignis trees at Timaru Park in the vicinity of the Nurses’ Home, which have weathered the storms of half a century, lost one of their number on Thursday afternoon last owing to the severity of the sou’-wester which sprang up shortly before 4.30 p.m. (reports the Herald). The patients in the isolation ward at the hospital were startled to hear a crash, and to see a mass of foliage falling near their ward. Fortunately the tree fell at an angle, and did not reach the ward, but considerable damage was done to a wire fence between the hospital and park.

A reserved judgment which has been awaited with interest in several quarters was given by Mr Lawry, S.M., yesterday. A few days before Christmas Frank A. Cook, Ltd., wine and spirit merchants, were charged with selling liquor at a time other than between 9 o’clock in the morning and 6 o’clock in the evening. The circumstances were that on a Friday night soon after 7 o’clock a constable ordered a dozen bottles of liquor and paid for them, and they were delivered to his house on the following day. The Magistrate imposed a fine of £s.—Christchurch Press Association telegram.

At a brief sitting of the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, Herbert Sutton was convicted and fined 10/-, costs 10/-, for cutting a corner. Herbert James Dunick was convicted and fined 5/-, costs 12/-, for driving a motor lorry without a driver’s license. Another case was heard in which James Bartholomew Geary was charged with being in arrears in respect of a maintenance order to the extent of £4 16/8. He was convicted and sentenced to fourteen days’ imprisonment, warrant not to be issued if he pay the amount owing, together with costs £1 1/-, by March 3. Mr G. Cruickshank, S.M., was on the Bench.

Economy at times is commendable, even in Government departments, but “gumless” stamps, which are now plentiful, have aroused in Auckland business circles a feeling of irritation (remarks the Star). Usually New Zealand stamps stick fairly well, but some of the current penny issues are but mildly adhesive, and there is often only a sporting chance of one remaining long enough upon a letter to reach the cancellation machine at the G.P.O. The business houses which use stamping machines are not affected, but the many who use stamps only occasionally have a grievance. At the moment they suffer in silence and hope for the future. The idea of rushing into the Post Office and asking for the loan of a paste brush is not altogether an appealing one, but it has to be done quite often now.

A report on tests conducted during the past three months with a patent adhesive tape for road-marking purposes was made to the Auckland City Council by the chief traffic inspector, Mr G. R. Hogan, on Friday evening (reports the New Zealand Herald). He said the strips had given entire satisfaction on a tar macadam surfaced road, but it had been a difficult matter to keep the strips in position on neuchatel-asphalt or concrete roads. On these roads, ironwheeled vehicles pulled the strips up. One of the conditions of the tests was that no charge would be made if the strips proved unsatisfactory. In his opinion the results were sufficient to warrant the council paying a portion of the cost. The Finance Committee recommended the council should pay the total cost involved, £7 12/-, the recommendation being adopted.

Many people spend an evening or two catching eels during the season, using baited hook or “bob” of worms and huhus, as opportunity offers, but this method was scorned by the old-time Maori, who obtained large catches of the fresh-water eel by constructing weirs across streams, or eel-baskets (hinaki), made of supplejack vines split and plaited. It was related by Mr Cook at the Auckland Acclimatisation Society meeting at Te Awamutu last week that recently he had known 57 eels to be caught in one eel-basket placed in the Upper Wanganui river in one night; next night a further 28, while on the third night 12 were secured—a total of 97 in three nights. The society is considering the question of procuring a number of eel-baskets for use under the society’s direction in streams and pools where eels are suspected of reducing the trout population.

Though the offering for sale of fruit affected by codlin moth is an offence punishable by fines, fair quantities of such fruit are, according to the authorities, being offered locally (reports the Christchurch Press). There has been a large spread of the pest, owing in part to the hot weather, and in part to the fact that many domestic orchardists neglected the mid-season spraying, though the commercial orchards are free. Another breach of the regulation concerning the sale of fruit is occurring, and the Agricultural Department intends to take action against all offenders coming under its notice. This is that all fruit must be exposed for sale in the first instance in boxes of the regulation size, such fruit coming from a registered orchard and bearing the registered number. This is not always being done, apparently, and constitutes an offence carrying a maximum penalty of £2O.

