TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 21073, 3 May 1930, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

There is one point in the recent statement by the Prime Minister in respect of which full credit should be given to the Government (says the New Zealand Herald). Referring to the application of the special land tax and the constitution of a tribunal to receive appeals, Sir Joseph Ward said “this commission was given an entirely free hand‘by the Government, which has accepted its decisions in all cases.” The second part of that statement represents a substantial concession to the claim that even large farmers and wealthy landowners are entitled to justice in matters 6f taxation. It is a fulfilment of a promise wrung from the Minister of Lands during the final debate on the Bill and a .surrender of the original demand that the commission’s recommendations should be subject to departmental veto. That the commission had a free hand—-to examine all cases and causes of hardship—was, however, due to the steadfast opposition of the Reform Party to the Government’s proposal that it should recognise only hardship due to “the financial position of the taxpayer’’-—in effect, that he simply could not pay the levy. The Government reluctantly abandoned this iniquitous proposal: point by point it acknowledged the justice of the Reform Party’s contentions, until at last it abandoned its hopeless position and agreed that hardship should be recognised “on any fair and reasonable grounds whatever.” Just before the final division, Mr Forbes attempted to minimize the importance of this amendment. “No doubt cases of hardship will be found,” he remarked, “but the men who are making the greatest amount of noise are not the men who will really be hardly treated.” According to a statement issued by Mr Forbes in January, the special land tax had been claimed from 1500 landowners, the total assessment being £315,000, and appeals had been lodged by 587—a literal confirmation of Mr Downie Stewart’s prediction that there would be hundreds of appeals. Now Sir Joseph Ward has stated that “after deducting remissions amounting to nearly £lOO,OOO, the special land tax brought about £250,000 additional revenue.” 4

The development of hydro-electric power in New Zealand was reviewed by Mr R. Ogilvie Buchanan in a paper read before a recent meeting in London of the Royal Geographical Society. He stated that although power production in proportion to population was exceeded by only four countries—Norway, Sweden, Canada and Switzerland—industrial demand, in the sense in which if would be understood in the United States, Canada, or Sweden, did not at present exist. The cities provided the major part of the demand for power—utilized for tramway systems, for numerous small industrial enterprises (flour mills, boot factories, freezing works, rope works, furniture factories, confectionery works, and so on), and especially for public lighting and domestic purposes. Rural demand, however, formed in New Zealand probably a larger proportion of total demand than in any other country, and of this rural demand the most important element was |,he purely domestic. It seemed unlikely that hydro-electric power would enable New Zealand to become an industrial country. Against the possession of cheap power and of raw materials for certain industries must be set the major problems of an adequate supply of cheap iron and the organization of any industry' on a scale large enough to secure all possible manufacturing economies. It would seem impossible under conditions of modern competition from countries already industrialized to repeat in the woollen industry the record established in the cotton industry by Lancashire, which from the beginning depended upon foreign markets rather than upon the home market. For a front-rank wood pulp and paper industry there was insufficient raw material, and the only industry that seemed to hold out much hope of developing to a size of world importance was the manufacture of artificial nitrate, which the experience of Norway seemed to prove had least need of a large and expanding home market. That industry, however, while it might use great quantities of power, would absorb altogether inconsiderable amounts of labour.

The Dominion Meteorologist, last night issued the following information: An intense anti cyclone is still centred near Tasmania, but pressure is relatively low over and to the cast of New Zealand. Conditions are rather disturbed in the north Tasman. Winds south-westerly over the South Island and south-west to south-east, thence northwards. Moderate for the most part, but freshening at times. Seas in New Zealand waters moderate generally. Moderate south-west to south-east winds in the eastern Tasman, but freshening in the northern portion. Seas smooth to moderate. Weather mainly fair to fine, but changeable at times in eastern and southern districts with sonic isolated showers. Cold temperatures with some night frosts.

Advertisements relating to Meetings, Election and Public Notices, Tenders, For Sale, Lost and Found, Motor Vehicles For Sale, To Let, etc., appear on Page 2.

A number of people in Timaru are in the habit of leaving washing out overnight, but (says the Herald) it would seem that this is an unwise practice. Several complaints have reached the police of late of washing having been stolen. In almost every instance underclothing has been taken, and it is practically impossible for the police to trace the missing articles of apparel.

The hearing of the claim in which John McKenzie, of Invercargill, labourer (Mr P. Gilfedder) proceeded against Margaret Macarthur, of Ohai, married woman (Mr A. F. Hogg) to recover the sum of £2O, being the balance of wages due in respect of a contract for gorse cutting, was concluded in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. After hearing the evidence for the defence, the Magistrate, Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., said he was not satisfied that the work had been done as stipulated by the contract and to the satisfaction of the defendant. Accordingly, he non-suited the plaintiff. Costs amounting to £4 2/- were allowed.

