TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 21580, 18 December 1931, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

“If the critics of monetary policy turned their attention to the effects of an expansion of credit, they would be much closer to the real problems,” says Professor D. B. Copland, in a contribution to the Australasian Banking Record. “There is, however, no single force to which the slump in prices in 1930 can be attributed. A combination of forces was operating.” Professor Copland mentions ten of these forces, political, industrial, social, which could not be directly controlled by.bankers or financiers. “In a period of active trade and heavy long-term lending in the international money markets, there is an insistent demand for more credit,” he continues. “It is at this stage that bankers have most influence in checking unhealthy developments in industry. But any action of this nature is sure to be vigorously resisted . . . and criticized ‘for cutting short the country’s nascent prosperity.’ Yet this is the key to successful action and the recommendations of the Macmillan report, in so far as they relate to the control of international prices, may be reduced to one grand principle. The control banks of the world working in co-operation should use their powers to check the flow of longterm investment, both domestic and international, and thus prevent a boom. There is no depression without an antecedent boom and the cure for depression is to prevent the boom developing. Successful action on these lines depends in part upon an improvement in the technique of money markets, in part upon the spread of economic knowledge, and in part upon the willingness of the business world and. Govern-

ments to follow the path of discretion when urged to do so by those controlling credit.”

“The conviction that war is a mad and evil thing; that, peace can only be secured by a continuous effort; that the maintenance of highly-developed armies, navies and air forces is inconsistent with peace; that something must be done to diminish them —all that I believe, is beginning to be axiomatic for the majority of our people,’’ says Viscount Cecil in a pamphlet on the Disarmament Conference to be held at Geneva in February. After making the point that roughly the world spent in 1930 —twelve years after the war—over £950,000,000 upon preparations for warfare, Lord Cecil asks: "How can you expect the plain man to have undimmed faith in pacts and conventions to renounce war under these circumstances? ... He will begin to doubt whether it is not all a ghastly farce. That is what, paralyses the moral authority and prestige of the League, and it is the first fact in the armament situation which stares us in the face. The second fact is that German resentment at the failure of the Allies to implement their promises to join in a general reduction of armaments threatens to get out of hand. It has become one of the most disturbing factors in the life of Europe. “Faced then with these uglyfacts —'the vast amounts of national resources spent upon armaments; the crushing burden of taxation so caused; the undermining of public confidence in the League of Nations which results from all this and the inevitable reaction in Central Europe against what is becoming a gross breach of faith —must we not conclude that nothing is more vital to peace than to bring about as swiftly- as possible a binding agreement to decrease and limit these national armies, navies and air forces not yet reduced by the treaties?”

The Dominion Meteorologist last night issued the following information: A cyclone is still located to the west of New Zealand, but its centre has moved southwards since yesterday and it appears to be losing intensity. Winds moderate to strong northerly north of Farewell Spit and Kaikoura, backing to westerly in the far north. Elsewhere freshening easterly to southerly. Seas in New Zealand waters rough north of East Cape and off the west coast. Elsewhere moderate. In the eastern Tasman Sea moderate to fresh northerly generally, but easterly to south-easterly- in the far southern portion. Seas rather rough. Weather: A continuance of unsettled weather with much mist and in places fog and further rain in most districts.

The drawing of the First Aid Art Union will take place in the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, Wellington, at 5.30 this evening instead of on Saturday, the date named on the tickets. The drawing will be broadcasted from 2ZW, Wellington, and the names of the main prize-winners will be broadcasted from all YA stations at 9 p.m.

Regular contributions amounting to £6 0/9 for the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund have been received from the following: N.Z. Milk Products staff, Railway- employees, Amalgamated Hardware employees, W. Ayson, Miss Noble, staff of IL & J. Smith, Ltd., Craig Printing Company’s staff and Mr C. White Parsons. Donations have also been received from Mr T. H. Watson £l, Mrs S. Beaven £2 and “Anonymous’’ 5/-.