Honours in the December matriculation test were divided so equally between the North and South Islands that the advantage to the North Island amounts to a decimal point only (states the Auckland Star). Of the candidates entered for the examination 3679 sat for the whole test; 1381 (37 per cent.) gained passes; and 748, or 61 per cent, of the 1210 that entered to complete a partial pass qualified. The percentage of passes and completion for the two islands were—North Island, 43.7 per cent.; South Island, 43 per cent.; an average for the Dominion of 43.3 per cent. In addition, there were 703 candidates for the accountants’ preliminary examination, of whom 33 gained a full pass, 231 qualified for a partial pass, and 76 completed a partial pass. As compared with the results of the 1925 examination the new method of determining* a pass on the aggregate system, adopted in 1926 for the first time, has produced an increase in the percentage of passes; and the Wellington Recess Committee of the University has reported to the University Council that there is clear evidence that the high marks awarded in one subject in the last examination have contributed materially towards the increased percentage. The committee concludes—- “ Some safeguard appears to be necessary.”

One of the waggons of Tuesday’s 5.18 train from Woodlands to Invercargill left the rails between Woodlands and Longbush, due, it is stated, to a defect in the axlebox. T£e mishap caused very little delay, however, and the train reached its destination only one hour late.

“Direct action” was the policy adopted by a gang of workmen in order to get the new telephone apparatus into the Greymouth Exchange (says the Star). The usual methods of ingress were too small, so a scaffolding w r as erected, and a breach made in the exterior brick wall, on the second floor level, through which the apparatus was transported.

At 11 o’clock on Tuesday night a store and contents at Ongarue belonging to the Farmers’ Trading Company, valued at £B,OOO, were entirely destroyed by fire. There was no water and no fire brigade. An adjoining boardinghouse was saved with great difficulty by the use of wet blankets. The insurances are unavailable.—Taumarunui Press Association telegram.

Mako sharks evidently frequent the coast in the vicinity of Wanganui, for (wo have been caught this summer, hut both were small. Last week while fishing off the Rangitikei river, Messrs Crane and Hill landed a mako 3ft 6in in length (reports the Chronicle), which had a very fine set of teeth. It was brought to Wanganui, where it attracted considerable attention at the wharf.

A rather remarkable case of hearing being restored is reported from the Oamaru district. The wife of a well-known settler had been deaf for a number of years, and all medical attempts to restore her hearing had failed. As a last resort she underwent a spinal massage treatment. To her surprise, and that of her family, her hearing was gradually restored, and to day she is in possession of her faculties to such an extent that she can hear a pin drop to the floor.

A young man, Andrew Blair, who committed arson at a shop and dwelling in Geraldine, and also threatened to burn down an hotel there, came up for sentence before Mr Justice Adams yesterday. Mr Donnelly said that Blair had a keen desire to go about and burn down places for his own amusement. He was not up to the ordinary standard mentally. His Honour ordered Blair to be detained for reformative treatment for three years, and suggested that he be mentally examined. —Christchurch Press Association telegram.

The people of the lower Waipu Valley have been living on kahawai for many weeks (says the Auckland Star). There is kahawai everywhere—salted, dried, and fresh. For years the Natives carried in bags the kahawai they catch, while swimming across the mouth of the river from the Port Awanui side to the side where their homes are situated. This was always a very risky undertaking. Recently a very simple discovery was made. Now the (Natives tie the fish in pairs and then put 'them one on each side of a large log, which is launched and pushed along.

For some time past the New Plymouth Harbour Board has recognised that if the port is to cope adequately with the greatly increasing volume of trade, it must have all the modern requirements of a wellequipped port for the expeditious and economic handling of shipping. An essential is a tug, and that matter has been engaging the attention of a special committee (says the Taranaki Daily News). The matter was advanced a stage further when the board adopted the recommendation of the committee that a craft combining the purposes of a tug, grab dredger, and hopper .would be the most suitable, and the engineer was instructed to draft specifications.