In the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, before Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., Thomas O’Dea, of Invercargill, labourer (Mr Gordon J. Reed) sued Edgar B. Ayres, of Highcliff Road, Shiel Hill, Dunedin, labourer, and Katherine Ayres (his wife), for the sum of £lO, being the balance due under a promissory note for £2O payable “on demand” and given by the defendants in favour of the plaintiff. Plaintiff further claimetl the sum of £2 7/6 as interest to the date of judgment. A notice of defence was; filed and the defendants” evidence, which was a denial of the signing of the promissory [note, was taken in Dunedin. After hearing the plaintiff’s testimony, the Magistrate gave judgment, for the . amount claimed (£l2 7/6).together with costs (£4 13/-), j

A commission from the Southjand Education Board will visit a large number of schools in the Eastern District 'next Wednesday.

Pleading not guilty to two . charges of selling liquor without a license, Gideon Scott elected to be dealt with by jury and was committed for trial.—Ashburton Press Association message.

There were a, number of new followers present at the opening meet of the Taranaki Hunt Club, and in making reference to the fact Mr A. H. Halcombe, the master, said it was evident that motor cars and motor cycles had not absorbed all the young people. There were still young men and young women who admired a good horse, and were fond of the grand old sport of hunting. The Taranaki Hunt had turned out many good horses in the past, and in this connection he specially referred to the more recent honours brought to the club by Omeo.

The Rev. G. E. Moreton, now Anglican prison chaplain in Auckland, has received the following letter from Mr W. S. Simpson, head teacher of the Mornington School, Victoria: “The president of the Ex-Pupils’ Association; Mornington School, New Zealand, —Dear sir: We, the staff, pupils, and School Committee of State School 2033, Mornington, Victoria, -have safely received your gracious letter conveying greetings to us from our namesake school, Morningtdn, in bonnie New Zealand. We feel that you are very near to us in blood, as members of the great British Empire, of which we are both strong, loyal members. We, in return, send our hearty good will and greetings to the staff, pupils and ex-pupils of Mornington School in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand, and may the links in the chain that binds us never rust. We accept your souvenir in the spirit in which it was proffered.”

The visit of the party of Maori orators and singers from all different parts of New Zealand and Chatham Islands is giving the residents of Southland a unique opportunity of seeing and hearing Maori customs and melodies, etc. In Southland, as elsewhere, the longer the party remains lhe more popular it becomes. Its generosity in visiting various institutions and giving free concerts is characteristic of the Maori, and the utter naturalness of the visitors as they appear even before the largest audiences is most delightful. An opportunity is presented of seeing the Maori as he is and noting the expression of his inner self. Many Maori entertainments are spoiled by artificiality and an undue attempt to entertain in a semipakeha way. But the very varied and highclass programmes presented by these chiefs and chieftainesses, while fascinating and delightful to both critics and the public, are exceptionally free from these objectionable features. It is the naturalness of the visitors that is their greatest charm, while their vocal items are unsurpassed.

Whatever else you miss don’t miss hearing the Methodist Maori Mission Party under the leadership of Te Hiima (Rev. A. J. Seamer). —Advt.

See Railway advertisement this issue regarding cheap fares Forburv Park Trots.— Advt.

Fruit. If you want quality get it at the Central (next Noble's, Dec street). Full stocks of everything in season also jam melons, choice cauliflowers, celery, marrows etc. Cases delivered free in town. F. Perrow. —Advt.

An advertisement appearing elsewhere in this issue draws attention to the Rugby Art Union, which is for £4,000 in prize-money, and proceeds from which are for the purpose of raising funds for the purchase and equipment of football grounds in Taranaki for the' Taranaki Rugby Union. —Advt.

Sequah announces in this issue that he will speak and give free demonstration Monday and Tuesday next in the Drill Hall, Winton. No doubt many people of Winton and district will avail themselves of the opportunity of witnessing Sequah’s demonstrations. The Winton Band will be in attendance. Admission free.—Advt.

Major and Mrs Beasy of the Salvation Army Headquarters, Dunedin, who are under farewell orders, will as the Divisional Commanders for the Otago and Southland districts visit Invercargill this week-end to say farewell to the local forces. Adjutant John Nelson, late of the Army’s missionary work in China, will accompany the Major and Mrs Beasy. The adjutant is visiting Invercargill for the first time. These officers will take part in all the citadel services this Sunday.—Advt.

Go to church on Sunday evening but afterwards attend lhe 8.15 Maori Mission choral service in the Regent Theatre.— Advt.

If you want a warm coat for your child at a reasonable price try Miss Noble’s, “The Baby Shop," Dec street.—Advt.

“Because it is mellow and well-matured, it has become New Zealand’s favourite— Dewar’s whisky.”—Advt.

