TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 21273, 19 December 1930, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

By 462 votes to 116 the meeting of Conservative Peers, members of the House of Commons, and candidates rejected a resolution declaring a change in the leadership of the party to be necessary in the national interest, and a resolution of confidence in Mr Baldwin and pledging support for him both in Parliament and in the constituencies was then carried nemine contradicente. Mr Baldwin, after emphasizing the point that the policy is a matter for the leader, asked the party to endorse his declaration that its fiscal policy is the policy of the free hand. Mr Baldwin at first said that the show of hands was unanimous in his support, but he subsequently corrected this and declared that there was one hand held up in opposition. The official report states that the hand was that of Lord Beaverbrook. During the subsequent discussion, Lord Beaverbrook said he was not specially interested in the leadership of the party so long as the leader expounded his (Lord Beaverbrook’s) particular policy—which had already been unanimously rejected by the meeting. Lord Hailsham pointed out that if they were to depose Mr Baldwin there was no suitable alternative candidate for the office, and, in reply to cries from various parts of the meeting that he himself was the obvious successor, he hinted that in present conditions the leader of the party must be in the House of Commons and not in the House of Lords.

“Among several good reasons why Mr Baldwin continues as leader is the truth that there is no one at present whom the party and the country would prefer to see in his place,” said The Times, in commenting on the decision of the party. As to the responsibilities of the party itself The Times remarked: “While the present Parliament continues the need for a united, vigilant and effective body to the left of the Chair must steadily grow. The ‘balancing party,’ in spite of itself, is as much taken up with its continued existence as with its function of criticism. The wholetime investigator and critic of Ministerial policy and administration in existing circumstances must be the Unionist Party. For patriotic as well as for prudential reasons a majorty of Unionists do not look for any precipitate test of opinion in the constituencies. There is the more reason why, when a general election does come, it should elicit a definite national ruling on an issue put clearly and cogently to the electorate. The broad and definite choice between two economic policies—-between a policy of self-help and a policy of sufferance—can only be made with decision if those who are asking for organization and action can state a plain case, as nearly proof against distortion as possible, and state it in unison. . . . The future of the party, the force ;>f its appeal, the fortunes of its candidates all depend now upon the logic and vigour with which their resolution is given effect. They need expect no intermission of the persevering and devious campaign to add fantastic embellishments to their policy or to damage their leader in the interests of a successor who cannot —without the invitation of ridicule—even be named. But the Conservative Party would become ludicrous in the public eye if its discipline should now prove unable to stifle some individual regrets that the perfect party leader still awaits discovery.”

Last evening the Government Meteorologist issued the following forecast: An anti-cyclone of slight intensity covers New Zealand. The cyclone referred to yesterday is now centred south-east of Sydney and is of considerable intensity. Winds moderate. Variable winds in the South Island tending northerly and, later, freshening. Elsewhere, moderate to strong southerly, also veering later to northerlies. Seas still considerable. A swell between East Cape and Kaikoura, but decreasing elsewhere and moderate in the Tasman Sea. Moderate but freshening north-east winds in the eastern Tasman Sea, with moderate but rising seas. Weather fair to fine generally at first but, later, cloudy and haze increasing in the western districts, with rain gradually developing. Temperatures rising.

’ An earthquake shock was felt at 11.23 on Wednesday night followed by three others at 5.54 a.m., 6.46 a.m., and 9.9 a.m. All were slight and the origin was estimated to be between 75 and 200 miles distant, though the direction cannot be definitely stated, states a Wellington Press Association message.

A Press Association message from Wellington states that at the inquest held yesterday concerning the death of Arthur John Dennis, who died in hospital on November 26 after being severely burned when a motor car overturned and caught fire near Waikanac, a formal verdict was given that the deceased died as the result of a motor accident.

In the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, before Mr E. C. Lcvvey, S.M., orders in favour of judgment creditors were made in the following judgment summons cases: Official Assignee v. D. Liiburne, of Milton, for £2 11/6 forthwith, in default two days’ imprisonment; Andrew Lees Ltd. v. Louis Findlay, of Limehills, for £ll 2/6 forthwith, in default seven days’ imprisonment.