The number of wiseacres who would have had Admiral Jellicoe adopt a different course to that which he pursued in the Battle of Jutland were effectively dealt with by Commander Marsden, R.N., in an address to members of the zAuckland Chamber of Commerce last week. The commander claimed that Jellicoe had shown his greatness as well as his soundness of judgment in refusing to rush into the fog and “mix it” with the retreating Germans, and his policy resulted in the retention of the British command of the sea. It is all very well, said Commander Marsden, to say that “if Jellicoe had done this, or if he had done that, certain things would have resulted.” “If your aunt had been a wheelbarrow, then you might have been a Ford car.”

The function in connection with the official opening of the Hall of Memories at the Waitaki Boys’ High School next month will be of an impressive character. In the afternoon the Duke and Duchess of York will perform the formal opening ceremony in the presence of a representative gathering of citizens and past and present students of the school. In the evening a consecration service will be held, when addresses will be given by leading civic dignitaries and others, and appropriate music will be rendered. A large number of old boys of the school have signified their intention of being present on the memorable occasion. The hall will be a permanent memorial to those who rendered service in the Great War, and will also be a valuable adjunct to the school.

That so long as the servants of the Palmerston North Borough Council removed the silent policeman within half an hour after sunset, no negligence could be attributed to them, was the ruling of Mr J. L. Stout, S.M., who gave reserved judgment in a case heard recently, in which Arthur E. Bennett, contractor, of Palmerston North, proceeded against the Palmerston North Borough Council, claiming £l5 as cost of repairs to his motor car subsequent to a collision with a silent policeman in the Square on June 14. The Magistrate said that on that, night heavy rain had been falling, which had probably obscured the obstruction from the view of the driver. It was also evident that plaintiff had not been over to his correct side of the road, as he should have been. Judgment was entered for defendants, with costs (£2 4/-).

The light crops obtained from Auckland orchards this season have proved most disappointing to fruitgrowers. Incidentally, they have contributed in some degree to the unemployment problem, as little additional labour has been engaged, in the orchards on account of the poor demand for the services of pickers and packers, of whom some 200 or 300 are usually employed during a season. The trouble has its origin in the adverse weather conditions that have been abnormal features of the current season. Late in November and early in December, which are critical times in the orchards, tropical storms played havoc with the trees, stripping them of young fruit, and in some cases completely denuding them. Frequent hailstorms wreaked extra damage, and even when the fruit was not torn from the trees, much of it was cut and marked by the hailstones.

A school girl named Perring, a daughter of Mr J. Perring, of Kumara Junction, narrowly escaped strangulation at the hands of a lad named Thomas Henham on Friday (states the Greymouth correspondent of the Christchurch'-Press). She was seated on the back of a lorry which was proceeding to Kumara, and when abreast of Henham’s house the latter threw a lariat in the approved Wild West movie style, the noose landing over the girl's head. The driver of the. lorry was quite oblivious of the exciting drama which was proceeding behind him, with the result that Henham, who had fastened the other end of the lariat to h ; s waist, was jerked into the air, and, after falling on the road, was being dragged along by the lorry, while the girl, in an endeavour to save herself, frantically clung to a heavy case on the lorry. Luckily a third actor arrived on the scene, and, thinking that Henham was the victim of a lynching affair, he called out to the driver, who pulled up just in time to avert a tragedy. After some difficulty the noose, which had become tightly embedded under the skin, was removed from the unfortunate girl’s neck. Henham, who is a keen admirer of Tom Mix exploits, was badly cut and bruised about the body. He was taken to his home, where he received medical attention.

In 1916 the average mortgage per acre on farm land in New Zealand was £3 9/7, and that on city land £491 per acre. In 1924, farm mortgages rose to £4 7/5 and city mortgages to the extraordinary amount of £2,024 per acre.

At a sitting of the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, before Mr G. Cruickshank, S.M., a charge of vagrancy against Leslie Greig was withdrawn at the request of the prosecuting officer. On a similar charge Roy Raymond Witting was convicted and discharged.

“Leakages” were general on the telegraph lines in the Gisborne district the other day following the heavy rain which, falling on he dusty poles and wires, broke down the nsulation (states the Times). Fortunately pressure of business in the morning was not great, and the service was maintained without lengthy interruptions.