A moa’s egg has been presented to the Alexander Museum in Wanganui by Mrs A. E. Clutterbuck, Waitotara. This rare find was nuidc by- a party of men who were workin;; on a cliff-face of shell-rock on Tokomaru West Road. A hollow in the rock was uncovered by blasting operations and lying in it was the egg. Unfortunately, a workman broke it with his shovel, but Mr 11. Drew, of Wanganui, skilfully- repaired the smashed portions, and the breaks are not noticeable. It is stated that there are not more than ten moas’ eggs in existence.

The Dunedin butter factories yesterday reduced the price of butter by a penny- per pound to 1/1, the same price as it was this time last year, says the Evening Star. The reduction was agreed upon last night as an answer to competition from a Canterbury company. Housewives will be pleased at this little help in economizing. The dairy farmers will not be pleased. The drop of a penny means to the Otago dairyfarmers a loss of about £l5OO per month at. a time when every- penny- counts. It was calculated a year or two ago that the consumption of butter in New Zealand averaged between half a pound and threequarters of a pound per head per week. On those figures it would appear that the housewife benefits by a penny per pound reduction to the extent of no more than the price of a family tram excursion or an afternoon at the theatre, whilst the cowowner is losing heavily.

The Loyal St. George Lodge, Manchester Unity Oddfellows, held its fortnightly meeting on the 15th inst. There was a fair muster of officers and brothers present. During the evening propositions were received from two new members, one being admitted a member on clearence from England. This being one of the last meetings of the year members had a free and easy night and several friendly discussions took place. It was the first night of the lodge’s half-year and the new officers made a very creditable showing both in ritual and the management of the lodge business. Several toasts were honoured, that of the visitors being responded to by Bro. I. Charleston on behalf of the Royal Awarua Lodge and Prov. Grand Master Bro. A. Roy McKenzie and Prov-. Treas. Bro. P. Stokes on behalf of the Shamrock, Rose and Thistle Lodge. At. the close of the meeting the N.G. took the opportunity of wishing all brethren of the lodge the season’s greetings.

The attention of Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., was occupied in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday- with the hearing of claims for damages arising out of a motor collision which occurred at the intersection of Elies Road and Tay street on September 19 last. Matilda Maher, of Invercargill, widow, proceeded against Robert Henry Hogg, of Invercargill, medical practitioner, claiming that the defendant so negligently <lrove his car that it collided with that of plaintiff, injuring her and damaging the vehicle. She also claimed that the negligence of the defendant consisted in driving at an excessive speed and without keeping a proper look-out and not. giving way to traffic on his right. As a result of the collision she claimed the sum of £5O damages. Charles Somerville, of Invercargill, machinist, who had been a passenger in the plaintiff’s car and had also been injured, claimed from the same defendant the sum of £lOO damages. The hearing of both claims was taken simultaneously. After the evidence of both plaintiffs and that of Somerville’s son William had been heard counsel for the defendant moved for a non-suit on the grounds that there was contributory negligence on the part of the plaintiff in that she had allegedly failed to keep a careful look-out. Evidence was then given by the defendant and Robert Rose, service station proprietor, after which the Magistrate gave bis decision. He said that he must accept the version of the plaintiffs for whom he entered judgment. In the first claim the amount granted was £43 12/- with costs £5 4/and in the second £6O with costs £6 10/-.

New Plymouth fishermen are getting plenty of fish, but they are not the kind required for food. The sea off the fishing grounds is infested with sharks, many up to six feet in length, and every fishing launch has the experience of catching 20 or more sharks but very few edible fish.

“The only crime that can be perpetrated against the school child is allowing him to leave school not knowing really how clever he is,” remarked Dr J. W. Mcllraith, senior inspector, Wellington, when speaking at a meeting of teachers. “We left with a sense of inferiority,” he said, “but I think that is passing away. The main aim should be to allow our pupils to leave school knowing their real capacity.”

A jocular reminder to Mr Norman (‘'Wizard”) Smith that New Zealand’s motoring laws would have little regard for his past achievements or his qualifications to attempt the land speed record was conveyed to him by the Mayor of Auckland (Mr G. W. Hutchison) when he was welcoming Mr Smith to Auckland (states the New Zealand Herald). In the course of his speech Mr Hutchison turned to Mr Smith and said, “I have also to warn him that should he propose to do any- driving in Auckland he will require to take out a motor-driver’s licence, and I further carefully warn him that the tests in Auckland are particularly strict and that our inspectors always see that only- capable drivers are licensed.” Laughter greeted the Mayor’s remarks. Inquiries made subsequently revealed that Mr Smith had been able to secure his licence.

