TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Southland Times, Issue 21728, 14 June 1932, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

An American Tribute. “I do not believe in any quick or spectacular remedies for the ills from which the world is suffering, nor, on the other hand, do I share the belief that there is anything fundamentally wrong with the social system under which we have achieved in most industrialized countries a degree of economic well-being unprecedented in the history of the world,” said Mr Andrew Mellon, the American Ambassador,, in his first speech in London. “Capitalism has defects, of course, and, maybe, as has been suggested, is still in. its infancy, but there is no disputing the fact that it has shown that it can produce an abundance of food and clothing and all the necessities of life, so that our problem is not one involving basic inability to supply the goods needed to satisfy human wants. We still have much to learn in the maintenance of a more stable equilibrium between production and consumption, and a better distribution of labour, so that we shall not always have the painful spectacle of men willing to work but unable to exchange their service for the food and clothing which they need and which the world can produce in such abundance. These are largely problems of distributionand consumption, and will, I am confident, be solved in time, as were those earlier problems of industrialism when man first began to be displaced by the machine. Here, in Great Britain, I have been impressed with the feeling that you have turned your most, difficult corner and that the situation is in hand.” The Money Medium. In an introduction to the annual report of the London Chamber of Commerce it is stated that if tariffs, are to achieve their purposes they will certainly result in a big additional demand for credit from the banks. Tariffs must, it is claimed, . bring even nearer the time when Britain will be obliged to face the question of a. reform of its monetary system in conjunction with such other countries as are prepared to co-operate with it. This, the report continues, is the’ vital issue to which circumstances in the next few months will compel attention; it cannot much longer be evaded, and no other measure will prove a substitute for it. “It would greatly assist, in bringing about agreement among those nations willing to co-operate with Great Britain, if the same monetary system were adopted by all of them,” states the report. “This does not, of course, mean a uniform currency, but merely uniform banking practice. No monetary system which might be adopted by such a group as that envisaged could be regarded as satisfactory unless it fulfilled two requirements. Firstly, it should enable the currency of each country within the group to expand and contract automatically with the activity of business: and it should give to the consumer the fullest possible purchasing power. Seconly, in its international aspect, it should tend to raise the standard of living of the least advanced country toward that of the most advanced, and not vice versa. While great developments have taken place in recent years in the science of production and in the social structure, the science of money has lagged behind, and it is difficult to regard gold as an ‘honest broker’ when a debt contracted 12 years ago requires to discharge it, in commodities, from three to three and a-half times its original commodity value, apart altogether from the annual interest.”

The Dominion meteorologist last night issued the following information: Barometers are still moderately high over New Zealand but low to the eastward. A complex depression is located in the western Tasman Sea and’ Southern Australia. Winds light to moderate and variable with northeasterlies prevailing and freshening gradually. Seas in New Zealand waters still considerable southerly swell south of East Cape; elsewhere smooth to moderate. In the eastern Tasman Sea moderate but freshening north-east to east winds. Seas moderate but rising. Weather fair at first but gradually becoming unsettled with rain developing in the west and north and becoming general during the next two days. Temperatures milder.

A donation of books from “Digger” is acknowledged for the Waipiata Sanatorium appeal.

The secretary of the Southland A. and P. Association has been advised that in the annual competition for Sir William Hunt’s cheese grading prize, the Oware factory has now been placed third with an average grade of 93.546. It was previously announced that the Seaward Downs factory had gained that placing with figures of 93.507.

The Spanish play “A Hundred Years Old” was read at the weekly meeting of the W.E.A. literature class held last evening when Mr I. L. Petrie presided over a good attendance. The play is built around the fact that Papa Juan reaches the age of one hundred years, and the various family characters are shown in their reactions to each other when they meet for the birthday celebrations. Those who took part were Mrs A. Godward, Misses L. McKay F, Hobson, I. Flegg, I. Topping, A Matheson, Messrs P. Barlow, R. H. Osborne, D. J. Miller, R. and A. Anderson and S. August. Next Monday “Outward Bound” by Sutton Vane will be read.

Yesterday a largely attended and enthusiastic meeting of the executive of the forthcoming Coster Fair was held, Mrs Royds presiding. Various matters of detail were discussed and it was reported that the organization of the fair was proceeding rapidly, with every prospect of success in view of the support evinced.