Hollyhocks in one or two Wanganui gardens have grown to remarkable heights this summer (reports the Chronicle). In a garden in the Avenue one lofty stalk is more, than 15 feet, high, and the tip is higher than the telephone wires to the house. Another garden, not. far away, □oasts a hollyhock which is claimed to be five feet higher.

Invercargill’s well-known cyclist, Frederick Sutton Clark, was charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning with riding -on the footpath on three separate occasions. Sergeant. Hewitt, giving evidence, remarked that on the last occasion, when Clark was caving the town, in compliance with the Magistrate’s order, he was travelling on the footpath at an estimated rate of twenty miles per hour. One of the remaining charges was lodged as the result of an escapade of Clark’s on the asphalt in Esk ■street. Clark, who did not appear, forwarded a letter from Gore stating that he strongly objected to being continually harassed by the police. His Worship remarked that a man who rode in such a cheeky manner, with so little regard for the law, ought to be punished. Clark was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence when called upon.

The Auckland Society of Bottle Gatherers, which is not incorporated according to statute,' has a wide field for operations, and picturesque members of the fraternity with weird vocabularies ply their calling ndustriously in the suburbs in search of “empties,” and the type of receptacle known as a “square rigger” in particular (remarks the Auckland Star). So far the bottle-o has been a privileged person and outside the pale of the by-law referring to hawkers and pedlars. Legal research has now decided that he is “an itinerant purchaser of household refuse,” and the City Council has passed a by-law to give him “status.” It is decreed that in future a household refuse purchaser—a much more dignified name—shall be licensed (at a fee of £1 per annum) and that he must during his professional moments wear a metal plate affixed to his right arm, inscribed, “A.C.C., Licensed Household Refuse Purchaser,” with also the name of his business affixed on his cart, barrow, or other vehicle, the latter presumably including motor cars. Thus the Auckland bottle-o has been “elevated” to an entirely new plane. In our advertising columns we announce for sale by private tender the well-known business and property of Mrs D. McQuilkan, corner of Yarrow and Ritchie streets, East Invercargill. For health reasons only has this valuable property and business been placed on the market and is worthy of a close inspection.— (advt.)

“It. stands pre-eminent: Dewar’s IMPERIAL Whisky.”—Advt. You will have a well furnished cupboard with many good things, when you buy your requirements at Baxters Un-Ltd, and at the same time save a substantial sum on your monthly expenditure. Baxters Un-Ltd. —Advt.

The extraordinary bargains offered by Thomson and Beattie caused much a rush on Friday and Saturday that their staff was quite unable to attend satisfactorily to every one and the firm wish it known that these bargains will be continued all this week, or as long as they last. See their display advertisement on Page 3. Pay a visit, it will pay you.— (advt.) In selecting Diamond Jewellery the purchaser’s protection is the jeweller. Rankin’s enviable reputation is founded on years of honest trading. Diamonds sold by us are first quality stones, bought direct, and our stock leaves nothing to be desired for style and price. Select your Diamond Jewellery in the privacy of our Ring Par lour.—T. M. RANKIN, Jeweller, Tay Street. Advt.

' Thanks and appreciation from Stewarts Pharmacy to our Photographic Friends. We wish to heartily thank you all for the great support you have given us during the holi day season. We want you to know that we appreciate your patronage. We take your magnificent support, as a compliment to the quality of work we turn out and to the service we give. During the whole of the rush period not once did our staff fail to maintain our same day service. We are justly proud of that fact and we will continue to do our utmost to maintain the high standard we have set. Make a certainty of securing permanent prints by letting Stewarts do your developing and printing. Our methods give your prints the greatest possible permanence.—Advt. The Duchess of York set the fashion at Home in Real Alaska Geld Seal Furs and her Royal Highness is reported to be bringing a great number of them to N.Z. with her. Readers will be pleased to know that Madame Menere will be showing Real Alaska Gold Seals on her Dominion tour commencing at Invercargill in March.— (Advt.)

Why is it Arthur Mee is read each week by more children than any other man on earth ? Read any of these wonderful editions he has edited and you have the answer. Here the are:—The Children's Bible —beautifully illustrated 10/-; The Children’s Shakespeare, with Shakespearean Picture gallery 10/-; One Thousand Beautiful Things—many illustrations 10/-; Children’s Life of Jesus, artistically illustrated 3/6. N.Z. Book Depot, Esk Street, Invercargill.— (advt.) “PECK’S” FOR EVERY OUTDOOR MEAL.

