The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1929. EXIT AMANULLAH.

Southland Times, Issue 20695, 17 January 1929, Page 6

The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1929. EXIT AMANULLAH.

It was a bad day for Amanullah Khan, Emir of Afghanistan, when he decided to make an extensive European tour in 1928. Had he remained in his own country it is highly probable that he would also have remained on the throne. Now, however, it is his eldest brother, Inayatulla Khan, who is monarch of the turbulent, mountainous country which is not infrequently described as the gateway to India. With the hurried departure of Amanullah also depart most of his reforms. Since he returned to Kabul last July he has vigorously pursued his policy of Westernizing his country. He has striven to emancipate the women, but Afghan husbands have been sceptical concerning the wisdom of this step and even the women themselves have not been anxious ’ to shed the veil and other customs they hold dear. He has also been active in reducing the power of the Mullahs, or religious leaders, and needless to say has been far from popular with this powerful section of the community. Education was made compulsory, an innovation by no means approved by the youthful Afghans who prefer learning the’ arts of war to those of peace. King Amanullah also at- , tempted to raise the age of marriage for girls to 18 and for boys to 20, but the Jinga, the national assembly of Afghanistan, thought this was carrying matters too far and refused to pass such legislation. Unpopular as all these reforms were it is questionable if anything in the nature ol

a revolt would have occurred had it not been for the insidious, inflammatory action of the Soviet. Russia’s efforts to promote a rebellion were successful, for early in December word came that a section of the Afghan army had revolted and in the days succeeding the King and Queen and the foreign legations were hard pressed. Then came brighter news and it seemed at the beginning of the year that Amanullah had subdued the outbreak. In the light of more recent developments, however, it would seem that this calni preceded the rebels’ final storm, for although some messages state that out of patriotic and friendly feeling and of his own free will Amanullah handed over the Kingdom to his brother it may safely be assumed that he did so only because he realized his position was hopeless. In such countries as Afghanistan thrones are not abdicated through patriotism and altruism. It does not seem at all likely that the fleeing Emir will ever receive an invitation to return. The statement that "no Moslem warrior can understand the psychology of a man who seeks safety rather than die fighting” makes it clear that the fanatical Afghan fighters have a low regard for one of their countrymen who has learnt from the West that discretion can be the better part of valour. The new ruler will let his country return to its semi-barbaric state, but his accession ot the throne should not embarrass Britain in any way, for he is known to be sympathetic. This fact has given England’s; enemies an opening for insinuating that the revolt was inspired by British agents in order to get Amanullah out of the way. Credence will not be given to the allegation except where the wish is father to the thought, for since Amanullah was taught a much-needed lesson in 1919 he has been on excellent terms with Britain. He has paid the penalty of enforcing reforms against the wish of his people, but he has also been another victim of Soviet intrigue. His return to Europe —should he succeed in eluding his enemies—will have none of the pomp and splendour of last year’s tour, but his life in a European capital will not be subject to abrupt termination as in Kabul. That is one consolation the unfortunate ex-Emir will have.

The Dominion meteorologist last night issued the following informationA moderate anticyclone is centred north east of East Cape and a deep depression south of lasmania. Moderate to strong northerly winds rising to gale force in places. y eas smooth to moderate generally but rising later in all New Zealand waters. Freshening northerly winds and rising seas in the eastern Tasman Sea. Weather fair to fine o-enerally at first and warm to hot but unsettled conditions setting in shortly from the westward with much cloud and mist. General rain developing during the next 24 to 36 hours.

Mr George Wilson, of the Ceylon and India General Mission, who is well-known as a missionary of note and experience, arrived in Invercargill yesterday and will speak at meetings as advertised. He is worthy of a good hearing.

It. is reported that car thieves arc still active in Christchurch. A two-seater car which was taken on Friday night was found early on Saturday. On the same day another car was stolen and found later at Lincoln.

It is stated that the Christchurch branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association is pressing for the early erection of a veterans’ home for returned soldiers and a commission has been set up for the purpose of taking evidence in’the main centres.

Even the village wits can make fun of the regulation prohibiting passengers from talking to motormen on the Auckland trams (reports the Auckland Sun). "Don t Speak to the Mot'Vman,” reads a notice on one (ram, and underneath someone has added “Sing to him.”

The Plunket Society met for its monthly meeting yesterday morning, when routine business was transacted. It was decided to call a special meeting for February 6 for the purpose of considering the holding of a garden party at the Karitane Home towards the end of February.

The experience of several farmers who were talking to a Taranaki Herald reporter the other mornii’g is that the caterpillar, which usually attacks ragwort, has made its appearance earlier than usual this season, and that it was very much more numerous than for some years past. One farmer said that in his district the caterpillar was stripping ragwort of flower and leaf.

