TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 21331, 27 February 1931, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

The demand of the Liberal Party in Britain for “electoral reform” has led to public discussion of the electoral methods proposed. In a letter to The Times. Colonel Cuthbert Headlam says: “lhe avowed object of proportional representation is to allow every shade of opinion, however insignificant it may be, to obtain separate representation, and in those Continental countries where the system is practised there are sometimes as many as 20 or 30 parties in the Legislature. As a result of this state of things Governments must be formed from groups of politicians who hold different views. . . . Governments are continually changing, and when one combination of politicians comes to grief another is formed to replace it, usually without an election. The policy of the country may thus be materially changed without the electorate being consulted. In Germany and in many of the smaller Continental States where proportional representation was introduced after the war, there is to-day a strong movement on foot for the introduction of the English system of majority voting in single-chamber constituencies. It is highly probable that this change would have been already carried into effect were it not that proportional representation is provided for in the various Constitutions and that constitutional amendment in most of these countries is a difficult and complicated process. It is rather typical of the slow-going methods of our would-be political reformers in this country that they should be advocating the importation of an electoral system at the very time when it has been tried elsewhere and found wanting.”

“The truth is that the mathematical conception of democracy is as practically dangerous as it is theoretically attractive,” The Times remarked in a leading article. The Royal Commission of 1908 explained that the system confused the electors, obscured the issues, encouraged a frivolous multiplication of candidates, invited party intrigue and personal vendettas, and led to the wastage of 65 per cent, of second preferences. "To-day all these old dangers persist, and the, new danger exists that in seeking to eliminate minority candidates the system will perpetuate minority Governments. If the House of Commons were really to reflect as in a mirror the opinions of the public in a country where there is universal adult franchise, it would abdicate its only claim to sovereignty—namely, that it exists to guide as well as to represent the people, and not only to represent political parties, but also to combine all the different interests existing in a great nation. The present Parliament is typical of the kind of Parliament which even so imperfect a realization of statistical perfection as the alternative vote is exactly calculated to produce—namely, a Parliament with no clear mandate to do anything except frustrate in turn those policies which each party in turn declares to be essential to the national prosperity. Such a Parliament must occasionally be elected under any democratic system, but does anybody seriously desire a system which would probably produce a succession of such Parliaments? It is surely far better to retain a system which, in spite of some mathematical imperfections, produces more often than not Governments with the power to govern, and restrains them from the abuse of power, whether in the form of exuberance or in the form of apathy, by calling them to account at the next election. The test of an electoral system in these critical days should be whether or not it holds out the prospect of a strong Government capable of devising and carrying out a strong national policy.”

A progress report on patients from the earthquake area as recorded by the Department of Health at noon on February 23 has been forwarded to the Southland Times and may be seen at the office by those interested.

Orders in favour of the judgment creditors were made by Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday in the following undefended judgment summons cases:—Shirley Brothers v. Basil Wybrow for £6 17/3 forthwith in default six days’ imprisonment; George Poole and Sons v. E. Harrington for £7 0/9 forthwith in default seven days’ imprisonment; H. W. Grace v. D. F. Sandri for £5 18/6 forthwith in default five days’ imprisonment; Irwin and Grimwood v. Thomas Fanning for £2 6/2 forthwith in default two days’ imprisonment.

Last evening the Government Meteorologist issued the following weather report and forecast: A moderate anti cyclone covers New Zealand to-day but a new and rather deep depression has reached Tasmania and will shortly be affecting the Dominion. Winds moderate, south-westerlies prevailing north of Kawhia and Napier, elsewhere veering to northerlies and freshening. Seas (N.Z. waters) smooth to moderate generally but later rising about Cook and Foveaux Straits. Freshening northerly winds in eastern Tasman with seas smooth to moderate but rising in the southern portion. Weather fair to fine generally at first but becoming unsettled in western and far southern districts later with some rain. Temperatures cold to-night but rising to-morrow.

At the meeting of the Bluff Harbour Board yesterday it was decided to donate £5 to the Bluff Waterside Workers’ Picnic Committee.

The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal St. George Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U., was held last Tuesday evening, when there was a good attendance of members and visitors. The business included the election of delegates to attend the annual meeting. It resulted in the following being chosen: P.G.’s. Bros. Alsweiler, S. D. Stewart, Malcolm Kelman and G. M. Logan.

Stated to be the first prosecution of its kind in Wellington, two people were convicted and ordered to pay costs in the Police Court this week on a charge of permitting dogs to run loose in a public garden. Mr Cooper, for the City Council, said the by-law came into operation in 1929. “In these cases we don’t ask for a substantial penalty; we simply wish to bring the matter to the notice of the public as a warning,” he said.