Regular donations to the Mayor s Relief Fund amounting to £8 12/6 are acknowledged from Messrs Hyndman and Co., New Zealand Book Depot, J. M.’ McNaughton and Co., T. Dorman, Brass Bros, and staff, J. C. Carter and staff. Herb. Grace and staff, McNeil and Clark and from the staffs of the Bank of New Zealand, the Southland Times and the Government Buildings.

Following the quarterly meeting of the Gore Chamber of Commerce in Young’s Rooms this evening an open meeting will be held when two members of the Law Society will give addresses on the subject of “The Mortgagors and Tenants Relief Legislation. As this is a subject of general interest it is anticipated that this open meeting, which commences at 8 o’clock, will be largely attended.—Advt.

An inquest concerning the death of John Vickers Instone, a widower, aged 62, who was found on his business premises in Palmerston street, Riverton, shot through the head on Tuesday afternoon, June 7, held in the Riverton courthouse on Saturday before the Coroner (Mr E. C. Levvey), Constable Fraser conducted the inquiry. After hearing the evidence thy Coroner returned the following verdict: “That the deceased, John Vickers Instone, committed suicide by shooting himself on June 7.”—Riverton correspondent.

In a motion, of which notice has been given by Councillor Armstrong, for the next meeting of the Christchurch City Council, he proposes that'the maximum salaries of all the council’s officers shall be £5OO a year. On a previous occasion, about six months ago . (says the Press), he submitted a similar motion, in which he proposed that the money saved should be used to provide additional employment; he now wants the amount saved devoted to providing food and clothing for those in distress. The text of his motion is as follows: “For the purpose of assisting to proviae food and clothing for those citizens in immediate want, the Christchurch City Council establish a maximum salary of £5OO for all officers in its employ. The saving of £2550 a year to be controlled by a committee selected by the council.”

“The success of this school is assured,” said the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, when, during a visit of inspection to the Dilworth School, Auckland, he came upon the small, but deep swimming pool. He followed his remark by saying that the school possessed a swimming pool without a shallow end. This he thought would inspire the spirit of self-help, for a boy knew that he had to swim or sink. Lord Bledisloe and the Lady Bledisloe, who accompanied him, were interested in three boys, all nine years of age, who bore a striking resemblance to one another. These boys, they were told, were triplets, and were the great-great-nephews of Mr James Dilworth, the founder of the school, in the same class were two boys from Ulster, the founder having provided that the pupils of the school should be drawn from Ulster, of which he was a native, as well as from New Zealand.

A correspondent writes: This week a function will be held in honour of a small 'band of veterans who recently attained a membership in the 1.0.0. F. of over half a century. Fifty years! Much water has passed under the bridge in that time. Many changes have taken place. Veterans who today are old men were then young and active, filled with the aims and ambitions of youth. The hands of the clock go round! They saw on the throne Queen Victoria give place to King Edward; who as the hands went round gave place to our reigning Sovereign. They have watched the onward march of the Friendly Society movement—a glorious achievement, a wonderful monument to the pioneers. In older times these veterans took part with sprightly step in processions with other orders —the Foresters, maybe on prancing steeds, their green velvet coats a striking picture in the sun—the Druids garbed in sober hue, with long, white flowing beards. For fifty years these veterans have been links in the chain of Fraternity—a chain the metal of which does not rust with age, does not weaken with time. A younger generation greets and honours the veterans.

The prevalence of influenza is taken as an opportunity to remind readers of the beneficial results from the use of Thomsons hot lemonade. If heated in bottle do not forget to remove the crown seal before heating. (Advt.)

The old man’s strength was failing fast, The doctors said he could not last, But all their fears proved quite mis-

taken, He gained new life from Hitchon’s Bacon.—Advt.

Hard to beat Corset values. Corsets from 4/11 to 12/6, Corselettes 4/3 to 6/11 with underbelt 4/9 to 12/6 at Miss Noble’s, The Baby Shop, Dee Street.— Advt.

Best Hose ever made. See it to-day. A Supet Lisle Hose with a wool lining, assorted colours and black only 2/11 at Wicks’ Hose and Vest Shop, Dee Street.—Advt.