“A lot of fuss has recently- been made regarding the probability of the proficiency exams being stiffened up,” said Mr A. McFadyen, principal of the Petone Technical High School, at the breaking-up ceremony of the school, “but in spite of the fuss, or perhaps on account of it, it does not appear that it was any harder than in previous years. There are as many, or more, coming forward from the primary- schools this year.” Mr McFadyen stressed the need of parents keeping their children at schools in these difficult times, and mentioned that children could have free tuition at High schools such as the Petone school, without having obtained a proficiency certificate, and children going to work, who were over fourteen, could have free education at the evening classes. “There is no country in the world that provides free education better than New Zealand,” said Mr McFadyen.

It happened at Stratford on election day. She was good looking and young; in fact, she was voting for the first time. She walked confidently- into the booth, and went straight into one of the little screened off compartments familiar to all voters. She stayed there a long while, so long that one of the officials grew anxious. Had the young woman been plainer, probably she would have been there even longer. The official who got anxious had watched the girl’s trim silk ankles underneath the booth screen for probably- a quarter of an hour, and, as they remained motionless, he sent an assistant to see if anything was wrong. Explanations followed, and the dear girl had taken literally the information that the voting paper would be “handed to tho voter in the booth.” She thought the booth was the little screened-off stall, into which she trotted straight from the door.

The price of gold in Dunedin is now approximately £7 an ounce compared with £3 16/- a short time ago. Gold produced in Otago is sent to the Melbourne mint, which pays the price cabled from London, plus the London telegraphic rate of 25 per cent, premium, less the cost of shipment between Melbourne and London, which amounts to 25 per cent., less the rate of exchange between Melbourne and New Zealand. The increased price paid for gold and the unemployment situation have so stimulated gold production in Otago that one local bank has had to double its assaystaff. The manager of the bank informed an Otago Daily Times reporter on Saturday that numerous parcels were being brought in, and that the fact that many of them were small indicated that a large number of fossickers was engaged in prospecting. In some instances the amount of gold sent in to the bank was as small as 2dwt or 3dwt.

If a firm places a “sticker" on an account asking for payment, or pointing out that the amount owing is overdue, or that, “as the annual balance is taking place a settlement would be appreciated,” the missive becomes a letter under the eagle eye of the postal authorities. As such it requires a twopenny stamp. The matter was discussed briefly at the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce meeting this week (says the Chronicle)., one member characterizing the regulations as absurd. He had simply put the word “overdue” on one or two statements and “down the axe hud fallen.” A copy of a reply from the Postal Department which a firm had received was forwarded for information. This showed that it was permissible for a firm to point out that its annual balance was due, but if settlement, of an account, was asked for the missive ceased its identity as a bill and became a letter. The chamber decided to re-affirm its opinion that postage on letters delivered in town should be one penny, and to protest at the regulation regarding “stickers.”

The importance of maintaining New Zealand’s credit in the eyes of the world, and especially- Great Britain —her best customer and largest external creditor—was stressed by the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, when speaking at a civic reception at Patea a few days ago. His Excellency quoted Mr Hoover’s statement that “we must put some steel bars in the foundations of our credit structure,” and went on to say that the once firm concrete of New Zealand credit needed similarly to be reinforced. The metal needed for the process, he said, was fourfold: (1) the strictest economy of public expenditure; (2) The obvious solidarity- of all classes and all parties in effecting national rehabilitation; (3) The reduction of unemployment and improvement in monetary exchange by the purchase of New Zealand or British goods in preference to those of countries which purchase little or none of the Dominion’s products; (4) The frank recognition by the whole community that the well-being of the fanner is vital to its economic existence, and, on the part of the farmer, that he must apply up-to-date scientific methods in providing his British customers with uniform produce of the exact quality and description which they demand. With such reinforcement, his Excellency said, the credit of the Dominion would be maintained and its foundations made more stable than ever before.