Probate, or letters of administration, has been granted by his Honour Mr Justice Ostler on the application of Messrs Watson and Watson in the estates of the following deceased persons: Maria Hood Adamson, of Castlerock, widow; Margaret Wilson Oughfon, of Invercargill, spinster; James Strang Blue, of Waianiwa, farmer; John Hewitson, of Morton Mains, farmer; May Winifred Hall, of Otatara, widow, James Baird, of Invercargill, retired clergyman; Elspeth Nicholl, of Waianiwa, spinster.

An ingenious defence raised by an Invercargill solicitor, Mr G. M. Broughton, enlivened the proceedings in the Police Court and provided an amusing interlude to the otherwise somewhat tedious list of motor traffic breach cases which were being dealt with by Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M. When Mr Broughton, who was charged by the traffic inspector with failing to produce his motor driver’s license, pleaded not guilty, smiles of anticipation wreathed the faces of his learned friends and those of the “gallery present at the rear of the Court. Mr Broughton pleaded that he had been at Oreti Beach on the Sunday afternoon in question and, observing Inspector Stopford approaching him, chaffingly remarked: “Oh, you’ve caught me again, inspector.” In reply to his Worship, Mr Stopford said he could not actually recollect whether he had requested Mr Broughton to produce his license or not. Mr Levvey: “Did you have the license with you, Mr Broughton.” Defendant: “I really can’t say, sir. You see, when I wasn’t asked for it I didn’t make a search to ascertain if it was in my suit or not. I may have had it all right.” Mr Levvey (with a smile) : “That's very subtle, Mr Broughton.” His Worship suggested to Mr Stopford that, as the main object of the regulations in providing for the production (if requested) of motor licenses was to verify the fact that such licenses were actually in force, the inspector should accordingly grant motorists, who might not happen to be carrying their licenses when accosted, a reasonable time in which to produce them. “If, of course, any motorist is not reasonable and gives you trouble, inspector, then I can deal with him here,” added Mr Levvey. Mr Stopford emphasized that Mr Broughton had not produced his license until the following Tuesday. “But he may have been with me in Court here all day on Monday,” laughingly remarked Mr Levvy. Following the Court’s expression of the viewpoint in tho matter, Mr Stopford then announced his intention not to proceed with a dozen or so other prosecutions for a like offence as that charged against Mr Broughton.

We, for many years, and recently, have procured grants by the Supreme Court of Probates and Letters of Administration in numerous estates —Longuet and Robertson, Solicitors.—Advt.

Sir Malcolm Campbell did not retain the light car speed record for long, as at Montlhery (France) a Morris light car, not only established a world’s record, but for the first time in Light Car history exceeded 100 miles per hour This performance, together with the amazing records established in New Zealand and Australia, gives definite proof that the Morris Minor stands supreme in the light car field. Call at Watts and Grieve, Ltd., Esk street, and see the latest models of Morris cars.—Advt.

Freedom from harmful preservatives, absence of artificial colouring which is so commonly used to give a wrong impression of pure fruit juices, are two characteristics and good reasons for the popularity of Thomson’s Waters and Cordials.—Advt.

Two old firms in Southland—Reid and Gray, Ltd., and P. H. Vickery, Ltd., with the same business methods—Service and Satisfaction. Ploughs and Austin cars for sale at the showrooms of P. H. Vickery, Ltd., Dee street, Invercargill. ’Phone 59 and 421.—Advt.

A WORD TO THE WlSE—is a reminder that we sell fresh cream in handy hygienic containers for 6d and 1/-; that fresh poultry is from 1/6 to 2/9; that potted meat is now 5d a mould, or 3 moulds for 1/-; at the SAVORY DELICATESSEN (New-' burgh’s Buildings), where table delicacies of unvarying excellence and excellent variety are to be had at all times.—Advt.

Notice. A great opportunity awaits you. 300 beautiful Handbags reduced below cost price. See side window at Charles Lewis's, Grand Hotel Corner.—Advt.

Pongee Silk and Fuji Silk Bloomers 2/11 pair at Wicks’ Hose and Vest Shop, Dee street.—Advt.

Ladies’ Jazz Aprons and Overalls at End-of-Sale prices this week at Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee street. —Advt.

Due shortly N.Z. Radio Annual for 1931. Ensure an early copy and order now. Price 2/6, 2/9, posted from The N.Z. Book Depot Ltd., Esk Street, Invercargill. —Advt.

Spend your leisure hours in 1931 “knitting.” Thomson and Beattie offer Southland’s best range of new high-class wools and knitting needles of every description. The new “Bigger Ball,” a two oz., is obtainable in the following delicate shades for children’s clothes, dresses and Hug-me-tights: Peach, Light Blue, Baby Blue, Light Mauve, Champagne, White, Eau-de-nil and Pink, 2oz for 1/3 ball.—Advt. DEVELOPING AND PRINTING. Leave Your HOLIDAY FILMS at STEWARTS PHARMACY For the best results. —Advt. Superior quality northern musquash coats are sure to advance in price within the next two months, the price of skins having gone up at the last two sales in London, but this will not have any effect upon our stocks which were bought when prices were at rock bottom. Inspection of our range of musquash coats is cordially invited. The Mutual Fur Co., Manufacturing Furriers, Tay street.—Advt.