See our window display of winter hose, vests and bloomers. Note our low prices. Wicks’ Hose and Vert Shop, Dec street.— Advt. N.Z. BOOK DEPOT’S BIG BOOK SALE CLOSES TO-DAY. (Advt.) Before purchasing your Fur Coat be sure and interview us. Prices range from 13gns to £42 10/-. For quality goods at lower prices shop at Chas. Lewis’s.—Advt. Every housewife well must know, That hams may come and hams may go, But once that Hitchon’s Hams are eaten, All other brands are badly beaten.—Advt.

AUTUMN is the BEST TIME for PHOTOGRAPHY. Complete stocks of all the latest CAMERAS and freshest FILMS obtainable from STEWART'S PHARMACY, corner Dee and Don Streets.—Advt.

We all know the advantages of a youthful appearance. Your hair is one of Nature’s chief charms. It makes or mars the face. If there are signs of grey hair use Price’s Albanian Hair Restorer, and you will be delighted with the result. Post free for 3/- from T. J. Price, Chemist, Riverton.—Advt.

Pure wool full-fashioned hosiery, something really good at a price that will sell them quickly. These goods are of very fine quality, heavy weight, all shades usually sold at 6/6 pair, now 5/6 pair only at the Mutual Fur Co., Tay street.—Advt.

ITCH —This name, is often applied to any itching disorder of the skin, but true itch is caused by the presence of the itch-mite, a tiny parasite. The head is seldom affected. Itching is usually intense, more especially when the patient i.s warm, leading to violent scratching. BROWN’S ITCH OINTMENT is a positive cure for this trouble. Full directions for use on each pot. Price 3/6, at BROWN’S PHARMACY, 125 Dee street.— Advt.

"Not so quiet . . .” Stepdaughters of War by Helen Zenna Smith. This book is described as “An honest, unsentimental, savage, record of a girl ambulance driver in France. It is a marvellous piece of realistic writing.” The book is written by a well-known English authoress who cloaks her identity under the nom de plume of Helen Z. Smith, and gives the “inside story” of the war from the point of view of the woman "tommy.” Price 6/-, posted 6/4. Hyndman’s, Booksellers, Dee street.—Advt.

A new type of adjustable blackboard, which is suspended from the ceiling instead of resting on an easel or on the wall, was shown to members of the Education Board yesterday. The blackboard is the invention of Waianiwa residents and possesses many advantages over the old type.

Whether the public treats betting on racing as a business or as an amusement, it is certainly prepared to pay, and pay dearly, for it (remarks the Auckland Star). The general opinion has led us to believe that money is tight in the Dominion, but the totalisator returns recorded at six meetings on a recent Saturday hardly bear this out. At. Ellerslie the volume of betting reached £74,732, at the Metropolitan trots, Christchurch, £49,072 10/-, at I'eilding £28,651, at Featherston £23,066 10/-, at Riverton £21,413 10/-, and at the Hawera trots £17,659, or a total of £214,594 10/-. As approximately 3/- is deducted in taxation from each £1 invested, the public was charged £32,189 for the privilege of being allowed to have a legal bet.

The fortnightly meeting of Court Pride of Gore, A.0.F., was held on Thursday evening, P.C.R. Sister Reid presiding over a fair attendance of members. Letters of thanks were received from the District Executive and several other courts for the manner in which the district meeting was organized, and for the way in which the visitors were entertained. The report of the social secretary on the dance held on Easter Monday showed a credit, for which success thanks were due to the committee. Thanks were also due to Mrs A. E. Ferguson for playing at the social on the Saturday evening, and for playing extras at the dance. An invitation to attend the annual ball of Court Star of Heriot- was received and accepted. It was arranged to engage a bus to leave the Gore Post Office at 6.45 p.m. on May 9. One candidate was initiated into the order with due ceremony. The report of the delegates to the district meeting was received, and a vote of thanks to them and others who assisted was carried by acclamation. A meeting of the social committee was called for Saturday at 7.30 p.m.

We have pleasure in advising our numerous customers that we have opened another shipment of Cream Embroidery Linen. This "Old Bleach” product is very much in demand, and is specially manufactured for drawn thread work. Thomson and Beattie Ltd., can supply this popular linen in 36 inch at 4/6, 40 inch at 5/6, 45 inch at 6/9. Samples gladly forwarded to any address. —Advt.

“It is our duty not to suffer.” —Dr Vinet. There’s no need to suffer if you are afflicted with a cough or cold. The most sensible way of getting rid of it is to take a few doses of that sterling rimedy, Baxter’s Lung Preserver.

"Baxter’s” besides being invaluable for coughs, colds and all throat, chest and lung affection, is an excellent tonic too. Rich, warming and soothing. Generous-sized bottle 2/6, family size 4/6, bachelor size 1/6. All chemists and stores. —Advij-