“Unless it is absolutely necessary for an employee to work on a holiday, he must take it,” said Mr A. G. Williams at a meeting of the Heathcote County Council, when an application for additional staff holidays to his annual leave was made by an employee. “No one should be permitted to accumulate the odd holidays that occur during the year, and add them to his annual leave, as it means that our employees are absent too long, and possibly just at the time when there may be a rush of work.” It was decided that the extra days be granted to the employee this year, but uot in future.

In the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, before Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., judgment by default for plaintiffs was given in the following cases:—Featherstone, Adamson and Francis v. Jimere Cantrick, of Ohai, for £4 18/3, costs £1 7/6; New Zealand Book Depot v. V. A. Meston, of Dunedin; for 17/3, costs 12/-; Permanent Investment and Loan Association of Southland v. Archibal Meikle, Bertie Meikle and G. Gordon Meikle, all of Mataura, for £36 1/3, costs £4 11/6; H. Rillstone v. Vincent G. Holloway, of Dunedin, for £4, costs £1 4/6; A. W. Jones v Peter Gutsell, of Riverton, for £2, costs £1 3/6; Official Assignee v. William T. Doyd, of Ohai, for £lO 10/-, costs £2 18/-; F. Bowden and Company v, James Newton, of Colac Bay, for £1 19/6, costs 10/-; S. McDonald Limited v. A. Napper, of Woodlands, for £2 5/6, costs £1 5/6; Video Supplies Limited v. John Yeo for £3 16/-, costs £1 3/6; H. and J. Smith Limited v. A. Dickson for £5 4/2, costs £1 10/6; Lange Bros. Limited v. J. Hayden, of Tokanui, for 11/-, costs 5/-; Southland News Company, Limited v. A. C. Robertson, of Otatara, for £9 17/3, costs £1 14/6.

“Dealers are allowed to instal wireless sets for seven days only on trial, and after that the set must be taken away or a license obtained,” said the district radio inspector in the Magistrate's Court at Christchurch on Wednesday morning, when a man prosecuted for operating an unlicensed set, pleaded that he had it on approval.

The premier of Quebec recently made the prediction that in 10 years the province of Quebec will be making half the paper used in the world. He based his expectation on the fact that 25 per cent, of the world’s supply of newsprint now was produced in Quebec, that the industry is expanding rapidly and that the pulpwood supply was practically inexhaustible.

Discussion at a recent meeting of the Wanganui Unemployment Committee suggested that accepting labour from the departmental bureau was like taking a dip in the bran tub. Nobody knew what “prize” he had drawn until afterwards. One member told how he had asked for a man to dig post holes and do a bit of general fencing. “They sent up a qualified man,” ho said, “but he sharpened the posts and drove them in.” “That's nothing,” another representative replied. “X was sent a qualified gardener and he dug in all my broad beans.”

‘‘A case such as yours has been provided for in the list of exemptions just issued,” the Hon. S. G. Smith (Minister of Labour) informed a questioner at the meeting held in the Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber last Saturday night for the formation of a local advisory committee under the Unemployment Act. The questioner said that although he had considered he should be exempted, he had paid the first instalment of the levy, and he wanted to know whether he would obtain a refund. The Minister: I would not say that. The Questioner: But 1 am 73 years and over. The Mayor, Mr Baildon: You don’t look it.

Reports that some of the men engaged in the sawmilling industry on the West Coast, of the South Island have, through lack of work, turned their attention to prospecting as a means of livelihood, have raised the question whether gold mining could not absorb some of the unemployed (says an exchange). Men who know the West Coast and its conditions are agreed that while an experienced man might earn a poor living prospecting, the average' unskilled man would stand no chance of doing even that. It is stated that one can still see old-time miners working with a pan in the beach leads, the sea sands, and lagoons in South Westland, but though these men make a living, it is a poor one.

Messrs H. and J. Smith, Ltd., Departmental Stores, will close on Christmas Eve and re-open again on Monday, December 29. The management, have decided on this course so that the employees may have the benefit of a complete four-day vacation.— Advt.

In order to avoid disappointment through delays during the holiday rush on the railways, it is earnestly requested that orders for Xmas cheer from the Bluff be posted as early as possible. THOMSONS LTD—Advt.

G. I. Moffett, chemist, Dee Street, has a splendid stock of the latest model British and Continental cameras at the new reduced prices. A camera makes an ideal Christmas gift ; we have them from 10/- to £25. —Advt.

