TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 21087, 20 May 1930, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

“Very many of the factors and influ-, ences making for a world war throughout the generation before 1914 no longer exist,” Mr. J. L, Garvin wrote recently in the Observer. “Old military dynasties—Hohenzollerns, Hapsburgs, Romanoffs have disappared. The explosion of Austria-Hungary, which became the real Krakatoa of worldpolitics, has occurred. The Balkans are considerably more stabilized. For a generation to come Russia under any regime will have her hands full with her own problems. Germany'is a’Republic, which will not bid again for sea supremacy, and is bound to work more and more for American friendship. Since the armistice the emancipation of oppressed races, the restoration of AlsaceLorraine, the creation of Greater Italy, have removed many former causes of war. For the industrial -Japan of to-day peace is the greatest of Japanese interests. Above

all, the Anglo : American settlement has become fool-proof and knave-proof. In sober fact the world to-day, with all its imperfections and hazards, is a far more rationalized and safer affair than the pre-war world. Throughout civilization there is a mighty movement against international war, and that movement is strongest in America and Britain—that is, among all the Englishspeakers who control so largely the sea supplies vital to the war-making capacity and endurance of most nations. The public opinion of the world to-day will decide the issue against any nation which invades another in violation of the Kellogg Pact or the Covenant or both. No country dare go to war without previous resort to consultation and mediation. Whatever the immediate temptation, the sense of the ultimate risk of bringing the general opinion of the world into adverse action would be too grave.”

"Considerable interest has been aroused by the Marchese Marconi's feat of operating a switch at Sydney from a station in Italy, and it has been made the basis of a certain amount of more or less uncritical speculation as to the possibility that, in the near future, electrical power will be transmitted over large distances without the use of wire,” Professor E. N". da C. Andrade wrote recently in the Observer. “Be the remote possibilities what they may—and a man need be hold to say that this or that will never be achieved —there is nothing in the Marchese’s performance which brings the consummation any nearer. At any time during the last five years, at a very modest estimate, switches in Sydney could have been operated by wireless from Europe: in fact, with modern technique, as soon as wireless signals can be received with any distinctness, there is no limit to the power which can be set in motion by their agency —set in motion, not transmitted. By means of the type of instrument technically known as a relay a very minute current is made to close a circuit whch permits a larger current, from batteries at the receiving end, to pass, and this larger current can then, in its turn, operate a relay which clears the way for a still larger current, and the process can be carried further until switches of any magnitude desired can be operated, and all available power released. It is a pretty technical feat —but the feeble power transmitted by the wireless signal lights the lamp in Sydney no more and no less than the strength of the pretty girl who presses the button pushes the great ship down the launching slipway. No one suggests that because she sets the great*ship in motion the day must be near when a pretty girl seated in the engine room will provide the motive power of a ship.”

The Dominion Meteorologist last night issued the following information: A slight low pressure wave is crossing the Dominion to-day. An anti-cyclone extends from south-eastern Australia over the Tasman Sea. Winds moderate, south-westerly north of New Plymouth and Napier, elsewhere north-westerly to westerly, becoming strong in Cook and Foveaiix Straits, later backing to south-westerly in the south. Seas in New Zealand waters rough in Foveaux Straits and later in Cook Strait. Elsewhere moderate. West to south-west winds, moderate in the northern nortion with moderate seas strong in the southern portion with rather rough seas. Weather mainly fair, but some showers in the western district and south from Dunedin. Moderate temperatures.

A slight earthquake was felt at 12.20 a.m. and the record indicates that the origin was in the Murchison locality (states a Wellington Press Association telegram).

A Dunedin telegram state*: Mrs. Riddoch, an inmate of Taiboy's Home, celebrated her hundredth birthday on Sunday. The old lady received a congratulatory telegram from Sir Joseph Ward and the Mayor and Mayoress were present at the celebratory function. She distinctly recalls the accession of Queen Victoria.

In the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, before Mr. E. C. Levvey S.M., orders under the Destitute Persons Act in favour of Aloysius Gavin (Mr. F. G. O’Beirne) for 7/6 a week were made against Malcolm Richard Gavin of Whangarei, Bridget McNish of Christchurch, and Mary Ann Daly of Christchurch, a brother and sisters of the complainant.