DISPERSO, the Chilblain Pencil, knows its work and gently does it. Soothes and relieves the itching and burning. 1/6.-GEO. H. BROWN, CHEMIST.—Advt.

Good sellers. Coconut Caramels, Chocolate Delight, Walnut, Almond and Cherry Candies. Delicious flavours, all at Ayson’s two shops, Dee Street.— Advt.

Great Alteration Sale in full swing at Carter’s. Petone Pants and Singlets half price. Mosgiel Pants usually 8/-, reduced to 5/9. All Suits and Overcoats to be cleared at huge reductions. See Carter’s advertisement front page. —Advt.

PANCRO Indigestion Tablets will let you eat and enjoy your food without after regrets. No heartburn, no acidity, .no discomfort. 2/—GEO. H. BROWN, CHEMIST.—Advt.

Books on Knitted Wear are in demand just now. Some of the latest: Smith’s Toddler's Woollies 1/3; Weldon’s Blouses etc. for Outsizes 9d; Bestway Outsize Lingerie 9d; Bestway Sports Wear 9d; Bestway Easyknit Woollies for Baby 9d; Weldon’s Swimming Suits 9d; Ladies’ Companion Babies Woollies 9d; Postage Id extra for each publication.—N.Z. BOOK DEPOT LTD., Esk Street.—Advt.

SOLVEX for hard and soft corns and warts. Specially prepared for the painless removal of corns and warts. 1/6 -GEORGE H. BROWN, CHEMIST.— Advt.

We can offer the ladies of Southland a Dark Southern Musquash Coat at a price that has never been heard of in this city before, but to buy the best quality coat the world’s markets have to offer costs a little . more, and a guarantee that it will wear for years goes with them, so be wise ladies and save _ yourselves pounds later on by buying the best at the same price as an inferior grade. The MUTUAL FUR COY., Manufacturing Furriers, Tay street.— Advt.

“The proportion of extractions to fillings in England is 271 to 100, whereas in New Zealand the ratio is 37 to 100,” said Mr A. D. Brice, district dental superintendent for the South Island, at a meeting of the Canterbury School Committees’ Association. In answer to a question, he stated that the figures did not indicate that there were better teeth in one country than another, but rather that there were more dental attendants available in the Dominion.

The monthly meeting of the Hedgehope branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held on Tuesday last, Mrs Young (president), being in the chair. After some discussion, members agreed that although it would be a splendid idea to have the services of a plunket nurse in the district, at the present time it would be very difficult to guarantee the necessary money required, therefore no action could be taken in the matter just now. Whenever possible, mothers were recommended to take their babies to the Plunket rooms at Invercargill or Winton for attention. The Home Science box gave some useful information on the care of fabrics. Instructions for washing a variety of materials were given and samples shown, that had been ruined in the washing by excessive heat or acids. After discussion, a word building competition, arranged by Mrs Thomas, proved very interesting. The president welcomed three new members and expressed the hope that the branch would continue to grow and become a live wire in the district. It was suggested that each member bring some practical hint at the next meeting.

The following story of an event which is said to have occurred at Cowslip’ Valley near Renwick (Marlborough) last week is related by the Marlborough Express. On Mr Newman’s property a sheep dog and a common hawk had for some days been conducting a kind of guerrilla warfare, and hostile demonstrations occurred every time each espied the other. Recently the bad feeling between the beast and the bird came to a head, the hawk, after being chased about _ a paddock and prevented from settling, descended upon its tormentor, viciously attacking it with its pinions. The dog was ignominiously bowled over by a series of blows from the bird’s powerful wings, and a rough and tumble ensued on the ground. When the contestants broke apart, the hawk flew off, and neither appeared to have suffered much injury. Now comes the extraordinary part of the tale. Observers saw the hawk return from a nearby hillside carrying some object, which it dropped beside the dog, which had persued the circling bird. When the hawk flew back to its hillside perch, the dog began to eat the object it had dropped, Shortly after the animal was noticed to be acting strangely, and within a few minutes it had died. Upon examination it was found that the hawk’s “present” to the dog was the remains of a poisoned rabbit, which was still charged with strychnine.