TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 21649, 10 March 1932, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

A warning against taking the response of the British taxpayer to the Government’s appeals as a matter of course was given by Lord Decies, who remarked that there is only one suitable reward for such gallantry, and that is a demonstration by the Government to the taxpayers concerned of their determination to keep their part of the bargain by reducing in every possible way the expenditure of all departments. “So far it cannot be said that the determination of the Government to economize has been demonstrated inf any markedly dramatic way. There will have to be moves far more definite and actions far more sweeping than we have already heard of if the millions of taxpayers who are struggling to scrape together the excessive amount due from them are to feel

that the Government are keeping their side of the bargain as well. That so many millions have been raised so quickly is no proof that the taxpayer can really afford this gigantic sum. Once, perhaps, yes; but then there should be an end to it. . . . We can put up with sacrifices; wo can even endure privations; but we expect to be assured thkt in doing so we are not assisting an embarrassed Exchequer merely to get through yet another year, but that that Exchequer is so arranging matters that in future it will be able to do without our sacrifices and privations.”

Formal notice given to workers by the London Underground Railway and Omnibus Combine, and by the Association of Tramway Undertakings throughout Great Britain, to terminate the existing wage agreements, marks the beginning of another stage in the movement to adjust wage conditions in the “sheltered” occupations to the situation created by the economic crisis (says the Christian Science Monitor). During the difficult years Britain has experienced since 1921, remarkable variations between the wages of different classes of workers have developed. On the one hand sveral million miners, metal workers, woollen and cotton textile operatives, shipbuilding workers and others affected directly by competitive conditions abroad have taken a succession of wage reductions. On the other hand, other important groups of workers, in trades and occupations not exposed to the difficulties which have confronted the export industries, maintained approximately the standard gained during the trade boom of the first two post-war years. These included underground and street traffic workers in London, tramway workers throughout the Kingdom, several hundred thousand building trade operatives, newspaper workers, municipal employees, and others.

The maintenance of this standard by some groups has been justified by their co-operation in efforts to improve efficiency and increase output (the Monitor continues). For instance, collaboration between the officials of the Transport and General Workers’ Union and the management of the London Combine bus services has resulted in a willing acceptance by the workers of reorganization in various forms, the introduction of much larger buses, and a remarkable speeding up of schedule times to avoid traffic congestion. In the building industry, also, the labour costs per unit of output have been reduced by speeding up work and by increased mechanization. The seriousness of the economic crisis during the last year, however, has brought about a new situation. In recent months the reductions in salaries and wages in the public services, called for by the National Government, have been followed in a large number of private commercial concerns. A few weeks ago an agreement was reached, involving nearly all the workers at the ports, by which their daily rates are reduced by lOd. The quiet negotiation through which the strongly organized Transport Workers’ Union acquiesced in the agreement is a notable episode of recent British industrial history. The action taken by the Combine and the Tramway Undertakings is avowedly dictated by falling traffic receipts and heavy overhead charges. So far as the Combine employees are concerned, it has been made clear that if the abnormally difficult conditions pass away, the adjustment suggested will be temporary, so that the workers may not be deprived permanently of the fruits of their co-oper-ation.

The Dominion meteorologist last night issued the following information: The cyclone which has been centred to the northeast of New Zealand is moving in a southerly direction. An anti-cyclone lies to the south and west of the South Island. Winds south to south-east and moderate to strong. Seas in New Zealand waters —heavy southeasterly swell on all the east coast. Rough also in parts of Cook Strait and Taranaki Bight. Elsewhere smooth to moderate. In the eastern Tasman Sea moderate southeast to easterly winds and moderate seas. “Weather. —Further rain along the east coast between Akaroa and East Cape, but more especially north of Napier. Elsewhere fair to fine, with cool temperatures.

There was a large attendance at Everybody’s last evening to hear Mr W. Mallis deliver his lantern lecture on “Treasures of the South Seas.” It has been truly said that “a need, a need known, and power to meet that need, constitutes a missionary call.” Mr W. A. McCaw operated the lantern. Mr Mallis will continue his series of addresses each evening at 7.45. Mrs Mallis will give a special address on Friday afternoon at 3 o’clock to women only. The fellowship of these convention meetings is composed of various denominations. The motto is: “All one in Christ Jesus.”