A New Plymouth chemist is quietly laughing up his sleeve, according to a story told a Taranaki Herald reporter, and if it is true a few sneak thieves must be feeling rather crestfallen. Like all other good chemists, he has a weighing machine just inside his door, on which numerous people test their poundage. Handy to the weighing machine is a pile of cigarettes, which have been steadily disappearing. The owner regards this with amusement rather than concern, since the cigarettes are merely imitations.

While he succeeded in catching only one mako shark, Sir Harry Lauder is nevertheless highly enthusiastic over the possibilities of the Bay of Islands fishing. In an interview he declared that, the “allweather” aspect of the angling at the Bay of Islands should be more advertised. Sir Harry will'take home to Scotland the jaws of the 3401 b mako shark he caught last week. “One mako shark a day is enough for any man,” he said, in recalling the strenuous fight he had with the game shark. “I have not seen a swordfish taken, but from the displays I have seen makos give, I imagine they must equal their sworded rivals in fighting qualities.”

The co-operative principle of haymaking is applied with happy results in the farming districts in the, Waikato. A typical instance (says the New Zealand Herald) was witnessed on Mr J. Graham’s farm at Rototuna this week. Employed in stacking the hay of a 20-acrc paddock were 18 men and boys, 13 horses, five sweeps, and two rakes. A small number of farmers in the neighbourhood had pooled their implements, and had combined to get in Mr Graham s haj. They worked quickly and methodically, and in a few hours had accumulated 40 tons in one stack. Mr Graham will help another farmer as soon as the haymaking on his farm is completed.

“Throughout the year there has been striking evidence that the small settler on the land is realizing more than ever before the possibilities of side-line poultry keeping conducted on up-to-date lines," states the Director-General of Agriculture (Dr C. J. Reakes) in his annual review. “When carried out in this way, the poultry-keeping farmer is able to utilize a good deal of good material which otherwise would be wasted, and he is consequently less affected by the high prices of bought poultry foods than is the poultryman who keeps birds on a large scale as a means of livelihood. The continued development and extension of the poultry industry is evidenced by the fact that export of eggs has again had to be resorted to, while the public has been able to obtain its'supplies at a very reasonable price. In view’ of an anticipated surplus of eggs during the flush period, Government assistance was arranged bj’ way of a guarantee on export eggs of not less than 2oz in weight, and of first-class quality. The quantities graded at the different ports of shipment totalled 7427 cases, representing 228,810 dozen.”

A small, boy, bound for the Thorhdon baths, boarded a tramcar at Wadestown, Wellington, on Saturday, and was so concerned with* his surroundings that he missed the seat he had determined to occupy and fell out of the car altogether. He alighted on his head, and was lucky not to have broken his neck. As it was he suffered a cut knee and bruises.

During the past week changeable weather has been experienced, and in consequence shearing operations have been interfered with, very few farmers having yet completed this work, states the Tapanui Courier. On the other hand the warm rains are haying a beneficial effect on the root and grain crops, and- many fine crops of turnips and rape are to be seen in the district, which is looking exceptionally well.

Moored to a buoy off Kaiwarra lies the old Mararoa, which over 40 years ago, was the last word in steamships plying in New Zealand w’aters (says the Dominion). Travellers by train to the city from the Hutt suburbs have been moved by her presence to delve into their memories for recollections of the past. “I well remember, in 1888 I think it was,” said one, "paying a shilling 'with many others who were interested to inspect the very latest steamship to come to Wellington, one which was far in advance of any other vessel seen in these waters at that time.” Train travellers also indulged in speculation as to the Mararoa’s ultimate fate, whether she will be sold to some coastal shipping firm in the Far East or whether she will rust and rot where she is until placed in the hands of shipbreakers or tow’ed out into deep water and sunk.

In connection with the charges against Patrick Walsh and Robert Cox in the Christchurch Magistrate’s Court of alleged breaches of the Gaming Act, the Magistrate committed Walsh for trial at the Supreme Court. He said he did not wish to comment on the evidence against Cox, because it might prejudice his trial, but he found that there was a prima facie case against him on both charges. Cox pleaded not guilty, and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail was allowed in self £lOO and one surety of £lOO in each case. The Magistrate adjourned the cases against each man in regard to a gaming house until February 19, stating that he would not feel bound by the Jury’s decision on the othef charges, whatever it might be. Albert Khouri, charged with being found in a gaming house, was remanded to appear on February 19.