Again this year the position of unemployed teachers in is becoming less acute as the year passes (says the Press). * About six teachers whose engagements were only temporary were placed in permanent positions last month. This is expected to continue till the end of the year, when there should be few teachers in Canterbury without permanent work.

“Probably one of the best and most graceful advertisements New Zealand could possibly have evolved was the granting of permission for the Wellington carillon to be erected in Hyde Park,” was the opinion expressed by one of the British footballers. He stated that the carillon recitals had attracted huge crowds ever since the New Year, and London would lose something when they cease. The chairman of the carillon committee (Mr 11. D. Bennett) said on Saturday that the period of the carillon’s existence in Hyde Park (London) was to terminate about the present time, and arrangements would now be made by Messrs Gillett, and Johnson, the Croydon founders, to ship the bells out to Wellington.

Despite the unfavourable weather conditions there was a good attendance at the AU Nations’ Fair yesterday and the financial returns proved satisfactory. . During the evening Harvey’s orchestra played acceptable items and Miss Rene Ward’s pupils delighted the audience with their dancing, the performers being “Shamrock Dance” (Lola Hoffman, Mollie Wills, Nancy Lee, Gloria McChesney and Maidie Hughes), “Nymph Dance” (Patty Keppel), “Acrobatic Dance” (Baby Doreen Thomson), "Toe Dance” (Mollie Wills), “Bacchanalian Dance” (Gloria McChesney) and “Dutch Dance” (Lola Hoffman). The popular Copper Top Minstrels will make their second appearance this evening with an entirely new programme of music, ‘limericks and merriment and Professor Blanc will continue his marvellous exhibition of character reading. ■

The W.E.A. class met last evening at the Y.M.C.A. rooms. The chairman, Mr I. L. Petrie, after expressing satisfaction at the attendance considering the inclemency of the weather, introduced the subject for the evening as, “The Changing Maori,” by Mr F. M. Keesing. Mr A. G. Butchers, M.A., delivered a most interesting and educative lecture on the subject, reference being made to recent developments in sheep and dairy farming amongst the Ngatiperon people of the North Island. The lecturer also called ■the attention of the class to James Cowan’s book, “The Maoris in the Great War,” illustrating the part which the Natives played shoulder to shoulder with the pakeha in the defence of y the Empire. Finally, a new novel, written by Judge Acheson, entitled, “Plume of the Arawas" (recently published in New Zealand) was described. Next Monday evening, a new series of six lectures entitled, “The Problems of the Pacific,” will be commenced. New members arc invited and visitors, are always made welcome.

In the City Police Court yesterday morning, before Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., a statutory first offender for drunkenness, who had been bailed out, was fined the amount of his bail, £l. .- On Saturday evening one of the engines on the Ohai Railway Board’s branch line from Ohai to Wairio went off the track when steaming into the Wairio yard. The derailment was due to the points becoming locked, but little damage was occasioned to the locomotive.

There is a possibility of two new industries being started in South Canterbury (says the Timaru Herald). One will deal with linseed fibre. This, it is stated, will return at least five per cent, to the farmer. This statement was made by the president of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce (Mr' F. S. Shrjmpton), the other evening. The other industry was not named.

That the South Island farmers are not looking forward to the coming winter with any greater hopes than those of their fellow-farmers in the North was the opinion expressed to a Manawatu Standard reporter by Mr J. W. Deem, of the fields division of the Department of»Agriculture. Mr Deem, who recently returned from a visit to the South Island, stated that there had been no rain to speak of in Canterbury for weeks, and that in some parts water was being carted to stock. “Even,” added Mr Deem, “if they do get rain now, it will do no good; it is too late —better far for the dry weather to continue.”