Auckland can claim a number of bowlers who have already covered more than the allotted span, but Christchurch clubs have also strong claims to the "old age championship.” On the “elderly bowlers’ clay” at the New Brighton Club’s green recently the combined ages of the 82 competitors was 6248 years, an average of 76.07 years per player. The oldest players on the green were Messrs J. Butt, of Papanui, and J. Brightmore, of the Beckenham Club, each of whom is 87. Notable absentees were Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson and Mr S. Manning, who took part in the tourney last year, when each was in his ninetieth year.

Brilliant sunshine on Tuesday afternoon enticed many members of the South Branch of the W.C.T. Union to assemble in St. Peter’s Sunday School Hall to observe “Mother’s Day,” when mothers brought along quite a number of “Little White Ribboners,” each of whom received besides cake and biscuits, a pictural handkerchief. Mrs Fairbairn, J.P., acted in a dual capacity, taking the chair in the absence of the president (Mrs Gilmour) at present attending the conference in Wanganui, and also being the speaker for the afternoon. Mrs Fairbairn gave a very appropriate address entitled “The Gospel according to Mother.” The entertaining part of the programme fell to Mesdames Lee and Cook. Votes _ of thanks were accorded the speaker, musicians and the social committee who served afternoon tea. The opening and the closing Benediction was spoken from the chair.

Provided it is given the same support accorded past ventures of the kind, the Railway Department’s excursion on Sunday next should result in an invasion of Invercargill by Dunedin residents. The previous Sunday trips from Invercargill to Dunedin proved most successful and the department has now arranged an excursion in the opposite direction. At a small cost Dunedin residents will be able to spend the day at Invercargill amid pleasant surroundings. A special passenger train will leave Dunedin at 7.15 a.m. and arrive here at 11.42 a.m. As the return train does not leave until 5.15 p.m., the visitors will be afforded plenty of time to call on friends and relatives or visit, places of interest in and about the city. Buses will meet the train at the railway station to convey the excursionists to Oreti Beach where hot water will be procurable and the Regimental Band will be in attendance. A tramway service to the suburbs will also be available and at the Rose Gardens a programme of music will be given by the Civic Band. A continuation of the present ideal weather conditions should result in the excursion being largely patronized,

Two young men, Lawrence Henry Diamond and Norman Perawhite, charged in the Magistrate’s Court with a series of thefts and unlawful conversion of cars at Shannon, Tokomaru and Palmerston North and the surrounding district, were sentenced to three years’ detention in the Borstal Institution, says a Palmerston North Press Association message.

Invercargill and Southland residents will have an opportunity of hearing and seeing the New Zealand champion quickstep band next Sunday afternoon at the showgrounds. The St. Kilda Band, which won this distinction at the recent Wellington contest, is coming down by the excursion train from Dunedin and in conjunction with the Invercargill Civic Band will give a combined concert and marching display, full particulars of which will be advertised to-morrow.

A five-roomed dwelling owned and occupied by Mr Thomas Stewart was completely destroyed by fire at Forest Hill during the early hours of Sunday morning last. The building, which was practically new, was unoccupied at the time, Mr Stewart, who lives alone, being absent for the weekend. The blaze, when discovered by neighbours, had a good hold and the house was quickly burnt to the ground. Nothing was saved and the cause of the outbreak is a complete mystery. The dwelling was insured with the New Zealand Insurance Co. for £450, but the furniture was not covered. —Winton correspondent.