Regulation pastimes such as deck tennis, quoits, and dancing may amuse the majority of a ship’s passengers en voyage, but occasionally someone will want extra diversion, and if he is ingenious may plan it for himself. So it happened that while the Tahiti was on her run from San Francisco to Wellington (says the Post), a stowaway was found shut in a sand locker and duly brought before the purser. “You’re good for a month when you get ashore,” said the officer emphatically when he saw the bemused and tattered figure before him. Appearance before the captain was the next step, and the stowaway received firm and not too gentle assistance up the companion way from the second steward until that official happened to look round and find his chief and others of the ship’s company in undisguised mirth. Then the truth came out, and the “stowaway” confessed that he had played his part “just for-fun” in order to deceive his friend the pursuer and vary the daily routine a litle.

Mr W. George, who has just returned from the north, visited both the Tiniaru and Oamaru Woollen Mills. Southland people can look forward to some real bargains within the next few days. Watch for advertisement in this paper. —Advt.

All to the good. Good buying, good selling at low prices, good goods, good service—are a few of the reasons for Baxter’s good big turnover in his good big premises- in Dee street.—Advt.

It is" more satisfactory to fit the price according to the quality, than to reduce the quality to fit the price. Thomson's Waters for Quality.—Advt. Ladies’ fugi nightdresses daintily trimmed silk lace from 15/6 Io 19/6 at Miss Nobles, The Baby Shop, Dec street. —Advt. Be Brutal to your corns—they won’t stav after a few applications of SOLVEX. Price 1/6. BROWN, THE CHEMIST.— Advt. It is now bottled at pre-war strength. DEWAR’S WHISKY. Ladies’ Summer Vests. Ask to see. the special at 1/11; Ladderproof Silk Hose 3/11, all colours.—Wicks’ Hose and Vest Shop, Dee Street.—Advt.

Not far from home where I often roam Is a little corner store Where they keep the famous Hitchon’s ham And sell it more and more. —Advt.

SOLVEX Corn Cure goes to the root of the mater. Specially prepared for the painless removal of corns. Price 1/6. BROWN’S PHARMACY—Advt.

Safety First. Never cut your corns. SOLVEX will remove them safely and painlessly. Price 1/6. BROWN, THE CHEMIST. —.Advt.

Assorted Bead and Bone Coat Hangers, some folding. Week-end special 1/- each. Shoe Trees, Gold and all colours. Special 6d per pair. And another week-end special from Thomson and Beattie’s Fancy Department : Pouehe and Underarm Leather Bags, Navy, Fawn and Red, all fitted with mirror inside and purse, strong fastenings. Special price 10/6 each. —Advt. Business books for better business: The Art of Customer Finding (Casson) 6/-, Better Salesmanship (Casson) 6/-, Better Business Letters (Casson) 6Z-, How to Write Advertisements (Constance Miller) 8/-, Advertising and Selling (Hollingworth) 18/6, Magazine of Business 2/3 monthly. N.Z. Book Depot, Esk street, Invercargill for books on business.—Advt. Why entertain (hat corn? SOLVEX will remove it painlessly and quickly. Price 1/6. BROWN’S PHARMACY.—Advt. Take one of these books with you. “The Raynor Case” Rodger Wray; “Pearl of Pearl Island” Oxenham, "Harvey Garrard's Crime” Oppenheim,' “The Bulctzer Baby Case” John Sword, “The Smuggler’s Cave” Birmingham, "Mad Marriage” George Gibbs, “The Island God Forgot” Stitson, “The Voice of Dashin” Ganpat, “Wolves of the Sea” Randall Parrish, “The Lazy Detective” George Dilnot. All at 2/6 each. The Book Hall, Hyndman’s.—Advt.

SUMMER HOLIDAYS. SUMMER HOLIDAYS. GET BETTER SNAPS —Let — STEWART’S PHARMACY ! DO YOUR DEVELOPING AND PRINTING. DEVELOPING AND PRINTING. Notice to quit, applying SOLVEX, the rapid corn cure. It won’t stand any non* sense from corns. Price 1/6. BROWN’S PHARMACY—Advt. ' “A thing devised by the devil.”— Shakespeare. That is what one might term a sudden change in the weather —which brings annoying coughs and colds. Be prepared. Have a bottle of Baxter’s handy. _ Baxter’s Lung Preserver is a rich, red, soothing compound, that gives relief from the worst cough or cold. Also effective in cases of bronchitis, influenza, asthnia, and all throat and lung troubles. “Baxter's” possesses unique tonic properties. All chemists and stores. Generous-sized bottle,’ 2/6; large economical size 4/6; bachelor size 1/6.’ Be sure you get “Baxter's.”—(Advt.)