SERVICE SHOE STORE, TAY STREET. Christmas Week Special Bargains. Thia week assigned stock bought at 9/5 in the £. Sandals and Sand Shoes for the Children. Tennis, Croquet and Bowling Shoes for all sports enthusiasts, all at Sale Prices during Christmas Week. Holiday Shoes, latest up to the minute styles. See our Pink Ticket prices. Look for the Blue and Silver Sign.—SERVICE SHOE STORE, next Single Profit Store, Tay Street. —Advt.

Gifts for the tiny tots. Dainty silk frocks, fugi rompers, silk knitted coat and hat sets, crepe-de-chene shoes etc., at Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee street.—Advt.

“If you like the best you will insist on getting Thomson’s ‘Purity’ Waters and Cordials.” —Advt.

Canterbury Locknit Silk Bloomers, 6/11, Vests 6/11, Fuji Silk Bloomers 3/11, Art Silk Bloomers 3/9. All new colours. See Windows at Wicks’ Hose and Vest Shop, Dee Street.—Advt.

Christmas Gifts.—See our splendid selection of Christmas Novelties, Unique Hand Bags, Kayser and Mercury Hosiery, Gloves, Toiletries, Handkerchiefs, Brass Ware etc. Shop for Christmas at Chas. Lewis, Grand Corner. —Advt.

Will Christmas buyers please note that a new supply is now here of “Hammermill” gift stationery (the large box with the latest style paper and envelopes) 2/11 box. Also "Initial” stationery 2/- box. Parents will be pleased to know that the new toy aeroplane “Amy, Queen of the Air” (8/6) —somewhat overdue, is now at Hyndman’s, Dee street, and orders can be filled at once. (Shop is open until 6 p.m.) —Advt.

CHRISTMAS WEEK AT MCDONALD’S CITY BOOT PALACE, DEE STREET. Christmas week and lower prices. Selling this week newer styles bought by Mr S. McDonald, when in England. Lovely cosy toe slippers—prices lower than ever. Holiday Dress Shoes for Men and Women. Delightful designs and qualities. Bostocks, Marlow’s and Mocassin Shoes. New Zealand made shoes in great variety. Sports shoes for all sports. Patton’s assigned stock balance at half his usual prices. Christmas week sales handled by big staff of assistants. No waiting. See our windows and doors. McD'ONALD’S CITY BOOT PALACE, DEE STREET.—Advt.

What nicer present could you give her than Pure Silk Hosiery of good reliable quality. They are always appreciated by the ladies, more especially if they are good wearing; this we can assure you with Tre-zur Tripoint Pure Silk, which were 12/6 pair originally, but our clearing out. Hosiery Price is 8/6. We have ad shades and sizes 8j to 10 in new season’s- goods. The Mutual Fur Company, Tay Street. —Advt. A BROWNIE is the simplest camera in the world to get good pictures with. Large selection at lowest prices. BROWN, The Chemist. GEO. H. BROWN, Chemist, 125 Dee street. —Advt. . CHRISTMAS SNIP! Dubarry Bath Salts only 1/6 and 2/6 in bottles, tubes or cakes. Bath salts make ideal Christmas gifts. In . addition to Dubarry we have a fine selection of Yardley, Houbigant, Atkinson, Bourjois etc. all’at greatly reduced prices. You can save money here. STEWART’S PHARMACY, Corner Dee and Don streets. (Advt.) Toys! Half the marked price. Thomson Beattie are definitely clearing out all Toys and Dolls this year. Price is no object. You can buy more toys for 5/- or 10/- now than you have ever previously bought for twice that outlay. Call early. All toys are on the ground floor now.— Advt. BROWN’S PHARMACY makes all prints on VELOX because VELOX gives the best prints from your films. GEO. H. BROWN, Chemist, 125 Dee street. —Advt. Some lasting gifts for men and women: Scheaffer Metal Pencils, nickel 7/6 to 10/6; and gold plated at 25/-; in beautiful jade green 30/-; Lifetime Pens 50/- and 57/6; Waterman Fountain Pens 25/-, and with mounted barrel and gold band 37/6. N.Z. Book Depot, Ltd., Esk street, for the write gift.—Advt. CAMERAS from 7/6 to £3O at BROWN’S, The Chemist. Finest range ever shown in Southland. GEO. H. BROWN, Chemist, 125 Dee street.—Advt.