At a meeting at Everybody’s Hall yesterday afternoon Mrs Mallis addressed a gathering of women. , The message was from the 4th chapter of the Book of Nehemiah, which described the hardships and difficulties which beset God’s servant in carrying out His purpose in the building of the wall of Jerusalem. Enemies without, and discouragement and treachery within, wit’ll ridicule, were so discouraging that even the lion-hearted tribe of Judah desired to give up, while many of the Jews themselves compromised with the enemy, she said. Yet despite all the devices of evil the result was reached in chapter 6 where they read: “So the wall was finished.” All the hard work, weariness and self-denial behind the work were not the real secret of the success of the task which was found in the words “We made our prayer unto the Lor<j our God.!’ Nehemiah was a man of prayer who had learned to know his God in the sanctuary. They admired the man who won through in face of such odds, yet realized that- prevailing prayer was the secret of his victory. The same power was the need of the church to-day, in carrying out God’s purposes. Mrs Mallis closed with instances of the way in which the native Christians of the Solomon Islands in simple faith proved God's faithfulness and responsiveness both in their private and church life.

In the Police Court yesterday, before Messrs G. F. Watson and M. Miller, Justices of the Peace, Peter Taylor, a Maori, aged 21, of Riverton, appeared on remand and pleaded guilty to charges of stealing two overcoats each valued at £4 4/- and a scarf valued at 3/6 at Kennington on February 29, and of assaulting John Blight. Janies Robert Todd, aged 19, of Riverton, also appeared on remand and pleaded guilty to a charge of receiving one of the overcoats knowing it to have been dishonestly obtained. Detective Lean, who prosecuted, said that the complainant Blight had missed his coat from a dance at Kennington. While the dance was in progress, certain reflections were cast against Taylor’s colour and he struck Blight, although he did not know whether Blight had used the words. Nothing was known against Todd, although Taylor had a list of previous convictions. Counsel for both the accused, in pleading for leniency, stressed the fact that Todd was a first offender, while the offences committer! by Taylor in the past had been of an irresponsible rather than of a criminal nature. Arrangements had been made for both to go to the Mutton-bird Islands and it was important that they should get away so tiiat they could provide sustenance for their respective families during the winter months “It is fortunate that you two men have work to go to,” said the justices, “as otherwise we would have punished you severely.” Each of the accused was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon within 12 months. An order was made for the return of the stolen goods and Tavlor was ordered to pay witness’s expenses 10/-.

Girls and Boys are looking for Easter Eggs, Chicks, Egg Cups, etc. See them at Ayson’s two shops, Dee street. —Advt. New Up Lift Brassieres 1/6, 2/11, and in Art Silk 2/11, all dainty colours. Wicks’ Hose and Vest Shop, Dee street.—Advt. Sunday morning’s here again, What’s for breakfast, dear? Hitchon’s Bacon and tomatoes, of course, The feed for a hungry man. Dressmaking. Ladies place your order for your Easter frock or coat now. Prices reasonable and satisfaction guaranteed, at Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee street. • —Advt. More Books at give-away prices at the N.Z. BOOK DEPOT’S LIQUIDATION SALE: Robbery Under Arms (Boldrewood’s great Australian novel) usually 2/-, now 6d; English Men of Letters series, usually 3/6, now 1/6; Painting Books usually 2/-, now halfprice; hundreds of Theological Books originally 8/- downwards, now 1/each; latest popular 2/6 Reprint Novels now 1/9; 3 for 5/-; Games for the Playground (Jessie Bancroft) usually 17/6, now 5/-. All general Literature is subject to 10 per cent, discount. Address: Esk street. —Advt. The Fashion Displays at Thomson and Beattie’s are really worth seeing. Come over to the “sunny side of Tay street” and inspect Autumn Clothes displayed as only T. and B. know how. —Advt. Special purchase of latest (1932) Overcoats and Suits at 33 1-3 per cent, reduction. Before buying you would be well advised to see the values offering at “Carter's Clothing Store. £5 5/- Worsted Suits selling at £3 15/-.—Advt. AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS. For Best Results, let STEWARTS PHARMACY Do Your DEVELOPING AND PRINTING. —Advt. Any lady who is contemplating buying a fur coat this winter should keep in mind the fact that Fresh Skins are absolutely necessary if the coat is to be satisfactory. The fact, of any coat being a little cheaper in price does not mean that it is the better value if the skins are stale, it is then a very dear bargain because it cannot possibly give wear and satisfaction. We are Furriers and handle Fur only, and guarantee every article to be true to description. Why take any risk—The Mutual Fur Coy., Tay Street.—Advt.