Judgment by default in favour of the plaintiffs was given in the following civil actions at a sitting of the City- Magistrate’s Court before Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., yesterday morning: E. A. Glen v. Ewart McLennan, Kennington, for £2 9/2, costs £1 7/6; National Mortgage and Agency Co. of N.Z. Ltd. v. R. Robertson, Woodlands, for £lO 5/6, costs £2 18/-; same v. H. Pophum, Orepuki, for £l9 0/10, costs £2 14/-; Albert M. Townsend v. Philip W’hite, Levin, for £4 13/4, costs £1 3/6; Public Trustee v. Thornton George Malcolm, Invercargill, for £45 4/1, costs £4 1/6; Watts and Grieve Ltd. v. F. Heath, Tisbury, for £1 2/6, costs 8/-; Thomson’s Limited v. J. D. McLean, Riverton, for £B6 15/11, costs £5 3/6; Brass Bros. v. A. Swain, for £2 11/8, costs £1 7/6; Shirley Bros. v. D. Meredith, Linwood, for £3 5/7, costs £1 7/6; J. D. Campbell v. James Regan, Invercargiß for £7 10/-, costs £1 12/6; Grieve, Gray and Co. v. W. A. Brown for £34, costs £4 2/6; Southland News Co., Ltd. v. James Newton, Colac Bay, for £3 4/6, costs £1 5/6; Commissioner of Taxes v. William Hudson, Awarua Plains, for 7/5, costs 12/-; same v. John Mann, Wallacetown, for 7/10, costs 12/-; John Chambers and Sons, Ltd. v. W. Maclean,'Winton, for £l2 5/9, costs £2 14/-; Thomson’s Ltd. v. Ina Nicholson, Invercargill, for £2 1/3, costs £1 4/6; James Popenhagen v. Robert Taylor, Gore, for £l4, costs £2 14/-; Public Trustee v. Cyril Trow, Bluff, for £l5 6/11. costs £2 14/-.

The Civic Band will play in the Rose Gardens on Sunday afternoon. A feature of the programme will be a cornet solo, “The Hailstorm,” played by Bandsman J. Wilk. This will be the first local public performance of this fine solo. As the roses are now in full bloom a visit to the gardens will be well worth while.

Nominations of candidates to fill two extraord/BW’f” vacancies in the Arrow Borough Council, caused by the resignations of Councillors J. Anderson and P. M. Tobin closed at noon on Friday last. The following candidates were nominated:—George Herbert Hansen, nominated by James Shaw and John Jenkins; John William Reed, nominated by Ernest Joseph Saunders and William Milne. Only the required number of nominations having been received, the returning officer (Mrs I. B. Ritchie) declared Messrs Hansen and Reed duly- elected. Mr Hansen has previouslyserved as a member of the council, but Mr Recd is making his debut in municipal affairs.

Orders in favour of judgment creditors were given in the following civil actions in the Magistrate’s Court before Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., yesterday morning: Thomas Rose v. Robert Robertson (Woodlands) for £3 15/6; judgment debtor ordered to pay the full amount forthwith, in default three days’ imprisonment, the warrant to be suspended if he pays £1 a month. Andrew Lees Ltd. v. J. F. McKelvey, Invercargill, for £8 13/11; judgment debtor ordered to pay the full amount forthwith, in default seven days’ imprisonment. Wallis Sycamore v. John Fisher, Colac Bay, for £4 16/2; judgment debtor ordered to pay the full amount forthwith, in default four days’ imprisonment.

An unusual mishap occurred to Captain McGregor, of Hamilton, the well-known aviator, while stunting over Pahiatua. He had just done two loops and a turn at 3000 feet and started on a downward spin when interested spectators below him saw a shower of dark objects fall from the aeroplane. The lid had flown off his tool box and its contents, spanners, a grease gun, a helmet, rope and tarpaulin had fallen out. The object* came to earth in gardens and on the roofs of houses all over the north end of the town, and a telephone wire in Main street, was severed by a falling spanner. Captain McGregor was on his way- to the air display at Palmerston North and spent, the night at Pahiatua.