Ray Wilson, formerly of the South School, but now of the Linwood School, Christchurch, has won the first prize for writing in Standard 3 for district schools, the judge giving a prize of £l.

The peaceful atmosphere of cricket at Eden Park, Auckland, on last Saturday afternoon was interrupted by the report of a pea-rifle and the sound of a bullet as it passed over the park. Some boys standing near the Sandringham entrance to the. park had evidently discharged the rifle accidentally. Several cricketers threw themselves on the ground when they heard the unmistakable whine of the bullet.

Old coins have again come in for a good deal of discussion and two very old ones were, shown to our Winton correspondent yesterday. Bearing the heads of two Roman Emperors, they were of the old Roman type. It was obvious that the coins had been made by hand, as they were very uneven. Being about the size of a shilling, they were anything but round, but the heads on each were very distinct. Owing to the antiquity of the coins, the collector valued them a great deal.

“One thing that strikes the New Zealander forcibly when he goes Home is the wonderful response of the people to appeals for hospital extensions and church restoration,” said Archdeacon F. W. Chatterton, of Rotorua, on his recent return from a tour of England. "One hospital alone, that of St. Bartholomew's, in London, is asking for £1,090,000, and the response is marvellous, considering the economic condition of the country. Churches and cathedrals and historic buildings generally have been restored in extraordinary numbers and at tremendous cost since I was iu England 25 years ago.”

An echo of a competition in membership increase, conducted last year between the Gore and Gisborne Returned Soldiers' Associations, was heard (says the Poverty Bay Herald) when a circular from New Zealand Headquarters, read to the Gisborne executive, revealed that that branch stood fourth on the list of New Zealand branches in point of numerical strength. Christchurch headed the list, with Dunedin, Auckland anil Gisborne in that order, and Wellington fifth. Much satisfaction was expressed by members of the committee regarding the good standing of the local association in the list. “Where is poor old Gore ?” asked one member. “Oh, Gore is hanging on very well indeed. That branch now stands seventh,” replied the president, Lieut.-Colonel Gambrill, who added that the Dominion strength was 7720.

In the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, before Mr E. C. Lcvvy, S.M., Jane Holland, of Makarewa (Mr Eustace Russell), proceeded against John Holland, of Riversdale, a stallion proprietor, (Mr R. Stout), her step-son, on a civil claim for £l4 10/-. The case arose out of the plaintiff's care of the stallion Craigside. The amount claimed was made up of £l3 for grazing, feeding and watering, and £1 10/- being cost of repairs to a fence damaged by the stallion. Evidence was given by the plaintiff and her son, James Holland, Mr Stout said that the plaintiff realized that he would have to pay for the stallion, but he considered that the charge was excessive. His Worship gave judgment for the plaintiff for the amount claimed, with court costs £1 12/-, witness' expenses £2 9/-, and solicitor’s fee £2 12/-.

Members of the Southland Football Association met in the Rosewood Tea Rooms on Wednesday afternoon to entertain the scl’.ool teams that had taken part in the fixtures during the 1930 season. Mr T. Penman, president of the association, presided and welcomed the teams, the South, North, Waihopai and Middle Schools being represented. The cup which, was won by the Middle School team wafc presented by Mr Abraham Wachner and the medals for the individual members o( the team were presented by Mr W. Grieve, who represented the Education Board, H. Robertson, caplain of the Middle School team, replied on behalf of his team and Mr W. H. D. Gazzard thanked the association on behalf of the schools. During the course of the entertainment it was mentioned that the South Island tournament would be held in Invercargill next August.

Success seems to have at last crowned the effort to trace the original of the oftquoted young married woman who, on being asked at the railway ticket-box the brief question; “Single?” replied with a blush: “No, married!” It appears that this young lady appeared in December, 1873, as a candidate for a seat in Auckland's first train, which then opened- the Auckland-Onehunga service. The New Zealand Railways Magazine has found an octogenarian railwayman, Mr William Baker, of Hamilton, who says: "I will never forget one funny incident which occurred at the Onehunga office a few days after the first run. Mr Wesley Spragg’s brother was approached by a lady for a ticket. ‘Single?’ he queried. ‘Oh, no, I’m married,’ she replied. Young Spragg thought the joke too good to go unchronicled, and it appeared in a newspaper. The manager seriously advised him later that, he was not to make public such amusing situations that might create embarrassment. After a lapse of 57 years it is found possible to relax the rule.”