A jar or two of Peck’s Salmon and Shrimp paste is a holiday necessity. Easily carried, convenient, and economical. Delicious flavour, free from preservatives and contains highest food value. Packed in a model British factory. Will keep in any climate. Insist on Peck’s Pastes. Ail grocers.— (advt.) RUN DOWN. When your system is undermined by worry or overwork—when your vitality is lowered, when you feel anyhow, when your nerves are on edge, when the least exertion tires you—you are in a run down condition. Your system is like a plant that is drooping for want of water. And just as water revives a drooping plant, so Neurotone gives new life and new energy to a run down constitution. Because Neurotone possesses a four fold power. It is a Tonic, a Restorative, a Bloodmaker, and a Nerve Food, all in one. Therefore, Neurotone creates new strength, new blood, new nerve force and new vitality. The benefit begins from the first dose. You can fee) it doing you good. You can feci your whole system being surcharged with new vitality and new life. Don’t continue to suffer needlessly. Get well the Neurotone wav—the quick, sure, and safe way to obtain the new health you need. Begin to get well to-dav. Bottles 3/6 each. Obtainable at Brown’s Pharmacy. J. H. Brown Chemist and Optician, Dee street, Invercargill. —Advt. “A dem’d, damp, moist, unpleasant body I” —Dickens, in “Nicholas Nickleby.” Everybody knows what an unpleasant thing a cold is. If you use Baxter’s Lung Preserver frequently, you need not worry about coughs and colds or sore throats. This fine old tested remedy soothes chests and throats, cuts phlegm, and is also an invaluable tonic. Famous for over a half-a century.

Obtainable at all chemists and stores. Generous-sized bottle 2s 6d.—Advt.

The return of fine weather has seen the continuance of harvest operations in the Waimate district, where they are now in full swing. Oat crops are mostly in stook, but the wheat crops are being harvested as fast as possible. Farmers have experienced no difficulty in securing sufficient labour, there being plenty of workers offering. Many strangers in search of work have come into Waimate during the last few days.

Despite the prejudice in favour of lambs of a rather light type, the heavy lambs produced in the Wairarapa are taking an increasingly important place in export trade (says the Age) Per head they return considerably more to the producer than lambs of a lighter type. The lighter lambs in some instances return more per pound, but experts are agreed that when a balance is struck between producing costs and returns, the heavy lambs will easily hold their own.

As the quickest way of overcoming the present depression in New Zealand, the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) offered the members of the New Zealand Association of British Manufacturers and

Agents assembled in his honour at Wellington a new slogan. “If you want a slogan,” said the Prime Minister, “here is one: ‘Coats off with Coates.’—(Laughter and applause.) In America, you know, you are told: ‘You must keep cool with Coolidge.’”—(Renewed laughter.)

The shortage of water resulting from the continued dry weather has lately caused some concern in Eastbourne (reports the Wellington Evening Post), and applications for assistance from the Eastbourne Borough Council are likely to become numerous. The question of solving the problem of supply until the weather breaks was brought up at the last meeting of the council, when it was decided that where water was available an endeavour would be made to furnish reasonable supplies for household purposes only.

English was now a compulsory language in the schools of many countries, said Professor James Shelley, speaking at Christchurch, and it behoved Englishmen, therefore, to use the language well (reports the Press). There was no dialect in New Zealand, but the fault in New Zealand’s English was general slovenliness. There was nothing wrong with dialect, which often would be as full of expression as standard English, but there was a need to maintain a standard of pronunciation. There was, as yet, no standard of pronunciation, but this might possibly come through the use of wireless. A committee of school teachers had been set up for the purpose of making a standard English pronunciation for radio announcing and this might have the effect of creating a standard. A language properly spoken always meant more than a language that was not properly spoken, for in the correct speech much more expression could be obtained. Adequate substitutes for national tongues could never be found in Esperanto or other made-up languages because in tak ing the greatest common factors of languages, the result was robbed of effectiveness. Languages had to be taught in the schools to retain their expression, and it was necessary to start the young mind with sound images.