At a sitting of the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, Mr E. C. Levvey S.M. presiding, several maintenance cases were dealt with. Proceeded against by the Maintenance Officer, Mr J,, H. Fulton, for arrears amounting to £l6 5/-, due up to April 15, 1930, Thomas Morton of Seaward Downs was ordered to pay the amount forthwith in default, imprisonment for one month. Harry Warden, who was stated to be in arrears to the amount of £5, due up to April 23, 1930, was convicted and sentenced to one month’s imprisonment, warrant to be discharged on payment of all arrears to date Louis Stewart, of Christchurch, proceeded against by Mary Ann Cambridge Stewart, for arrears amounting to £30.3/-' due up to April 11, 1930, was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment in Christchurch, warrant to be discharged on payment of all arrears. Be wise and shop here for warm Rompers; a good selection in Flannel, Winceyette and Velveteen and the prices are right. —Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee Street. —Advt. HER MAJESTY’S GIFT. Learning of the difficulties under which the district nurse of Crathie, in Aberdeenshire, was working her district, her Majesty the Queen presented to the Crathie Nursing Association an Austin Seven Saloon, The Queen’s nurse,’ Nurse Eggie, of East Balmoral, Crathie; Aberdeenshire, writes as under: “I have found the Austin Seven Saloon car entirely satisfactory. It is very comfortable, easily understood and easily kept in order. My district is very wide and scattered, the roads very rough in general, but the Austin usually takes me to the door of the most lonely glen cottages.” See the Austin Sevens at P. 11, VICKERY, LTD., Showrooms, Dee Street, —Advt. ' ; . ■ Children’s Wool Gloves from 1/- pair. Ladies’ Wool Gloves 1/6, 2/6 and 2/11 pair. For value and low prices shop at Wicks’ Hose and Vest Shop, Dee Street. — Advt. “Because it is mellow and well-matured, it has become New Zealand’s favourite-— Dewar's whisky.”—Advt. Now all young wives, here’s good advice “Don’t risk a joint to bake, Try Hitchon’s Bacon nicely fried, Twill hubby's fancy take."—Advt. We have pleasure in advising our' numerous customers that we have opened another shipment o( 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. MOTOR REGISTRATIONS 1930-31. All motor registrations expire on May 31, 1930, and the registration authorities ask you to re-register early to avoid congestion. Motor car owners of any make of car can save themselves the worry by handing the necessary fees and; their present registration certificate to Messrs P. H. Vickery Ltd., on or after May 25, 1930, and they will provide the necessary forms, fill them in correctly for your signature, arrange your insurance, obtain your new plates, and attach them to your car or truck FREE OF CHARGE, our clients or otherwise. P. H. VICKERY LTD., Cr. Dec and Leet streets, Invercargill.— Advt. Silk and Wool Hose 3/11 per pair. This surely will appeal to the keenest buyers. English ladder-proof, hard-wearing hose that are outstanding value at the price 3/11 only at the Mutual Fur Coy., Tay street.— (Advf.) Special Values offering in Children's Books. Bruin Boys’ Annual 5/- now 3/11. Mrs Hippos’ Annual 5/- now 3/11. Rainbow Annual 5/- now 3/11. Bo Peep Bumper Annual 5/- now 3/11. Bubbles' Annual 5/- now 3/11. Chicks’ Own Annual 5/- now 3/11—Hyndman’s Dee Street. —Advt. New Electric Light Frames, New Fringes, Gold and Silver Tassels, all sizes; Gold anti Silver Braids and Fringes; Lamp Shades made to order. For Novelties shop at Chas. Lewis’s. w ’ (Advt.) IT’S WINTER-TIME] Get Your HOT WATER BAGS now, from STEWART'S PHARMACY. . . All Bags are fresh, And Every Bag Guaranteed. —Advt. “We and The Baby” is a racy account of the most remarkable journey made by any motor car in Australia and the most remarkable journey made by a small car anywhere in the world. Some appreciative reviews: “A story of fascinating interests”; “A most readable book”; “A splendid record”; “Not to be missed on any pretext.” That the intrepid travellers were New Zealanders gives the book an added interest. Copiously illustrated. Price 7/6, 8/- posted. Available at the N.Z. Book Depot, Esk street, Invercargill.—(Advt.) BUY ONLY A 1930 Hot Water Bottle. Modern manufacturing processes have greatly increased the quality in Hot Water Bags without any increase in price. BROWN, The Chemist has just received another large supply of 1930 bags. They are easy and safe to" fill, reinforced seam, improved valve. Guaranteed steamproof,' the modern Free of Risk Bag takes the shivers from the. sheets and makes you sorry to leave them. See them at BROWN’S PHARMACY, Geo. H. Brown, Chemist, 125 Dee Street.—Advt. “It mends the gross mistakes of Nature.” —Butler. Everyone agrees that one of Nature’s big.' gest mistakes is a distressing cough or cold. But the secret of mending all complaints of the throat, chest and lungs lies in the penetrating qualities of Baxter’s Lung Preserver. This wonderful specific gets to work quickly., Soothes the bronchial passages and eases breathing. Protects the lungs. An excellent tonic, too. Be sure you get “Baxter's.” Bachelor size 1/6. Generous-sized bottle 2/6, Economical • Umily size 4/o.—Adyt,