One of the expectations of the people of England now that a National Government is in power is an early- improvement in British agriculture, according to Mr F. J. White, of New Plymouth, who returned to New Zealand by the Ulimaroa last week after an eight months’ stay in Great Britain. When he left England agriculture was in a deplorable state, said Mr White. Denmark, which received £58,000,000 every year from Britain for the purchase of her butter, cheese and bacon, spent in Britain only 4/- out of every- pound she received from that country, the remaining 16/— being spent in Germany. It was that kind of thing which was ruining thousands of British farmers. Now that duties were being imposed against the dumping of some agricultural products from the Continent, the British farmer would have his first chance for very many years. Since Britain came off the gold standard, added Mr White, unemployment had decreased by 30,000 every- week and an instance of the recovery in industry was shown by the fact that several tin mines in Wales had been reopened after being closed for two years.

Gifts for the children: Handkerchiefs, Sox, Garters, Pinafores, Beach hats, Playapron and Bonnet sets, Frocks etc. at Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee street. —Advt.

Handkerchiefs for Christmas. See our sale value, a huge selection of the newest. Why pay more? See our windows. Wicks’, Draper, Dee street.—Advt.

Gift Suggestions: Initial Handkerchiefs 1/-; Parisian Ties 2/6; Mazon Shirts 9/6; Fancy- Socks 2/6; Boys’ Shirts 1/11; Boys’ Hose, all sizes 2/6. Also Big Reductions off all Men’s and Boys’ Suits at Carter’s ’Xmas Suit Sale. (Advt.)

Thomson and Beattie Ltd. suggest tho following items as truly acceptable Christmas gifts. Boxed Stationery- from 2/6 to 14/6; Silk Stockings from 3/9 to 14/11 pair; Handkerchiefs, singly and boxed at prices from 6d to 10/6. —Advt.

The best gift of all A CAMERA FOR XMAS GIVES LASTING PLEASURE; MAKES A HOLIDAY WORTH WHILE. Stewart’s have cameras from 7/6 upwards and every camera stocked is guaranteed reliable. Select your model now from STEWART'S PHARMACY, Dee street.— Advt.

New Zealand's finest production in hosiery are undoubtedly- Godwin’s Daintec Maide. Ihey are excellent wearing, look well and are perfect fitting, and we having decided to give up our hosiery department, our stocks of these goods are to be sold before Christmas regardless of cost; we have all the latest shades, and the Gift Price, 2/9 per pair, were 5/11 and 6/11 pair. Now is the time to buy your requirements. THE MUTUAL FUR COMPANY.—Advt.

Hero are Gift Books At Attractive Prices: Dr. Waddell’s charming volumes of essays, “The Fiddles of God,” and “Memories And Hopes” 3/6 for 2/9; popular 2/6 Novels for 2/-, 6 for 10/6; HUNDREDS of 6/- NOVELS for 3/6; Anatole France’s Novels 3/6 for 2/9; Everyday Essays (Crawley) 4/6 for 3/-; Oscar Wilde's Plays 3/6 for 2/9; Solve the present problem by giving books purchased at the N.Z. BOOK DEPOTS GREAT RECONSTRUCTION SALE.—Advt.

Where variety and value go hand in hand—is at BROWN’S, The Chemist. We have the finest selection of Cameras for presentation purposes. We are always the earliest with the latest models and our prices arc the lowest for the best quality goods. We have not the right to succeed unless we are of real service to our customers, and in purchasing a camera from BROWN’S. The Chemist, you get the service of a real camera expert who shows you how to use it, giving you a practical demonstration if requested. Call, and see our selection before purchasing elsewhere. Our stock is so great that we are sure we can please you. GEORGE H. BROM N, Chemist-Optician, 125 Dee St., where the good Camera Gifts are. —Advt. MISSING A GOOD JOKE. Many a good joke has failed to “go over” at the Talkies—because of someone coughing. Coughing at the theatre is like static on a radio, except that it can be cured. A dose or two of “Baxter’s” will end a cough by removing the cause of irritation in throat or chest. “Baxter’s” has fixed millions of coughs and cold over sixty years. It will fix yours. Get a bottle today. 1/6., 2/6. and 4/6. at all chemists and stores. —Advt.