An unusual item in Messrs Macgregor 1 and Trim’s auction sale yesterday was a small consignment of figs grown in Mr J. D. Ross’s orchard, Clyde. While most people are familiar enough with dried figs few have tasted dessert figs straight from the tree. They arc not unlike a pear in shape and size and are most palatable.

A letter from Afghanistan does not arrive in Christchurch every day. The town clerk received one from that country this week, addressed to “The President, Christchurch City Council.” It was from a professor at the Habibia College, Kabul, and inquired whether Afghans of good position can buy land and settle in New Zealand.

A meeting of the Waimatuku branch of the P.W.M.U. was held on Wednesday afternoon, 22 ladies being present. The missionary study was taken by the president. An interesting letter from Miss Yansen, of r hina, was read by the secretary and an. article from Mrs Ryburn on the boys in the Christian hostel in India, was read by the vice-president. Mission boxes for the year were 'passed out. Two new members were enrolled.

In the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, before Mr E. C. Levvey, ts.M., judgment for plaintiffs by default was given in the following civil cases: —Royds Bros, and Kinc Limited v. the separate estate of Louisa McCorkindale for £9l 5/3 and costs £5 2/0; John Lake v. Leonard Smith for £6 6/- and costs £1 14/6; Progress Industrial Co-op Society Ltd. v. William Wilson tor £ll 2/i> and costs £2 16/-; Tokanui Medical Association v. W. Stanley for £2 and costs £1 5/6; Shirley Bros. v. Robert Barnett for £3 8/2 and costs £1 5/6; Thomson, Bridger and Co., Ltd. v. Edward Phillips for £6 15/6 and costs £1 14/6; same v. N. Bates Junior for £l3 13/- and costs £2 16/-; Southland Co-op Society Ltd. v. Thomas Sommerville for £6 2/- and costs £1 10/6; Tappers Limited v. H. E. Rillstone for £9 4/2 and costs £1 10/6; Matheson’s Ltd. v. George T. Randall for 15/6 and costs 8/-; R. Senior v. John Young for £2 16/- and costs 8/-.

The confirmation of the will of the late Mr William Edgar Tait, of Invercargill, has been resealed in the Supreme Court at Invercargill by Messrs Stout, Lillicrap and Hewat as solicitors for the executors, who reside in Scotland. The will provides for the payment of a legacy of £IOUU to Otago University, Dunedin, and £5OO to St. John s Anglican Church, Invercargill. The sum of £lO,OOO is given to the town of Kelso in Scotland for the erection of a town hall. The balance of the estate, after provision for certain ex-employees of the deceased gentleman, is divided between relatives in Scotland. The beneficiaries under the will in Invercargill are Mr Robert Walker, formerly manager of the Woodlands Meat Works, who received £5OO, and Mr hrederick C. Smith, formerly agent for Mr Tait, who also received £5OO. The late Mr Tait, who died in January, 1930, in Scotland, was very well known in Invercargill. He was last here at the beginning of 1929 ana had spent many years here, travelling often to visit his relatives in Scotland. Tho Woodlands Meat Works were founded by him. His New Zealand estate totals about £66,000 and it is understood that he left a considerable estate in Scotland.

A technical defence was raised by Mr Eustace Russell in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, before Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., in the civil case in which Grieve, Gray and Co., Ltd. (Mr H. J. Macalister) claimed to recover from C. S. Trillo (Christchurch) the sum of £4l 3/- for car hire, repair work done and for goods sold and delivered between June 20, 1928, and September 8, 1929. After the evidence in support of the plaintiff had been tendered, Mr Russell, who appeared for the defendant, argued that the claim must fail on the ground that the major portion of the liability (if it nt fact existed) was incurred to J. M. Grieve and Co. and not to the new plaintiff company, Andrew Grieve and Co., Ltd. Before the latter could recover, Mr Russell contended, notice of the assignment of the debz to the new company (which had taken over the previous concern’s assets and liabilities), must be brought to the notice of the defendant. The law provided that the assignor should be named in the summons, and, accordingly, counsel submitted that the Court had neither jurisdiction to hear any part of the claim relating to liability incurred before the original company had changed hands nor to amend the plaint note. Mr Macalister said the objection was entirely without merit, but if persisted in, then he would have to abide by the technical,defence raised. Mr Levvey concurred that the law, in the present case, was fatal to the plaintiff’s claim except as regards liability which arose after the new company had been incorporated. Both counsel agreed to judgment being entered for £5 13/- in payment of later accounts, costs 20/-, solicitor’s fee £1 6/- and witness’ expenses 10/- being allowed to the plaintiff.