“Before long the women will be going out to work and the men will be staying at home to do the washing up,” said the Rev. F. Dunnage, speaking to the Church of England Men's Society at Christchurch (reports the Press). Mr Dunnage was urging the society to become more energetic and mentioned the prominence of women in public affairs. Women were keen and men apathetic, he said. The Mothers’ Union was a far larger body than the Men’s Society, and a more active one.

The jury empannelled in the Northcote case, who have been kept “in custody” since the trial of Arthur Thomas Munn on a charge of murder was commenced on Monday of last week, were taken to the pictures under escort. As th*-- filed into the theatre they attracted attention from all sides, and there was a good deal of speculation as to whom they were. While some guessed aright;* one woman was heard to remark to a companion: “Oh, there goes the British football team.” While some of the jurors are big in proportions, most of them are of mature years. At all events, they are well past their Rugby days.

When a telegraph official was giving evidence in the Munn trial in the Auckland Supreme Court, he said that one of the telegrams produced had been handed in at Auckland at 12.22 p.m. Counsel for the defence asked how the witness knew this. The reply was that it was shown at the top of the telegram. Counsel, looking at a photographic reproduction of the telegraph form, asked in which corner was it shown. “In the middle,” replied the witness. Counsel, still puzzled, went toward the box to see the ' original. It was then revealed that the official was referring to the letters “N.D.5.,” which he said, formed the code for “12.22.”

Two young men anxious to take up fencing with foils entered a large book shop in Christchurch the other day and inquired from the girl at the counter for a book on fencing. She looked puzzled, and then informed the two young men that there was nothing of the sort in stock. However, she would ask the manager of the department to make quite sure. The manager also shook his head. No; there was no sort of book on the subject. “Nothing at all; not even something in a general book on sport ’’’ "asked the young man.' “No. I’m afraid not. AH I can suggest that we have of any use is a copy of the Fencing Act,” was the surprising reply.

“Out of 86,000 farmers in New Zealand, only 4602 obtained any relief as a result of the Reform Government’s taxation reductions/’ declared Mr H. E. Holland, speaking at Frankton the other night The benefits of these reductions, he said, merely went to a few wealthy land owners. Six of them obtained relief to the extent of £3300 each, six over £2OOO each, and 250 more than half of the total relief, while over 80,000 farmers received no relief whatever. The total amount of the relief given tb this comparatively small number of wealthy farmers was more than the Reform' Government’s reductions in civil service salaries, which it claimed was ntteessary ovring to economic pressure.

A graphic description of the depression ruling in parts of England is contained in a letter to a Shannon resident from his brother. The writer states that the cotton trade is in a deplorable condition. In the town <jf which he is a.resident there are about 11,000 people on the unemployment register out, of the 60,000 inhabitants. The largest school building-sin the town has had to be taken over temporarily to deal with the crowds of people signing on and drawing unemployment pay. The price of potatoes iij February and March had gone down to £l,per ton wholesale, and new laid eggs as lovi| as 1/2 a dozen. The writer expresses the that the foregoing constitutes a reason for the present low price of New Zealand produce in England